Since this was my first time abroad I was having trouble navigating where to sightsee. Not being familiar with the written language or the area I had an extreme time navigating. I landed in Tokyo first and thank goodness I had another student with me to help navigate the transit system. However, trying to do it on my own was a challenge. My google maps did not work and I could not understand the signs or conversion of dollars and Coins. Needless to say I did get lost a few times. Since being in Japan there are many train lines to take. In my opinion, the Tokyo train system was the most confusing to use. Osaka was a little easier to manage because there were not as many gates and platforms but it still took a long time to get my bearings. I recently went to Nara which is about forty five minutes from Hirakata where Kansai Gaidai is located. However, me and my friend went in the opposite direction to Osaka City, so we had to get off at the next stop and then take a train back again. My GPS is useless. Additionally, in the United States there are many street names which can be useful when navigating while driving or walking. However, in Japan there are no street signs I could understand which makes it confusing when traveling down some of these narrow roads. I used landmarks to navigate. Many sources I have read state Tokyo train system is similar to a “labyrinth,” because trains do not all go in one direction; it stops at multiple locations to change trains and platforms not to mention but I had a 70 lb suitcase to lug around.This did not help with easy travel; However I finally made it to school. Throughout my time here in Osaka I understand the convenience and necessity of the transportation system. It is the easiest way to travel throughout Japan considering there is no UBER to call and taxi services can only be used with a Japanese phone number.
