Summer Travels as a Business Student in Japan

By Bill Xing

Japan has always been my dream country to visit, and last summer that dream became a reality.  As I arrived in Japan for the first time at the Tokyo Haneda Airport, I was struck by how  impressive the public facilities were and the friendliness of the people. I immediately felt warm  and cheerful, as multiple people offered to help with directions as I navigated out of the airport.  Japan provided me with unforgettable moments, and I will share my stories and important tips to  understand the culture of Japan. 

The Heart of Tokyo: Bustling Streets and Quiet Corners 

Tokyo was my first stop, and stepping into this vibrant metropolis felt like I wasn’t just in  another country, but another world. On my first day, I navigated the famous Shibuya  Crossing—an overwhelming yet exhilarating sea of people moving in a variety of different  directions and paces. It was bustling and busy, but somehow peaceful at the same time, much  like the city itself. Unlike other downtown areas in the United States like Union Square in San  Francisco or Times Square in New York, which can be messy, noisy, and stress-inducing,  Shibuya Crossing was clean and organized. From business people hustling to meetings to tourists  stopping to take the iconic picture, the many people there didn’t create a stressful environment.  

In the evenings, I explored Ginza, a business and shopping district. Highlights from my time in  Ginza included seeing the buildings for Big 4 Accounting firms, shopping at some elegant stores,  and observing the imprint of famous Japanese organizations, such as Mitsubishi Corporation,  Itochu Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Mitsui & Co, Ltd, and Sumitomo Corporation. I was  even lucky enough to talk to a business leader who is headquartered in Ginza, who gave me  advice as someone interested in pursuing an international business career. It was clear that Tokyo  has a thriving business sector, and Ginza is the center of that.  

Something that really surprised me about Tokyo was how quiet people were outside. It felt like  there was a sense of respect for everyone else who was out walking. People respected your  personal space. For instance, when I was entering an elevator, people moved to the right hand  side so that I could easily enter.  

Travel within the City: How Public Transportation Should Be 

Osaka is about 500 kilometers west of Tokyo, with Google Maps estimating it is about a 6 hour  drive, depending on traffic. I was anticipating having to miss a full day of exploring in order to  travel, but was so impressed by the public transportation available. Leaving from Tokyo Station,  I got on a high speed train that, for under $100 USD, got me to Osaka in 2 hours and 24 minutes. 

While the time saved getting to the destination was great, the sights from the train were equally  as impressive. Instead of navigating new roads and stressful driving conditions, I got to sit back  and stare out the window at the beauty the Japanese countryside had to offer. My biggest  complaint is that the seats were so comfortable that I fell asleep and didn’t get to see the sights  for the entire ride. Before I knew it, the train was pulling into the station in Osaka.  

Osaka: Food Paradise 

While I loved everything I ate in Tokyo, Osaka brought a new level of deliciousness. I went to a  sukiyaki restaurant on my first night. The beef and vegetables were fresh and mouthwatering.  This city is all about satisfaction, especially when it comes to food. The Dotonbori district was a  highlight of my trip, with its neon lights and endless street food stalls. The food I loved the most  were the okonomiyaki, which are savory pancakes. These incredibly flavorful treats tasted like  meatballs.  

The people in Osaka were amazing and friendly as well. Everyone whom I talked with, from  servers in restaurants to strangers on the street, gave great recommendations and taught us how  to properly enjoy their local dishes.  

Summary: 

Visiting Japan was enjoyable and educational, and I would recommend it to anyone who is  curious about visiting the country. My trip balanced storytelling with useful advice from  professionals and personal growth as I explored parts of an entirely new country. With a mix of  culture, adventure, and self-discovery, Japan provided me with an enriching week, offering  lessons in hospitality and professionalism that I’m still carrying with me today. 

Shibuya Crossing 

Sukiyaki from Osaka