Arrival

Hello all,

I arrived yesterday and it was very dark. The flight was ok, slept most of the journey but managed to watch the new Pirates of the Caribbean (dreadful).

I managed to get over to my hotel from the airport with a bit of help from a Japanese lady wanting to practice her English! I didn't even have to ask for help. The hotel I stayed in was nice, I even got given a kimono and slippers to wear to the showers! I decided to find somewhere to eat, the streets are full of places to eat so I settled on an old man's Sushi bar. I got lots of plates of Sushi and a free beer for the equivalent of £8 or so!

I crashed in the hotel only to wake up at 4.00am so after hanging around got a massive breakfast (eggs, toast, mizo soup, omelette, seaweed, rice, coffee, green tea, pork)! Osaka is one of the hottest places in the country today! About 33 degrees, so very very hot!

I went to the City Plaza Hotel, the hotel the company had paid for and dropped my bags off. Check in wasn't open until 3.00pm so I decided to go to Osaka-jo. Then I got some Ramen, feeling very full now! When I got back I was able to appreciate the hotel! My room has fantastic views. The hotel even has a spar overlooking Osaka! Shame I passed out at 4 in the afternoon only to wake up at 3.00am! So I though may as well update this.

Training begins in 5 hours. Hopefully that gives me enough time to get ready. Here are some pictures from the day.............

One of the trains from the airport. Looked like a submarine,
I really like that they have a vending machine on it.

Osaka-jo.

Contrast between old and new.

Old guy painting in the park, wearing painting gloves.

Ice cold from one of the many vending machines. Got to love
some refreshing Qoo on a hot day!

The toilet in my hotel room!

The view from the hotel when I went to sleep and when I woke up.
The northern lights are visible from Japan (curtains).

Where I am going.......

Hello all,

This is my new blog for Japan. I thought I would create a blog so that I can make a sort of weekly post about what I have been up to in Japan. I will try and include as many pictures as I can!

Why are you going to Japan?

I have always wanted to go to Japan since I was about 14 (I am now 22). I loved Nintendo, I always eat at Yo Sushi whenever I get the chance and I have seen my share of Japanese Anime too! Aside from all the clichéd Japanese things that most geeky kids enjoy growing up I have always had this burning desire to go. I always wanted to find out if the stereotypes were true such as crazy TV adverts, futuristic cities and the rest!

The bedroom I got my Dad to build for me! (Guess the theme)

After University and graduating from Biochemistry I decided to go apply for ALT jobs in Japan (when I say jobs I mean only JET and Interac). Around March I got the wonderful news that I had got into Interac, an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) dispatch company.


Where will you be in Japan?

I will be staying in Osaka, near Osaka City University in an all in one style apartment. This will consist of a bedroom/living room/dining room/kitchen all in one room! There will be a separate bathroom. I am not too worried about this as I knew it was coming! I am, however, a bit nervous about fitting into the bed. I don't have an oven either (I think my microwave might function as one). Internet and TV included in the price though!

Map of Japan showing location of Osaka in relation to other cities like Tokyo

When do you go?

I go on Monday the 22nd of August and arrive on the 23rd of August. I will be flying from Manchester on the Airbus A380 to Dubai and then to Kansai International Airport on Emirates (very excited for this). The airport is claimed from the sea and is the longest in the world!


I start training on the 25th and move into my house of the 27th. The first day in school is the 1st of September! I will be staying in a fairly swanky hotel during training which is nice of them.

I have resigned from my job, cleared out my room and said bye to everyone. All I have to do now is pack! 

As the time is getting closer I am a bit nervous about my Japanese Language ability. I have been using "Japanese for Busy People" the best book for learning Japanese! Looking forward to finally seeing Japan and meeting everyone. That and devouring myself on Japanese food!

Goodbye さよなら

Joe