Paige Chuma Japan 2025

  We took a boat to Odaiba Island, enjoying the calm, rainy ride on a mostly transparent boat. On arrival, we saw a Statue of Liberty replica and a giant Transformer statue outside a mall that felt very American. I had pork cutlet with egg and rice at the food court, then found a boho jewelry shop. Back in Ueno, I did some more shopping before calling it a night.

  Class started later today with a discussion on promotion, branding, and communication. Later, we visited TeamLabs, an immersive art exhibition. My favorite parts were the water display with hanging lights and the colorful forest where I created a drawing that came to life. It was an enjoyable and memorable experience.

  Today started with class, followed by a fake food-making activity—a popular marketing tool in Japan. We then visited SkyTree, a tower over 1,000 feet tall with views of Tokyo. Nearby, I picked up a handmade watch as a souvenir. Back in Ueno, I visited a favorite food spot that never disappoints.

  Today was short, with class from 9 to 10 a.m. We visited Japan’s Money Museum, where I experienced the weight of 1,000,000 yen. Next was the Stock Market Exchange building, now a historical symbol. The day ended early, and I returned to Asakusa to buy souvenirs, including a tea set and engraved chopsticks. Later, I visited Tokyu Ginza Palace for city night views and photos.

  The last week of the trip began early with a marketing class covering the 4 P’s, product types, and branding. Afterwards, we traveled to Enoshima Island, taking three trains to get there. We toured erosion-formed caves, rode a ferry, and visited the Sea Candle lighthouse with views of the island and Mt. Fuji. Although we missed the cup noodle museum, I enjoyed lunch in a traditional seating style.

  Today was relaxed. I tried a popular Japanese dish—a fried meat with egg over rice—ordered from a vending machine. Later, I visited the zoo and saw students and professionals casually gathered outside, which was refreshing to witness. I ended the day with onigiri and chocolate ice cream from Family Mart.

  Saturday started late with some much-needed rest. I walked to a nearby café and enjoyed fluffy pancakes. After exploring a few shops, I took a long nap before dinner at a popular ramen spot recommended on TikTok.

  We took an hour train to Kamakura and visited one of Japan’s largest cast-iron Buddha statues with prayer incense and worshippers. Next, we saw a hillside temple dedicated to the Goddess Kannon, featuring ocean views and memorials for lost children. I explored the town, bought a traditional dress and handmade amulet, then accidentally got off at the wrong stop on the JR line. Back in Ueno, I visited used camera shops and a manga store with limited English options.

  The day began with a class on segmentation, targeting, and perception in marketing. We then visited the Sony Museum, saw rare Nissan cars, and explored high-end retail shops. Our excursion ended at Ginza Plaza, Tokyo’s most luxurious mall. Later, I relaxed at a café with an egg sandwich and French toast.

  Today’s class focused on relational vs. transactional marketing and the future impact of AI on information targeting. We then visited the Advertising Museum, which explored the history of Japanese advertising back to the Edo period. Afterward, I had a delicious Japanese-style Italian pasta and pastries. It was a shorter day, and I wrapped it up with a long, unplanned nap back in Ueno.

  We started the day at the Nissan Training Center, where we observed classes for technicians, engineers, sales, and HR staff, showcasing a hands-on learning environment. Although the Air Cabin and Cup Noodle Museum were closed, we rode a giant Ferris wheel instead. After returning to Ueno, I did some shopping before heading back for the night.

  Today we had a guest lecture on Japanese culture and business, covering etiquette, work-life balance, and traditions. We also learned some Kanji and the importance of each stroke in forming meaning. After lunch, we had a marketing class focused on globalization and competition in Japan. Later, we visited a sky tower with amazing views, explored a bookstore, and ended the day at the Sony Museum, which featured exhibits on music, cinema, and video games.

  After breakfast, I revisited Ueno Zoo to check out the vendors but arrived too early—they weren’t set up yet. Later, we visited ancient gardens with 300 years of history and attended a non-traditional tea ceremony with confections and matcha tea. The tea was quite bitter, but the experience was memorable. We then explored a fish market with unique shops and strong aromas. I tried sushi and grilled eel for the first time—very different from American sushi, but both were flavorful. In the evening, we attended a local festival, which was a great experience.

  The day started slowly, so I used the time to get some work done. Later, we visited the Pokémon and Nintendo stores, which were fun. I had some boba—much better than back home—and did a bit of shopping. We also tried Japanese Burger King, which was surprisingly good. On the way back, we missed our stop and had to double back, but seeing the city lights at night made it worthwhile.

  Today began with breakfast before heading to a group excursion. We visited Tokyo’s observatory tower—despite the clouds, the views were incredible. I picked up some souvenirs, including a keychain and bookmarks. Although we couldn’t visit the planned temple, we explored Takeshita Street, which was more like a lively shopping strip than expected. I finally got to try ramen and dumplings, and they were delicious.

  The day started with breakfast at a very clean and welcoming McDonald's. After a marketing class, we visited Ueno Zoo and saw the famous pandas. I tried authentic Japanese food for the first time—shrimp fried rice and boiled dumplings. We then explored Asakusa, home to a beautiful shrine and a bustling marketplace where I picked up souvenirs and a fortune for 100 yen. After a short rest, I planned to try ramen for dinner but ended up falling asleep and missing it.

  Today began with orientation and a brief class where we reviewed the syllabus and upcoming excursions. We then went on a walking tour of Akihabara, known for its anime and video games, and visited a Buddhist temple to learn about Confucianism. We also visited a beautiful Shinto shrine, where we participated in a traditional hand-washing ritual. Along the way, we learned that 40% of Japan’s population lives in the Greater Tokyo area and that Tokyo was once called Edo during the time of the Samurai.

  We arrived in Tokyo on May 12th around 3 p.m. after a 14-hour flight. Despite some travel hiccups, everything went smoothly, and it felt surreal to be in a completely different country. After navigating the airport, we took a scenic train ride to our hostel, followed by a short walk. Once settled, we visited a nearby market for snacks. The convenience store was a bit overwhelming, but I’m looking forward to trying more local foods.