My time in Japan has been truly transformative. The blend of academic research and cultural immersion across all the cities and universities I’ve visited has been remarkable. Having explored Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Nara, I’ve experienced Japan’s diverse cultural and urban landscapes firsthand.
I’ve had the privilege of participating in research on smart cities and communication technologies, focusing on their role in managing natural disasters and how we can apply these technologies back home in Austin.
Beyond the academic realm, exploring Japan has been a profound cultural experience. Having never traveled outside North America and knowing little Japanese, traveling seemed daunting. However, from the moment I first landed in Tokyo, the support of faculty, other students and the kindness of locals made traveling less intimidating and more exciting than I could have imagined.
Each city reveals Japan’s unique blend of tradition and innovation. Visiting Kyoto University and Osaka University and learning about their smart city initiatives has inspired me to explore collaborative efforts in urban sustainability and resilience through technology integration.
One of the most enlightening aspects of this journey has been the direct interaction with Japanese students and professors. Engaging in discussions about smart cities and disaster resilience with local experts has provided me with invaluable insights that go beyond textbook knowledge.
These conversations have broadened my understanding of how different cultures approach problems and innovate to solve challenges, offering new perspectives that I can bring back to our projects in Austin.
In addition to the academic and cultural experiences, Japan’s natural beauty has left a lasting impression on me. From the serene gardens of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, every location has a unique charm.
A particularly memorable moment was visiting the Bamboo Grove Forest in Kyoto. Walking through the towering bamboo stalks was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of preserving natural beauty while pursuing technological advancement.
My favorite city thus far has been Nara, which is also my professor’s hometown. In Nara, we stayed in a traditional-style Japanese inn, sleeping on tatami mats in the center of the deer park. Nara also boasts some of the most beautiful temples I’ve ever seen. And after spending days in bustling Tokyo and Kyoto, it was refreshing to step away from the city and enjoy a traditional and relaxing experience.
My favorite thing to do in all the cities has been trying and reviewing different local coffee shops. Each city offers a unique blend of flavors and ambiance. From the modern, sleek cafés in Tokyo to the quaint, traditional tea houses in Kyoto, I’ve enjoyed sampling a wide variety of brews. These coffee shop visits have not only satisfied my love for coffee but also provided a window into the local culture and daily life.
As I continue this journey, I’m excited to see what other discoveries lie ahead and how our research can contribute to the future of smart cities. This adventure has been a dream come true, and I look forward to making the most of every moment in this beautiful country. Japan has not only been a destination but also a catalyst for growth and understanding — a journey I’ll cherish forever, made possible through my amazing professors and the President’s Award for Global Learning program at The University of Texas at Austin.
This post was contributed by Emma Pardue, a Global Ambassador for Summer 2024. Emma is a junior advertising major studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan.
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