I’m a second-year middle school student.
We are going on a school trip to Asakusa.
So, here’s the deal: we’re supposed to ask foreigners their name and where they’re from in English, and then take a photo with them. Sounds
simple, right? But honestly, it feels like a huge hassle. I’m not exactly the most outgoing person, and the thought of approaching strangers—especially in English—makes me nervous. What if they think I’m weird? What if they say no? What if I mess up the English and embarrass myself? Ugh, I just want to get this over with and enjoy the trip without any trouble. But let me tell you a little story that might help. Last year, my cousin went on a similar trip to Kyoto, and she had to do the same thing. She was super nervous too, but she ended up having the funniest experience. She approached this tall guy with a big camera around his neck, thinking he looked friendly. Turns out, he was from Australia, and when she asked, “What is your name?” he replied, “Mate, my name’s Bruce, but you can call me Kangaroo King!” She burst out laughing, and he was totally cool about it. They even took a silly photo where he pretended to hop like a kangaroo. She said it was the highlight of her trip! So, here’s my advice: don’t overthink it. Most foreigners visiting Asakusa are there to have a good time, and they’re usually pretty friendly. If you’re really nervous, try looking for people who seem approachable—maybe someone taking selfies or looking at a map. You can start with a simple “Hi!” or “Excuse me,” and then ask your questions. If they seem busy or uninterested, just smile and move on. No big deal! And hey, if you’re worried about the photo part, you can always make it quick. Just say, “Can we take a photo together? Thank you so much!” and snap the picture. Most people will be happy to help, especially if you’re polite. One more thing: don’t forget to enjoy Asakusa while you’re there! The Senso-ji Temple is amazing, and the street food is chef’s kiss. I may or may not have eaten one too many melon pans last time I was there… oops. So, take a deep breath, give it a try, and who knows? You might end up with a funny story like my cousin’s. And if all else fails, just remember: it’s just one small part of the trip. You’ve got this!
What about you?
Have you ever had to do something like this on a school trip? Or maybe you’ve been the foreigner someone approached? Share your stories or tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
