My 21st birthday is in 2 weeks (on Memorial Day to be exact), and I feel like I have not been doing enough in my two months here so far.
So, to consolidate, I am compiling sort of a to-do list of things I want to do in Japan before the next era of my life begins.
- Try matcha from Uji.
I love matcha, and Japan is seen as the matcha capital of the world, more specifically Uji. I want to try some glorious matcha in the place that is known for it and savor the taste. It is only a short trip from Kyoto, so why not go?
- Feed a deer in Nara.
As much as deer annoy me when I am driving back home, I think they are beautiful creatures. In Nara, they are known for their deer park, a park full of respectful deer (yes, respectful; they like to bow) and the experience of feeding them. I can put my resentment aside to feel the joy of a deer eating from my hand.
- Wear a kimono.
Even though I have been in Japan for a few months so far, I have yet to wear a kimono! As the weather warms, and since I am a baby in the heat, I want to wear one before it gets too hot to function even in regular clothes.
- Visit all of the shrines and temples.
Obviously, I can’t visit every single shrine and temple, but there are so many near me I haven’t been to. Whether big or small, Buddhist or Shinto, I want to see the beauty of them up close.
- Stroll around the grounds of Nijō Castle.
A beautiful world heritage site, Nijō is only a 20-minute train ride. And–I’m noticing a common theme here–I have not swiped my transit card and made my way.
- Develop my film.
I have taken so many pictures on my film camera, but I haven’t developed them yet. I want to develop them before we go on more trips so I have all of the film I need.
- Explore Gion.
Gion is known for its Geishas, but there is so much more to see, like temples, shrines, and shops.
- Clean my room.
Seemingly out of place here, we have to make room for the small things. I have been neglecting this; maybe my birthday will motivate me.
- Hit Kiyomizu-dera.
Arguably one of the most famous temples or shrines in all of Japan, this famous landmark is less than an hour commute.
- Go on a long walk.
The area I live in has some incredibly gorgeous views; in the foothills of the mountains and near the Kamogawa (Kamo River), every direction presents you with beautiful sights. Let’s hope for nice days to come.
- Support a small business.
There are so many small businesses near me that I just want to go and spend my money at all of them but have so little time. In these next few weeks, I will support a small business near me for either food or goods.
- Read a book.
I brought so many books with me from home that I have yet to read; maybe I can hit two birds with one stone and read my book at a temple or park.
- Have a picnic at the park.
Speaking of parks, there are so many beautiful parks in Kyoto that I have such easy access to. How nice would it be to sit and bask in the sun under the beautiful greenery of the trees?
- Hang out with a new friend.
I have met so many new friends but have yet to hang out with them one on one! A great birthday gift to myself would be making memories with a new buddy.
- Rent a bike.
Kamogawa has some beautiful views, and I constantly see bikers and joggers running down the path. I have been inspired by the heavy biking culture here and now want to ride a bike and watch the water flow, possibly move towards the mountains that surround it.
- Change my look.
Just as my age is changing, I would like to switch something up about the way I look. Whether it’s a new piercing, haircut, or manicure, I want to splurge a bit as a form of self-care.
- Hike Kibune and Kurama.
Two villages in close proximity to one another, there are some phenomenal views to be seen as you hike up the mountains and through the shrines that down the hillside. Just make sure to bring my inhaler.
- Discover a new cafe.
As a self-proclaimed coffee lover (more like fiend), there are so many cafes and coffee shops in my area that I just can’t hit them all. I would at least want to discover one new one before these next two weeks are up.
- Try a new food.
For someone who is a picky eater mixed with texture sensitivities, trying new foods can be excruciating. But what better time to do so than in a new country?
- Get some genuine rest.
Rest is a luxury that is hard for college students to come by; especially now where so much uncertainty is occurring around us. But I deserve some rest, and I will do my best to ensure I get some.
- Watch the Minecraft movie in Japanese.
I see so many people from home talking about how good the movie was, and all of my friends (more specifically Sophie) have mentioned wanting to go. Why not make it a birthday trip, and test my language skills while we’re at it?
All in all, there are too many things I want to do but no time to do them. At least, with making this list, I can maybe muster up some of the courage needed to actually get up and do them, maybe even ask some new friends to come with me.
It’s time to ring in a new year with some new experiences.
DU Abroad 