Engineering in Tokyo and Seoul: Season 🇯🇵 Episode 2
(rooftop in Harajuku)
It’s honestly hard to believe my time in Japan has already come to an end. It feels like just yesterday I was stepping off the plane, trying to figure out the train system and wondering what these next few weeks would be like. Looking back now, I realized my last week wasn’t really about checking more places off my bucket list. Instead, it was about appreciating all the little things that had slowly become part of my daily routine.
Standing above Harajuku one last time, I found myself taking everything in a little differently. During my first week I was amazed by how massive Tokyo was, the crowds, the buildings, and the energy everywhere you looked. By my last week, though, it didn’t feel nearly as overwhelming. It actually started to feel familiar which is something I never expected after only a few weeks.
(J.F Oberlin University campus)
One of the biggest reasons for that was getting to study at J.F. Oberlin University. Even though I wasn’t taking engineering classes and instead took an anime elective, it gave me a chance to experience what student life in Japan is actually like. One thing I noticed almost immediately was how quiet everyone was during class. Students listened carefully and rarely interrupted the professor. Coming from the US where classes are usually a lot more interactive, it definitely took some getting used to. However after a while I started to appreciate how focused everyone was.
Outside of class, I found myself settling into a routine. Every morning before heading to campus, I’d stop by 7-Eleven to grab an onigiri for breakfast. I honestly didn’t expect a convenience store to become one of my favorite parts of living in Japan but here we are. The food was fresh, it was quick, and somehow those morning stops became something I looked forward to every day. It’s funny how the smallest routines end up becoming some of the things you miss the most.
One thing I did have to adjust to was how quiet people were in public. Whether I was riding the train or walking through Tokyo, everyone mostly kept to themselves. At first I thought it would make it hard to meet people. While people may seem reserved at first, the students I met at J.F. Oberlin University were incredibly welcoming. They were always willing to answer questions, talk about life in Japan, and make international students feel included. They completely changed my first impression and ended up being one of the best parts of my experience.
(yakitori over rice)
As my last day got closer, I started appreciating moments that probably wouldn’t have stood out during my first week. One of my final meals in Japan was this bowl of yakitori over rice. Nothing fancy, just really good food. Looking back, that pretty much sums up my experience here. Some of my favorite memories weren’t the huge tourist attractions but rather simple moments like grabbing breakfast before class, trying a new restaurant with friends, or wandering around a neighborhood with no real plan.
(Tokyo tower at night)
Of course I couldn’t leave without seeing Tokyo Tower one more time. Seeing it lit up at night reminded me of how excited I was when I first arrived in Japan. It’s one of those places everyone recognizes, but by the end of my trip it reminded me of all the memories I had made while I was here.
(building inside the imperial palace)
Another thing I’ll always remember is how Japan blends the old with the new. One minute you’re surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping districts, and train stations filled with thousands of people. The next you’re walking through peaceful gardens around the Imperial Palace, surrounded by buildings that have stood for generations. That contrast is something I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of and it’s one of the things that makes Japan feel so unique.
Looking back, I think the biggest thing Japan taught me is that the best parts of traveling aren’t always the ones you plan for. Before coming here, I thought I’d remember the famous landmarks, the food, and all the places I’d seen online. While those were definitely amazing, what I’ll actually miss the most are the routines I built and the people I met along the way. I’ll miss grabbing my morning onigiri, walking to class, and especially the students at J.F. Oberlin University who made me feel welcome from day one.
Japan has been an incredible way to start this study abroad experience, and it’s definitely a place I’ll want to come back to someday. However for now it’s time for the next chapter, Seoul South Korea! I’m excited to see what Korea has in store, but Japan will always be the place where this adventure really began.