TAVISTOCK College students have enjoyed two action-packed weeks of bright lights, cultural icons and beautiful scenery during an exchange visit to Japan.

The 20 GCSE and A level students travelled to Tokyo to immerse themselves in the language and culture and experience the lives and education system of young Japanese, attending Kanto Daiichi Senior High School in northern Edogawa Ward.

Crispin Chambers, who accompanied the students with Japanese teacher Sally Benson, said: 'The students have all been a credit to the college for the full two weeks. They have really embraced the Japanese culture and been totally positive and enthusiastic throughout.

'The Japanese host families, school teachers and students and Edogawa City officials have been impressed by their politeness, appearance and sensitivity as well as their ability to speak Japanese. Mr Nakamura, the principal, enjoyed welcoming us and is looking forward to seeing us again next year.'

The group had a wonderful day visiting the Great Buddha at Kamakura, before experiencing several shrines including the most famous, Hachiman Gu Shrine, where they enjoyed sushi, yakisoba noodles and green tea for lunch.

The students were stunned by the clean streets, friendly people and busy city.

'Japan is amazing,' said Jenny Eden.

'The skyscrapers, the bright lights and signs; it is all so colourful.'

Holly Harrison said she had seen some absolutely stunning and beautiful shrines and temples and really enjoyed seeing how their culture differed from ours.

After taking in the cultural sites, the students dressed up smartly to visit the Edogawa City Office where they were greeted by the city officials and the mayor, Mr Masami Tada.

They spent a day experiencing lessons at Kanto Daiichi Senior High School, followed by a trip to Tokyo's Disneyland.

Student Beni Evans said the exchange had been packed with incredible things to do and see and the highlight had been going up in a wheel in the dusk with a sunset behind Mount Fuji and the flashing lights of Tokyo below.

Daniel Young was impressed with fashion and nightlife district Shibuya, one of Tokyo's 23 special wards, where the students enjoyed karaoke next to Funabori Tower.

'The atmosphere was so lively it was amazing,' he said.

'There is so much to do and see in Japan.'

l Pictured above are the Tavistock College students during their recent exchange visit to Japan.