Exploring Akihabara and Ryokan Experience

The past few days have been full of action for our Anime, Manga, & Gaming Global Navigators! They have had the chance to learn more Japanese, explore Akihabara, and start their trip to Yamanashi prefecture. 

On Wednesday, students started the day with their gaming class instructor Steve Ross. They have been working on creating an initial design for a game using the concepts that they learned in class about 8 types of fun and the core game loop. 

After lunch, the Navigators made their way to their next intensive Japanese class with Ms. Atsuko Iwamoto. They learned new phrases such as how to order food at restaurants (which some have already been able to put into practice!)

After class, everyone took the train to get to Akihabara 'Electric Town'. Akihabara is known for its arcades and shops selling anime and manga merchandise. Students enjoyed exploring the area, shopping for electronics/collectibles, and playing games in the arcades. 

Student Viv Lum said “Exploring Harajuku and Akihabara is such a thrilling experience— especially with new friends to see all the shops with. All the clothes are gorgeous and there are enough figurines in Akihabara to satisfy even the most diehard anime fan. The only one who's unhappy is my wallet, and it’s only been two days of outings!”

The next day, students had another gaming class. They learned more about the idea of flow in game design and the importance of failing faster in the creative process.

After lunch, it was time to depart to Yamanashi for our overnight trip! After boarding the group bus, we drove 1.5 hours outside Tokyo to the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center. There students learned some of the science behind maglev ('magnetic levitation') trains. They also got to interact with exhibits such as a test ride vehicle, and even watch trains go by outside at a speed of 310 miles per hour!

After leaving the exhibit, we drove to check in at our hotel. For the next three nights, students will be staying in a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan (旅館). The ryokan we are staying at features tatami-matted rooms, communal baths/hot springs (onsen - 温泉), and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata. After settling in, students enjoyed a group meal in a traditional tatami-matted room. After dinner, many students enjoyed the onsen and went to bed for the night on their traditional Japanese futon (布団). 

Students have already had a great time exploring Tokyo, but for the next few days they will get to experience more of Japan in Yamanashi. Tomorrow, the excitement continues!