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
How I found my way back to reality in Japan: a traveler’s memoir
I signed up for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication study abroad program in Japan having no idea what opportunities would arise for my future self. I have not…
Posted inPersonal Essay
Inner peace for my inner child
My life has been changed by this study abroad experience— and my inner child is happy.
Posted inFeature Story Kyoto
Unveiling the serene majesty of Ryōzen Kannon
In the heart of Kyoto, a serene sanctuary silently stands, captivating travelers with its ethereal presence. The majestic Ryōzen Kannon is a renowned Buddhist temple that exudes tranquility and reverence.…
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
Forget the sushi, we’re going to McDonald’s
When traveling overseas, the last place one might think about eating at is McDonald's. Sure, they have burgers, nuggets and fries like in the United States, but there are quite…
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
Traditional Japanese clothing: kimono and yukata
While visiting Japan, the first thing you might notice is a lot of people styled and dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and geta (wooden clogs). In Kyoto, this might be…
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 Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera: The temple on the hill
In Japan, there are two main religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. In Buddhism, the main place of practice is a temple, for Shintoism it is a shrine. Kiyomizu-dera is labeled as…
