We had some great experiences and were blessed to have such a wonderful group with us. The tour was truly a fantastic experience.
View from the Tokyo Government Building
Moi Yochoko
Moi Yochoko
Arcade games
Photos from a wonderful night out on the last day of the tour.
I had a very Japanese night out, eating at Yoi Mochoko, a group of small alleys with hole in the wall restaurants. Lots of Yakitori. Then we visited the Golden Gai – a hotspot for tourists – where we ventured around various bars. The locals were very friendly as were the tourists. The Japanese bar experience is surely a unique one. I quite enjoyed the atmosphere. We finished up playing some of the arcade games and saw everyone off.
A great way to say goodbye to the group which allowed us to have a great learning experience throughout the Nanotechnology study tour.
Yesterday, with a hint of sadness but a heart full of memories I farewelled Tokyo. This morning I find myself back on home soil, sitting at Brisbane airport having my breakfast, (coffee and toast) and I already find myself missing the tastiest 7-eleven egg sandwiches that a lot of us students had on-the-run in the mornings or as a quick snack. My early Qantas flight to Melbourne was cancelled but somehow that did not cause me annoyance. Instead, the extra two hours layover gave me time to reflect on my trip.
Contemplating the trip that has been over a cup of average coffee at Brisbane Airport
Before my trip I wasn’t really sure if I even wanted to go, I didn’t know much about Japan and did not know what to expect. I wasn’t ready to get outside my comfort zone and I was happy at home. How mistaken was I! Japan has dissolved all of the misconceptions I previously held and has made me fall in love with it and its people. The streets were unbelievably clean, the people had manners, the food was exotic, the public transport system ran like clockwork.
Other experiences, beside being in a foreign country itself, have also enriched my life.
The interactions with other students from different cultural and generational background was another highlight of this trip. None of us knew each other but we had to work and travel together as we have known each other for a long time. I was impressed by every student, each bringing a different quality and quirk to the group, which I appreciated.
The nanotech exhibition was unlike anything I have seen before. Originally, I didn’t feel very confident about attending it, but I had a blast and was amazed at all the different technologies and inventions that were on display. I believe the team and I performed really well, interviewing exhibitors and engaging with them on a professional level – it was a confidence boosting experience to say the least.
So as I write this last blog, I urge all students who are considering going on the nano tech tour of Japan, just to go for it – it is an amazing subject that is very well organised and most of all, you are going to have lots of fun!
The human psyche desires taxonomic order – a sweeping statement but nevertheless an important observation. Oftentimes, this facet of our minds presents itself as an emergent trait of the masses. Noticeably, most large cities are segregated and segmented into partitions which are allotted land according to their societal functions. Many major cities in the world like Shanghai, Singapore, New York, and so on, share the same form of city planning which involves the separation of cultural sites, business districts, housing districts, and natural reserves. In Tokyo, this isn’t always the case. For instance, the most historical shrine in Tokyo, Kanda Myojin, is situated right beside Akihabara, which is a hub for modern electronics and various Japanese subculture. Today, we bore witness to another one of these bizarre juxtapositions. Today, we visit Meiji-jingu and Harajuku.
A little about Meiji-jingu before we begin. Meiji-jingu, or Meiji Shrine, is a Shinto shrine built in 1926 dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The main shrine is located in the Naien, meaning inner garden, which is surrounded by the Gaien, meaning outer garden. The entire complex spans a whopping 70 hectares and is considered holy grounds by many. In fact, it is so sacred that the consumption of food and drinks is prohibited past any of the Gaien’s entrances. Our group started off at the entrance embellished by a massive torii gate. Through a long walk within the Gaien, we were met with a couple of interesting sights.
The main entrance of Meiji-jingu Gaien.
The very many barrels of sake which, fortunately or not, do not contain sake.
Even more alcohol, this time it’s Burgundy wine from France.
Just before reaching the Naien, a brief history of Emperor Meiji’s reign and the establishment of the shrine is outlined on murals along the sides of the path. Perhaps they are meant for visitors to take a “walk down memory lane”.
Upon arrival at the Naien, we were met with yet another torii. This time, the main shrine was in plain sight. The features of Meiji-jingu are what you’d expect of a typical Shinto shrine. Being one of the most reputable shrines though, meant that every feature is a ton more luxurious than your average shrine. As the gaijins (meaning foreigners) that we are, of course, we’d try our hands at everything a shrine could offer. Starting off at the chozuya, we first purify ourselves by cleansing our hands and mouth using holy water. Moving into the shrine, we got ourselves some omikuji, which are the Japanese equivalent of an elaborate fortune cookie. To show respect to the gods, we then tie our omikuji to the musubi-dokoro, which is essentially a clothesline for omikuji. When visiting a shrine, one can also make a prayer at the altar. Generally speaking, one would toss a coin towards the offertory box, then bow twice, clap twice, and bowing once more before making a prayer. I have always found this practice peculiar because it isn’t found anywhere else in the world.
For the more spiritual individual, the shrine also has a place where you can write prayers or wishes on an ema, which is to be hung up and received by the gods. On the side, there are also shops selling omamori, which are Japanese amulets serving a variety of purposes. I personally got one which is meant to provide protection for my loved ones.
The Meiji-jingu is also an auspicious place to hold a Shinto wedding. During our time there, we were fortunate enough to be present for the procession of the bride and groom into the Naien.
A Shinto wedding procession in full traditional glory.
After exploring the complex a little more, our trip to the local shrine came to an end. We then made our way out of the Gaien and across the street from Harajuku station to Takeshita Street. Said to be the mecca for fashionable high-schoolers, this 400m stretch of road is jam-packed with the latest trends. Compared to the spiritual atmosphere within Meiji-jingu, Takeshita Street resides in a whole other plane of existence.
There’s probably an entire town’s worth of people in this photo.
From clothes to food to daily necessities to purikuras, this street has it all. Because of the sheer amount of chain stores and independent shops which are perceived to be at the frontier of fashion trends, boatloads of people (locals and tourists alike) visit this place every single day. Traversing through this labyrinth of humans can be likened to kayaking up a waterfall – it’s simply impossible. Except it isn’t, because we were eventually able to get to the other end. Phew, what a miracle!
However, getting to the other end of this street meant that we’ve come to the end of our trip. Somewhere deep down in my heart, I’d hoped that we never made it through this bustling street. The newfound friends we’ve met on this tour and the experiences we’ve had originated from this country, this city, after all. But alas, entropy increases forever and time goes on, leaving no man behind. Unlike in Zeno’s Dichotomy Paradox, we who are in locomotion have reached the end goal. We have reached the end of our study tour and we will move on to begin a new adventure. The future awaits, and it will always be waiting. So to you, the reader, who is seeing this in the future, we made it!
Even though I stayed for a few days after the tour ended it was still sad to be leaving Japan. I miss the fancy toilets, the local food, the exciting city and the culture. There are still so many things I want to see and do. Tokyo is an amazing place, one that I’ll surely return to in the future.
I’ve returned from the tour feeling invigorated about the year ahead. I met some amazing people and experienced new things. I learned a lot about science, the industry and Japanese culture. I’ve gained more confidence in my academic path and am starting to feel excited rather than worried about further study. I am excited about exploring more of the world in the coming years.
This study tour is a wonderful opportunity for a young scientist to get out of their comfort zone and realize both how much is going on in the world, and to see what is possible for your career. It was organized and run very well, with lots of support available which contributed to the value I received from it. I am extremely glad I decided to enrol, it has been one the most valuable educational experiences I’ve had.
Photos from my stay after the tour in Shinjuku – a lively entertainment district with many bars and restaurants. And finally my last look at Japan out the window of the plane.
Dear Japan, It took me a few days to wake up and realise that I’m back home, back to reality!
It has been a pleasure to visit you, walk in your streets, get on your packed trains, meet your amazing people, try your delicious food and get a feel of your lifestyle for one whole week. One week was not enough though. You had so much to surprise me with during my stay, and I know for sure that you have so much more to offer that even a lifetime won’t be enough to explore you.
From left to right: The organised chaos of the exhibition, the remarkable Tokyo Tower and an ominous view from a monorail.
You have proved to me that you are remarkable in everything: The amount of respect your people have, your time preciseness, your educational advancement, your clean streets and your perfection in building things as small in size as nanoparticles and as big as the vast earthquake-proof buildings.
I truly appreciate every breath I took from your fresh air, on your honoured land.
Thank you Japan for an experience that I will cherish forever.
Nanotechnology Study Tour – 2020 
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