Going to Japan was something I had been looking forward to for a long time.
When I applied for SJMC Japan, I wanted the chance to experience a different culture and see places that I had only heard about online. I was excited to learn more about Japanese history, visit famous landmarks and explore places outside of the major cities. Most of all though, I wanted to challenge myself by experiencing and traveling in a completely different environment.
One of my favorite experiences during the trip was visiting Kamakura. Even though it is much smaller than Tokyo, it had so much history and culture. I visited Kōtoku-in Temple and saw Daibutsu, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Pictures do not do it justice. Standing in front of the giant bronze statue was amazing, and it was interesting to learn about its history and how it has survived for centuries.
I also visited Hase-dera Temple, which had beautiful gardens and incredible views of the coastline. Walking through these historic places helped me understand why Kamakura is such an important city in Japan.
Another experience that had a big impact on me was visiting Hiroshima. Before the trip I had learned about the atomic bombing in school, but being there in person was completely different.
Walking through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was emotional and eye-opening. Seeing personal items, photographs and stories from people who experienced the horror of the bomb made the history feel real.
One story that stood out to me was about a young student whose uniform was found after the bombing, even though her body was never found. Moments like that served as a grim reminder that history is not just about events and dates, but about real people and their lives.
I also enjoyed exploring Kyoto, especially the streets of Kiyomizu-zaka. The area was filled with shops, food and traditional Japanese crafts. One of my favorite things I did was buy a pair of personalized chopsticks. Watching someone engrave my name onto them made the souvenir feel much more special. Instead of buying something random, I brought home something that reminded me of my time in Japan. I also loved walking through the streets and looking at all the handmade items and traditional architecture.
This trip taught me a lot both academically and about myself. Academically, I learned more about Japanese history, culture and religion than I ever could have from a textbook alone. Visiting temples in Kamakura helped me understand the role Buddhism plays in Japan. Visiting Hiroshima taught me about the devastating effects of war and the importance of remembering history. Being able to learn about all these things firsthand made everything much more impactful.
Personally, I learned how to be more independent and adaptable. Traveling around Japan meant using public transportation, navigating unfamiliar places and adjusting to different customs and expectations. At first, some things felt intimidating, but over time I became more confident. I learned how to handle situations on my own and became more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.
I also gained a greater appreciation for different cultures. Japan places a strong emphasis on respect, cleanliness and consideration for others. Seeing these values reflected in everyday life made me think more about my own habits and how I interact with people. It was interesting to experience a different way of life, learn from it and reflect on how I could incorporate that into my own life.
Now that the trip is over, I can honestly say it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. It gave me memories that I will never forget and helped me grow both as a student and as a person.
The experience also reinforced my interest in storytelling and journalism because it showed me how important it is to learn about different people, cultures and perspectives.
Looking ahead, I know the lessons I learned in Japan will stay with me long after graduation. The trip helped me become more open-minded and curious about the world. It reminded me that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom.
Whether I am traveling, studying or working in my future career, I will carry the experiences and memories from Japan with me for years to come.
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