March 2026
A collection of adventures and experiences from my semester abroad in Japan as I explore Tokyo and navigate life on my own. Follow along as I share moments of travel, food, culture, and all the little experiences making this journey unforgettable.
Week 1 in Japan!
Landed in Japan! This was my first time exploring Japan on my own, so I was both nervous and excited. I arrived about a week before my school’s orientation for dorm move-in, which gave me some time to explore all the cutest spots around Tokyo. I tried a famous restaurant called Ichiran for the first time, and it did not disappoint. The food here is absolutely amazing, and I was lucky enough to arrive during cherry blossom season (which is definitely the best time to visit Japan). I love how all the trees are my favorite color… pink! 🌸
When I first arrived, the weather was still a bit cold and rainy, but it honestly made everything feel even more cozy, and I got used to it pretty quickly. It was also my first time using Japan’s train system, which worried me at first because I had always heard it was confusing and complicated. But using Google Maps helps so much, and once you get the hang of it, it actually becomes really easy and convenient! The city is also super walkable, which makes exploring even more fun.
Week 2 in Japan!
I can't believe it's already been a week... every day feels like a vacation in Tokyo and I'm enjoying every second of it. The matcha here is also SO good, and there are so many different flavors to try. I ordered a mint chocolate chip matcha, and it tasted just like ice cream, definitely one of my favorite drinks so far!
This week, my friends and I also took a trip to Yokohama, which is located about an hour away from Tokyo. Yokohama was such a fun experience! We visited Yokohama Chinatown, and it honestly felt surreal walking through all the colorful streets and vibrant signs. The food there was amazing, and the whole atmosphere felt so lively and exciting.
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I also had my school orientation this week! During orientation, they taught us how to register for classes, join clubs, and navigate campus life. We also played a bunch of icebreaker games, which helped me meet so many new people from all around the world. It’s been really fun getting to know other exchange students who are also experiencing life abroad for the first time.
