Hello!

I am delighted to say that I had the most spectacular and breathe-taking time in Japan! Having stayed there for just two weeks, I truly feel as though I’d lived there for two years. The friends I made on my trip from various countries around the world would also agree. We stayed in Osaka where in our free time we explored the neighborhood and nearby facilities; such as shopping centers and even the beach where we tried fireworks! We enjoyed interacting as a group in games (our first was the ice-breaking game), participating in the Star Festival, dressing up in yukatas, learning Aikijuujutsu (a martial art) and singing at karaoke in the evenings!

In three amazing days, we traveled around Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto. After flying into Tokyo, we visited some stunning tourist sites, including; the Imperial Palace; Asakusa (a great place to buy souvenirs) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building where we went up to the top to observe the picturesque view of Tokyo (this building is taller than Tokyo Tower). We then traveled to the most historical place in Japan, Hiroshima, it was very exciting for us to ride the famous Shinkansen there! (Note: there are NO bins on the platforms so you must hold onto your rubbish or throw it away in the Shinkansen.) In Hiroshima, we paid a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It was a very overwhelming and shocking experience, absorbing the tragedy of the past. I know I felt deeply overwhelmed. We saw, watched and read of the tragedy through videos, carefully pieced display models and factual information which was displayed. We also saw the remnants of people’s belongings and even body parts such as the nail and skin of a young boy who suffered and died from the radiation that was caused from the atomic bomb.

Following on from there, we made our way to an island called Miyajima. I absolutely loved the futon and the ofuro or the public bath, it was a VERY different and new experience, very refreshing. Miyajima is a peaceful place where deer freely roam around in the area, co-existing with people. I found this to be astounding as there is nothing like this in Australia (or from what I’ve seen in Sydney anyway). We wandered around the Itsukushima Shrine where we saw and took pictures of the Ootori (or the Grand Gate). We also found out our fortunes! I was lucky and got a good fortune so I kept it. But for those who didn’t get a good fortune, they had to tie their fortune paper onto a nearby rack to rid themselves of their bad fortune. Next was Kyoto, where we visited the Kiyomizu Temple, Heianjingu, and Nishijin Textile Center to watch a kimono show and make our own fabric. It was a very enjoyable experience. We also visited the Golden Pavilion Temple - Kinkakuji.

When we returned to the Institute, for one of our activities, we went to a Japanese high school where we were divided into groups and engaged in conversations with Japanese students in their classes. Getting to know and trying to remember the Japanese names of around 30 or more students in a short period of time was a bit difficult! I will never forget the first group I met. They were a very lively bunch and became even more excited when I said that I knew the J-pop boy band group Arashi. I was made to dance to the chorus of Arashi’s song ‘A.R.A.S.H.I’ in front of the WHOLE class!!! But it was fun!

Towards the end of our stay in Japan, we did a home-stay with our host families. I got to know my family pretty well and they’re really nice people. They’re a family of four including the parents and two sisters, although I did not get to meet my host family’s older sister who studies at a university in Tokyo or my host father who works as a brain surgeon in Nara. However, I really had a fun home-stay! My host mother is a hard worker who teaches Karate to young children at a dojo after she finishes her day job. She’s amazing! My host mother came third place in a national women’s Karate tournament! Together, we went to a nearby festival where I played a few games, Osaka Castle and the Kaiyukan Aquarium where we rode on a Ferris wheel!!! It was so much fun!!

I also loved the food in Japan! During my stay I enjoyed eating Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima; Takoyaki including the ones I made during my home-stay (it’s very fun!); Tempura; Obento and the various dishes at the Japan Foundation Japanese-Institute, Osaka. I bought many souvenirs from different places for myself, friends and family such as: yukatas, toys, t-shirts, stationary, models, bags and accessories. I also have to mention, the toilets! How can I forget~ it was one the most fascinating things I found in Japan!

Overall, I can’t express it in words how much of a tremendous time I had in Japan, I am very grateful to the people who gave me this opportunity. THANK YOU!