Beauty Therapist student swaps glam for Geishas

Recently a group of beauty therapy students travelled to the far east to learn more about Japanese culture and beauty treatments, one of those students Eryn-Rae has put together her highlights of the trip.

My name is Eryn-Rae and I am a part time level 3 beauty therapist studying at Gateshead College this year. Amongst the wildest things I never thought possible, a trip to Japan – (funded by Gateshead College) was not something I anticipated being so fortunate to be a part of. It would be safe to say that as soon as I was told that I was going, my case was packed!

Japan has always had a special place in my heart for as long as I can recall. A country renowned for its cleanliness, friendliness and for its advancement in society in terms of technology and knowledge, and its fascinating history of Geisha, Samurai, Monarchy and so much more. To be able to go was an honour, and it allowed me to put some of my language practice to some good use!

During the trip we had the opportunity to visit a number of beauty colleges, including Harajuku Belle Epoque Beauty College, SABFA (Shiseido), Earth, Head Concierge, and many others. We were told how they do beauty treatments in Japan through their demonstrations and we also had the chance to undertake hands-on tutorials that allowed us to experience the techniques first-hand, (The head spa massage was to die for) we learned so many valuable lessons that can be implemented into our college training but also in terms of the world of work. From makeup masterclasses in perfecting the Asian standard, to competing in a hair perming challenge- it was all incredible. We were also able to take part in sightseeing with our amazing ツアーガイド (tour guide/ Tsuāgaido), allowing us all to see and experience Tokyo and Kyoto in ways many people can only dream of.

We visited the imperial palace in Ginza, ate crazy crepes down in Harajuku’s narrowest street, played with mini pigs in a cafe, visited notoriously ancient shrines and temples, fed snow monkeys on a mountain peak in Kyoto and even visited the infamous bowing deers of Nara Park. The Great Kannon in Kamakura bloomed in cherry blossoms and koi fish swam in ponds beneath the iconic Japanese bridges and we even saw the great Buddha! We also got to visit the famous scramble crossing in Shibuya, and were able to see the chaos unfold from Starbucks window.

One day in particular which fulfilled an aspiration of mine was the trip to Asakusa which is famous for the Sensoji shrine, encompassed by a pagoda and a ridiculously massive Shinto shrine. We arrived at a kimono rental shop, and each of us were able to select our own kimono and were dressed from head to toe in the traditional garment. We walked around Asakusa, and I felt a part of the culture, many of the locals admiring the idea of someone not so native adorning and deeply immersing into their centuries old customs. I was so sad to take my kimono off, I would wear one every day if I could! Being in Asakusa also meant being close to the Tokyo Skytree, I was able to go to the very top of the tower in the daytime and see the very vastness of Tokyo and the views were simply breathtaking! To be honest as I recount all of this, it feels very much like a fever dream.

We travelled to Kyoto on the Shinkansen (famously known as the bullet train), and were able to see Mount Fuji standing proudly from a short distance and on the nighttime we walked through the Gion district known for hosting 200 out of the 1000 geisha’s left in Japan.

I think considering we were there for two weeks I was able to tick off so much on my bucket list that I thought were never possible. The walking tours, the bamboo forests – even the shopping and the food, there was nothing that I didn’t enjoy about the experience as a whole.

From this experience I have gained so much grounding, it’s given me a sense of direction knowing that there are opportunities in Japan. I definitely would consider moving over there at some point in the near future, I felt so much at home and didn’t really want to leave. It’s an experience that as many in Japan would refer as ‘Isshō ni ichido’ – One in a lifetime.

I’d like to thank Gateshead College for this experience, but also thank Donna and Helen for being our support network during our trip – but also to those coordinating and making this possible from behind the scenes, but also extend a thank you to the group of students I attended with who were all so lovely, funny and immersed into everything with an open mind.

It has been a pleasure recounting and writing about Japan, I do hope in the future that Gateshead College are able to bring forward more trips like this as I believe everyone should be able to have an opportunity to gather such enrichment in their learning from other cultures. That being said, Arigato Gozaimasu (thank you!).

Eryn-Rae

L3 Part Time Beauty Therapy.