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Settling in Aikawa to Study Abroad in Osaka, Japan

Photos by Lucas Hong (Rice University), Student Correspondent for CET Japan, Spring 2025

A Warm Welcome to Aikawa

The sun setting by a river and lit up buildings in the neighborhood of Aikawa in Osaka, Japan
A student posting by the residential buildings in the neighborhood of Aikawa in Osaka, Japan

This was the sunset I saw on my first night in Aikawa, painting the sky a beautiful blue and red. It felt like a warm welcome to my new neighborhood. Every corner of Aikawa looks like it belongs in a postcard. I love how even the quietest alleyways have their own character and charm so the walk home is never boring!

    Osaka Gakuin University

    A student posting by Japanese characters, which is by Osaka Gakuin University in japan
    Two bowls of ramen with a cup of water and chopsticks on a wooden tray

    My first day at school was so much fun, from meeting my kind Sensei’s (teachers) to exploring Osaka Gakuin University’s beautiful campus. I couldn’t wait to see what the semester had in store for me!

    This ramen from OGU’s dining hall was delicious, cheap, and comforting. Osaka’s weather can be really cold this time of year, but I love how I can get a warm bowl of soup whenever I need it.

    Osaka Castle

    The exterior of the Osaka Castle landmark on a partly cloudy day

    Our first weekend kicked off with a city-wide scavenger hunt, leading us to some of Osaka’s most famous spots. I snapped this photo of Osaka Castle, which was even more beautiful in person.

    Sunrises and a Sharehouse Cooking Party

    Views of the top of residential buildings on a partly cloudy day in Osaka, Japan
    Bowls of vegetables and people's hands making home-made chicken gyoza

    I was lucky enough to get a spacious balcony with my room where I can dry my clothes and get fresh air. I was jet lagged all of the first week, but I didn’t mind because I got to catch some amazing sunrises from my balcony.

    We turned our sharehouse into a mini cooking school for a chicken gyoza party! The OGU students taught us their best folding techniques and showed us how to cook the gyoza. They turned out delicious!

    Two CET Japan students wearing a mask to celebrate the Setsubun Festival in Japan
    A CET Japan student smiling by train tracks in Japan

    Setsubun is a festival where we drive away bad luck by throwing soybeans at the oni (demons). My friends wore oni masks, and it was hilarious watching them dodge the beans. After that, I ate 21 (one plus my current age) beans for good luck!

    One thing I love about Japan is its public transportation. We take the train every morning to go to school, and then we ride it after school to explore more of the city. This is a picture of my friend at the station while we waited for our train!