Well, finals are done and classes are officially over and I am now a week out from going home. It’s weird knowing that these are my final days in Japan. I feel like I’ve done a lot, but then I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface. There are so many things I’d still…
Author: ahoffman@rollins.edu
Takarazuka
During Golden Week, I had an opportunity to go see a Takarazuka show. I had heard that the shows were a lot of fun, so I thought that I would take the opportunity to see a show while I was here. It’s also interesting to note that all of the roles are played by women. These…
Osaka Aquarium
Ever since I was a child, I’ve visited zoos and aquariums in almost every place that I’ve visited. So, naturally, I had to go to Osaka Aquarium, especially since they have whale sharks at the aquarium. The aquarium was along the coast and banners for the aquarium lined the past from the station all the…
Spring Break in Kyushu
Spring break was a much needed break from classes and a good chance to explore. I ended up going to Kyushu with some friends. I was set to meet with my friends in Fukuoka, since the night bus they were taking was filled up. But that just meant that I got to take the Shinkansen,…
Byodoin Temple
So my speaking partner and I met up again and decided on going to see Byodoin Temple. But first we decided to eat lunch. So we wandered around near the station for a place to eat and came upon a matcha cafe. We both ended up ordering the same thing, funny enough, ending up with…
Osaka Castle
So one day after classes, my speaking partner and I decided to meet up and go to Osaka Castle. None of the plum blossoms were blooming, but soon enough it’ll be that time of year. The outside of the castle was gorgeous, with a large stone base and white outer walls. It’s amazing to think…
Kobe Beef & the Chinese New Year
Since we had a national holiday that resulted in classes being canceled, a group of us went to Kobe for the day. While most of the group was excited for Chinese New Year, I was more excited for the Kobe beef. We made it to Kobe in about an hour, so we made our way…
Kyoto & the Fushimi Inari Shrine
There had been an optional trip to Kyoto on the Saturday following the first week of classes. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I made my way to school for the pre-departure meeting. We were split up into groups before making our way to Kyoto. By the time my groups (as well as any other groups)…
Wakakusa Yamayaki
Well, I didn’t expect to go to a festival this early into my stay in Japan, but it was definitely worth it! There had only been one orientation meeting for the day, we had the rest of the day off. While there was a group of us that planned on going to Osaka that afternoon,…
Bound for Japan
I can’t believe that I only have a few more days until I leave for Japan. It’s a surreal feeling knowing that I’ll be leaving for Japan soon. I’ve wanted to go to Japan since I was in middle school (probably even elementary school), and I can’t believe that I’m almost there. I’ve started talking…