Off the Beaten Path: A JET’s Eye View of Japan
Aug 20 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Silicon Foundry
350 Mission St Floor 25
San Francisco,
California
94105
United States
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*In-person program
**Due to building security, we cannot accept walk-ins. All participants must be registered in advance.
Beyond Tokyo’s neon streets and Kyoto’s ancient temples lies a Japan most travelers never see — one of remote islands, hidden hot springs, quirky local festivals, and mountain trails known mainly to the people who live there. Discover these hidden corners through the eyesof those who know them best: alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, who spent one to five years living and working in Japan’s smaller cities and towns. Through short, personal presentations, seven speakers will share the stories, landscapes, and local traditions that shaped their time abroad, offering a fresh perspective for anyone dreaming of a trip beyond the well-worn “Golden Route.”
The evening includes a series of five-minute talks covering everything from island getaways to festival traditions and outdoor adventures, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can dig deeper into the destinations that catch their interest. The program wraps up with a networking reception, giving guests a chance to connect with the speakers and fellow Japan enthusiasts over snacks and refreshments.
This program is presented by the Japan Society of Northern California in collaboration with the JET Alumni Association of Northern California.
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM (Doors open 5:30 PM)
Location: Silicon Foundry, 350 Mission St Floor 25, San Francisco, CA 94105
Parking: Paid parking available below the building. Garage closes at 8 PM.
Tentative Agenda:
| 5:30 PM | Doors Open |
|---|---|
| 6:00-6:05 PM |
Opening Remarks
|
| 6:05-6:40 PM |
Speaker Presentations (5 min each)
|
| 6:40-6:50 PM |
Q&A Time
|
| 6:50-6:55 PM |
Closing Remarks
|
| 6:55-7:30 PM |
Networking and Refreshments |
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