With orientation out of the way and classes just around the corner, it’s like reliving my first couple of weeks in Japan all over again ^^;. Only this time in the cold, instead of the sweltering humidity and summer heat. So how about another tour of the campus through a different set of lens?

Front Gate. lightsaber-wielding guards are always watching people entering and leaving the campus.

The main area of the school. It just evokes an aura of academics!

Once again, the circle stage will be void of students. This semester is going to be very empty and quiet; the Japanese students run on a separate academic calendar that starts in April so campus will be pretty quiet in the months to come. Ugh…

Right next to the circle stage is a construction site where a new school building is being erected. This was back in August 2012 when I first came to the school.

This is what the site looks like now. Looks like there is still some ways to go before we get to see this new building ^^;.

The other side of the campus where the school’s International Festival was held. A giant field where students play basketball, baseball, soccer, or whatever the occasion calls for.

This peaceful pond is right behind the CIE building where the international students’ classes are.

Same area but during the fall.

This is the club building. To get the most out of studying abroad in Japan, one should definitely join a club or a circle at the school. It’s a great way to make local friends, learn new things, and enjoy activities at school that you would otherwise not be able to back home. Clubs are a big part of school here here in Japan.

This building houses all the dojo for the various martial arts clubs, a gym, boxing ring, and club houses. Basically, all the physical clubs are here. In other words, this is where you can come to find some powerful people ^^;.

It’s not hard to tell which dojo belongs to which club; they have their own dedicated facility and wooden banner right outside so you don’t accidentally walk into the Karate club if you actually want to do Judo. The martial arts club here are Karate, Judo, Kendo, Shorinji Kempo, and… probably a few others I am forgetting ^^;.

The Boxing Ring club. Full size ring with all the other equipments that one would need to train.

The Shorinji Kempo club. This is the one I joined last semester. VERY friendly members and very willing to help you learn and have fun. Just be prepared to keep up with the training and be amazed at their dedication, stamina, and skills…

The Karate dojo. Maybe I’ll pick up a few lessons here this term. Of course, none of the clubs are open right now since it is still winter break for the Japanese students.

Too dark to see anything but here is where all the club rooms are. It’s basically a lounge with couches for its respective club members to hold meetings or just relax in. I usually find a few of my Kempo senpai chilling or napping inside ^^;.

Apparently, this is considered relatively empty for a bike parking lot. Being the main form of transportation for both local and international students, finding parking space for your bike then looking for your bike in a sea of bikes later could get troublesome sometimes.

Up till now, I didn’t really post much about Kansai Gaidai or my courses so I’ll be sure to do more of that this semester. After all, my main objective is to study abroad in Japan. Not vacationing ^^;.

Just one more day to go…