subject: Study Abroad In Japan [print this page] Japan and the United States have had a very strong relationship for decades, and the mutual admiration is obvious on both sides. Americans love so many aspects of Japanese culture that it's impossible to name just one, or even just a few. From sushi, to anime art and the Pokmon craze, as well as being at the forefront of most cutting edge technology, Japan has had a profound effect on American life. That's why so many students are interested in participating in a study abroad program in Japan.
From the moment you land in Tokyo's Narita airport you know that this is going to be a complete culture shock, and that you must adapt very quickly. You'll likely find that whether you're staying and studying in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, or a sleepy fishing village somewhere on one of the smaller islands (Honshu being the main island where Tokyo and such icons as Mt. Fuji are located), that the people are extremely welcoming and helpful to tourists and visitors. For such a historically isolated culture, the Japanese certainly make you feel at home in their country and people will go out of their way to help you with directions and to give you information.
Most of these trains are operated by Japanese Railways, a global train travel system that also offers services as far away as New York and Paris. You can either get a regular train ticket for a one-way travel, or you can get a rail pass which allows you unlimited usage on any of the Japanese Railways trains in the world.
Buses are the second most popular mode of transportation in Japan. Not only are they cheaper than train tickets, but they also offer routes through every major city in Japan. But even though they are more accessible than trains, they may also be more confusing to use because few offer directions and maps in English. You can go to the website Japan-Guide and read its "How to Use a Bus" page to get directions on properly using the bus system.
The three main cities for study abroad programs are in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kobe. However, because of the large number of students who want to study abroad in Japan each year, there are programs available throughout the country, not just in the largest cities. It almost doesn't matter what city or town you end up in, because you will have ample opportunity to visit other regions and cities to take in the beauty and wonder that each has to offer. Traveling by high-speed rail is not only fast, but economical, too.
Studying abroad in Japan truly can be one of the best experiences of your life, and if you're willing to think outside the box and venture to Asia for your study abroad program you will not regret it. It's tough to beat the opportunity to live and study in a culture with as much history as Japan's.
