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Last day in Japan, did nothing but lay in my bed and prepare for flying all day!

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Day twelve: osaka

Today we visited the senior and junior high school that was affiliated with the college we visited on Monday. I learned that although there are many differences between America and Japan there are just as many similarities. High schoolers similarly showed no interest in learning another language like many in American high schools do.

A short and sweet almost last day, one more day in Japan! Definitely spending it sleeping and resting (preparing for the long flight)

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Day eleven: Katashimo Elementary School

Today I was able to co-teach a mini lesson to a group of fourth graders. This was an eye opening experience as I have never taught children before. I am very grateful that I had this opportunity to learn how educators adapt and teach in their classroom.

Aside from teaching, I also learned more about sea life and enjoyed great ice cream.

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Day 10: Osaka

Today we visited the elementary school in Osaka that has a partnership with the university that we visited yesterday. Although this was a national owned elementary school there were still many key components that were similar and those that were different. First off, from ages 3-5 students are able to freely play as they want but there is no nap time while they’re in school from 8:45-2 which I found interesting. There is really no academic standard for them as long as they know how to play, and are self sufficient. I also noticed in the grade school students had a closer bond with their faculty, you wouldn’t see that in an American school which I found interesting. The students were almost equal with their teachers, although there is respect towards them, they are able to not be scared of them like an authority figure ( like they stand to be in America).

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Day nine: Osaka Kyoiku University

I loved OKU! There were so many great people that wanted to help you practice your Japanese or wanted you to help them with their English. It was overall a very well rounded experience. I learned a lot more about the culture of Japan through kendo. Kendo is all about being centered, and showing respect through being balanced.

I think it was really nice to experience college through another culture, especially to meet those your age in this setting. Even in the Japanese club, with the older citizens they wanted to spread the culture of Japan to anyone of any ethnicity or race, and that was amazing to see.

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Day eight: Tokyo

Tokyo was a lot to take in and digest. There was lots to look at everywhere you went, every step you took. The gyoza was amazing as always, even the cool lights as you walked down the halls of the food mart.

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Day seven: Kyoto

We visited the Nijo-Jo Castle, it was filled with lots of beautiful scenery for those of all ages to enjoy. We walked down many paths to see so many hydrangeas in bloom. What I enjoyed most was connecting with nature, and overall respecting the earth that we live on. I think Japan holds a higher level of respect for their environment than we as Americans do in America. It’s nice to be able to walk through a garden and not see trash or litter on the ground.

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Day six: Miyajima

Today was lots of fun, including the ups and downs (Literally! We went hiking). This taught me that through hard challenges we should stay persistent and keep pushing through because the outcomes are worth it. I think it is importance to remember that suffering is temporary, and giving up is forever. You could be stuck wondering about the what ifs, push yourself to the fullest.

Along the way down the mountain rocks were stacked, this lead me to think about growing as an individual and gaining different monumental moments and experiences in life.

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Day five: Hiroshima

Although I have been to Japan before, every experience has been different for me. Today we went to the peace museum, even though I have visited twice before every-time I have found something new that stood out to me. The first time I went when I was 10, I wasn’t interested in the history and I barely paid attention to stories that were being told because they were so graphic and I was so young. The second time I went at 19, I paid more attention to the history aspect to learn more about the why. This time, at 20 I am piecing together the history aspect alongside my heritage. Today’s major take away was coming to the conclusion that my great grandmother lived through this bombing not far from Hiroshima, and that my grandmother was born 4 years after the bombing. I have learned to be grateful for this life, as well as all of the experiences that my grandmother has given me, and taught me.

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Day four: Osaka Expo

Very nice to see a blend of all the countries come together as one. Was lucky enough to get a reservation to the Japan pavilion, an amazing experience and learning about reusing our daily items and becoming apart of the cycle to help the earth become more sustainable.

I also got to see how the Japanese culture live in a hotter climate. I saw parents that brought collapsible chairs for their children to sit on while waiting in lines, as well as almost everyone had parasols or umbrellas that were used to block out the sun. Also, the Japanese women tend to fully cover their bodies when the sun is at peak, they typically don’t like to be exposed to the sun.

Also tried takoyaki for the first time (my rating: 5/10)

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Day three: Kyoto

What a beautiful rainy day, the rain didn’t stop anyone from exploring the city of Kyoto! This temple that we went to is Kiyomizu Dera Ginkaku Ji temple beautiful views overlooking the city of Kyoto. Today I learned about the water that runs from the temple that offers people either love, health, or education.

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Lots to see today! Had a traditional tea ceremony, very nice to explore more of the Japanese culture and learn some new phrases along the way! Fun fact the shrine above the water is on the 10000 yen

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First full day in Japan! Learned a lot about the culture here, especially the fashion.

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First night in Japan! Such an amazing culture

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