Top ten things to do while studying abroad in... Japan
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calendar_month 01 Mar 2011, 00:00
Samurai, sumo, kimono, geisha, judo, jujitsu: words that are synonymous with Japan's ancient and exotic cultural heritage. Known as the 'land of the rising sun', today Japan merges this traditional character with the high-tech and bustling modernity of one of the world's economic powerhouses. While the dizzying array of sights and sounds of Tokyo will be a highlight for many, as an undergraduate student studying abroad in Japan make sure you take the time to travel around the nation's different islands - each has its own lifestyle, landscape and character. Top Universities has come up with the top ten things any undergraduate student should do to get the most out of your time studying abroad in Japan.

1. Explore Japan's capital city, Tokyo

Nearest universities: University of TOKYO; TOKYO Institute of Technology

A cool, vibrant city that contrasts the old with the new, visiting Tokyo if not living in it is a must for your study abroad experience. It's been named the world's most expensive city, been referred to as one of three command centres for the world economy, and has also been ranked in the list of most liveable cities. Visit the fish market, and inner-city parks, experience a ride on the Yamanote line at rush hour or take in some Kabuki ( Japanese Shakespeare) at the famous Kabuki-za theatre the cheap way by standing! There's as much to do at night in Tokyo as there is to do by day, so make sure you experience all that the city has to offer.

2. Visit Kyoto and it's beautiful temples

Nearest universities: KYOTO University

With 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and yet more museums and palaces, not to mention the famous Golden Pavilion, Kyoto is a city full of life and history. It's also home to one of the best universities in the country Kyoto University. Ranked 25 in the 2009 QS World University Rankings and eight in the 2010 QS Asian University Rankings, Kyoto University has over 22,000 students studying for their undergraduate and graduate qualifications. As such, Kyoto is a city welcoming of international students. Experience Japan as you imagine it temples shrouded in autumnal colour, tranquil Japanese gardens, and the sweet taste of sake.

Did you know? Kyoto is the home of the Geisha community.

3. Soak in a Japanese hot spring

Submerge yourself in a Japanese hot spring and you'll feel yourself instantly relax, even if there is a slightly sulphuric aroma in the air. An integral part of Japanese life, the springs are enjoyed by young and old, tourists and locals alike. As well as indoor pools, there are also many outdoor ones situated against spectacular mountain backdrops, near waterfalls or alongside riverpaths). But if you're going to do something, it's best to do it properly, so book yourself into an onsen ryokan a Japanese style inn complete with hot springs. Bath before and after dinner, even before and after breakfast, and you'll feel rejuvenated like never before. You'll just need to leave your modesty at the door most Japanese bathe naked!

4. Walk Japan's ancient pilgrimage trails

Location: Shikoku IslandIt's 1,200km long and takes weeks to complete so you may not wish to walk the entire loop of Japan's 88 Temple Pilgrimage in one go. However, walking part of this trail around Shikoku Island should be high up on your list of Japanese experiences to enjoy while studying abroad in the East. Small inns along the way provide accommodation and food and if you do opt for the traditional one foot after the other, as opposed to the slightly more convenient tour bus, you should at least dress up in traditional attire: a white coat (hakui), a purple scarf (wagesa), a conical straw hat (sugegasa) and a walking stick (kongtsue).



5. Catch a sumo wrestling match

There's more to sumo wrestling than two overweight men in nappies attempting to throw each other out of a ring sumo wrestling is an incredibly ritualistic, strategic and traditional Japanese martial art. Japan is the only country in the world where sumo wrestling is practiced professionally, so make the most of studying abroad in the sumo wrestling capital of the world and head down ringside to get in on the action. It may pay to take a local along with you though for clarification on what is happening, when!

Did you know? In order to bulk up for the ring, sumo wrestlers consume around 10,000 calories per day that's about four times more than the average male!

6. Escape to Hokkaido rich in volcanic landscape, nature and tranquillity

Nearest university: HOKKAIDO University

Skiing, snowboarding, rafting, canoeing, whale watching, mountain climbing, fishing and cycling - Hokkaido is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. It's also arguably the world's leading destination for ice sculptures, and a photographer's dream. The 21st largest island in the world, Hokkaido exhibits four distinctive seasons, each one bringing its own unique attractions for the many local and international tourists who flock to the island all year round. With National Parks to trek through, hot pools to soak in, festivals to enjoy, and stunning scenery to gasp at, Hokkaido makes for an enjoyable getaway from the hustle and bustle of the country's major metropolitan areas.

7. Try your hand at taiko drumming and other Japanese cultural activities

You'll hear them before you see them but the deep rumble of Japanese taiko drums will be hard to forget. Used in warfare to motivate troops, taiko drums are traditionally made from ancient trees - some are hundreds of years old. Many of Japan's top universities have student clubs to allow you to try your hand at various Japanese activities, including taiko. Other activities include painting, calligraphy, sculpture and ikebana (flower arranging). There's no better way to experience the culture of your host country than to immerse yourself in it so what are you waiting for?

8. Himeji Castle

Nearest universities: KYOTO University; OSAKA University

It may not have fairytale turrets, but one look at Himeji Castle will take your breath away. Taking pride of place on a hilltop in the Hygo Prefecture of Japan, Himeji is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure justifiably so. Its brilliant white exterior also gives it the name the White Heron Castle. An easy day trip from the cities of Kyoto and Osaka, time your visit to Himeji Castle when the cherry blossoms are in bloom to see this spectacular architectural feat in all its glory.

Did you know? Himeji Castle has a maze of paths leading up to its main keep, which were designed as a defensive element to see enemies round in spirals and down dead ends.

9. Photograph the cherry blossoms - and go to a 'sakura matsuri' (cherry blossom party)

As if the Japanese culture, fresh sushi, efficient transport systems and the mix of city life and spectacular scenery isn't enough to entice you to study abroad in Japan, the attraction of springtime cherry blossoms will simply be too hard to resist. Setting public parks alight, and bordering castles and palaces with beauty, Japan's cherry blossom season is a sight to behold. So how does one appreciate cherry blossoms properly? Japan-Guide.com (here) gives you step by step instructions to hanami (flower viewing), from getting to the park before 8am to reserve your space to looking at the flowers from both near and afar!

10. Explore Osaka by night

Nearest universities: OSAKA University

Japan's third largest city was heavily bombed in World War ll and as a result the city that has been rebuilt is a mass of concrete structures and elevated highways. But its history as the commercial capital of Japan means there's as much happening at night as there is during the day. Experience the bright lights and nightlife of this dynamic city and, if you're game, step into one of the karaoke bars for a real Japanese experience. Osaka is also known as the "nation's kitchen" - if that's not an excuse to eat Japanese food to your heart's content, we don't know what is!

Once you've finished those:

1. Climb Mount Fuji

2. Visit Hiroshima Peace Museum

3. Ride the bullet train

4. Learn how to use chopsticks properly!

5. Drink some sake

Japan's top universities by region

Honshu Kanto University of TOKYO; TOKYO Institute of Technology; TOHOKU University; KEIO University; WASEDA University; University of TSUKUBA; CHIBA University; HITOTSUBASHI University

Honshu Kansai KYOTO University; OSAKA University; NAGOYA University; KOBE University; HIROSHIMA University

Hokkaido HOKKAIDO University

Shikoku

Kyushu KYUSHU University