Traveling to Japan was one of the best experiences of my life. Was I prepared for the barrier between languages or the 15-hour plane ride? No, not even close, but let me tell you it is worth it. When you get the opportunity to travel, do not hesitate jump right in headfirst. I learned about Japan in class but I learned so much more through traveling than I would have ever learned in the classroom. Trust me, my Japan professor, Miho, was amazing but we experienced so much more there in Japan.
1. Drink wine on the plane.
You may think why would I want to drink alcohol on a plane I’m
just going to have to get up every 2 minutes to use the bathroom. There is also the factor of drinking too much and than feeling hung over when you get there. Well those are valid
points but for the nervous flyer a glass or 2…or 3 is perfect to calm those
nerves and getting you to feel happy and excited for your destination.
2. If you aren't good with directions...don't wander alone.
wandered off by themselves and could not figure out how to get back to the
group or hotel. Always stay with the group or a buddy.
3. When they say you're going to be eating a lot of noodles and rice in Japan trust me it is TRUE.
other place in the world but majority of the time if you are going to a
Japanese restaurant in Japan you’re going to have ramen noodles or rice on your
plate. This was perfect for me since I love both rice and noodles.
4. Don't be afraid to try different foods.
Never in my life would I think of trying cow tongue…but when in Japan and everyone else is eating it you try a nibble. To my realization cow tongue was actually pretty delicious once you got over the fact that you were eating cow tongue. That’s the most adventurous I got with food in Japan; however, some of my friends continued to try intestines and other things I rather not speak of.
5. Don't ever buy the cheap sake.
Cheap sake from the vending machines is not a good idea. Just think of straight rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover; it is not good. It may look like a glass of water but good luck getting that stuff down. Don't get me wrong if you get a good bottle of sake it could be very enjoyable and a great time!
6. Be prepared when traveling in rush hour...or better yet just AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS.
When I say they have people who pack you in like sardines on the trains trust me it is true and one of the worst experiences of my life. It does not matter how many people are already packed onto the train that stops in front of you. People will start pushing you and everyone else onto the train until it is physically impossible to fit one more person. The end result is backs being arched because backpacks are being pulled down, being face to face with some one else’s armpit or stomach, with others pressed in all around you and hands and arms twisted and stuck in places where you're not quite sure they should be.
7. Make sure you learn at least a little Japanese or stick close to the professor who speaks Japanese.
Knowing the basics of Japanese is important to communicate in Japan. Make sure you know how to introduce yourself and say thank you or good morning. Not many people in Japan know English very well; however, they will try their best to communicate since they genuinely want to understand and have a conversation with you (especially the taxi drivers).
8. In Japan breakfast is basically the same as lunch and dinner...and it is awesome!
In the hotel it was a buffet style breakfast; however, my breakfast consisted of pork dumplings, chicken, rice, bread, and some kind of salad. Needless to say I was happy since I would prefer any day to eat lunch or dinner for breakfast.
9. You will become addicted to using chopsticks.
Even if there was a fork offered with a meal it was immediately refused. You may not have been the best with chopsticks but you insisted on using them no matter how long it took you to eat those noodles and that bowl of rice.
10. Try the Kit Kats you won't regret it!
I was in the airport getting ready to leave Japan (even though I wasn’t actually ready) and I saw this display of Kit Kats. I thought “hmm I would get a box for a little snack on the plane”; one box had three in it. I sat down had a strawberry flavored Kit Kat and wow! I immediately got back up and bought a huge box to bring home for my family and friends to try. Unfortunately you cannot get these strawberry flavored Kit Kats anywhere but Japan. So don’t forget to grab some on your way back to the states!
Arigatoo Gozaimasu ありがとうございます (Thank You),
Victoria Pulvidente
