Author: Yibing Hu | Major: Finance | Semester: May 2024

Visiting the Rilakkuma statue in Arashiyama

I participated in the Honors Passport: Japan program for two weeks during the May intersessionThis program interested me because it was relatively short and the itinerary covered many areas of Japan that I was interested in visiting, such as Nara, Hiroshima, and Miyajima. I visited Japan once in the past and loved the shrines as well as how nature coexisted with newer man-made structures. The length of the program was important to me since I planned to do research and apply to medical schools this summer.

Another reason I wanted to study abroad in Japan specifically was that I have a solid grasp of the language, so I was confident in my ability to get around on my own. I felt more comfortable knowing that I would be able to communicate with others if necessary.

Prior to the trip, I read Stranger in the Shogun’s City by Amy Stanley, a biography about a Japanese woman named Tsuneno and her experiences in Edo, which is now Tokyo. She ran away from her comfortable life at home and sacrificed everything to forge a new life in the city. It was interesting to consider how individuals like Tsuneno contributed to the formation of modern Tokyo.

Gorgeous gardens at Heian Shrine

The main academic component of the program was the individual presentations that each student prepared for different historical sites that we visited. I chose to present at Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, about the influence of warriors in Heian, the old capital. My readings covered both the historical context behind Kinkakuji as well as the symbolism included in the garden and pond. As a finance major, I have little background knowledge on Asian history, so I was intrigued by the traditions and social norms of the Heian period. I enjoyed the way the program was structured because it allowed the students to learn from and teach each other. By doing my own research and being pushed to think critically about the topics, I feel that I was able to achieve a better understanding of the sites we visited.

Adorable matcha soft serve at Miyajima

My favorite historical site from the itinerary was Miyajima Island, home to the famous floating torii gate. To begin with, the weather that day was perfect for an island excursion. Additionally, we were given plenty of time to explore the island and try the local food. I especially enjoyed trying steamed Miyajima oysters, and I also had an amazing matcha soft-serve decorated with Miyajima-themed cookies.

I made a lot of great memories outside of the program as well. In the evenings, I had a lot of fun shopping with my friend. Seeing how different Japanese clothing was from the Western clothing I am used to fascinated me. With so many options available to them, it was no surprise that the everyday Japanese person dressed so well. I also explored many department stores, including the famous Don Quijote, where I was able to buy many interesting snacks and souvenirs.

In Kyoto, I met up with my pen pal of 5 years, and we went to a conveyor belt sushi place. At the restaurant, you could order individual plates of sushi from a tablet and they would be delivered to you via a conveyor belt. It was a unique and engaging way to enjoy a meal, and the sushi was delicious. Afterwards, we went to a purikura, the iconic Japanese photo booth, which was something I had always wanted to try. I had no idea that you could edit the photos afterwards and do everything from adding stickers to changing the color of your clothes! The pictures turned out super cute and are a great keepsake.

I feel like the two weeks of the program flew by despite how busy we were. Each day was filled with unique experiences and opportunities to learn; I love that the itinerary included a variety of shrines, historical sites, and museums. This was my first time studying abroad, and it was definitely a fulfilling experience!