My courses this semester are divided between the University of Tokyo's two campuses: Komaba and Hongo. I spend most weekday mornings at the former before catching a train across the city to the latter. Hongo is located at the site of…
Hanami
This time of year ushers in several new beginnings in Tokyo. It marks the beginning of the University of Tokyo's school year, Japan's fiscal year, and spring, represented in the cherry blossoms (sakura) decorating the city. Friends, families, and co-workers congregate in parks all…
Osaka’s Social Cuisine
I'm back in Tokyo now. When I'm not busy getting ready for the second semester, I tend to spend my time fantasizing about some of the food I had while on vacation. Of all the dishes I tried, I was most…
Osaka to Okinawa
After spending a few weeks hanging out with friends and host families in Hiroshima and Osaka, I'm ending my spring break with a brief solo trip to Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. Once a semi-independent kingdom, Okinawa subtly separates itself…
Hiroshima in One Day
Hiroshima holds a strong sentimental value for me. It was the first Japanese city that I spent a significant amount of time in, and my friends and homestay families there introduced me to Japan. Last week, for the first time I…
Planes, Bullet Trains, and Buses
As I mentioned last week, Japan's school year provides exchange students with plenty of opportunities to explore the country. In this post, I'll share some of the ways that I've traveled from city to city during my holidays. 1. Shinkansen…
Japan’s School Year
The University of Tokyo's school year is dramatically different from that of most Canadian universities. The first semester begins in April and ends in August. After a two-month summer holiday, the second semester begins in October and ends in February.…
Where to Hang Out in Tokyo
Tokyo's hangout spots are overwhelmingly diverse. In terms of music, atmosphere, and menu, there is a venue to match almost anyone's taste. Since there are few social spaces on the University of Tokyo's campus, most socializing instead takes place in one of the…
Reading and Traveling
I've loved Japanese literature since I was a high school student in Hiroshima. I've continued to read in between my stays in Japan, both as a source of enjoyment and a way of staying connected; no matter where I am, Japanese literature offers…
Getting out of Tokyo
Popular media often characterizes Tokyo as a mess of endless neon and concrete. I've also described it this way in the past, but getting out of the city is actually surprisingly easy. From Shinjuku, one of the city’s most densely…