Written by James Pan (University of Michigan – Ann Arbor), Student Correspondent for CET Japan, Summer 2023
![A group of CET Japan students and their roommates posing by a sculpture of a boy playing the drums in pajamas in Dotonbori](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Housemates-in-Dotonbori-Osaka-Explorers-activity_700x933.jpg)
A rare photo with all 8 of my housemates alongside くいだおれ太郎 (Cuidaore Taro) in Dotonbori. We were looking for a boy playing the drums in pajamas as part of a challenge for the “Osaka Explorers” event hosted by CET.
![Takoyaki Party a CET Japan student and housemates](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Takoyaki-party-with-housemates_800x804.jpg)
![Close up of Takoyaki being made in a Takoyaki-making pan](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Takoyaki_800x600.jpg)
A タコパ (short for Takoyaki Party) with my housemates. We were lucky to have a roommate who was really good at making them teach us the ways. It took some practice, but everyone eventually got the trick of making them! Topping them off with takoyaki sauce, aonori, mayo, and bonito flakes makes the perfect combo. They were by far the best takoyaki I’ve ever had.
![Exterior of CET Japan housing, specifically a sharehouse](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Housing_800x600.jpg)
![A room with a bed in the corner, chair, and small desk](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Housing-room_800x600.jpg)
For those interested in CET housing, this is Vivian: my current home in Osaka, and a cornerstone of social life in the program. CET housing in Japan is typically around Aikawa or Shojaku, and they come in two forms: sharehouses (like Vivian) or apartments. Most housing looks similar at around 2~4 stories tall. A photo of my room at its very best (right image). Since Vivian is a sharehouse, the room will be slightly smaller without its own kitchen or bathroom. In return, we have an amazing common space!
![Rushing water at Minoh Falls in Minoh Park](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Minoh-Falls_700x935.jpg)
Minoh Falls in Minoh Park. It’s only about an hour away from OGU (Osaka Gakuin University) by public transport, and the hike is surprisingly easy (unless you’re like me and brought his entire school backpack with him, computer and camera included).
![Ramen with thinly sliced meat, eggs, and vegetables from a popular store in Umeda](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Ramen-food-in-Umdea_800x600.jpg)
Ramen from ラーメン大戦争, which they directly translate into “The Ramen War”. It’s a very popular store in Umeda, so expect to have to wait in line! Thankfully, the ramen was as delicious as it was impressive.
![People walking up a street between buildings near Hokanji Temple in Japan](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Hokanji-Temple_700x1052-681x1024.jpg)
Hokanji Temple (法観寺), which was on the way to the world renowned “Kiyomizudera”. The nearby streets of Nineizaka and Sanneizaka are also extremely picturesque.
![A view of people playing games through a window such as Igo and Syougi in Japan](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Shops-specializing-in-certain-games_700x1052-681x1024.jpg)
A shop that specializes in the games of 囲碁 (Igo) and 将棋 (Syougi). Shops specializing in certain games (particularly board and card games) and allowing players to play against one another are very common here in Japan.
![People walking in a street between stores and shops in Janjan-Yokocho near Shinsekai](https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blog_Japan_Summer-2023_James-Pan_Janjan-Yokocho-street-near-Shinsekai_700x1052-681x1024.jpg)
A shot of Janjan-Yokocho near Shinsekai, and my favorite “street” photo from this first week. The area mainly features a lot of food, particularly famous local dishes like kushikatsu.