While the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom I returned to Tokyo and the Kansai area where I met some familiar faces. Also I visited the southern island of Okinawa for the first time.
How is it like to do research in Asia? Together with my coworker we have a dialogue about our research experience in Japan and South Korea.
Read about my second Japan Trip in Summer 2014. I traveled three weeks all around Japan – from Sapporo all the way to Kagoshima and back to Tokyo with many stops in between.
A simple guide to build a heated blanket table with parts you can find here for comfy vibes like in Japan.
In 2017 I spent half a year in Northern California as an exchange student. Many things were different at first but I enjoyed my time very much. How was it? And what did I do in my spare time?
Although my plane departed at 10:30 and I had to be at the airport at 8:30, I squeezed a last activity into my schedule: visiting Tsukiji.
The last full day has come, but this will not be the final entry. Before leaving Japan I have to return to Tokyo first, where I would stay the last night. But before arriving in Tokyo I make a little detour to the infamous Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, better known under a different name.
On a sunny morning the Super Hakuto limited express took me to Himeji, west of Kobe. The first car allowed free sight into the driver’s cockpit and the rails in front which was a welcome change to the usual seat row view.
In the early morning I left the hotel in Nagoya. The evening before I revised my plans to allow for more time in Osaka. Before boarding the Shinkansen I bought some omiyage for my hosts in Kobe, then I waited at the platform.
My short visit in Nagoya combined sakura, history, and a concert in one day.
Before leaving Okinawa I decided to make a business related trip to OIST. More specifically, I visited the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology to get to know their graduate program.
The second day in Okinawa included a tour around the island showcasing the uniqueness in culture, tradition and food.
After four days in the capital it is time to move on to a different part of Japan. The next destination is the southern tropical islands of Okinawa. Specifically, I will spend the next three days at the main island of Okinawa.
Here are some impressions of the cosplays I took at AnimeJapan during both days at the cosplay area.
Saturday and Sunday I spent most of the time at AnimeJapan. The anime themed convention is the biggest of its kind and took place at Tokyo Big Sight, famous for the even bigger event Comiket.