Hakone
Our visit to Hakone, a rural area in Japan, has been an eye-opening experience. The region is known for its natural hot springs (known as onsens) and the stunning Mount Fuji. We had the opportunity to experience the cultural tradition of visiting an onsen, which was surprising due to its contrast to our own cultural norms. However, the experience proved to be both educational and enriching, allowing us to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of other cultures worldwide.
Hakone, despite being in a rural area, has a reliable public transportation system that makes it easily accessible to both visitors and residents. This convenience adds to the attraction of exploring the region, providing an opportunity to reflect and learn more about Japan and its cultural differences. It is remarkable to see how people of all ages in this country participate in different social activities as a community.
Jaminette Nazario
PhD Student in Gerontology at UM Graduate School