Osaka Exchange

Has anyone been to Osaka? My high school has this Exchange program begining September of next year! and I signed up to go! In june I'll find out if I have been chosen or not. Even if I don't go, I always have a back up plan. I'd go to Tokyo at the cheapest time of the year and visit my penpal because she wants to see me very much =3 Ooooh she loves Canada! anyhow, I saw pictures at school of the past Japan trips and it really looks like a fun place to be! I'm just wondering...If any of you have been to Osaka and tell me what kind of things will I or won't I expect. The school only says so much. But I'd like to know more...I guess im just curious! Btw the name of the city is Neyagawa, it's a little suberb in Osaka. My home town and their town both share simularities. My town even named a street after Neyagawa! The school that I would be attending is about 90 years old!!! I forget the name of it though, sorrie!
I also want to know how long it would take, to board a train on Osaka to Tokyo. How long would it take!? 2 hours mabye? Japan is a small country after all, but the atlas makes it look so big!!! O_O
Hope you can answer my questions
-thanks

Not even the slightest clue?
I expected better...
I mean really, I need a seccond opinion and if you don't know then what CAN you possibly give advice on?

No wonder it's so empty here..

[ricoche]

Originally Posted by Cloverbell

No wonder it's so empty here..

Patience my friend. The Japanese love people who are patient. You will no doubt learn after coming to Japan that the people here work very hard and have very little time to spend with family and friends.

When I first came to Japan, ( Just after University ), I found that girls and guys only dated once a week on Saturdays or Sundays. I remember commenting to my Japanese friends that people in the U.S. dated much more frequently then that and practically called everyday.

In fact most if not all of my friends here in Japan have never posted on this board because they either don't know english very well, or they are simply just too busy.

In your case though, I simply overlooked your post and didn't see it. Not for the reasons that are suggestive from your comments. I am an American so you got my attention, but in Japan, you won't.

Quote:

Not even the slightest clue?
I expected better...
I mean really, I need a seccond opinion and if you don't know then what CAN you possibly give advice on?

Why should I give you any advice now? Yeah after 10 years, I really don't have the slightest clue anymore. Again, these comments are typical from the West.

You are really out of line with your attitude on this board. We are not providing any sold product or service for sale, so why should you be so demanding that we answer every question on your time? This kind of attitude does not go well in Japan most definitely.

Now, in a positive fashion, I'd love to answer your questions. Let's begin.

Quote:

Has anyone been to Osaka?

Yes, I have been there many times. I usually went to a place called Namba. It is famous for the big river and many bridges it has. Usually if you look at postcards of Osaka you will see the the city being characterized as a long river that runs through Namba and has several wide bridges that are very famous. One such bridge is famous for girls and guys meeting each other, like sort of a dating place. Also the city lights are gorgeous and when I went there for the first time, I really felt like I was in Japan! ( I will attach some pictures in my next post. )

I really like the Osaka people because they are outspoken and very friendly. They are generally not afraid to speak to foreignors and they are often funny too. I am not sure about the High School students because generally their character is quite different, however, I think they too are much more outspoken.

The food is also very famous in Osaka. Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki are two very famous types of foods that you can get there. "Tako" means octopus in Japan, so you can eat your first octopus there if you haven't already. It's actually very good in my opinion.

A bullet train ride from Osaka to Tokyo can take 2-3 hours depending on where you stop. Usually 2 hours to Shin-yokohama and 3 hours to Tokyo. Books might tell you sooner, but it really depends on which stop you get off either way. In addition the Bullet train is very very expensive, so if anyone decides to have long term relationships or to take weekend trips to Tokyo think again. You'll go broke for sure! Osaka is a great place in central Japan, and it IS very close to surrounding major cities, BUT it is extremely expensive to go to places like Yokohama, Tokyo, Hiroshima, etc on a regular basis.

I am not sure what kind of school you go to there, but you can expect the schools here to be very old and generally using older style furniture. It's kind of a nice feeling a little bit but things are a bit dated when compared to the West. Also, many highschool students wear uniforms, or have after school clubs or jukus ( cram schools ), so their time is limited. Those students who are studying to go to university don't have much time except for the weekends. Those who don't plan to go to university are often at the arcades or out looking for girls and guys on the streets. It's interesting.

I know I am saying a lot about the time factor here, but I really think you will understand what I mean when you get here. I am from the States, and I think High School students have a hell of a lot more time than Japanese students. However, I do think this is a good thing. I really wish Japanese students and friends had more time to themselves. Japenese students generally have to go to after school clubs and study very hard at Jukus for University entrance exams. Of course 1st and 2nd year students may have more time.

Anyway, I would definitely be happy to answer any more questions you have and provide any additional information if you like as well. I can sometimes get very busy with too many things to list here and I sincerely apologize for not seeing your post initially.

I know you'll have fun in Japan, but remember that "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" and you will be very well respected and successful. Leave your diehard Canadianisms and Americanisms at the door when you leave home. The Japanese are really turned off by them and they won't get you far. They love Canada and the U.S. for sure and will welcome you hands down, but the cultures are very different....and fun!

Take it easy and good luck!

- Ricoche

*Sigh* Thank you verrrrry much! @_@
And Sorry I didnt mean to sound ANGRY or RUDE honestly.... It's been a long time for anybody to answer and no, I'm not used to small message boards like these. I thought people were ignoring me! And all those things I said _weren't_ directed AT you! Please don't take it personally.
but thanks for the info anyway!
Sorrie again :S

[ricoche]

Hi there,

No worries. Please ask anytime and I'll certainly be happy to lend some help. My post was probably a bit harsh so I apologize.

Thanks again and do ask any questions that come to mind.

And yes, you will love Osaka!!!

- Ricoche :)

[pkelly]

Hi.. I lived in Osaka for about 9 years. I can give you lots of good info. Jim answered your questions quite well. Any other questions? I'm here.

Patrick

Originally Posted by ricoche

Hi there,

No worries. Please ask anytime and I'll certainly be happy to lend some help. My post was probably a bit harsh so I apologize.

Thanks again and do ask any questions that come to mind.

And yes, you will love Osaka!!!

- Ricoche :)

[ricoche]

Thanks for the help and input! It's nice to have a variety of opinions and experience on the board.

[ricoche]

Here a some photos of Osaka along with a nice Namba gal! I like the bright lights and Asian look here. Enjoy!

[pkelly]

Nice pic's reminds me of my second home... longing to get back to the bright lights.

Patrick

Originally Posted by ricoche

Here a some photos of Osaka along with a nice Namba gal! I like the bright lights and Asian look here. Enjoy!

It'd be propably better if I posted a thread of my own but since you're already here...
I was planning to go to Japan as an exchange student but now after you told how busy the japanese people are I'm not really sure anymore. I'd like to ask you a few questions:
1. How long are the school days?
2. And what's with the homework?
3. Is it possible to have any hobbies if you go to school?

I must say that I'm used to doing lots of schoolwork so I'm not a lazy person but in the country I live in Saturday is also a holiday so I have more time for myself.

Thank you for answering!

Ok, I've already been answered the guestion number three. Still I'm not very sure if I can practice ballet and disco dance in Japan... I'm afraid that if there is ballet I can't practice it since I'm not very good and I've only danced ballet for a year now. Well I just have to wait and see.

Hi vesipisara, I think you've resurrected a 2 year old thread! lol :O

Well I dont think I'll be able to give you any advice but I'm actually leaving for japan in less than a month. I graduated from high school just a little over 3 weeks ago here in the States and I'm going to study in Japan for a year, though if I enjoy it there and my visa permits, I'm thinking of staying there for University.

Anyone know anything about Nagoya? It's not as big as Tokyo, Yokohama or Osaka, but I heard it's the fourth city on the list.

Once I'm in Japan, I'll be sure to report my findings here. :D

Yeah, I noticed that the thread was really old but that was after I had already posted it so I couldn't anything anymore :D Sorry..