May 26, 2026

Our First Full Day in Tokyo

[Text and photos by Program Director Luke Strosnider]

Our first full day in Japan was *very* full! The day began when were met by Mayu Tomioka from IES Abroad, our study abroad partner in Tokyo. Mayu walked us through our neighborhood — Kiyousumi Shirakawa — to our classroom at Morishita Culture Center, a community hub that hosts civic events, art exhibitions, and educational workshops.

College students walk single-file across a steel bridge. — Landmark students cross the Onagi River on their way to class.

In the classroom we were met by Mariko Ishikawa, who gave us a thorough orientation to all things Tokyo and Japan.

A teacher stands at the front of a classroom full of students. — Mariko Ishikawa from IES Abroad leads an orientation session at our first class meeting.

After class, we hopped on the subway and headed to Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo, where IES treated us to a sumptuous buffet lunch. The selection of food was impressive and delicious; we all ate well.

College students sit at tables in groups of four, eating lunch. — A delicious buffet lunch at the Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo.

Our afternoon session was a scavenger hunt that helped get us out into the neighborhood around our hotel. Small groups were formed, and students set out to find examples of the unique diverse cultural, historical, and architectural aspects of the Kiyousumi Shirakawa area. We are settling into the rhythms and routines of Tokyo!