Posted inPersonal Essay
An emotional trip
To be completely honest, I didn’t know how I felt about going to Japan. As someone who’s been interested in various aspects of East Asian culture nearly my whole life,…
Posted inPersonal Essay
Confirmation that time flies by when having fun
I consider myself an outgoing person, but I was fully prepared to isolate myself for this trip. My worst fear was that no one would laugh at my jokes. If…
Posted inPersonal Essay
Japan: skills, friends and experiences
If you would have told me this time last year that I was going to have traveled to Japan before my next year of college, I probably would have laughed.…
Posted inFeature Story Kyoto
Traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto
Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Kyoto, the traditional tea ceremony holds a revered place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Travelers can immerse themselves in the essence…
Posted in2023 Daily Blog Posts Featured
SJMC Japan Team presents work on Friday
Now that all members of the SJMC Japan Team have returned home to Texas safely, they are gearing up for final presentation day, and you’re invited! Students will share their…
Posted inFeature Story Kyoto
The significance of Japanese cranes – origami and otherwise
Visitors to some popular destinations in Kyoto may wonder: what’s with all the cranes? Known as the “tsuru,” the crane’s historical and cultural significance can be traced back to ancient…
Posted inFeature Story Kyoto
Locating the perfect shops in Kyoto
Kyoto is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern cultures, which makes it a wonderfully versatile place to go shopping. Like Tokyo, Kyoto has areas with completely different vibes within…
Posted inFeature Story Tokyo
The magical world of MUJI Tokyo
To most Americans, MUJI is just another stationery company, but its flagship stores are so much more than that. The MUJI Ginza flagship store in Tokyo has five floors of…
Posted inFeature Story Kyoto
Kyoto’s traditional take on Starbucks
Located a mere 10 minute walk away from Kiyomizu-dera, Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya mashes traditional Japanese style with international coffee shop sensation, Starbucks. While it’s similar to most other…
Posted in2023 Daily Blog Posts
A royal day in Kyoto
Day eight was a decadent experience for the team. We visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and attended a traditional tea ceremony before attending our official farewell dinner. Impressive…
