Japan was an incredible experience and gave me the opportunity to see places and learn things that I never could have learned in a classroom. Throughout the trip, we explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. We visited historic temples and shrines, participated in a tea ceremony and calligraphy workshop, and walked through the famous bamboo forest. Seeing these places in person made me appreciate Japanese culture and history in a way that reading about them never could. One part of Japan I already miss is the change of pace. One day we were standing in the middle of the world’s busiest crosswalk in Shibuya, and another day we were sitting along a quiet Zen garden. Being able to experience both sides of Japan made the trip feel unique and gave me a greater appreciation for the country.

My favorite part of the trip was visiting Miyajima Island and seeing Itsukushima Shrine. The floating torii gate was beautiful and seeing it in person was even more impressive than I expected. Another experience that stood out to me was visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Seeing these sites in person was eye-opening and helped me better understand the impact of the events that took place there. Reading about it in a textbook is nothing compared to walking through the museum and seeing it for yourself. This trip taught me a lot about Japanese culture and history and gave me memories that I will never forget.

– Morgan, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2026