Japan

Between my junior and senior years of high school, I went to Japan for two weeks in July as part of the Michigan Dept. of Education's Shiga/Michigan Cultural Exchange Program. Shiga is a province in Japan; it's most famous attribute is Lake Biwa, which is the largest lake in Japan. I stayed with a family in Hikone, Japan where I went to school with their daughter and was able to gain a larger understanding of their daily lives.

Japan is a very interesting country with a lot of history. While I was there, I visited the Hikone Castle which was built in the 17th century. It was very pretty and you are able to go inside the castle which was interesting. I also visited Kyoto during one of their festivals. One of the stories that was the most interesting to me had to do with the wishing tree. Each year people attach their wishes to a tree of branch as part of the festival. The story behind it is that there were two lovers who were not supposed to see each other (read the story Tanabata). In the end, they became the two stars Altair and Vega, and are only allowed to meet once a year, on July 7th, when the stars face each other. If, however, it is cloudy and rainy, then the lovers can not meet, and if this happens, your wish will not come true.

While in Kyoto, I also visited one of the shrines which is called Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple"). The temples were very elaborate, but the main feature at this temple was the fountain of water, which is how it got it's name. It is supposed to have healing powers and anyone who visits can take a drink from it.

I would definitely recommend visiting Japan and especially Kyoto and Hikone. Here are some websites where you can learn more about Japan:

• Hikone
• Kyoto
• Photos