Osaka

  • Autumn in Osaka
    Autumn is here but the weather in Osaka is still summer-feeling for a Canadian like me. I am visiting as many places within the city as possible and making some side trips in the surrounding area as well. We spent the weekend in Kyoto exploring so many temples and shrines and even hiked up Mount Inari! I loved it- though my converse sneakers were not the right footwear for a big hike! Pack hikers if you plan on doing a bunch of exploring!! For Thanksgiving weekend, I took myself to Marble Beach and spent the day enjoying the beautiful weather,…
  • The last of summer in Osaka!
    It has been an amazing experience in Osaka so far. The weather has been HOT and HUMID every day- UNTIL the autumn equinox! We had buckets of rain all day and my first experience of a temperature under 30C! The school has been amazing and SO welcoming to me and Tenzin! They’ve invited us to join Tea Ceremony Club, and Global Centers where we visit or help the students for 15 minute intervals after school, one day per week, and we even received an invite out to dinner! They have been so great making our schedule with us, asking our…
  • Settling in Japan
    Three years ago I was sitting in my room, reading TAB blogs. Today, I am writing a TAB blog in Japan. Quite a change in scenery. I arrived in Osaka three weeks ago, which gave me ample time to explore the city and neighboring places like Kyoto. I was fortunate enough to have a host mom who has been so kind, and helped me to navigate the city and participate in various cultural activities like the Omatsuri!  My experience in Japan, thus far, has been everything and more than I expected. Some tips I have gathered are to learn some…
  • First Days in Japan
    Who knew that I would arrive in Japan at the same time as my namesake Typhoon, Shanshan?? We flew into Tokyo and prepared to buy bullet train tickets to Osaka so that we could get settled in my Airbnb…but the bullet trains are suspended! My school liaison is very kind and understanding and a friend from Japan has told me its Shoganai; which basically means “that’s life/it can’t be helped”. And I’m embracing that sentiment! Now I have had the opportunity to explore Tokyo, even if it IS a bit wet… Luckily our hotel has been very accommodating and as…
  • Last day at school! 
    Kimiya Adjedani October 24, 2023 Last day at school!  It is hard to believe that today was my last day at Suito and that I will be leaving Japan shortly. These past two weeks were such a whirlwind – filled with many adventures, school/teaching experiences, and final university assignments.  Over the past two weeks I was able to take trips to Amanohashidate, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, as well as Kaiyukan (Osaka’s aquarium). Amanohashidate is the northern region of Kyoto with beautiful mountains and a lovely lake. I took a table car to the top of the mountains where I was able to…