Learning the Ways of Japan

I've been in Japan for about two weeks now and I think I am finally picking up on a lot of the differences between Japan and the US. I'm taking a sociology class on Japanese society and this has definitely helped me notice the customs engrained in society as well as how history has shaped modern society. Here are a few things that I've purchased so far that have helped me adapt to the Japanese ways.

A lot of Japanese public bathrooms don't have paper towels so it is essential to have your own hand towel with you at all times.

                

I got this hand towel next to Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto.


I take two different trains to get to school everyday. Each train has its own commuting pass which you have to use to get in and out of every train station. I don't want to be taking out my wallet at every moment so I got this little card case at Muji (my favorite store!!).

                   

It is really humid and also rainy here in Kyoto (compared to what I'm used to!), so it's always nice to just have a little bag to carry around that doesn't add too much weight. I got this bag in Sanjo (one of my favorite areas in Kyoto -- will definitely make a little post about this area). The store where I bought it claimed a "ONE DAY ONLY ALL BAGS 3000 YEN" although locals tell me this is just a ploy for tourists, I don't really mind a $30 bag is a still a $30 bag.

                    

This bag has so many different pockets, perfect for easy access to my train passes, my phone and my hand towel!

I rented a Japanese phone for my stay, a cute little Softbank flip phone, but the real magic happens with my airplane mode iPhone. Kyoto is in general pretty good with wifi, but I also rented a "pocket wifi" that connects me to the internet whenever I want.

It may not look like much, but this little thing has prevented me from getting lost and behind on my Instagram feed numerous times.


Japan is such a wonderfully different country than anything I've experienced before, I'm excited to be here for 6 more weeks! I'm traveling to Osaka tomorrow and Tokyo in two weeks, so I'm sure there will be plenty more to tell! Also here's the result from the Japanese photobooth that my friends and I experienced tonight! So much fun!

Until next time!


Post by Tallulah Axinn