March 28: Winding down

Today, we took a step back from the fast-paced adventures and explored the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s ultimate history museum. Walking through its vast halls felt like stepping into the past, surrounded by samurai armor, ancient pottery, intricate jewelry, beautifully preserved clothing, and historical scrolls. 

With spring in full swing, we were lucky to witness Tokyo’s cherry blossoms in nearly full bloom!  When we first arrived, they were just beginning to open, but today, they were at their peak. We took a peaceful stroll through Ueno Park, soaking in the beauty of the pink and white blossoms before heading to the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Emperor and royal family. While the palace gardens are open to the public, they closed earlier than expected, so we only caught glimpses of majestic rooftops, the surrounding moat, and a few cherry trees within the palace grounds.

Then, it was time for one of the most anticipated stops—Electric Town! This neon-lit, high-energy shopping district is a paradise for tech lovers, anime fans, and gamers. The streets buzzed with excitement as we explored towering department stores, anime and manga shops, arcades, and electronics retailers. The kids had a blast playing video games and hunting for the perfect souvenirs. Some of us even ventured into the famous Don Quijote, a massive multi-floor discount store where you can find literally everything—from quirky souvenirs and beauty products to kitchen gadgets and Japanese snacks!

As the day came to a close, a bittersweet feeling set in—this was our last full day in Japan. 

 Tomorrow, we head back to the U.S., but the memories we made here will stay with us forever.

—Scott & Crystal

March 27: Digital Fun, Ninjas, and more Ramen!

On the morning of March 27, 2025, we went to catch a train, but it was so crowded that we had to wait for the next one, hoping to finally get on. We ended up waiting three or four times while others managed to squeeze in. Eventually, we managed to board, though it was a struggle! The next train was also packed, but not as bad. In total, it took five trains and three attempts before the whole group was able to get on!

Our first stop was TeamLab Borderless, an incredible digital art exhibit filled with vibrant colors and interactive rooms to explore. We wanted to visit the digital Tea House, but unfortunately, it was sold out. The entire experience was mesmerizing, featuring glowing butterflies, immersive artwork, and crystal-like displays.

Last week, we visited the original TeamLab in Tokyo, which was more hands-on and sensory-focused, in addition to its visual exhibitions. In contrast, TeamLab Borderless was more about visual entertainment, making it a unique experience in its own way.

Next, we headed to Shibuya Crossing, where Claire and Kimora gave a presentation about the Hachikō statue. The statue honors a loyal dog who continued waiting at the train station for his owner, even after the owner's passing. His devotion touched many people, leading to the creation of the statue in his honor. Afterward, we explored the area, enjoying the many shops and restaurants. It was nice to walk around freely and take in the energy of the city. This crossing is also famous for multiple crossing paths. There are six crossings that happen at the same time.  We also saw Godzilla in this area before we went to the Ninjia show. See the photo below.

For lunch, we ate at a restaurant called Mom’s Touch, and it was delicious! I even tried some of my friends’ sandwiches, and theirs were just as tasty.

Later, we went to the Ninja Show, which was really entertaining. The performers didn’t speak but told a story through movement and dance. We also watched some traditional dancing and performance as well.  After the show, we learned about ninja hand signs, which were used for communication—cool but a bit confusing! Then, we got to throw shuriken (ninja stars) to compete for a prize. Everyone participated, but only Santiago advanced to the finals, where he placed third.

By then, we were exhausted, so we had dinner at a ramen restaurant. The food was great—we ordered ramen, dumplings, and more! After a long but exciting day, we headed back to the hotel for the night.

-Isac

March 26: Hiroshima: A Day of Reflection

The day after visiting the beautiful Miyajima Island and witnessing the sunset at Itsukushima Shrine, we began our new day in Hiroshima. Running late, we quickly grabbed some food from 7-Eleven for breakfast—where, honestly, you can find just about everything!

After finishing our breakfast, we made our way to Hiroshima Castle, a stunning five-story structure with a rich history. Originally built in 1590, the castle was destroyed in 1945 by the atomic bomb during World War II and later rebuilt in 1954. Historically, it served as the headquarters for one of the five elders on the ruling council and was later used as a military headquarters for the Japanese army.

Next, we visited Peace Memorial Park, a profoundly moving experience. The museum housed artifacts, historical accounts, and personal memories from the past. We saw the memorial, the eternal flame, the Children's Memorial, and the iconic Genbaku Dome. The atmosphere was peaceful yet powerful, carrying the weight of history and remembrance.

In Japanese, Genbaku translates to "Atomic Bomb." The Genbaku Dome, originally a four-story structure, was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in April 1915.

The building, originally used as the Prefectural Exhibition Hall, served as a venue to display and promote the culture, history, and products of Hiroshima. It was built to boost the city's commercial presence.

The Genbaku Dome is now famous as the only structure left standing near the hypocenter when the atomic bomb exploded in 1945. The destruction impacted millions of lives in Japan and worldwide. In the aftermath, radioactive rain fell, and survivors endured severe burns, trauma, cancer, and death.

The bomb’s intense heat and light left behind haunting imprints—shadows of people who perished, known as Hitokage no Ishi. The energy absorbed by objects shielded areas behind them, leaving silhouettes of those who stood in the bomb’s path. These shadows can still be seen today on the stairs at the memorial.

Peace Memorial Park was created to honor those who lost their lives in 1945. Beyond remembrance, it stands as a plea for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the pursuit of lasting world peace.

The Children's Peace Monument tells the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl from Hiroshima. At just two years old, she survived the atomic bombing while living 1,600 meters from the hypocenter. She grew up healthy, full of life, and became a top runner on her school’s track team. However, at age twelve, she was diagnosed with leukemia as a result of radiation exposure.

Hoping for recovery, Sadako began folding paper cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 cranes will have their wish granted. Despite her determination, she passed away in 1955 at the age of twelve.

Her story sparked a global movement. After her passing, her classmates continued folding cranes, and in 1958, with contributions from schoolchildren, a statue of Sadako holding a paper crane was erected in Hiroshima Peace Park. This monument honors her and all the children who perished due to the atomic bomb.

To honor Sadako’s legacy, each year on August 6, Peace Day, thousands of paper cranes are placed beneath her statue by people who wish to remember Hiroshima and advocate for a peaceful world.

"The cost of war. The importance of peace."

— Written by Sierra Woosley