Though the SJMC Japan program concluded on June 15 with the return home for about half of the students, some faculty and students opted to extend their stay in Japan a little while longer.
Five adventurous students decided to continue their journey by traveling to Osaka for an additional five days. Dubbed the Osaka 5 by SJMC Japan Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez, the group’s itinerary was packed with modern attractions and historical landmarks, providing them with a well-rounded Japanese experience.
Upon arriving in Osaka on Saturday, the group wasted no time diving into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. One of their major highlights was visiting Super Nintendo World, a fun and immersive theme park.
“Super Nintendo World was a whole new experience,” public relations senior Kimberly Garza said, “because it felt like I was stepping into a Nintendo video game.”
The group marveled at the interactive attractions and iconic Mario-themed areas, surrounded by nostalgic music. They also enjoyed the main park, Universal Studios Japan. Despite some minor setbacks, the day was memorable.
“Universal Studios Japan itself was fun but some rides were closed, and there wasn’t too much to do in the park besides shop and eat,” electronic media sophomore Cade Gulley said. “It was, for sure, my highlight of the trip, even though it started raining, and they had to close the park early. I still loved it.”
The students navigated through the park, trying some themed snacks. The ambiance was electric, with laughter and excitement filling the air, despite an occasional downpour.
Another highlight of their stay in Osaka was the Shinsaibashi shopping district, known for its diverse range of stores and culinary delights.
“I really enjoyed the food and the shopping because there were stores that I had never been in before and had things I’ve never seen,” advertising senior Ivy Murph said.
They wandered through narrow alleyways filled with the enticing aroma of street food from local vendors. The students discovered unique boutiques and quirky shops, purchasing everything from clothing and vintage items to a wide array of souvenirs.
In addition to the modern attractions, the group visited some of Osaka’s historical landmarks. They ascended the Umeda Sky Building, marveling at the panoramic views of the city. The sight of Osaka sprawling beneath them, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and historic temples, was breathtaking, they said.
Osaka Castle was another stop where they admired the impressive architecture and learned about its rich history. Originally constructed in 1583, Osaka Castle has witnessed centuries of history, including damage and destruction during World War II. However, it has since been restored and remains a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Before their departure to Tokyo, the students had a heartfelt farewell dinner with Gin Yu, their guide from Asia Institute. The dinner took place at Chifaja Sanjo Kawaramachi, a restaurant specializing in nabe (hot pot) cuisine. They enjoyed the traditional Japanese hot pot experience, where they cooked their food in pots filled with two types of broth and a variety of toppings. The students gathered around their tables, selecting from a range of ingredients including thinly sliced beef, fresh vegetables and tofu. While enjoying their meal together, they shared stories and adventures from their time in Osaka.
Colton Winters, a sophomore in digital media innovation, decided to stay a few more days in Tokyo to visit a high school friend, James Alexander, who is stationed at the United States naval base in Yokosuka. Together, they explored the vibrant districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, marveling at the eclectic fashion and bustling energy.
“The best thing we did together was wander across the Ueno Zoological Gardens,” Winters said. “Getting to see the different animals was amazing.”
The gardens offered a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As they strolled through the expansive gardens, they were greeted by meticulously maintained landscapes of lush greenery, tranquil ponds reflecting the clear blue sky and pathways shaded by ancient trees. The peaceful ambiance of the gardens provided a perfect backdrop for their leisurely exploration and heartfelt conversations, making it a cherished memory of their time together in Tokyo.
Winters and the Osaka 5 returned to Texas on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Elise Kadison, a digital media innovation freshman, welcomed her mother to Tokyo to spend two weeks together in Japan. Despite the rainy days, they visited the serene Meiji Shrine, well-prepared with rain jackets and umbrellas.
Kadison enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine, finding beauty in the rain-soaked gardens and historic buildings. The gentle patter of rain on the shrine’s torii gates and the scent of wet cedar added to the tranquil experience.
Afterward, they explored a mall in Shibuya and had a delicious banana brûlée drink at Starbucks.
“It tasted like a caramel banana milkshake,” Kadison said. “I highly recommend it, and I got a limited edition cup as a souvenir.”
Their adventure in Tokyo continued in the busy streets of Shibuya, filled with the neon glow of billboards and plenty of shopping.
Looking ahead, they have exciting adventures planned. They intend to visit the new Fantasyland at Disneyland Japan and also take a day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima. Fantasyland, which opened on June 6, will feature three themed sections: Frozen Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Never Land and Rapunzel’s Forest, along with a hotel within the park grounds where they will be staying.
Kadison, who has already visited Kamakura and Enoshima with SJMC Japan, will serve as the tour guide for her mother during their exploration of these areas. They look forward to exploring various local shops and attractions in Kamakura and enjoying the scenic beauty of Enoshima’s coastline.
As for myself, I will be spending two more weeks exploring various cities in Japan with my husband, Brayan Guerrero. We began our extended journey with two days in Tokyo, where we explored the Hie-Jinja Shrine.
By chance, we stumbled upon a traditional Japanese festival with a stage featuring live music and people dancing around it. The lively atmosphere, with the rhythmic drumming and colorful festival attire, was captivating.
We also visited the bustling district of Ginza, admiring the luxury boutiques and enjoying the Tsukiji Outer Market, where we savored fresh sea urchins and enjoyed the best strawberry ice cream I’ve ever tasted. The market’s vibrant energy, filled with the shouts of vendors and the delicious smells of fresh seafood, made for an unforgettable experience.
One of our trip highlights was visiting Mount Fuji. We were fortunate to see the mountain on our first day, as the second day brought heavy rain and clouds. The sight of Mount Fuji, majestic and serene, left us in astonishment. The crisp mountain air and the distant call of birds added to the serene ambiance.
Climbing the many steps at Arakurayama Sengen Park was challenging but worth it for the stunning views of Mount Fuji against the clear blue sky, even though there was only a dusting of snow. The sight of the snow-capped peak stood as a testament to its breathtaking beauty.
Walking down the famous Shimoyoshida Honcho Street added to the experience, with its charming shops and friendly locals.
“It’s incredible to see in person the mountain considered the most beautiful in the world,” Guerrero said. “Colombia has many mountains but I can understand why this one is the most beautiful. It’s perfect in its dimensions.”
We also visited the famous Shimoyoshida Honcho Street. We continued our exploration with a visit to the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. Entering through a breathtaking forest path that felt like stepping into another world, we were surrounded by towering cedar trees and the soft rustle of leaves underfoot.
This serene setting provided a peaceful contrast to the busy streets, allowing us to appreciate the spiritual and natural beauty of Mount Fuji more deeply. Our journey will continue with visits to Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We plan to spend our final days in Tokyo, as we immerse ourselves in the culture and beauty of Japan.
Lastly, SJMC Japan Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez and his spouse, Raeanne R. Martinez, extended their stay by visiting family in Okinawa. Martinez got to see some of his extended family on his mother’s side, including his Aunt Yoko, his mother’s last surviving sibling. In addition, he visited Shinobu Miyagi-sensei, a shisa artist, and made a shisa (guardian lion) using plaster and old roof tiles. Shisa are commonly seen throughout Okinawa as talisman to ward off evil spirits.
While a few students still remain in Japan, most are back in Texas finishing up their assignments and preparing for final presentation day on Friday, June 28. You’re invited to hear the students wrap up their experiences (a Zoom option will be available) in Old Main (more details early next week). We’re going to have a lot to share!
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