Yokohama Day Trip 

Osaka

Omakase in Osaka

One of our favorite expereiences was the Omakase. Omakase means "I'll leave it up to you," which is basically what we did! This chef is an expert at his craft, he made what he felt like that day, and we ate whatever he put in front of us. This was the best meal of Japan by far. We were there for over 2 hours and it felt like 30 minutes. 

Kyoto

Sadly, Sukura (cherry blossom) had not yet bloomed, but we still went around to different temples and the famous Inari Gates in Kyoto. 

Nara

From Osaka, we took a 40 minute rapid train to Nara. I loved this park, it holds the biggest Buddha statue in the entire world. We were able to feed the deer (even though most were full) and they did bow to you before eating! 

Tokyo (Back to Business)

We had our fun, but now it was time for me to move in! Alex, Alex's mom, my mom, and I all went to Teamlab Planets after. We did not expect it to be so immersive (walking knee deep in water, walking through small spaces, etc). That is something I will never ever forget. 

Sophia University 

Here is my new home university! It is the oldest Catholic university in Japan dating back t0 1928. I had my first orientation and sadly had to say goodbye to my mom on this day (April 2nd). It is the start of my journey here in Japan. 

DisneySea

I had to go to DisneySea. Originally from the Los Angeles area, I wanted to see how different it was from Anaheim Disney. It was so fun to eat GOOD food and it was all themed. All the rides had very long wait times, and now I know why people in Japan line up hours before the park opens for the rope drop. 

Nagoya - Formula 1

I had the chance to go to Nagoya for the Formula 1 race at Suzuka Circuit. It was a 1.5 hour bullet train to Nagoya, and then about another two-hour train ride to Suzuka circuit, then a 40-minute walk. It was hard to get to, but so worth it! 

Sukura Season

Cherry blossoms or "Sukura" season is celebrated in Japan. It marks the start of spring and brings new birth and vibrance to this change of season. I was able to awe at the blooms in Nagoya, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and more. 

My life now...School, Dorm, Food!

I am now officially moved into my dorm and I made it much homier. I have made friends in DK House Nerima, and friends at Sophia. I have noticed at my particular dorm is that there is not a lot of American people. The people I have met in the dorm have been from Scotland, Ireland, Finland, United Kingdom, Mexico, Slovakia, and France. At Sophia, we register for classes only a few days before school starts, so it was challenging and very confusing! After emailing 100 times to helpful Shidler advisors, my classes are all set, and I am excited to start this Friday (April 12th)! 

Daiba 

Daiba is an artificial island in Tokyo that has the famous rainbow bridge and their own Statue of Liberty from France! It was orignally built for defensive purposes in the 1850's and now has been redeveloped into a fun place. They have everything here! Malls, architecture, race tracks, arcades, movie theaters, etc.

Chicago The Musical! 

I grew up watching musicals in Los Angeles, California. My love for them grew throughout the years and I saw that they had a Broadway musical playing right in Tokyo. This building had the best intermission views I have ever seen in my life. 

My 9-day trip to South Korea and Taiwan!

I had a Friday off from school for "Golden Week" and thought why not go travel to Korea! That is when Alex had the idea..."if we already are over there, why not add Taiwan on our list." I said alright! After finding the cheapest budget airlines that I have never heard of, we were off to South Korea for 5 days, and Taiwan for 4 days.  When we took off in the plane, the Japanese airport staff on the ground waved at us from the tarmac! 

SOUTH KOREA!

I was lucky enough to travel to South Korea for four days. Alex had two friends who lived in Korea and were able to take us around the first two days. I was met with nothing but kindness from the people of Korea. It is one of my favorite cities I have ever visited in the world. The food was also some of the most delicious food I have had! 

Taiwan

From Korea, I flew to Taiwan. We traveled to the main sites such as Taipei 101 and memorial halls. The most unique places I went to was Jioufen Market, Houtang Cat Village (an old coal minery), and the night markets. The night markets are extremely big there. I was able to meet up with a fellow SGL (Rachel Lu) that is studying there to show us around and what to eat. 

Back to Business in Japan!

We landed Monday morning at Narita airport, and I made the two-hour journey back to my dorm. I had the most amazing time and truly saw a different side of another culture. What shocked me the most were the markets in Korea and the nigh markets in Taiwan. I have never been truly culture shocked to the core until I walked down the long lanes of food and the way they cook it in their spaces. 

Themed Cafe Hopping <3

Cafe's are a big thing anywhere in Asia. I had the best black sesame latte in Korea, and a cute dog cafe in Taiwan. I want to highlight some of my favorite cafes from Japan! 

Kobe, Japan

Alex's mom was visitng from Hawaii and was staying in Kobe. We were able to take the Shinkansen and travel up to see her.  Alex and his mom used to live in Japan for two years so we visited their old house, Alex's old high school, and where his sister is going to college. 

Japanese Baseball Game

I experienced my first Japanese baseball game. The Tokyo Giants VS The Mariners! I grew up going to Dodger Stadium all the time during baseball season. This crowd was wild, the chants were coordinated, and there were cheerleaders. 

Tokyo Disneyland

Emily came to Japan after attending a school event in Hong Kong.  Growing up by Disneyland Anaheim, she wanted to check out Tokyo Disneyland...and I did too!

Yokohama Firework Festival

There was a 30 minute firework show and a drone show with other 1,000 drones!

Kamakura 

A beach town in Japan about two hours from Nerima and one hour from Tokyo Station. We went to two temples, ate what they are known for (little baby fish), and visited the beach. 

Yukata Day at Sophia University 

I am now the proud owner of a Yukata! A Yukata is a lighter and more cotton based kimono. A kimono is more extravagant, used for winter and special occasions. A Yukata is a summer kimono that usually has bright colors and patterns. I learned how to put it on myself and do my hair. 

Asakusa 

Finally, I was able to visit Senso-ji and Asakusa Shrine. Alex and I dressed up in our Yukatas again to go site-see and then go to omakase. 

Summer Festival: Mitama Matsuri

This was a summer festival based around lanterns located at Yasukuni Jinja. There was dancing, food, and games. One of my favorite memories from Japan has been dancing a traditional dance in my yukata. 

Mt Takao 

Alex and I were able to take a ropeway up to the middle of Mt Takao! After a long discussion in 98-degree heat, we decided to hike the rest of the way up to the summit. This was the first time I saw Mt Fuji. 

Immersive Monet Experience 

This was a pop-up display of Monet. I am a big fan of his work so we had a nice time sitting in this room with 360 degree screens. We never miss a chance to have lunch! 

Goodbye Japan! 

Back to Hawaii 

The day has come where I moved out of my dorm. I found myself very sad to leave. What an amazing experience I have had the past four months. I am even more appreciative of Japan and the kindness this country has shown me. **Do not be me and take home four checked bags! 

Thank you!

Thank you for following along on my blog on my Spring 2024 semester abroad in Japan. I am extremely grateful to have this opposunity and I will never forget it.