The experience of studying abroad in Japan will not only take you to the 10th most populous country in the world, but it will also take you to a land that values both deep-rooted traditions and modern progressions.
Your semester abroad may include visiting Sens% u014D-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo that features the Kaminarimon Gate, a massive entrance that is decorated with traditional paper lanterns and huge statues of Japanese gods.
If you travel abroad during the summer, you can walk the streets of Ginza, a popular Tokyo destination full of shops, good food and cafes.
Whether you decide to study the ancient history of Japan or see how it has become an international icon for economic growth, your study abroad experience in Japan will be unforgettable.
Study abroad programs in Japan
The Japanese have always been known for their dedication to educational excellence, which is why their study abroad programs demonstrate this while combining hands-on activities in various academic settings.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is home to the University of Tokyo. This university was the first national university in Japan to offer a wide variety of courses for both graduate and undergraduate students.
Known as one of the world’s leading research universities, it has three campuses and has attracted more than 2,500 international students each semester. It also houses the University Museum, which has more than 6.4 million items that students can use for their research.
Travel to Japan’s third largest island, Ky% u016Bsh% u016B, and visit Nagasaki Prefecture, which is home to Nagasaki University. This University is known for its Institute of Tropical Medicine, but it also offers courses in Education, Dentistry, Engineering, and Environmental Studies.
With three different campuses and an International Student Center offering Japanese lessons to visiting students, Nagasaki University is an academic and cultural meeting place for students studying abroad.
There are still many other study abroad programs that you can join in Tokyo, Nagasaki, and other Japanese cities.
Your Japanese travel options
With more than 30 million inhabitants, Japan offers many different ways to travel between cities. The most reliable way to travel is to use the network of rail systems that run through the four largest islands in the country: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Most of these trains are operated by Japanese Railways, a global train travel system that also offers service as far away as New York and Paris. You can get a regular train ticket for a one-way trip or you can get a rail pass that allows you unlimited use on any of the trains of the Japanese railways in the world.
Buses are the second most popular mode of transportation in Japan. Not only are they cheaper than train tickets, they also offer routes through all major cities in Japan. But even though they are more accessible than trains, they can also be more confusing to use because few offer directions and maps in English. You can go to the Japan-Guide website and read their page “How to use a bus” for instructions on how to use the bus system correctly.
Of course, you can always rent a car or take a taxi for your trips in Japan. To rent a car, you will need an international driving license, which must be obtained before leaving for your study trip abroad.
Once you have it, you can rent a car from a company like Mazda Rentacar or Nissan Rentacar. Taxis are often very expensive, so they should only be used as a last resort. You can use them to get to different train and bus stops, but you should never use them to travel long distances.
Finally, bicycles are a great way to get around Japan. Known as jitensha, bicycles are used for commuting to work, school, and most other places. If you buy or rent a bicycle, you can use it to travel to a train station if necessary and park it in any of the designated bicycle parking areas located outside the station. You can even find a garage dedicated exclusively to parking bikes.
No matter how you travel in Japan, always follow the health and safety guidelines to ensure that you are safe and secure in a foreign country. Anything can happen while traveling, so be wise about where you are going and how you get there.
Japanese currency exchange rates
The Japanese currency is known as the yen, which literally means “circle.” You should always know the exchange rate between US dollars and any foreign currency before traveling to be prepared to make purchases without any problem.
Here’s what you need to know about the yen:
You can use a Japanese currency converter like the one shown here to compare other US dollar amounts to the Japanese yen.
Studying abroad in Japan is not complete without a stop in Tokyo
You can’t leave your study abroad experience in Japan without stopping in Tokyo, the capital known for its incredible attractions and historical perspectives.
For a calmer and more relaxing experience, you can visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which is home to more than 2,800 plants and animals and features more than 20 mountain peaks. If you prefer a more metropolitan feel, you can visit Shinjuku, a bustling place full of skyscrapers, department stores, camera stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Finally, if you like technological devices, computers or anime, you can visit Akihabara Electric Town. This major Japanese shopping area has just about anything electronics you would like to buy.
From televisions, video cameras, and kitchen appliances to computers, stereos, and cell phones, you’ll get lost in wonders as you stroll through this whimsical shopping district.