While studying in Tokyo this summer, I took advantage of my free time on the weekends by traveling. While it can be daunting to travel by yourself in a foreign country, Japan is a great place to practice doing this, and it’s also a great way to make the most of your study-abroad experience. But before leaving for Japan, it’s definitely a good idea to work a job and save up a little bit of money if you’re able to!
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Kyoto
I went to Kyoto during one of my weekends, as did many other students. It’s easy to get to, as it’s only a couple of hours by bullet train.
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While I was here, my favorite thing I did was go to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Admission was cheap and once you’re inside there’s a multitude of gorgeous paths to explore alongside Japan’s native plants.
Nara
While in Kyoto, I met up with a friend from my program and we went to Nara together, which is only about 50 minutes from Kyoto by train. It’s a fantastic day trip – between the deer park, the temples, and shopping, there is plenty to do!
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Hokkaido
During another weekend, I flew up to Hokkaido, which is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. The plane tickets weren’t too expensive and the flight was short. Finding affordable accommodation wasn’t difficult either, as winter is typically the busiest season.
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sapporo
I stayed in Sapporo and was able to get a bus from the airport which was only around 50 minutes. While I was here, I explored the downtown area and also visited the Asahiyama Zoo. Even though it was still pretty hot, it was nice to get a break from the sweltering humidity of Tokyo!
Also, if you’re into second-hand shopping, I would definitely recommend stopping by Big Time, which is a fantastic (and massive) store with a wide selection of vintage clothing. I think it’s the coolest thrift store I’ve ever been to and I could’ve easily spent all day here. They’ve also got some incredible vintage winter gear, perfect for the cold Hokkaido winters.
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otaru
During one of my days in Hokkaido, I took a day trip to Otaru, which was about 45 minutes by train from Sapporo. It’s a gorgeous seaside town with a lot to explore. One of the best things I did here was ride the sky tram to the top of Mt. Tenguyama, where I was able to get a complete view of the city.
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There are also plenty of fun shops to visit, as well as a beautiful canal to walk along. While I was eating lunch by the canal, there was someone dressed up as a hydrangea plant scaring kids which was entertaining to watch.
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Okinawa
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At the end of my program, I flew down to Okinawa for a few days. Okinawa is often referred to as the “Hawaii of Japan” and for good reason! Gorgeous white sandy beaches, palm trees, volcanic rock, sea turtles; it’s paradise. It’s totally worthwhile if you’re in Japan, and it’s only a two-hour flight from Tokyo.
Nago
I took the airport bus from Naha Airport up to Kariyushi Beach, where I stayed for 2 nights. I found that the airport bus was the most reliable form of public transit and the best way to get around the island cheaply. While I was here, I took the bus up to Motobu and went to the Churaumi Aquarium, which was beautifully located right next to the ocean.
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In that same area, I also explored replicas of Ryukyu villages and walked through the botanical gardens. Then, I took the bus to Nago and explored the city a bit and got lunch at the vegan cafe, Niceness. I also visited the Nago Pineapple Park, which was fun but very crowded with tourists. They also had a dinosaur section, complete with a dinosaur band playing the park’s original pineapple song.
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naha
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I was able to stay at the Prince Smart Inn in Naha for only about $50 a night, which was an especially great price considering the large size of the hotel room, the cleanliness, and the convenient location. I spent my first day here exploring the city, and then the next day I took a ferry to Zamami Island.
zamami island
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Despite the two-hour ferry ride, my seasickness, and the sunburn I got, going to Zamami Island was hands down the best thing I did during my trip. Once I got to the island, I rented a bike and biked to Ama Beach. There, I went swimming in crystal clear turquoise water and looked for sea turtles, which are commonly spotted here. Snorkeling is a very popular activity to do!
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I got lunch at a local restaurant and then spent the rest of my time exploring the island by bike (while listening to the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack, of course.)
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I bought my ferry tickets the day before, so only the standard 2-hour ferry was available, but if you buy them in advance you can get tickets for the faster boat which I believe gets there in around 50 minutes but is a bit more expensive. Overall, it’s a great day trip from Naha and something you should add to your list!
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Annie Santos, Bennington College, is studying abroad in Japan with TEAN.