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!
21st Century Forest Park in Nago, Okinawa.
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.
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens. I could’ve spent hours here!
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!
A deer resting in the base of a tree at the Nara Deer Park.
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.
The walk to the Asahiyama Zoo in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
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.
Waiting for the train back to Sapporo at the station in Otaru with a gorgeous view of the hydrangeas.
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.
At the base of Mt. Tenguyama in Otaru, Hokkaido.
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.
The canal that runs through Otaru, right near where I saw the hydrangea man.
Okinawa
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.
A view through the trees at Kariyushi Beach in Okinawa.
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.
Just outside the Churaumi Aquarium, which overlooks the ocean in Motobu.
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.
A dinosaur hatching from an egg at the Nago Pineapple Park.
Naha
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.
Naha City at sunrise.
Zamami Island
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!
The only thing that helped my seasickness on the ferry ride to Zamami Island was this view.
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.)
The bike I rented while at Zamami Island, which only cost me around $3!
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!