Japan: Megan Stevens (A New Experience)

I had the amazing opportunity to invite some friends from my hometown to Japan and show them around for 11 days. During this time, we traveled to many different places, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kamakura, Nara, and Tokyo, and explored shrines, restaurants, and nature that each place had to offer. It was the best 2 weeks of my life. I was able to show my friends the beauty of Japan and improve my Japanese skills as I was the sole translator of the group. One of my favorite experiences during the 2 weeks was our journey to Fushimi Inari (伏見稲荷) in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine home to the Senbon Torii (千本鳥居) which is the famous 1000 red torii gates that go up the mountain. Being in this space was, honestly, life changing. The area fills its visitors with a sense of peace and tranquility.

As we climbed the mountain, I was able to observe the beautiful nature and shrines. We made sure to pray at the shrine. Praying at a Shino shrine involves an important sequence of steps. I learned that one must first donate a coin to the shrine (usually a 5 yen coin as it is considered lucky), then ring the bell to announce one’s presence to the deity. One must then bow deeply two times and afterwards clap one’s hands twice. Only once this process is done can one begin to pray. After we made it to one of the highest points of the mountain, we were able to see a breathtaking view of Kyoto from above. This experience allowed me to learn more about Japanese as well as Shinto culture. I feel extremely lucky to be able to experience the wonders of Fushimi Inari.  Another enjoyable experience we had was at Kamakura. Kamakura is about an hour away from Tokyo by train and is a beautiful beach town with a view of the Pacific Ocean and (if you’re lucky!) Mt. Fuji. This was my first time seeing and touching the Pacific Ocean. I did not realize the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and was in awe of its beauty. Moreover, we were lucky enough to see a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. It was an amazing experience to be able to see parts of Japan that Japanese people love and cherish.

Megan Stevens

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Major: Genetic and Genomics

Program: Kyoto University Exchange

I chose Kyoto as I wanted to immerse myself in Japanese culture and student life. I also wanted to explore Japan’s historical buildings and shrines– which Kyoto is especially known for!  While in Kyoto, Japan, I want to become more fluent in Japanese, meet new people, and explore Japan’s beautiful nature and culture.