Journey Abroad #7b: Garden Torii

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Brandon Perez

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Konnichiwa <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> SUNY Geneseo <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2023 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Tokyo, Japan <i>Program provider:</i> Rikkyo University <i>Major/minor:</i> History <i>Demographics:</i> Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation American, First-Generation College Student <i>Future career aspirations:</i> <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i>

During my first weeks in Japan, some international friends and I went to Meiji Jingu, a massive Shinto shrine with a big Torri gate and garden surrounding it. What made this garden fascinating was that even though it was located in Tokyo, entering the place felt as if you were back in nature. Out of custom, it is best to bow just before crossing the shrine.