August 3, 2009
Japan Experience! 2009 - Day 9 - Sophia University, Tokyo Design Academy, Meiji shrine, & Harajuku
The JE09 group ready to embark on Harajuku's teen fashion street, Takeshita Dori.
Today, Day 9, kicked off the second week of the Japan Experience Program. Per usual, we had a full schedule including a Japanese lesson, a walk around of Sophia University, and a trip to Harajuku.
Sophia University held their annual ‘Open Campus’ today, and it was a chance for prospective students and anyone else to get an idea of what the school is like. Sophia University is distinguishable as one of the few Japanese Universities with a department that teaches entirely in English. For any of the Japan Experience participants interested in furthering their studies here, this was a great opportunity to get familiar with a Japanese University!
At one of the main gates to Sophia University.
Everyone at Sophia's main gate.
A short train ride later the JE team arrived in Harajuku. First on the list was to see the gorgeous Meiji shine. Surrounded by a beautiful forest, Meiji shrine was built to commemorate Emperor Meiji and his wife.
The Meiji Tori gate, marking the entrance to the grounds of the Meiji shrine.
The inner portion of the Meiji shrine where one can make a small donation and pray or pay their respects to the emperor.
Following the shine, we made our way to the Tokyo Design Academy to learn about the school. With two year specialty programs in visual and graphic design, illustration, manga, animation, interior design, display design, and crafts & accessories there is quite literally something for everyone.
The JE09 students at the end of the Tokyo Design academy tour. Some of them wished they didn't have to leave!
To round off the day, everyone got to explore Harajuku. With a wealth of reasonably prices youth clothing stores and interesting fashion accessories, Harajuku is certainly an easy place to spend a few hours (and a few yen).
