Touring Japan
This is without doubt the best part of studying in Japan! While you learn and improve your language skills you are surrounded by a country filled with amazing culture and beautiful vistas. Take full advantage of it!
With so much to do and see, you'll be confused where to even start! Try asking for recommendations from friends who have been there. Look up some places you might want to go on the Internet, or buy a travel guide relevant to the area you are staying in. Informing yourself beforehand will save you a ton of time! Of course, getting "lost" has its own merits, but for the sake of safety and sanity, it's better to be armed with knowledge.
Don't be afraid to explore outside of the area. Popular sites for Kansai Gaidai University students are not only Osaka and Kyoto, but Hiroshima, Tokyo, and even other countries like South Korea.
The interior of a train in Japan.
Getting Around in Japan
The main way of traveling around Japan is by train. Trains are the quintessential modern Japanese transportation, and they are not only convenient, but fairly cheap as well. They're scheduled to run very frequently, and take you almost anywhere. I actually really enjoyed riding on the train; it gives you a view into modern Japanese daily life and culture, and the views from train windows are often quite scenic.
Megan's Top Pick: Kiyomizu-dera
I heartily recommend Kiyomizu-dera, located in Kyoto, a city rich with temples and historic buildings. Of these, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous. Kiyomizu-dera's name means "Clear Water Temple." The road leading to the temple is jam-packed with souvenir shops to please all tastes, with stores ranging from typical $5-$15 souvenirs, to expensive and classic ceramics stores. These help ease the slight climb to the temple's entrance.
The temple's surrounding area is full of beautiful views, with plenty of opportunities for photographs.
An area just before the main temple.
Steps leading further into the area.
Once you reach the temple entrance, it costs about 600 yen (approximately $6) to get in. When you get in you should rinse your hands and your mouth with the cold water provided -- it's a custom, and it's very refreshing (although you may not always welcome it in the late fall/winter). Then travel in and enjoy the many famous structures and sights. There is so much beautiful architecture and scenery to see here that it's hard to take it all in with just one visit. I've visited twice and would definitely go again! It is, in my opinion, truly one of the best sites in the area, and will make for lasting memories and fantastic photographs. If you happen to be in Kyoto (and I'm sure you will be), consider making a stop at Kiyomizu-dera!