During my time in Japan, I had the opportunity to travel to Kanazawa. A part of Japan that is beautiful! It was an expensive Shinkansen ride that was about 2 or 3 hours from Tokyo; however, it was beautiful and so relaxing!
My family and I stayed 3 days in Kanazawa and loved the history and culture that we saw there. Here are the places we went to: Kanazawa Castle - Kanazawa Castle was great! There was great scenery. The castle itself was destroyed, but they remade the guards part of the castle and it was so cool to see! Kenroku-Eno - BEAUTIFUL garden connected to Kanazawa Castle Tsudumimon - This is the famous arch right in front of Kanazawa station (HUGE)! Omicho Market - Open Fish Market! (Go in the morning) Nishi Chaya District - This is where the geishas used to live! It was a cute little street filled with shops and walk in historical rooms. I made a gold leaf picture frame here! Gold Leaf Museum - Kanazawa is known for their gold leaf making. The process is intense and the museum made me appreciate all the gold leaf products. Each place was beautiful. If you ever go to Kanazawa, make sure to get the loop bus ticket which lasts for a day and is only 500 yen! It was well worth it and nice and air conditioned.
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My boyfriend was able to visit me in Japan! One of the major highlights of our trip was going to Kyushu! We rented a car (SCARY I KNOW) and drove 2-3 hours to Beppu. Beppu is famously known for there hells onsen. My grandpa recommended we go there, and it was so interesting!!! The hellos (Jigoku) are not for going in, but for observing. They all have different facts about them, some are grey and mysterious from the type of soil in the earth, some are bright red from the soil in the ground, one breeds crocodiles because of the perfect warm temperature, and more! The hells are fairly spread out, so you have to take a bus, or even walk to some. It's fun to walk around to see all the little shops and catch some local food! The next thing we did was go to the Takamiya monkey park. The Takamiya monkey park was so funny! We took a small little trolley to the top of the mountain, and immediately we saw the monkeys. They wander around and aren't afraid to crawl through your legs and more! When they ring the food bell, all the monkeys rush towards the main area (short video shown below)! They're absolutely, so funny. I would highly recommend coming here! To end our time in Beppu, we went to a gondola ride! Brad was so scared, as he's never been on a gondola ride. However, the view was amazing and it was so worth it. We hiked to the top most part of the mountain and enjoyed the view. It was a perfect way to end our time in Beppu. After this, we drove back to Fukuoka (I slept the entire way and Brad drove) and ate dinner. I would highly, highly recommend coming to Beppu. However, if you plan to with 2 or more people, it's just as expensive or cheaper to rent a car rather than the shinkansen pass. The JR Kyushu pass will not cover the shinkansen ride to Beppu from Fukuoka. The drive was breathtaking and calming! At first we were scared to drive on the opposite side of the road and car, but it was worth it and not bad at all!! My grandpa is very, very interested in our genealogy. He's always showed me pictures of my great grandmother and grandfather, told me stories of how they came to Hawai`i, and even showed me our Koseki before! Since the passing of my grandpa's first cousin death in Japan, he was unable to contact them. While he did not know much about the family, he really wished he could have met them in person. Because of his health and age, he's unable to fly to Japan and meet them. For my grandpa, studying our genealogy and sharing it with me is a way to re-connect to our family ties in Japan. It all came magically to life when I was able to visit them in Japan. I'll never forget the experience I had. Miss Yoko Waki is a very, very generous lady from the Japanese Cultural Center that helps my grandpa with translation of our Koseki. She actually had the opportunity to meet my grandpa's first cousin in Japan right before he passed away. It just so happened, that she would be in Shizuoka a day I was free and that she was able to introduce me to my family. My family lives in a small town near the city of Shizuoka. I was really nervous to meet them, as I only thought I was going to meet one of my uncles. I had absolutely no knowledge that the entire family would be there, or if I even had cousins. I took my friend Cayli with me, because she speaks a little Japanese and my family in Shizuoka does not speak any english at all. Cayli and I took the shinkansen to Shizuoka and stayed at a very, very cute airbnb! the owners were super generous, cooked us an amazing breakfast and drove us to the train station the next day. We met Miss Yoko San at the train station and began our departure via taxi to my family's house! I was So So surprised to have an entire family great me: 2 grandmas, 3 grandpas, 1 uncle, 1 aunty, and 4 girl cousins that were ages 19-30! The first thing they said to us was "kawaiiii!" and Cayli and I were so shocked and confused!!! Because my cousins were unable to speak english, and Cayli and I were limited in our Japanese, it was difficult to converse with all of them. However, I got to know a little bit about my cousins and followed them on social media! The whole family walked to the grave where my ancestors were and they prepared an entire meal for us. Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life! If you're looking to take a day trip out of Tokyo, Kamakura and Enoshima are the perfect place to go! They're both not too far from Yokohama, and have more of a nature-tourist feel. We started off our day in Kamakura. Walking through the streets of Kamakura proved to be really fun! There were many cute shops where you can buy omiyage. We got some ice cream and continued down the path to the temple at the end! We got to see a wedding, and it was really cool! There were booths where you could buy little food things and it was so fun and beautiful. Kamakura is known for the big Buddha, but because of time, we weren't able to go. We ate yummy soba and tempura at a small shop, and headed out towards Enoshima. Enoshima was BEAUTIFUL. It's definitely more Hawaii-like, with beautiful beaches and a little town feel. We sprinted up the mountain and down so we could see the caves before they closed, and catch the sunset. The caves were very, very interesting. Inside, there were statues that you could observe and read about! It was cold, wet, and you could hear the ocean in the background. After the caves, we caught the sunset on the beach with Mt. Fuji in the background. We got to take pictures and made a few Japanese friends on the way! We traveled back up the mountain to the garden and observatory. At night,we saw the lights and it was very pretty! You could see the stars and city moving while we talked about our day! Overall, Enoshima/Kamakura was really fun! I would recommend going. I'm so fortunate and blessed to have amazing friends (tour guides) that have been studying abroad in Japan or have come to Japan before. Two weeks ago, I had a great time exploring Yokohama with 3 other friends. Yokohama is actually pretty close to the Keio University dorms, so it's a great plce to explore when you have time. One of the first things we did was explore China Town. It's very different from Hawai`i's China Town (a little cleaner and less hole in the wall types of places), but it's really cool. We ate a restaurant that was amazing! After China Town, we went to Yokohama. What's interesting about Yokohama is that it looks more westernized because of the history behind it. The water was gorgeous, the park was filled with people having picnics, and it was overall great. We then went to the cup of noodle museum. It was so inspiring and innovative! We tried Shoyu Cup of Noodle Icecream, and it was pretty gross; however, it was worth the experience! After that, we went to the Ramen Museum. It was amazing: it took you back to another era. There was live okinawan music and it really set the mood. Here's a link to see more of it. I would definitely recommend coming here for dinner! So, China Town, Yokohama Port, Cup of Noodle Shoyu Ice Cream, and the Ramen Museum! It was a great day. I LOVE Yokohama! Hey Guys!
A long, long time since my last post. Here's some updates for you! I've been in Japan for about 2-3 weeks now! IT'S TRULY AMAZING!!!! Here are some important tips for all of you studying abroad: 1. Resident Card/Registering Residence Right when you enter Japan, you'll have to get a resident card. This is really, really easy. As long as you have your certificate of eligibility, you'll be fine. They'll give you a card with your face on it and important information when you go through immigration. This is important! You have to keep this with you at all times. Once you move into the dorms, you'll have to register your residence at your local ward office. This was super complicated, but luckily my RA took us! I was so thankful. If you don't speak or read or write any Japanese, you'll truly have trouble. Everything is written in katakana/hiragana, and there are few English speakers. I would HIGHLY suggest you take a friend or go with someone for this. Also, get a copy of it. You'll have to fill out ANOTHER form for this, it will cost 600 yen, but you'll need it for orientation. While doing this, you'll also have to register for National Health Insurance. If you don't have your student ID card with you, you'll have to come back so you can get the student discount (6000 yen vs 2000 yen). 2. Pocket Wifi Everyone I have met so far has a SIM card for their phone. However, I have a pocket wifi that I love! It was SO easy to pick it up at the airport. I went to a postal office at the airport, where it was ready for me to pick up. I went through this company: http://en.wifi-rental-store.jp/. It wasn't too expensive, and they give envelopes so you can mail it back when you're finished. I found this extremely useful for my family to use as well. If you do this, make sure you have an external battery charger! 3. Opening up a bank account This was pretty hard to do, but LUCKILY, the RA took us as well! Most of the dorms are by Hiyoshi Station, and that's where we made our bank account. You'll need to open one in order to pay rent. I would suggest opening one up near the Mita Campus (where your classes will be), because there are more English speaking workers, and they have experience with Mita students! I would go here as soon as you can, so that you can schedule an appointment. The banks get very crowded! Before you open one, get an ikan (at a 100 yen store)! You'll also need to know how to write your name in katakana or hiragana! side note: they do not take traveler's checks! 4. Moving into the Dorm My dorm is Plume IS! Moving in was super easy. However, it was very, very dirty. Typically, no one is allowed into your room; however, the dorm manager let my family come in! The dorm people are so friendly, and the RAs are SO helpful! I bought a whole bunch of stuff on the day I moved in: Pots and pans, water, CLEANING SUPPLIES, and more! 5. Orientations There are a whole bunch of orientations you'll get to go to. PAY ATTENTION, they have such useful information. In addition, make sure you look up what to bring (ID PHOTOS). It was so, so cool getting to meet all the other exchange students from around the world! You'll get to meet people from France, Austria, Taiwan, Montreal, Chicago, California, and more! Hello Everyone!
Japan is only 11 days away for me – I’m so excited, and a little nervous to be honest! It’s crazy to think that I’ll be living in another country for the next five months or so! Preparing has been hectic, and I’m a bit nervous I’m forgetting a few things… Here’s an update of what I’ve done these past weeks! 1. Resident Card Research 2. Yen Exchange 3. Bank Exchange 4. Purchased my Pocket Wifi Packing: I’ll give you more information about what I’m officially packing but this is what I’m planning! (One suitcase) 1. Half with clothes (I plan to purchase some in Japan, because that’s what everyone recommends) i. Side Note: Japan “normality,” according to many people I’ve talked to, is that girls don’t typicall where like tank tops and short! They’re very conservative, so I’m trying to pack less of those types of clothes, and more conservatively! 2. Omiyage: Mac Nuts, Coffee, and chocolates for the Tomodatchi I meet and more! 3. Hygiene things i.Shampoo and Conditioner for when I first arrive ii. OTHER! 4. Traveler’s Checks & Yen! 5. School Supplies 6.Chargers, electronics, etc. 7. Photo ID pictures i. This may be for the Resident Card, or anything that might happen! 8. Copies of important documents i. All my Keio Documents ii. ID (Passport, License, etc.) This is what I have planned so far… I’m planning to purchase a lot up there! But that’s it. I’ll update you guys soon on more stuff! Hi Friends!
So, I got my Visa this past Friday! ** Please note: The hours for the Japanese Consulate are a little tricky. Online it says they're open from 9 am to 4 pm; HOWEVER, they are open from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm! (I went to pick up my VISA at the Japanese Consulate at 3:05 PM but they closed). The Visa is like a sticker that's on one of the pages of your passport and your certificate of eligibility is stapled onto your passport as well!! Hi Everyone! I hope all is well!
I have some exciting news! Certificate of eligibility: My certificate of eligibility came in! I WAS SO EXCITED! It came with some great information about living in Japan (commuter passes and such), orientation seating arrangements (they gave me a specific number and place I have to sit on the day of orientation! So organized and detailed), and information about my VISA, and my certificate of eligibility! It had my picture on it and everything, definitely makes going to Japan more real. Important tip: You need your certificate to enter Japan, in addition to your VISA and passport. VISA: Because I got my certificate, I applied for my VISA! The process was SO easy! All you need to do is have these things: 1. Application for VISA 2. With your application, you need a 2'x2' picture (very easy to get, I got mine at walgreens) 3. Certificate of Eligibility (They take this at the embassy) 4. Passport (They take this at the embassy) Turn these four things in at the Japanese Consulate Preparing my study abroad trip to Japan makes me so excited! Each step that I take in pre-departure really makes it more real that I'm going to be living and studying in Tokyo for four months! It's completely crazy and I'm so excited! Here's some of the previous deadlines I've had to accomplish in order to get here:
Previous Deadlines: September 7: Mix Nomination to Keio September 22: Keio Application Forms Due November 18: Mix Pre-departure Orientation December 12: Keio Acceptance Email in! December 18: Keio Dormitory Registration January 13: Contact Information Due for Certificate of Elegibility Notes: Classes: I've registered my MIX credits in MyUH! It's so weird having no school from January-March; however, it's great because I have more time to prepare for Japan! In terms of classes in Japan, I've contacted previous exchange students, and they have said that they didn't plan their course load until they get there! Thus, I won't really know what transfers over until March :( ! I don't know how I feel about this! Flight: I've booked my flight! I leave on March 16 and I'm so excited. Because a lot of my family members have not been to Japan, I'll be going up with my entire family plus my aunty and uncle! I'm so excited to experience it first hand with my family. VISA: I'm waiting on my certificate of eligibility to apply for my VISA. It should be coming in at the beginning of February or Late January. Once I get it, I'll update you guys! I hear it's a very easy process! Train Pass: UPDATE! My friend who has been to Japan several times has given me her Suica Train Card! I'm so excited. It honestly makes it feel more real that I'm leaving now that I have it! For more information about SUICA cards click here. I heard that the only way to reload it is by cash at train stations, so I'll have to load it when I get there. I also heard that it works on a lot of the vending machines! I'll probably load up a lot at once! I'm still going to get a commuter pass to school, since it will probably be expensive if I don't get it. According to Keio, I'll have to get it when I'm in Japan. Health Insurance: I've purchased the mandatory health insurance through MIX for TW Lord Insurance. This was a total of $143! However, I must also purchase Japanese National Health Insurance for the time I'm there. Dorming: December 18: Keio Dormitory Registration March 23-24: Dorm Move In Keio August 3: Move out I'm waiting on which dorm I get! I've applied to motosumiyoshi as my first choice. Click HERE for a youtube link of what it looks like (from a previous student's vlog)! I hope I get it! I'm so nervous. The dorm looks so private and big! I LOVE IT! The only thing that scares me is that it's a 45 minute commute to the Mita Campus. Things I must do: I really need to get cracking on more things and research more! Here's a list of things I have to research, which I'll update you guys more on in the future! - Banking - Commuter Pass - VISA - National Health Insurance - Booking my flight back - Pocket wifi - Places I want to go - How to get to school MORE! |
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