If there is one thing I have to recommend for all college students, it would definitely be to study abroad. Wherever you may journey to, itâs a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn about a different culture outside of the average classroom. In case your next classroom happens to be upon the streets where sushi and ramen can be found at every corner, and the bullet train can take you where you need to be at soaring speeds, then take my experience as a guide for activities you must do!Â
Cheer For The Yomiuri Giants At A Baseball Game
Baseball fan or not, you must take a trip to the Tokyo Dome and experience the roaring crowd and the incredible concession eats. American baseball crowds donât measure up to the intense and consistent cheering that Japanese baseball fans fill the dome with. Yomiuri Giants fans and the opposing teamâs fans did not let up with their songs and towel waving. Experience the electric atmosphere, and some Japanese fried chicken if you ever want a taste of overseas sports.
Spend All Your Money By Shopping
Start that savings account, people, because despite Japan being quite inexpensive, expenses do tend to add up. Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing brand, took a large majority of my money as I made not one, but several trips to the retail store. The famous city of Shibuya has what feels like an endless amount of stores such as Tower Records (with eight floors of vinyls and CDs), Shibuya 109 (10 floors of 100+ boutiques), and SONIANDSMI (for Sonny Angel and Smiski collectors). I also visited Don Quijote, a chaotic eight-floor store with literally anything you need. You can find matcha KitKats, sunscreen, souvenir magnets, a suitcase, and Japanese skin care. Itâs overstimulating, but so worth it.
Get Your Hair Done
I did this not once, but twice, and had the best experience! I originally got a much-needed haircut in Tokyo at LUCKTOKYO, where my stylist, Ami, gave me a highly soothing Japanese head massage and some lovely layers. Days later in Kyoto, I decided to get my hair colored at Lore Hair Coordinate. My motto during the entire two weeks was âwhen in Japan!â, which meant I had to do anything and everything just because I was in Japan (very âyou only live onceâ of me.) So when my stylist said she couldnât replicate my inspiration photo, but she could try her own idea, I said to myself, âwhen in Japan!â She left me in tears… of joy! She did an amazing job, and then we bonded over our love for Hello Kitty. Why would you not want to try this experience? Open Google Translate, and donât let the language barrier stop you from trying new things.
Visit Café Rokudenashi
If youâre into jazz music, look no further. This vinyl listening cafe/jazz bar is quaint, but a perfect late-night outing. A friend and I took a bus in Kyoto to a popular place he had found via TikTok, and it ended up being one of my best experiences in Japan. The vibes were incredible, and it felt so intimate. We spoke to a man named Rei who is a DJ at Good Morning Record Bar in Kyoto, and connected with him. It was perfect for my last night in a different country.Â
Get A TattooÂ
When in Japan! I came back to America with a permanent souvenir, which is honestly super cool if I do say so myself. Fast Tattoo Cafe Monin is an English-friendly, walk-ins accepted tattoo studio in Kyoto. My friend and I both got postage stamp style tattoos with a taste of Japan incorporated by adding sakura, cherry blossom.
Try Japanese McDonaldâs
This may not sound like something that should be on your to-do list when you visit Japan, but I promise it will be worth your while. A teriyaki chicken filet-o is quite tasty, and so is a shaka-chicki, a chicken filet that comes with a flavored seasoning packet. I heard great things about the matcha frappe, and the melon Fanta float as well. There are so many menu options, and the prices are so much better in Japan. Donât knock it âtil you try it.Â
Visit The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
I donât just recommend this to history buffs; I recommend it to absolutely everybody. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II is a tragic piece of our world that we must learn about. What I learned in high school did not come close to what I witnessed in the museum. I bawled my eyes out while listening to the audio recordings that told different stories of those who suffered the day of the bombing, and even years later. I walked out with a new perspective, and I think everyone should take the time to acknowledge such a huge part of Japanâs history.
Sail Away To Miyajima Island
When in Hiroshima, take a ferry and explore the beautiful Miyajima Island. Known for the 54ft tall and 64-ton O-Torii Gate, the water surrounding the gate and the island make for a serene excursion. The island has many temples, stores, restaurants, and even an aquarium to check out. Mount Misen is featured on the island, its tallest peak standing at 1,755 feet. Throughout the island is sika (Japanese deer). It is their home after all, so treat them kindly even if theyâre trying to eat your clothes.Â
Indulge In Many Matcha Variations
Even if you donât enjoy matcha, how could you possibly go to Japan and not try authentic green tea? I had several matcha lattes, and my favorite was definitely from Caffe Veloce in Tokyo! I had so many matcha ice creams that I lost count of how many I actually bought. I even stole a few sips of my friendâs matcha ice cream float, and Iâm obsessed! Iâm parched just reminiscing on how tasty they were.
Rent A Kimono And Attend A Tea Ceremony
One of my favorite experiences was a traditional Japanese tea ceremony while wrapped in a gorgeous kimono. It was so exciting to get my hair done and wear the national dress of Japan. The ceremony was surreal, and I felt very pretty during the duration. Making matcha was fun, but the best part was being reminded to slow down and be present. I needed to hear that; it made me tear up as I neared my last day in Japan. I took it all in, realizing that one of my biggest dreams had come true. Yours can too.Â
I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad with Texas State. I will never forget everything I experienced, from the fun of travel to learning about a different culture. I gained so much from this program, and canât wait to take those skills to my future career. You can read some more about my experience in my personal essay via the programâs website, and read all about my classmatesâ experiences through our travel stories and blog posts as well. Also, check out our Instagram for more activities to do in Japan!