Why did you choose this program?
I’ve always been interested in Japan because of its completely different culture, but I was also apprehensive about going to a country where English is not so widely spoken. Going on an organized tour appealed to me because it meant I could be free to enjoy the tour without worrying about organizations or getting around by myself. It was also an opportunity to meet new people, like-minded travelers like myself, and make new friends.
The really expansive itinerary at a really affordable price also attracted me. Being on a budget, I wanted to get in as much as I could without breaking the bank, and this tour did that for me. I did a lot of research and this was the best tour that I found. I wanted to see both the newer, trendy areas of Japan like Tokyo, but I also wanted to experience the more traditional side in places like Kyoto. It was great that the itinerary included both aspects.
Japan is just full of history, and I love learning about new cultures. The fact that the tour included a homestay was great because we got to interact with Japanese families in their home environments and form real relationships. This was definitely a motivating factor in my decision to go on this tour.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The entire itinerary as well as all accommodation and transport for the tour was planned. All the information was available on their website, and I also received emails before the trip. Any questions were answered pretty quickly too. I just had to organize my flights and bring enough spending money for optional activities, food, and other personal expenses like shopping.
The guide was fluent in Japanese and had tons of tips on local hotspots and culture, and pretty much organized everything, so I didn’t need to worry too much about buying tickets or reading menus when we were out.
All of the places we stayed at were quite close to some really fun areas, so we were also able to explore by ourselves in our free time. The guide was able to give us loads of recommendations depending on what we were interested in.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
It's been the most fun I’ve had in a foreign country so far. Don't let the language barrier deter you. Japanese people are really friendly and helpful, even if most of them don't speak English. Going on an organized tour and traveling with a group definitely helped make the experience more enjoyable.
Bring a backpack rather than a suitcase; when you're catching trains and walking up stairs/escalators, it's just easier to not have to lug a suitcase around. Also, try to learn a few Japanese phrases before you go. The locals really appreciate the attempt.
Just do it! I'd been meaning to go to Japan for ages before I actually bought the tour. I kept postponing and waiting for the 'perfect time', but that's how you end up missing out on things you want to do. Use the opportunities you have while you're young to travel and experience as much as you can. There's no better moment than right now.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
All of the days are quite jam-packed with activities to expose you to as much of Japan as possible in the time that you have. We normally start the day around 9am, have 2-3 planned itinerary activities with time for meals, and might have some free time in the evening to eat supper or explore the bars and clubs in the area. Some days had more free time than others, which was when I'd do some shopping or self-exploration, but there was always something to do every day.
Traveling between areas wasn't too bad because Japan makes use of bullet trains, which were really comfortable. We saw everything from owl cafes to museums, and temples to stunning islands. It was just insane! If you're looking to see as much of Japan as possible in a short time span, then I'd definitely recommend this program.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I’d say my biggest fear was the language barrier. Before I left, I’d learnt a few useful Japanese phrases which helped a lot. But even if you don’t know the language, the locals are really polite and helpful, and you can achieve a lot with hand gestures. It definitely helped that the tour guide was fluent too. It was great having someone there to read and explain signs, and make sure we got on the right trains!
We had a few instances where we met Japanese people, and even though we couldn’t speak to each other much, it was amazing how we could still communicate. We’d have drinks and take photos, and it was brilliant!
Through this, I learned not to let my fears deter me from trying new things or going to new places. Fear can make you miss out on things. You don't have to be comfortable to have fun.
I'm really glad that I went to Japan in the end, and will definitely go back at some point. I enjoyed it that much.
What is the best part about Japan?
It is just so different. I loved the craziness of Tokyo - the strange outfits, fantastic shows, neon lights, robots, and cosplay characters everywhere. But then I also loved seeing the traditional side of Japan with kimonos, shrines, temples and stunning country side views. Japan is both brimming with history, and at the forefront of future development. The contrast is just amazing. It’ll definitely take you out of your comfort zone, but in a good way!
