What I learnt as a student traveller in Japan

Scenic: Chang (left, on a bike) with his travelling companions and cousin sister in the foreground of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.

THE landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo was anything but smooth, but I managed to catch my first glimpse of Japan. A sea of light emanated from the bustling metropolis below, drawing a rough outline of Tokyo Bay.

Thus began my 10-day backpacking trip across Central Japan early this month. I was travelling with four friends who share my love for the Land of the Rising Sun and anime. It was meant to be our post-Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) trip. Also travelling with us was my younger brother.