Follow along as the Elon University softball team documents its global experience in Japan this week!
Today was our first full day in Japan, and it started off with a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the religion of Shintoism and we got to fully experience the peacefulness and beauty that it symbolizes. Before entering the shrine, we had to prepare our minds and bodies by cleansing and purifying ourselves using a specific ritual including water and ladles. While exploring the shrine, it was absolutely amazing to see all the beautiful architecture and landscapes that was included in this sacred space. This was a fantastic way to start of the morning by visiting such a calm and peaceful place.
After starting our morning out on a high note, we then went to the city of Harajuku to shop and tour before eating lunch. This city included many different kinds of stores and shops that were bright and colorful. We really enjoyed walking around this area because not only did we get a chance to shop but we were able to experience what it is like to be in such a large and booming city. The city is very large, clean, and bustling with activity, which made for an exciting experience. Many of the girls loved going to this city first because they were able to buy premium edition sneakers and even try some really cool and unique snacks!
After exploring Harajuki, we headed to lunch and got to eat shabu-shabu, which was very appetizing and all of the girls loved it. This was our first official traditional Japanese meal and it was very cool because we all got to eat a different kind of meat and other things that we had never tried before. My favorite part of the meal was the rice, I can safely say that it was oishii! (delicious) Shortly after lunch, we headed to a sacred tea ceremony. This ceremony was a very peaceful and educational. While our tea was absolutely amazing, we learned many unique things about the symbolism incorporated into traditional tea ceremonies and how it plays a role in people’s lives today.
Lastly, we ended the day by practicing with the Nippon Sports Science University softball team. This was a very awesome and exciting experience. We learned very quickly on how to communicate with one another because we had to follow the players on the other team in order to know what to do. They knew a little bit of English, so it was easier to understand and make new friends. They were all very energetic and their practice was very fast-paced.
It was so thrilling to play with girls who came to practice with such a high amount of energy and passion for the game. Every single person on that field was smiling and having a wonderful time. This was definitely an experience that none of us will forget. By the end of the practice, we got the chance to talk a little bit more to the other players and we even got to exchange Instagram's! It was so cool making new friends and learning more about the Japanese culture.
Overall, the first day was full of many events and loads excitement. We are all extremely pumped and excited for what the rest of the week entails for us! Thanks for following us on our journey!