The Columbia Lions women’s basketball team touched down in Japan this August, kicking off an eleven‑day itinerary that weaves together competitive play and deep‑rooted cultural exploration.
Sport Meets Heritage
Their first stop in Kyoto placed them before the shimmering silhouette of Kinkaku‑ji, the Golden Pavilion, and the storied Kiyomizu‑dera, both UNESCO sites that have watched centuries of pilgrimage.
A highlight of the Kyoto leg was a traditional tea ceremony, where the athletes observed the deliberate choreography of whisking matcha, a ritual that mirrors the precision they bring to the court.
Leaving Kyoto, the squad traveled to Hiroshima, where they paid respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the adjacent A‑Bomb Dome, sites that bear witness to history and resilience.
On August 14, the Lions faced Ritsumeikan University in an exhibition match that tested their mettle against a disciplined Japanese opponent, before wandering through the endless vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha.
The journey then shifted to Tokyo, where the team squared off against the Japanese National Team in a high‑profile showcase, and later marveled at the towering Tokyo Skytree, a modern emblem of the city’s skyline.
Throughout the tour, the players balanced rigorous training with moments of reflection, noting how the juxtaposition of ancient shrines and contemporary arenas enriched their perspective both on and off the court.