In the summer of 2019, my family and I travelled to Japan. We began in Osaka, explored Kyoto, and ended in Tokyo. Although we spent the least amount of time in Tokyo, I was fascinated by it. I knew I had to go back someday.
Fast forward two years—I was a senior in high school, applying to colleges. While researching in-state schools, I discovered that Temple had a campus in Tokyo. There was no way I was going to miss out on this opportunity.
Studying and Working in Japan
I decided to study abroad in Japan during my first semester of senior year. I went alone, not knowing anyone in the program. It was funny—despite being a senior, I felt like a freshman all over again—new school, new city, new friends.
My time in Tokyo can best be described as “hyperreality.” My daily life felt both unreal and real at the same time as I navigated the city alongside Japanese locals. With its neon lights, futuristic technology, and organized chaos, which made it appear chaotic yet amazingly efficient, I truly felt like I was inside a video game.
One of my favorite things about Japan was the public transportation. A 50-minute commute felt like nothing, and I quickly became immersed in the fast-paced environment. I looked forward to my morning routine—walking to the train station, stopping by FamilyMart to grab an onigiri (Japanese rice ball) for breakfast, and hopping on the trolley on my way to school.
“It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to apply my skills in a real-world setting while immersing myself in Japan’s disciplined and dedicated business culture. My days were long but fulfilling—balancing school, work, and exploring the city.”
– Vaishnavi Ramchandran
After class, I would casually head to the famous Shibuya Crossing to meet up with friends. Some days, we’d sing karaoke for hours, completely losing track of time before grabbing dinner and, of course, some matcha—an absolute dream for a matcha lover like me. It became our routine, a simple yet unforgettable part of daily life in Tokyo.
Beyond my studies, I also had the incredible opportunity to intern at, Amit Trading, a pearl jewelry company in Tokyo. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to apply my skills in a real-world setting while immersing myself in Japan’s disciplined and dedicated business culture. My days were long but fulfilling—balancing school, work, and exploring the city.
After a long day at my internship, I would hop on the train and be met with complete silence. It was incredible—despite Tokyo’s fast-paced energy, there was a sense of order and calm, especially on public transportation. The quiet allowed me to reflect on my day, take in my surroundings, and appreciate just how unique this experience was.
Even after nearly four months in Japan, this wonderful, surreal feeling never went away. Just the simple fact that I could hop on a 20-minute train ride and find myself in the heart of Shibuya, the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture, a place known worldwide, I felt incredible. My friends would casually text, “Where are you?” and my response would be, “Oh, I’m in Shibuya,” as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Moments like that reminded me just how lucky I was to be living this experience.
Tokyo is a city with such a vibrant personality—a place where centuries-old temples coexist with futuristic skyscrapers, where every corner holds something unexpected, and where the energy never seems to fade. My weekends were always booked and busy, as there was so much to explore. I even had the opportunity to travel to other countries, including South Korea and Hong Kong!
As a Temple student from Main Campus, I found it interesting that so few students at TUJ were from Temple. Meeting local Japanese students and people from all over the U.S. and the world made the experience even more unique.
My study abroad journey ended perfectly when my family came to visit. It was a full-circle moment—returning to the place that first inspired me to study abroad, now with the people who had been there from the beginning. I look forward to the next adventure.
By Vaishnavi Ramchandran, Fox ’25
Photos provided by Vaishnavi Ramchandran