Over the past week since my return from Japan, I have been reminiscing about the experience, whether recounting the trip to family and friends or looking back on the pictures and videos I took while there.
This trip holds a special place in my heart and has truly changed me and my perspective on things.
Before the trip, it honestly did not feel real until we had the classes the week before starting the trip. I had been talking about and planning for this trip for so long that it just felt like general knowledge I was going, but it did not seem real.
As classes began and I started planning my packing for the trip, my nerves began to sneak up on me. This was my first trip overseas plus I was traveling for the first time with no family.
Additionally, I was even more nervous about the fact that I did not know anyone going on the trip. The thought of having to really put myself out there socially and make new friends was making me as nervous as the fact that I was going to be in a new country that spoke a different language from me.
I had no idea what to expect to learn during the trip. I tried to keep my expectations very low and stay very casual about the plans I made outside our planned itinerary.
Not because I thought the trip would be bad, but I just had no idea how this trip would change me.
By nature, I try to keep expectations for events or trips very low because I know that things rarely always go to plan, and I do not want to get too wrapped up in a preconceived notion of what would happen.
My main excitement for the trip lay with the shinkansen, or bullet train, as I had seen tons of videos about how cool it was. All I hoped for during the trip was that I was able to gain some skills that would help further me in my career by either improving my writing, testing my creativity or setting me apart because I went to Japan.
One of the first things I did on our first day in Tokyo was to visit Shibuya at night with a big group from the program. I am so glad I had this experience because it really helped realize that I was in Japan.
The nightlife in Shibuya was so much fun with the flashy streetlights, race streetcars and iconic sights like Shibuya Crossing.
It felt like a movie walking around that night, and I began to get so excited that there I was, finally in Japan.
Another favorite of mine across the whole trip was the public transportation. Between the vast train system, the bus system and the shinkansen, it was an absolute dream for me as I am already a huge advocate of better public transportation nationally here in the United States.
While in Hiroshima, a group of us and a few others stumbled across an amazing steakhouse that was right around the corner from our hotel called Hiroshima Beef Yakiniku Aohige.
You were able to order off your phone and choose from the big selection of different meats, sides and drink options that were available. Once they brought the meat you ordered to the table, you could cook it on a small grill called a konro.
Another favorite of mine was getting to wear a kimono and the tea ceremony we had after. As this planned activity got closer and closer, I found myself more excited as it felt like we were able to truly experience such an iconic part of Japanese culture.
Before the trip, I knew the experience would be fun and interesting, but it was not the main thing I thought of when thinking about the trip. However, now I can say it is one of my favorite parts of the whole trip.
I enjoyed getting dressed up, choosing the kimono I wanted and sash color. Plus, they did all of our hair super cute, and we were able to add flowers to it.
During the ceremony, it was interesting to learn about the different customs, such as not sitting on the edge of two mats because of assassination attempts by ninjas, or slurping your last sip of tea to let your host know you are finished.
This trip taught me that I can thrive in situations that push me out of my comfort zone.
While in Japan, I had to figure out how communicate with those who did not speak the same language as me, and I would say I became a more independent traveler.
Having to learn Japanese customs to not come off as rude or disrespectful also helped me grow as a person. I became more aware of my surroundings when in different spaces, for example, being in the train station and on the train.
I think this trip also helped me become more confident in my writing abilities. I had previously taken writing courses during other semesters, but they always felt more guided and short.
However, in Japan, I was given more freedom about what I could write about, and I feel that truly allowed me to flourish and grow. After every assignment, whether it was for the blog or Instagram, I always felt proud of the work I created.
Additionally, adding content to my portfolio has definitely soothed any anxiety I have been feeling about not having enough to showcase my abilities and skills in fields related to my major.
This trip is, and I think will always be, very special for me. I was able to test myself, whether academically or personally, in ways that I had never tested before. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and the people I met and became close with during this trip.
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