I studied in Japan for a whole quarter during spring 2005. Things were very different and 'culture shock' was inevitable (as it is for all newcomers). But this place is so cool! Seriously! The neon lights, the warm toilets, the metro system, the good food, the tissue paper handouts, the engrish, the traditions - it's all here!
While in Japan, I took a journal of my time abroad. There, I posted pictures, recounted daily activities and gave all you my 'gaijin' (foreigner) perspectives on the awesomeness that is Japan.