TOKYO 2017!

I made it to Tokyo for 2017! And the number one thing I can say is that God works in mysterious ways. I had a blast in Tokyo and am really proud of myself that I did not listen to the negativity (internally and externally), and I did the damn thing! I went there by myself and with no plan. This is something I have never done in my life, but it has definitely ignited a new energy inside of me and I cannot wait until I have a few days off again to explore on my own. I’ve really been empowered by making the decision to travel, and especially for a major holiday, on my own.

First, when I arrived, I met with a young lady I met via a Facebook travel group I’m in (shout out to “Girls Love to Travel”!). She had been living in India for the past few months and was traveling throughout Asia prior to heading back home to Alaska. We met in Ueno area and walked around for a few hours. We ate a beef and chicken gyro type sandwich, we did karaoke (yes, just the two of us!) and we got a few drinks at a dive bar. It was nice getting to know her and her experiences. She is super young, just 21, but she has an old soul and I could definitely vibe with her. It was nice to meet with such a friendly, open person for my first few hours in the massive city that is Tokyo. I think it helped to set the tone. The hostel owner called me during our drinks and asked if I had eaten dinner yet, which I really hadn’t, so I cut time with my new friend a little short to meet up with Tak (the hostel owner) and the other people staying in the hostel for the night. I met the group at an okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancakes) place around the corner from the hostel. Eight people were there including Tak: 3 Aussies, 2 Canadians, a guy from the Netherlands and his woman from Taiwan. Instantly, I felt at peace and conversation was easy. Of course, it was a little nerve wracking because I was late and it seemed as though most people had gotten to know each other the night before, but either way I was comfortable in my skin. Also, it was interesting because I was the only person from the states. I don’t know if I have ever found myself in that situation before, though I didn’t mind it. Although most people did give me a hard time, it was enlightening to listen to outsider perspectives of my country. Tak played as a mediator as well, so the conversations and/or debates were very enriching.

The next day I found an awesome Indian/Nepalese restaurant in the local area I was staying, which was on the east side of Tokyo. It was bomb, so filling and only 700 yen (about $7). When I got back to the hostel, a few guys were hanging out (an Aussie and 2 Canadians). The Canadians were on their way out to stay at a hostel closer to the city centro. They eventually invited me to hang with them, which of course, I did—as I mentioned, I had no plan whatsoever. We found their new hostel, then checked out the Shibuya crossing and area. This place was crazy and full of people. I guess when you think of Tokyo, this would be the spot. Surprisingly, not every place in Tokyo is super crowded and overwhelming, however Shibuya definitely is! It was neat to see this though. We came across some street music: two dudes rocked out with a guitar and drums (which were made of a suitcase!). As we started drinking at approximately 6p in the middle of the street (there are no outdoor liquor laws in Japan), the Aussie and I were quickly convinced to change plans and join the expat bar crawl with the Canadians. Retrospectively, we didn’t need to be there, but we did what we wanted to do in the moment and I love/live that mentality. Honestly, it was a perfect little group to hang with for the day/ New Year—the guys reminded me of my dude friends back home, super chill and down-to-earth. We had a great night, though blurry, it was a blast and I met so many different people from literally all over the world. For going to Tokyo by myself, I rarely felt alone in any moment.

“Club Precious”… yes, I am sure this is a strip club, but I had to get a picture! (Ueno area)

The Tokyo SkyTree from a distance. I saw this tower from all over the city!

(Side note: I wanted to add the video I have of the Shibuya crossing, which is the biggest and busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, but I can’t on this platform. You can google this spot though and I’m sure it will be very similar to what I saw with my own eyes!)

On the evening of the first, I went to the local shrine near my hostel. This was such an awesome experience! Leading up to the shrine, there were food vendors, small stores and music. People were everywhere—this is probably one of the biggest celebrations in Japanese culture. (I mean people don’t start working again until the 4th, so they really take this holiday seriously!) Once I got to the shrine, there were several ceremonial events taking place. At one spot in front of the temple, people threw coins/money and then prayed. This was one thing I could really understand by observation, so I liked that in this instance I truly felt apart of the celebration. There was also a place where particular coals burned and people would move the smoke toward their bodies in a showering manner. In another place, people of all ages lined up to wash the stone goddess. I also watched as people lined up for fortune tellings and to buy various trinkets. I actually bought one myself that is supposed to bring me a boyfriend. Ha! It is supposed to bring positive people to me, but more specifically a boyfriend. (I could only laugh when Tak told me this because I very randomly picked this particular pendant because it’s purple and I liked the purple over red!) In terms of food, I tried a mochi treat with teriyaki sauce and it was bomb—I’m glad I finally know I like those things because I’ve seen them everywhere 🙂 I, then, found a ramen spot by the temple, which was pretty awesome (and only 600 yen). An older woman waited on me and as Japanese are, she was super nice, polite and welcoming. I hung at the ramen shop for a good 1-1.5 hours and took in the atmosphere of Japanese families all around. It was such an authentic experience. Once I got back to the hostel, Tak and I chatted for awhile. It was good getting to know him, yet also learning about Japan and Japanese culture from him. I definitely think the next time I go to Tokyo, I will stay at that hostel again (shout out to Yawp! Backpackers hostel). Not only did he give the impression that I was hand picked to stay there, but he really did try to do everything to make sure I (and the other guests) felt comfortable. I really appreciated my time there and in Tokyo period.

One of the entrances to the local shrine.

This is where I threw money and prayed with other people.

Getting their fortunes for 2017.

Coals burning and smoke gathering

Each person took a good 2-3 minutes to wash the goddess.

Many people, and mostly Japanese, gathered at the shrine.

Yummy mochi sweets!

Ramen and tea- my comfort meal, for sure!

My ‘gold’ pendent meant to bring me positive people (and a boyfriend)! Haha

I took the local trains to and from Tokyo. This was a 6-7 hour journey (each way), but well worth it! I saw the country-side, the Pacific Ocean, a temple built into the side of a mountain, and this snow capped mountain: Mt. Fuji. This is the highest mountain in Japan and one of three Holy Mountains in the country. It was really breath-taking and because of the clear skies, I saw it for many miles!

Going into 2017, I am empowered and at peace. I’m excited to see what this year has in store. In my journey to Tokyo, I met some amazing people and I think it very positively set the stage for this starting year. I’m feeling truly blessed these days and am looking forward to upcoming adventures!