Harker to Japan 2019 (Eng)

This morning, we visited the Meiji Jinju Shrine near Harajuku. Because the shrine is one of the most famous Shinto Shrines in Japan, the monument attracts tourists and religious persons alike each year. After, we were given two hours of time to explore Harajuku. While some decided to shop and rest at cafes, some decided to eat and try new resutaurant. Andrew and Elvis visited Ichiran Ramen, a famous ramen store known for its delicious noodles. After visiting Harajuku, we returned to our hotel, said some goodbyes to the students staying Japan, and headed for the airport.  by Kai & Elvis at Meiji Jingu Shrine at the airport              at the train station      in front of Keisei Ueno station     order form at Ichiran Ramen shop Ichiran Ramen shop                        Emas at Meiji Jingu Shrine          ...

Today, we had breakfast in the morning. Following that, we went to the airport to take a flight to Tokyo. The flight was good. In Tokyo, we had the chance to visit Akihabara, where a few people visited the famous maid cafe. After that, we ate dinner at the hotel and went to a karaoke shop for an hour.  by Julia and Avery Last Dinner in Japan

June 14 Blog: Today, we had breakfast at the ryokan and attended our final Japanese classes from 9-11:30. We present haikus that we wrote in Japanese recalling our experiences in Sapporo and received certificates for finishing the course. From there, we took a bus to Koganeyu hot spring. We enjoyed foods such as cold soba and katsu-don (pork cutlet and egg over rice) before going to the onsen. For many of us, it was our first Japanese hot spring experience and it was very relaxing. After the bath, we went to the Ainu cultural center and learned about the lives of the indigenous Ainu people native to Hokkaido. We received a tour of traditional Ainu housing and explored their clothing, tools, instruments, and games in the museum. The Ainu clothing was woven with specific patterns that had spiritual meanings related to the gods they worship, and we were especially impressed with their salmon skin shoes. We then cooked traditional Ainu dishes for dinner such as deer meat, kabocha (japan...

Today we attended class in the morning. We went to the Pokémon center and wrote haikus. We ate lunch at a cafeteria and boarded the bus to go to the Ritsumeikan Keisho high school. At the high school we played games with the students and then attended a tea ceremony. We also went to watch their volleyball and cheerleading practice. We took a train to the department store and shopped and ate dinner. by Santoshi, Karina, & Andrew at Pokemon Center  at the shopping mall Ramen we had for lunch a classroom in Ritsumeikan High School Tea Ceremony by Ritsumeikan Tea Ceremony Club　 with Ritsumeikan Students         with Ritsumeikan Tea Ceremony Club Students    with Ritsumeikan Students　　

In the morning, we took our Japanese classes. Elvis travelled to the Sapporo Clock Tower Museum and learned about Sapporo’s history. After, we travelled to Sapporo station and ate lunch. We had Pepper lunch, which was a rice bowl with beef served on a sizzling plate. After, we arrived at Ritsumeikan High School and gave our presentations. After, we traveled with a different class. Here, we presented to the international studies club, played a Japanese culture quiz, and practiced calligraphy.  by Elvis and Kai Clock Tower in Sapporo Clock Tower in Sapporo Clock Tower in Sapporo Pepper Lunch Pe pper Lunch School Visit First Class we were with First Class we were with Second Class (international studies) Second Class (international studies) Second Class (international studies) Photo with Takumi Photo with Rikuro Photo of restaurant Photo of restaurant Photo of Food Photo of Food Photo of mall...