Lucknow to Tokyo: A school trip has sparked nationwide conversations after a video of young Indian students visiting Japan went viral on social media. The students, all from the renowned City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, were seen confidently discussing their international trip, which reportedly cost ₹3.5 lakh per child for a 10-day educational experience.
In the video, shared by an Indian content creator currently in Japan, the man expresses surprise and delight as he interacts with the students. “Is there now a school in Lucknow that is taking kids to Japan?” he asks incredulously. To his astonishment, a group of cheerful Class 5 students respond affirmatively and even mention that upcoming trips to Germany and Vietnam are being considered by their school.
The video captures not only the content creator’s surprise but also the evolving nature of Indian education—where global exposure is increasingly becoming part of the curriculum, at least for those who can afford it.
64 Students, One Vision: Global Learning
According to the children, a total of 64 students joined the trip to Japan. The itinerary spans 10 days, packed with cultural, educational, and possibly technological site visits. While speaking to a Class 11 student, the content creator asked whether this opportunity was limited to younger students or open to all. The student clarified that anyone who could afford it could participate, irrespective of class level.
“India Gate to Japan”: A Changing Era of Education
The video hit a nostalgic note with viewers, especially when the content creator said, “In our time, the school would only take us to the India Gate. That’s it.” His sentiment resonated with many, highlighting how far the Indian school experience has come.
Mixed Reactions Online: “Good Initiative” or “Privilege-Driven”?
The video has since crossed 3.6 million views, prompting a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. Some users praised the initiative for its educational value:
“Very good initiative, I think students jab different different education system and culture se interact karenge to wo techs, inventions ke baare early age se hi soch payenge,” said one commenter.
CMS: The World’s Largest School with a Global Outlook
City Montessori School is no stranger to headlines. Known as the world’s largest school by number of students enrolled, CMS has always pushed the boundaries of what modern education can offer. With a focus on global citizenship, peace education, and intercultural exposure, the school’s leadership believes that real-world experiences are crucial in preparing students for the future.
International trips are increasingly being seen as extensions of the classroom, helping students build confidence, learn new languages, understand different worldviews, and adapt to diverse environments—skills essential in the 21st-century world.
The Takeaway: Travel as a Teacher from Lucknow to Tokyo
While the price tag may not be accessible to all, this initiative sparks an important conversation: How can Indian schools balance global exposure with inclusivity? As education continues to evolve in a globalized world, opportunities like this trip to Japan, though premium, set a precedent for more immersive and experiential learning models in the future.
For now, 64 lucky students from Lucknow are walking through the streets of Tokyo, soaking in not just the sights and sounds—but also the subtle lessons that only travel can teach.
