Arigato Japan!!!

It’s strange how quickly a place that once felt completely unfamiliar can begin to feel like home. As our final week together arrived, our lectures started to wrap up, the experiences certainly did not.

One of our last excursions took us to Harajuku and the peaceful grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine. Walking beneath the towering trees felt like stepping away from Tokyo's endless energy into another world. We learned about the history surrounding the shrine, including the fascinating story of Emperor Meiji's appreciation for both French wine and traditional Japanese sake. It was a small detail, but one that reflected Japan's unique blend of international influence and deep rooted tradition.

Our next stop was Yasukuni Shrine, where history became much more complicated. Rather than simply visiting another landmark, we explored why the shrine remains one of Japan's most controversial sites. Learning about the different perspectives surrounding its history reminded me that historical monuments are rarely just about the past. They continue to shape conversations in the present.

The Tokyo National Museum was another highlight. Seeing centuries old masterpieces up close, especially the legendary Japanese swords, made history feel surprisingly tangible. These were not just museum pieces. They were objects that had passed through the hands of warriors, craftsmen, and rulers hundreds of years ago. We also participated in a traditional tea ceremony and try traditonal Japanese sweets, gaining a new appreciation for the patience, precision, and philosophy behind an everyday ritual that has become an important part of Japanese culture.

Ocourse, some of my favorite memories happened outside the classroom.

A group of us spent an afternoon at a massive indoor entertainment center where we bounced between arcade games and oversized versions of sports. We played tennis and football with giant balls, laughed at our complete lack of coordination, and competed over games that none of us took too seriously. I also stepped into a batting cage for the very first time. It was much harder than it looked, but after finally connecting with a few pitches, I understood why they are so popular in Japan. Honestly, I wish we had more places like that back home. We even went to see fireworks afterwards.

The perfect ending to the program came with a dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay organized by the course. As the sun set over the skyline, we shared one final meal together while watching the city lights reflect across the water. There were speeches, countless photos, and plenty of conversations about everything we had experienced over the past few weeks. We even had the chance to do one last karaoke session on the boat.

It felt like the perfect way to end things. People who had started as strangers were now singing together, laughing at missed lyrics, cheering each other on, and making the most of the final evening. It was one of those moments where everyone knew the night would eventually end, but nobody wanted it to.

The next morning was filled with hugs, handshakes, and promises to keep in touch. Saying goodbye was harder than I expected. Over the course of the program, our group of twenty six had become much more than classmates. We had shared train rides, meals, late night conversations, countless adventures, and memories that none of us would have experienced alone.

Although the course officially came to an end, my journey through Japan was far from over. With my suitcase packed once again and new destinations waiting, I set off on the next chapter of my adventure. The program may have finished, but the experiences, friendships, and lessons it gave me will remain one of the most memorable parts of my time in Japan.