This program will stay with me forever.
My experience in SJMC Japan 2026 was nothing but the best of times. Looking back on the trip, it is hard to believe how much we experienced in such a short period of time. From visiting Disneyland and singing karaoke to exploring ancient temples and shrines, every day felt like a new adventure. Along with all the amazing sights and experiences came plenty of unexpected and funny moments that made the trip even more memorable. Whether it was getting chased through Harajuku or constantly dodging bicycles that seemed to appear out of thin air, I always seemed to have a story to tell at the end of each day.
Tokyo was an amazing city and one of the places I had looked forward to the most. Seeing Tokyo for the first time with my own eyes almost did not feel real. Since middle school, I had dreamed about visiting Japan, and Tokyo was always the city I imagined. The bright lights, crowded streets, giant screens and endless number of shops made it feel like stepping into another world.
One challenge at the beginning of the trip was that most of us did not know each other very well. We had trivia and meetings before leaving, but it was still difficult to really connect with people. However, as we explored the city together, those awkward introductions quickly turned into friendships. By the end of our stay in Tokyo, I felt like I had known many of these people for much longer than a few days.
My favorite part of Tokyo was easily Shibuya. It felt like there was always something happening there. Whether you wanted food, clothes, entertainment or just a place to explore, Shibuya had it all. Most of my free time was spent wandering through its streets, checking out stores, and taking in the atmosphere.
Harajuku was another memorable area but mostly because of one of the strangest experiences I had on the trip. While shopping with friends, I got separated from the group and decided to continue exploring on my own. After finding a thrift store and buying a shirt, I wandered into another small shop. What I did not realize was that the owner had been waiting across the street for customers who walked in. When I walked in, he tried to convince me to buy something but I refused. He suddenly accused me of stealing the shirt I had just purchased elsewhere. Before I knew it, I was being chased down the street. Looking back, it was more funny than scary, and it became one of those stories that everyone on the trip ended up hearing.
Hiroshima was a completely different experience from Tokyo. While Tokyo felt energetic and fast-paced, Hiroshima felt more reflective. Walking through the city, it was impossible not to think about its history. More than eighty years ago, the city was devastated by the atomic bomb.
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and learning more about the events was one of the most emotional parts of the trip. The city today is beautiful, modern, and full of life, but there is still a sense of remembrance that can be felt throughout Hiroshima. It reminded me of the importance of understanding history and making sure that tragedies like this are never forgotten.
Hiroshima was also where many of my friendships grew stronger. Spending time with friends like Celeste, Camren and Valeria made the city even more enjoyable. Whether we were finding places to eat, shop or explore together, there was always something to do.
One of my favorite days of the entire program was our visit to Miyajima Island. The island felt completely different from the cities we had been visiting. It was quieter, surrounded by nature and filled with beautiful shrines and temples.
We hiked up Mount Misen, explored hidden paths and visited Hiramatsu Chaya, a small teahouse overlooking the island. Sitting there with a bowl of warm udon while looking out at the scenery was one of the most relaxing moments of the trip.
Of course, Miyajima also provided plenty of comedy. The island’s famous deer seemed friendly at first, but my friend Valeria learned that as cute as they might be, they get annoying when it comes to food. Watching everyone react to curious deer became entertainment all by itself.
Another running joke throughout Hiroshima involved bicycles. For some reason, I constantly found myself nearly getting surprised by bikes appearing from alleys, corners or places where they seemed impossible to come from. My friends eventually started joking that every bicycle in Japan was working together to target me specifically!
If Tokyo amazed me and Hiroshima moved me, Kyoto became my favorite city. Kyoto was everything I imagined when I thought about Japan. The traditional architecture, temples, shrines, stone pathways and historic streets made the city feel timeless. Walking through areas like Ishibe-kōji felt like stepping into the past. Unlike the crowded streets of Tokyo, some parts of Kyoto were incredibly peaceful. Ishibe-kōji stood out because of how quiet it was. Visitors were encouraged to respect the neighborhood, and photography was restricted in some areas. The silence made the experience feel more authentic and allowed people to appreciate the surroundings rather than simply taking pictures.
Another highlight of Kyoto was karaoke. Karaoke is such an important part of Japanese culture, and it was one of the most fun group activities we did. Even people who normally would not sing ended up joining in. It was one of those moments where everyone forgot about being nervous and just enjoyed themselves. By the end of the night, it felt like our group had become much closer.
Kyoto was also special because it was our final stop before returning home. As much as I enjoyed the city itself, there was also a feeling of sadness knowing that the trip was coming to an end. After spending so much time together, our group had become close friends. We had shared experiences, inside jokes and memories that could only come from traveling together in another country. Every temple, shrine, train ride, restaurant and adventure felt more meaningful because I knew the journey was almost over.
Looking back, SJMC Japan 2026 was much more than a study abroad program. It was an opportunity to experience a different culture, learn about history and create friendships that I hope will last long after the trip ended. I saw places I had dreamed about visiting for years and experienced things I never could have imagined. Whether I was standing in the middle of Shibuya, reflecting at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, hiking on Miyajima or walking through the quiet streets of Kyoto, each moment taught me something new. Japan exceeded every expectation I had, and the memories I made there will stay with me for the rest of my life.
This program will stay with me forever. My experience in SJMC Japan 2026 was nothing but the best of times. From amazing experiences like Disneyland, karaoke and all the temples and shrines or all of the wacky events like being chased and bikes appearing out of thin air!
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