A Basketball Journey Across Japan
The Columbia Lions women’s basketball squad embarked on an ambitious 11‑day tour of Japan, touching down in Kyoto on August 11 and wrapping up in Tokyo on August 21. The itinerary was designed to blend high‑level competition with an immersive exploration of the country’s historic and modern landmarks.
Cultural Immersion in Kyoto and Hiroshima
The team’s first days were spent in Kyoto, where they toured the golden façade of Kinkaku‑ji, wandered through the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and climbed the steps of Kiyomizu‑dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers sweeping views of the city. They later traveled to Hiroshima, visiting the Peace Memorial Museum and the A‑Bomb Dome, including the Children’s Peace Memorial and the iconic Peace Bell.
On the Court
During their stay they faced three distinct opponents: Ritsumeikan University, Rikkyo University’s Niiza campus and the Japanese national team. The most anticipated matchup took place at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo, where Columbia secured a 63‑59 victory. Riley Weiss led the scoring with 17 points, while Fliss Henderson and Hilke Feldrappe contributed 13 points each, underscoring the team’s depth.
Beyond the Game
Beyond the hardwood, the Lions embraced Japanese tradition with a tea ceremony in Kyoto and a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermilion torii gates line the mountain path. They also sampled local cuisine at Micchan Sohonten in Hiroshima and The Warehouse in Tokyo, giving them a taste of regional flavors.
Travel and Final Days
Efficient Shinkansen service cut the 510‑mile journey from Kyoto to Tokyo to under four hours, allowing the squad to maximize both training and sightseeing. In the capital they explored the Tokyo Skytree, the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena and the digital art museum TeamLab Planets, concluding the tour with a fireside chat hosted by the Columbia University Alumni Association of Japan.