Sophia Pacheco - Blog Abroad

Blog #1

Hello!

My name is Sophia and I arrived almost 3 weeks ago in Beppu, Japan, to start my semester at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. My first couple weeks here have been so exciting and I already have so much to share!

I have always wanted to visit Japan and it has already exceeded my expectations. The people are kind, the culture is vibrant, and the nature is beautiful and unique. When I first arrived at Fukuoka airport I was kindly greeted by staff from my host university who shuttled myself and other students almost 2 hours to Beppu. The staff and other international students were so welcoming, it helped ease the anxiety I had when I first landed in Japan. This shuttle from Fukuoka to Beppu was my first glimpse of Japan, from cities to the countryside it was breathtaking. The scenery was something I was not used to from growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was struck by the amount of greenery driving through the hills and the coastline when we arrived in Beppu.

My first impression of Japan was how peaceful it was compared to anywhere else I've ever been. Especially Beppu, which is most known for having over 2,000 hot springs (onsens). I have yet to visit one but you can see the steam from the onsens around town and smell the slight smell of sulfur in the air.

Once I was settled in, my first two weeks consisted of exploring Japan with my new friends! My first weekend we visited Yufuin Floral Village. It's a popular shopping street in the mountains and felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Although small, it was filled with themed cafes and shops inspired by "Ghibili" films which were my favorite to look at. If you also enjoy the films, I definitely recommend visiting Yufuin if you ever visit Oita! It's a perfect mix of cute and Japanese traditional touches.

My second weekend has been the highlight so far. My friends and I decided to rent a car and took a two-day road trip from Beppu to Kumamoto. It was a fun and amazing opportunity to explore Japan's countryside. During the road trip we stopped at temples, and scenic spots such as waterfalls, and hiked Mount Aso to see one of Japan's active volcanos. We stayed in a traditional Japanese Airbnb with tatami mats which was a unique cultural experience. Since school has just begun I'm learning and adjusting to the rhythm here in Japan. My biggest challenge so far has been the language barrier. A lot of students at my university speak English but once you're in the city it becomes much more tricky to communicate with the locals. I've picked up basic phrases during my time here but hope to learn more from my friends and the community as time goes on. I find that I rely a lot on Google Translate or gestures but thankfully the people here are incredibly understanding and helpful.

This experience has already been unforgettable, it almost doesn't feel real but I can't wait to explore more of Japan and share it with you all!

Blog #2

Welcome to my second blog post!

It’s been a little over a month since I arrived in Japan, and I’ve already had the chance to travel outside Japan! During one of my more recent weekends, I visited my friend Abran in Shanghai, China, and then my cousin in Seoul, South Korea. Both trips were unforgettable, and I was glad to experience them with my best friend and family. One of the best things about studying abroad in Japan is how affordable and accessible it is to travel to other countries nearby (Or even within Japan). The flights were reasonable, especially compared to the US, and the airports were easy to navigate because of all the English translations.

In Shanghai, I explored the city, shopped, and tried hot-pot, and in Seoul, I walked the vibrant streets and even unexpectedly saw a lantern festival. The streets in Shanghai and Seoul were packed and full of people enjoying the city, even late at night. Which was a big difference from Beppu, but it made me appreciate the slower rhythm here more. Both cities had such unique energy, but I also noticed small similarities and differences compared to Japan, from the food, culture, and transportation.

Back in Japan, I’ve been trying to explore more of Japanese cuisine. I’ve discovered that my favorites so far are gyoza, ramen, and kimchi. I’ve also made a habit of going to Japan’s convenience stores for a quick snack or dessert. After class or during evening walks with my friends, I go for my go-tos, which are the strawberry sandos, crepes, and creme brulee ice cream. City food markets have also become one of my favorite spots to stop at when traveling. They're the best places to try a little bit of everything when you visit a new city or country.

I’m grateful that I’ve been able to see so much in a short period of time! I know there's much more to see, so I’m excited to keep exploring, learning, and trying new things.