Explore Japan With Me During a Semester Abroad!

My first experiences in Japan at the beginning of my semester abroad have already been so fulfilling, and a whole new journey awaits!

I knew I was going to have the time of my life when my fellow study abroad students and I had our first dinner in Yokohama Chinatown. Even as the rain was beginning to fall, the streets were filled with the aroma of food awaiting us. I was very shocked to know we were going to have a ten-course meal at this local Chinese restaurant, but boy did I enjoy every bit. As we were down to our last course, I learned a new term called bentusbara, a phrase in Japanese that represents multiple stomachs and that included room for desserts.

Visiting Yokohama Chinatown was an amazing experience, from the lanterns lighting up the streets to the good company, and ending the night with a ten-course meal!

Even as I indulged in other cuisines near Tokyo, I felt the warmth and love put into every meal, making every bite more and more delicious—as they say here, oishii (delicious).

The food over the past two weeks has completely changed my taste buds! The local restaurants use many different spices and ingredients that have all been exquisite, and they have such a welcoming atmosphere!

One of my most memorable experiences so far was our trip to Kamakura with my study abroad program. As we embarked on our 3km hike and visited temples and shrines, it was an experience like no other. It truly felt like I was connecting further with the culture of my host country, which provided me with wonderful insight.

Hiking the hills of Kamakura was such a needed experience to connect with nature! And to enjoy a full sunny day here in Japan!

The Shinto shrines which we visited were located in a Kami, a sacred structure where spiritual deities live, with entrances being torii gates that mark the boundaries of the sacred ground and everyday life. The Shinto religion believes there are spirits in everything in nature, alive and material, which means prayers and offerings are made in the Haiden, the public prayer hall. Here on our visit, I was able to pray to the spirits for the release of things I wanted to leave behind, pray for my loved ones, and ask for prosperity in my finances, which was at the Zeniarai Benten shrine. 

Visiting the Zeniarai Benten shrine, we washed our money as part of the ritual to ask for more prosperity in our finances! Such a wonderful immersive experience to get a better idea of the Shinto practices here in Japan!

Along the journey, we found other shrines to pray to the spirits for guidance in love, health, and finding peace within!

Finally, we visited the Great Buddha of Kamakura statue, which was mega tall and just an amazing sight. The statue is known for its symbolic reminder of the teachings amongst the Buddhist religion and gives guidance in following wisdom and compassion in one's heart.

We came upon the 44-ft-tall Great Buddha statue that has stayed intact even after centuries of natural disasters that tore down the outer buildings that protected it!

As I began to explore other areas around Tokyo, I was astonished by all the shops I found and the locals I was able to meet.

Came to Shibuya Crossing to visit the Hachikō statue! This depicts the famously loyal Akita dog who waited for his owner every day at the train station; even after his owner's passing, he still showed up!

Shopping in Harajuku as a fashion major meant seeing in real life the beauty in textiles and expression in clothing. All the different types of styles can be found in this city, and you meet wonderful designers who are very proud of their craftsmanship!

I truly enjoyed every site I came upon and can't wait to share more of my journey with you all!

Wonderful way to end summer at Yuigahama Beach, which had the warmest water to swim in and the softest sand to go on walks in!

Exploring the Sakuragichō area with my buddies, enjoying some wonderful sights, and taking some pictures along the way!