If You Jump Off a Bridge it Better be Bungee Style!

                Before coming to Ibaraki Prefecture, I had no idea that there were so many things to do and places to see. Within the first week of my stay, the students told me that Ibaraki was host to a very popular bungee jumping location. I came to Japan with the full intention of living life to the fullest, so bungee jumping was definitely something I wanted to try.

                Interestingly enough, my first host family took me to the Ryujin Suspension Bridge within that first week. This is where Japan’s highest bungee jump is located. I did not jump that day. To bungee jump you must book your jump several weeks in advance.

                Honestly, I was scared of walking on the bridge the first time I am a bit surprised that I followed through with bungee jumping. I asked Patrick and Erina to accompany me in this adrenaline pumped experience. At first we were all very excited, but when we stepped down onto the bungee platform (which is underneath the initial bridge walkway) that excitement vanished. We were left with sweaty palms and racing hearts. There was no turning back. 

                The original plan was for Patrick to jump first, then me, and then Erina. But the bungee workers make the people who weigh the lightest jump first. So I had to do the first jump! I wasn’t ready. I could see and hear the instructors tell me what to do, but all I could think about was the possibility of something going wrong. What really scared me is they strap your ankles together and then ask you to stand at the edge of the platform, with your toes hanging off. At this moment, all I wanted was ability to move my legs freely and to grab on to the framework of the bridge. But the bungee workers tell you that you must hold your hands out, look straight forward, and jump when the yell “BUNGEE!” 

                As the famous quote goes: “life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” I was breathing so fast that I felt like stopped breathing completely. When the workers quickly counted down and yelled that bungee I closed my eyes and jumped. As I fell through the air I let out a quick scream. You would not believe how fast you fall and then come right back up! (To those who are wondering, bungee jumping isn’t painful.) The whole experience was breathe taking. When I was being pulled up all I could do was laugh. I had never been so scared in my life and yet I had never had such an amazing feeling. It was unforgettable! 

                After I was lifted back up onto the platform, Erina’s jump and Patrick’s jump were almost immediate. Erina jump bounced the highest and Patrick’s jumping form was flawless. We all survived our first bungee experience! We celebrated our accomplishments and gathered with both friends and family to enjoy a delicious lunch at the restaurant next to bridge. It was a perfect ending to an amazing experience. However, as amazing as it was, it will be quite some time before I jump off another bridge.