On February 18, we went to Tohoku University, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, for a campus tour and a cultural exchange with the students.
Tohoku university has an impressive campus (as well as impressive students!) and I have to say their biggest library is on point! It’s so well organized and designed, I wish I could study there everyday.
I can’t wait for the students we met to visit us in Canada as well!
In Sendai, we went for an early morning walk along the many streets composing Sun Mall, like Marble Road and Clis Road.
Most of the shops were closed, but we went shopping later in the night a few days after. I got a lot of delicious snacks!
After visiting the Imperial Palace, we took the shinkansen (bullet train) to head to Sendai!
The train has been my favorite mode of transportation since I was a child, so I was very excited to take the shinkansen. I was not disappointed. It must have been the best train ride of my life. The ride was so smooth and quiet, it was hard not to let myself be lulled to sleep.
Today, we went to see the Imperial Palace. Going inside is not allowed, but there is no need to go inside in order to experience its grandeur. The scenery there is beautiful.
Near the palace, there are many black pine trees, symbols of prosperity and longevity.
Even on a rainy day, Akihabara was bustling with energy.
Before heading out, we visited some conbini nearby our hotel and believe me when I say Japan has mastered the art of the convenience store. After stacking up on snacks, we walked to the nearest metro station.
Taking the metro from our hotel to Akihabara was, by far, way easier than I thought it would be. The staff at the station were super helpful and maps are translated in English, making navigation for foreigners a walk in the park. Just remember to keep your ticket to be able to exit the station!
We explored Akihabara in a small group, walking around from store to store, taking in the impressive luminous sights. Book lovers who don’t speak Japanese: I’d suggest you prepare yourself mentally for the sadness that will strike you once you realize you cannot read anything in the 6-storey bookstores you’ll find there.
We headed back to the hotel eventually, our feet hurting from walking, but very satisfied of our day. Needless to say I slept well during night!
Our first flight from Ottawa to Toronto was at 9:00 AM on the morning of February 15. We left the Toronto airport for Japan a few hours later.
We landed in Haneda airport, in the middle of a rainy Tokyo, after a 14-hour long flight. It was 4 PM.
Taking in the sights of Tokyo as we rode the bus to the hotel was an experience in itself, but walking around the city later was amazing. The first thing that strikes you is how clean and organized the city is.
At the hotel, we were offered bento for dinner and were invited to explore the city in small groups, as long as we came back to the hotel by 11PM. The little group I joined decided to go to Akihabara!
Once Upon A Bridge 