Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Josh Wang
Women’s Basketball Announces Japan 2026 Foreign Tour Itinerary
6/16/2026 9:33:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Lions to Spend 10 Days Competing and Exploring Across Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo
NEW YORK — Columbia Women's Basketball is set to embark on a 10-day foreign tour to Japan from August 11-21, combining international competition, cultural immersion and team-building experiences across four of the country's most iconic cities.
The Lions will visit Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo, playing three exhibition games against Japanese competition, including an exhibition game against the Japanese National Team, while experiencing some of Japan's most historic landmarks and modern attractions. The tour will provide valuable preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 season while offering student-athletes an opportunity to broaden their global perspective through travel and cultural exchange.
"Our foreign tours are an incredible opportunity for our team to grow both on and off the court," said Lavine Family Head Coach of Women's Basketball Megan Griffith. "This will be a special trip in a special place. We also have so many alums in Asia that we are excited to connect with.
"The combination of competition, cultural experiences and time together creates memories and lessons that last far beyond basketball. We're excited to experience Japan and represent Columbia University internationally."
Columbia will spend four nights in Osaka and Kyoto, one night in Hiroshima and four nights in Tokyo. Along the way, the team will visit historic temples, participate in a youth coaching clinic, engage with alumni, and compete in three exhibition contests against Japanese opponents.
Tour Highlights
Osaka & Kyoto
The Lions begin their journey in Japan's historic former capital, exploring some of the country's most celebrated cultural sites. Highlights include visits to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a walk through the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha torii gates, and an excursion to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The team will also participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Hiroshima
While in Hiroshima, Columbia will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, gaining insight into one of the most significant moments in world history and Hiroshima's enduring message of peace.
Tokyo
The final leg of the tour takes the Lions to Japan's vibrant capital city. Activities include visits to Tokyo Skytree and the immersive teamLab Planets digital art museum, a youth coaching clinic with local players, alumni engagement events, and an Amazing Race-style team challenge throughout Tokyo.
Exhibition Schedule
Friday, August 14
Exhibition Game #1 vs. Local Competition (Osaka)
Tuesday, August 18
Exhibition Game #2 vs. Rikkyo University (Tokyo)
Wednesday, August 19
Exhibition Game #3 vs. Japanese National Team (Tokyo)
Columbia Women's Basketball 2026 Japan Foreign Tour Itinerary
Tuesday, August 11
Depart Newark Liberty International Airport for Japan.
Wednesday, August 12
Arrive in Japan and travel to Kyoto. Team orientation and welcome dinner.
Thursday, August 13
Visit Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. Explore Kyoto's historic districts and cultural landmarks.
Friday, August 14
Morning visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Exhibition Game #1 in Osaka.
Saturday, August 15
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
Sunday, August 16
Travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Monday, August 17
Travel to Tokyo. Evening alumni meet-and-greet event.
Tuesday, August 18
Visit Tokyo Skytree. Conduct a youth coaching clinic and compete against Rikkyo University in Exhibition Game #2.
Wednesday, August 19
Experience teamLab Planets and compete against the Japanese National Team in Exhibition Game #3.
Thursday, August 20
Participate in an Amazing Race-style team challenge throughout Tokyo. Closing team dinner.
Friday, August 21
Depart Tokyo for New York City.
FOLLOW THE LIONS:
Fans can follow Columbia Women's Basketball throughout the tour on the team's social media channels for behind-the-scenes content, game updates and highlights from Japan.
The Lions will visit Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo, playing three exhibition games against Japanese competition, including an exhibition game against the Japanese National Team, while experiencing some of Japan's most historic landmarks and modern attractions. The tour will provide valuable preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 season while offering student-athletes an opportunity to broaden their global perspective through travel and cultural exchange.
"Our foreign tours are an incredible opportunity for our team to grow both on and off the court," said Lavine Family Head Coach of Women's Basketball Megan Griffith. "This will be a special trip in a special place. We also have so many alums in Asia that we are excited to connect with.
"The combination of competition, cultural experiences and time together creates memories and lessons that last far beyond basketball. We're excited to experience Japan and represent Columbia University internationally."
Columbia will spend four nights in Osaka and Kyoto, one night in Hiroshima and four nights in Tokyo. Along the way, the team will visit historic temples, participate in a youth coaching clinic, engage with alumni, and compete in three exhibition contests against Japanese opponents.
Tour Highlights
Osaka & Kyoto
The Lions begin their journey in Japan's historic former capital, exploring some of the country's most celebrated cultural sites. Highlights include visits to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a walk through the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha torii gates, and an excursion to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The team will also participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Hiroshima
While in Hiroshima, Columbia will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, gaining insight into one of the most significant moments in world history and Hiroshima's enduring message of peace.
Tokyo
The final leg of the tour takes the Lions to Japan's vibrant capital city. Activities include visits to Tokyo Skytree and the immersive teamLab Planets digital art museum, a youth coaching clinic with local players, alumni engagement events, and an Amazing Race-style team challenge throughout Tokyo.
Exhibition Schedule
Friday, August 14
Exhibition Game #1 vs. Local Competition (Osaka)
Tuesday, August 18
Exhibition Game #2 vs. Rikkyo University (Tokyo)
Wednesday, August 19
Exhibition Game #3 vs. Japanese National Team (Tokyo)
Columbia Women's Basketball 2026 Japan Foreign Tour Itinerary
Tuesday, August 11
Depart Newark Liberty International Airport for Japan.
Wednesday, August 12
Arrive in Japan and travel to Kyoto. Team orientation and welcome dinner.
Thursday, August 13
Visit Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. Explore Kyoto's historic districts and cultural landmarks.
Friday, August 14
Morning visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Exhibition Game #1 in Osaka.
Saturday, August 15
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
Sunday, August 16
Travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Monday, August 17
Travel to Tokyo. Evening alumni meet-and-greet event.
Tuesday, August 18
Visit Tokyo Skytree. Conduct a youth coaching clinic and compete against Rikkyo University in Exhibition Game #2.
Wednesday, August 19
Experience teamLab Planets and compete against the Japanese National Team in Exhibition Game #3.
Thursday, August 20
Participate in an Amazing Race-style team challenge throughout Tokyo. Closing team dinner.
Friday, August 21
Depart Tokyo for New York City.
FOLLOW THE LIONS:
Fans can follow Columbia Women's Basketball throughout the tour on the team's social media channels for behind-the-scenes content, game updates and highlights from Japan.
Friday, April 24
Monday, April 06
Thursday, April 02
Wednesday, April 01
