May marks the transition into hotter weather, more breaks, & new experiences. I learned a lot about myself, my friends I've slowly begun to form, & the new environments I've been exposing myself to.
This post features a series of trips that I took outside of Japan, and you'll get to hear about my experiences along with some explanations for these trips and the logistics that went around planning it.
Golden Week
'Golden Week' or Ōgon Shūkan (黄金週間) is a series of holidays that often form a holiday break for many students, families, etc. Many Japanese will travel around Japan, outside of the country, or even just utilize the relaxing week to take a much needed break and/or catch up on sleep. These holidays include Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, & Children's Day. See more at Japan-guide.com
Based on my desires and influences at the time, I thought it best for me to take a visit to South Korea during this valuable time of break as I was unable to plan this trip any other time during the semester.
How I Experienced Golden Week
I began Golden Week by paying Homage to the late Emperor Hirohito Showa. I chose to visit the Meiji Shrine in Harajuku for the first time. It was a great way to experience the site in a unique time where many other Japanese residents and tourists alike visited. I was also fortunate to have experienced a Japanese wedding that took place during my visit. We were being escorted outside of the path of the family and couple, but we were fortunate enough to be able to witness this valuable and delicate experience very closely. Although Golden Week may be perceived as a continuous holiday break, I still had to attend my Tuesday and Wednesday classes after Showa Day because of the gap until Constitution Day on Thursday. With that, upon completion of my last Wednesday class in the morning, I took the very next train straight from the station near my campus (Mita Station) to Narita International Airport (NRT Terminal 3 Station). This was a local train known as the 'Asakusa Line' it is a very economical route that is cheaper than the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner which costs upwards of $30 one-way. The local Asakusa line that turns into an express train into the airport only costs ¥1,600 at the time or ~$10.
The Long-Awaited Korea Trip
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Tuk Tuks & Pad Thais - Impulsive Thailand Trip
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