The Tamagawa Elementary school is about 40 minutes away by train and walk from Ookayama Campus. In the morning, I met up with members of the Hippo Family Group at the station, and we walked together to the school. Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye was the shoe cabinet (Photo 1). Just […]
Writing this, I’m realizing how lucky I was to step out of my comfort zone. If I’d stayed home, I’d probably be a manager by now, maybe married, living the “normal” life. But I always wondered, what if? Could I really do it, or would I just play it safe? Sure, I missed a lot […]
DAILY LIFE SECTION: sharing my experience on daily life 1. Kakaku website（価格.com） Kakaku.com is a very well-known price comparison and shopping information website in Japan, with the main functions of: With Kakaku, a credit card, and your phone number, you can buy most types of goods and services online at a low price (even insurance […]
ARRIVAL SECTION: procedures you need to finish >> This blog can be regarded as the supplement to my blog written in November 2023 [ here ] 1. Credit card (optional, before departure) I highly recommend preparing a credit card that can be used in Japan. Having a credit card will make it easier to shop […]
Exploring Christmas markets Despite the lack of a dedicated Christmas break, Tokyo hosts numerous festive markets throughout the month of December. Some are free to enter, while others require an entrance fee. I love to check the information on Tokyo Cheapo as well as photos and reviews on Google Maps before visiting each market. Be […]
You see, I recently moved out of the Umegaoka Dormitory — university housing where I’ve spent the majority of the past two years, ever since I got admitted to what was then Tokyo Institute of Technology. As part of the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP) program here at Science Tokyo, I was required to […]
1. Personal Experience When I first used Tokyo’s vast railway system, I found the process of transferring between JR lines and subway lines confusing. The lack of seamless integration between the two networks often left me scrambling to figure out where to go next. However, one key discovery made my journey much easier: understanding the […]
After receiving the exciting news of my acceptance to Institute of Science Tokyo, I began preparing for my move to Japan. From previous trips, I knew about the strong appreciation for coffee in Japan, but I wasn’t prepared for the depth and variety of its coffee culture. Japan offers something for every coffee enthusiast. Even […]
What is the Seishun 18 Kippu? The Seishun 18 Kippu is a ticket (“kippu”) that allows unlimited travel on all local JR trains, and even some ferries! Until August 2024, the ticket could be used for 5 days, and unlike other train passes, it could be used on non-consecutive dates as long as it was […]
Shuji club One great option is joining the Shuji Club, where you can learn Japanese calligraphy. This is a great way to relax, improve your Japanese language skills, and experience a traditional Japanese art form. You can find the Shuji club on both campuses. It is located at International Student Lounge, West 1 Building for Ookayama […]
