Study Abroad Immersion Weekend Trip to Japan
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One of the biggest highlights of my study abroad in South Korea was a weekend cruise to Japan.
It was a quick but jam-packed trip that gave us a taste of Osaka, Kobe, Arima, Kyoto, and Nara. Here’s how it went:
Day 6: Cruise from Busan to Osaka
We boarded the Panstar Cruise for a 14-hour trip across the sea. The cruise itself felt like part ferry, part floating hotel, with just enough entertainment to keep us awake (karaoke sign-ups included). Watching the Korean coast fade behind us and anticipating Japan made it all the more exciting.
Day 7: Osaka & Kobe
We docked in Osaka Harbor early and jumped straight into a Korean-run bus tour. First stop: Chinatown, where colorful signs and street food gave us our first taste of Japan.
In Kobe, we visited the Earthquake Memorial Park. The displays showed the devastation of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the resilience of the city during the restoration.
Later, we headed into the mountains to soak up the charm of Arima Hot Springs, Japan’s oldest spa town. The mineral-rich waters are famous worldwide, though I just enjoyed wandering the streets lined with wooden inns and souvenir shops.
We wrapped up the day back in Osaka along Midosuji and the Ebisubashi shopping district. It was so crowded I ended up people-watching more than shopping—plus, the clerks had this high-pitched greeting that could pierce your ears.
Day 8: Kyoto & Nara Temples
This day was temple-hopping heaven. We started at Kiyomizu-dera, a hillside temple in Kyoto with sweeping views and a waterfall where visitors drink from streams promising love, intelligence, or long life. I went for love.
Next was Higashi Honganji Temple, one of the most important Shin Buddhist sites in the country, followed by the impressive Heian Jingu Shrine with its massive torii gate.
After a quick lunch, we climbed the endless “Happy Terrace” stairs (worth it for the views) before heading to Nara.
At Todai-ji Temple, I stood in awe before the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Outside, the famous Nara deer wandered freely—and one particularly pushy deer decided I was its target, nudging me with its antlers and biting at my shirt. Jerk.
Day 9: Osaka Castle & Back to Sea
On our final day, we toured Osaka Castle, which doubles as a museum. The views from the top were incredible, and it felt surreal to stand in a place that has seen so much history.
Before boarding the Panstar Cruise back to Busan, Ben and I signed up for karaoke on stage—because what better way to end a whirlwind trip to Japan than belting out Wonderwall in front of strangers?
Final Thoughts on Japan
Even though it was a quick trip, Japan left me wanting more. From sacred temples to neon-lit shopping districts, it was a whirlwind of culture, history, and unexpected moments (raw fish dinners, karaoke, and one very sassy deer).
It was the perfect side adventure to pair with our time in South Korea.
