One aspect of traveling I look forward to the most is trying the local cuisine. However, because I am a vegetarian, this is often challenging, which is partially why I decided to eat fish while in Japan. I was very nervous that I wouldn’t like fish, but I ended up loving it, and my culinary adventure in Japan became an unforgettable journey. I am so glad that I could experience the incredible diversity of Japanese cuisine while getting advice on where to eat and what to order from locals. From Tokyo to Hiroshima, I savored various regional flavors, trying many different types of fish for the first time and exploring the unique dishes each area had to offer.

We spent most of our time on the program in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, which offers a wide variety of foods. It was here that I ate sashimi for the first time and completely fell in love with it. The freshness of the tuna and salmon slices, paired with the perfect amount of wasabi and soy sauce, created a delicate and flavorful experience that was both refreshing and savory. The texture of the fish was unlike anything I had ever tried, melting in my mouth with each bite. At the same restaurant, I tried kani miso and shrimp for the first time. This was easily one of my favorite meals over the course of the trip.

Another Tokyo street food that I tried was takoyaki. The octopus-filled dough balls were crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, drizzled with a savory sauce and sprinkled with bonito flakes. We ate these with students from Tokyo University, who recommended putting mayonnaise on top, which added to the flavor. The rich, umami flavor of the octopus complemented the batter very well, making it a tasty meal even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the chewy texture.

The desserts we ate in Tokyo were also incredibly delicious. One of my favorites was taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry. I chose one filled with sweet red bean paste and loved it. The warm, crispy exterior and the sweet, smooth filling made it the perfect treat. Another unique dessert we ate was “the world’s strongest matcha ice cream.” I was nervous about trying it because I thought it might be too much, but the intense bitterness of the matcha balanced the light sweetness of the ice cream perfectly. Honestly, I loved everything I ate with matcha or red bean paste.

When we went to Azabu University, one of the students and faculty recommended that we try natto, which is fermented soybeans. Natto is unique to Japan and known to be an acquired taste, so I approached it with curiosity. We got some at a local grocery store, and when we opened the container, its strong and pungent aroma spread quickly. The texture was also very sticky and slimy, but the texture was mostly savory, especially when mixed with soy sauce and mustard. I didn’t particularly like natto, but I think I would have liked it better if it had been combined with rice or a different food.

We were told that Hiroshima was famous for its oysters and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. When we went to Miyajima, we decided to try oysters and rushed to find a place with raw and baked ones. I never had oysters before and wasn’t sure what to expect. They were plump and juicy, and the raw ones had a rich flavor and tasted strongly of salt water. The baked ones were my favorite as they were coated in herbs and were very tender and warm. We also had Momiji Manju on Miyajima Island, which is a maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with sweet bean paste. The traditional sweet was soft and slightly chewy, with a delicate sweetness that paired perfectly with the iced matcha we had with it.

Another highlight of my trip was the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. This savory pancake was layered with cabbage, noodles, seasonings, and seafood, all cooked on a hot griddle and topped with tangy sauce and mayonnaise. The combination of textures and flavors was incredibly satisfying and was the perfect comfort food.

Over the course of the trip, I encountered a wide variety of seafood and fish, most of which were new to me. I tried different types of tuna and salmon, bonito, unagi, shrimp, crab, herring, and more. I also really enjoyed eating different styles of soba, udon, and ramen throughout the trip, from more traditional tororo soba to vegan ramen. Exploring the regional flavors of Japan through its diverse cuisine was eye-opening. Each dish I tried offered a glimpse into the country’s rich culinary heritage, and every bite was a step deeper into understanding and appreciating the incredible diversity of Japanese food.

Japan is home to many cultural treasures and is famous for its numerous temples and shrines, which stand out as gateways to the country’s rich spiritual heritage. I was so excited to visit as many different places as possible in Japan, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about their history and significance. Over the course of the program, I saw many different temples and shrines, but the Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya, and the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima were my favorites.

The first Shrine I visited was the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and is located in a beautiful park hidden away from the bustling city. Walking through the massive torii gate and along the tree-lined path to the shrine felt like stepping into a completely different part of the country. The tranquility and surroundings were truly enchanting. It was cool to see the sake barrels lining a section of the pathway as an offering to the Emperor and Empress to which the shrine is dedicated. When we arrived at the main area of the shrine, we washed our hands at the purification area before entering the shrine to make a donation and offer prayers. The serene atmosphere and beautiful natural setting made Meiji Jingu a perfect place for reflection and connecting with Japan’s spiritual heritage. Before we left, we each received a poem, or Waka, written by the Empress herself, which holds special meanings to those who receive them.

Next, we went to Sensō-ji, which is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is located in Asakusa. After one of the program days, we visited Sensō-ji and learned that the temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. As we approached the temple, we passed through the Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, which had a massive red lantern hanging in the center and statues of different protective deities. I enjoyed walking through the main hall, Hondo, and drawing an omikuji. The five-story pagoda was also very beautiful, and I had a lot of fun simply exploring the temple grounds. Before we left, we walked down Nakamise Street, which was lined with traditional shops selling souvenirs and snacks.

One of the last destinations of the program was the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, near Hiroshima. It is famous for its torii gate, which usually appears to float on the water during high tide but was instead land-locked when we visited. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deities of the sea and storms and blends in with its natural surroundings. I enjoyed walking through the shrine’s hallways and seeing the torii gate from different angles. The whole island was a haven of natural beauty, and some of us even hiked up a trail to see the gate from a scenic viewpoint. The Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima were definitely some of my favorite, most memorable parts of my journey.

Visiting temples and shrines in Japan was not just about admiring architectural beauty but was more about connecting with the spiritual and cultural essence of Japan. Each site I visited offered a unique experience, from the bustling energy of Sensō-ji to the tranquil elegance of Meiji Jingu, and the mystical aura of Itsukushima Shrine. As I explored these sacred spaces, I gained a deeper appreciation for Japan’s history, beliefs, and the timeless traditions that continue to shape its identity.

Underneath the bustling streets of Tokyo lies an engineering marvel that few people are aware of: the Kanda River Underground Regulating Reservoir. While walking to the building housing it, I was completely unaware of this hidden giant that plays a crucial role in the city’s flood management system, safeguarding Tokyo from potential water-related disasters. 

The Kanda River Underground Regulating Reservoir is an enormous subterranean facility designed to control and manage excess water from the Kanda River. Tokyo, being a densely packed metropolitan area, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its compact infrastructure and the prevalence of impermeable surfaces. The Kanda River, which runs through the city’s center, has historically been prone to overflow during heavy rains and typhoons. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Construction began an ambitious project to create this underground reservoir to reduce this risk.

As we went on a guided tour of the facility, we received a detailed explanation of how the reservoir operates as a large storage tank capable of storing 540,000 m³ of water. The guide explained how the underground facility begins taking in water during periods of heavy rainfall when the Kanda River swells with excess water. The system is designed to divert water from the river into the reservoir through a series of tunnels and intake structures, which we observed through a demonstration using a miniature diorama of the facility. Once inside, the water is temporarily stored until the river levels subside, preventing the river from overflowing and flooding the surrounding areas. 

The guide explained that after the rainfall event, the stored water is gradually released back into the river, ensuring that the water levels return to normal without causing downstream flooding. They also mentioned that they were exploring the idea of discharging the water into the ocean instead. Either way, a regulated release is crucial in maintaining the balance and preventing sudden surges that could lead to further issues.

The reservoir is also equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems, including sensors and automated gates that help manage water flow in and out. The real-time data collected by these sensors allows for precise control, ensuring that the reservoir operates efficiently and effectively during critical periods.

While I was very interested in learning about how the Kanda River Underground Regulating Reservoir works, I was even more excited to actually see it. We walked down many flights of steps before entering a vast underground chamber that felt like stepping into a different world. The sheer scale of the facility was awe-inspiring, the tunnels being even larger than I imagined. It was hard to believe such an immense structure existed right beneath the city’s surface.

After walking through part of the tunnels and listening to the end of the guided tour, we returned to the surface and began walking to our next destination. As we were walking, we passed by part of the river that the reservoir monitors. It was remarkable to see the different marks on the wall, signifying when the water level is high enough for the reservoir to be used, and thinking about the complex and extensive system at work beneath our feet.

The significance of the Kanda River Underground Regulating Reservoir cannot be overstated. Tokyo, a city of over 14 million people, is at constant risk of flooding, especially during the typhoon season. The reservoir acts as a critical buffer, protecting both residential and commercial areas from the devastating impacts of floods.