Odawara Castle Field Trip

The girls had their annual school field trip to the Odawara Castle this past week. I wasn't deployed so I was able to go with them. I think most of the kids, especially the girls, thought we were going to a princess castle which meant they were a tad bit disappointed when they actually saw it. Overall it was a really fun trip.

Instead of meeting at the school, the kids and their parents met at our local train station. Shannon tagged along with E's class and I traveled with LC's class. 

It was very impressive, yet again, to see the Sensei's move their kids around. 

The school chartered a private train to travel on. Here it is arriving at the station. 

LC's class waiting to board the train. 

We got off the train at the Odwara station and had a 15 min walk through the busy streets to get to the castle. 

A few of the classes took different routes to not clog the streets and we all ended up meeting at the castle some how. 

We arrived. 

The kids all partnered up for the day with their battle buddy.

Of course the very first thing we did when we got there was to take class photos. The kids waited patiently by the monkey cage until their number was called. 

After all classes had their pictures taken, everyone grabbed a seat and ate lunch. 

After lunch we went into the castle and made our way to the top.

Samurai Leyton.

The top offered spectacular views but the girls really weren't impressed. 

They were impressed with the ride area near the castle that all the kids ended up gravitating to.

Ellis riding a horse.

After a few hours at the park it was back to the train station for the journey (45 min train ride) home. 

Some of the kids and a lot of the parents fell asleep on the train which meant it was a good day. Overall, it was a fun trip and I'm glad i finally got to go on a school field trip and see the Castle.