After sweatily carrying my two suitcases, I had finally arrived at the hotel that myself and other students from the program would be staying. However we were a few hours early and the rooms were not available. After meeting a group of people who were in the same boat as me (tired and just want a damn shower) we caught word that we could leave our luggage at the hotel and explore Fukuoka. This was my first impression of Japan, a land of pure novelty. Never have I seen anything like it before. Pokemon Center nearby, more tobacco vending machines on one block than I had ever even known were in existence. 7-11 sells bentos, sushi, and even XXX mags you can take a peek in if you are brave! I couldn't believe it, I finally realized they have been holding out on us in the US. but here there was something for everyone, of all ages, around every turn... I knew I needed to make these 5 months last as long as possible.