My Study Abroad Experience: A Journey of Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth in Japan
- Written byWinnie Ahupa
- Published date 25 September 2024
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Winnie Ahupa, Post-Grad Ambassador and MA Global Collaborative Design Practice (Camberwell) student, spent the Summer months of 2024 in Japan as part of her course's collaboration with the Kyoto Institute of Technology. Here she reports back on a trip and experiences.
My study abroad journey in Japan, which began in the historic city of Kyoto, was nothing short of transformative. Known for its historical Buddhist temples, serene gardens, and the timeless beauty of its traditional wooden houses, Japan’s cultural capital became my base for exploration. Its rich history is palpable at every turn. From the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousand vermillion torii gates to the gleaming Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), I was in constant awe of the deep spirituality woven into the fabric of everyday life.
It was noon sometime in June. The sky was clear and the humidity was stifling. I could feel the painful touch of the summer sun as I walked through Gion for the first time. But by God was I in awe. The discernible clicks of the maikos geta. The warm brown wood of the machiyas. The sweet tang from century-old soy sauce stores mixed in with the aromas of incense shops. The red lanterns lining the streets, as if leading me into the past. Here in this intersection between the new and the old, I would build friendships that transcended borders, often over bowls of steaming ramen. These interactions, often simple yet meaningful, taught me the importance of shared experiences in bridging cultural divides.
My explorations eventually took me to Arashiyama, where I found tranquillity amidst its iconic bamboo groves, and to the bustling high street of Shijo Kawaramachi, where I was amazed with the harmonious blend of the traditional and contemporary facets of Kyoto’s urban condition. This juxtaposition of old and new resonated with my own experience of balancing academic rigour with personal discovery. Attending the Gion Matsuri, a vibrant midsummer celebration, was a highlight of my time in Kyoto. The streets were alive with the energy of the festival, and I was swept into the colourful procession, feeling connected to centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive today.
Of course, I also set my sights outside Kyoto. I ventured to Nara, Uji, and Kobe—each city offering its own unique lens into Japanese culture and history. Nara, with its wandering deer and towering Todaiji Temple, home to the colossal bronze Buddha, allowed me a peek into a time when Japan’s cultural foundations were being laid. Walking through Nara Park, surrounded by its lush green trees and history, like in Kyoto, I was struck by the reverence for both the past and the present, a sentiment echoed in every temple and shrine I visited. The serene spaces in Kasuga Taisha, adorned with thousands of lanterns, symbolised the enduring connection between the natural world and spiritual beliefs.
In Uji, famous for its production of green tea, I had the opportunity to participate in a traditional tea ceremony at Taihō-an Teahouse. It was more than just a tasting; it was a moment of mindfulness, where every gesture held meaning. I reflected on the cultural and religious significance of tea in Japanese society—how something as simple as a cup of tea could encapsulate centuries of thought, tradition, patience, and attention to detail. The experience was a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world and appreciating the beauty in small rituals.
Kobe, with its cosmopolitan flair, offered a welcome change in to the quiet elegance of Kyoto and Nara. The lively atmosphere of Meriken Park and the bustling streets of Nankinmachi (Chinatown) revealed the city's international influence. One of the most memorable experiences in Kobe was savouring the world-renowned Kobe beef, a culinary masterpiece that, indeed, lived up to its reputation. Yet, beyond the indulgence, Kobe also provided moments of reflection. Curious about local history, I also took the time to visit the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Takenaka Carpenter Tools Museum. There I learnt about Japan's rich maritime history and the craftsmanship that has influenced Japanese architecture for centuries.
One of my favourite places in Kobe was the Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Slowly enjoying the beautifully cultivated landscapes, enveloped by over 75,000 plants and herbs, I found myself thinking about the potential for seamless convergence of nature and design—how the environment can inspire creativity and sustainability. The garden's connection to holistic well-being resonated with my growing interest in the circular economy and sustainable design, themes that have become central to my academic focus.
Throughout my travels, I was continuously struck by this contemplative thoughtfulness embedded in Japanese culture. From the precision of traditional crafts to the harmony between modernity and history, I found a deep appreciation for the balance that defines so much of Japanese life. These experiences not only broadened my understanding of design but also prompted me to re-examine my own place within the growing global landscape of decolonising design.
One of the most unexpected lessons from my time in Japan was how the concept of sustainability is inherently tied to the country’s cultural practices. Their reverence for nature, seen in the philosophy and practice of everything from temple gardens to tea ceremonies, aligned perfectly with the ideas I had been exploring in my academic work. It deepened my belief that design is not just about creating for the present but about honouring the past and preserving resources for the future.
As I look back on my journey, I realise that my time in Japan was about much more than seeing famous landmarks or indulging in new foods (though both were unforgettable). It was about immersing myself in a culture that values reflection, connection, and sustainability—values that would expand my worldview, allowing me to see beyond the limiting horizons of my preconceptions and biases. But this is just the beginning. I hope to continue breaking boundaries as I bring positive change through my personal life as well as through my professional work. This experience has left an indelible mark on me, and I am eager to see how it will continue to shape my path as a designer and global citizen beyond my imagination.
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