Japan: MY HOME AWAY
Inside and outside my body.
Feeling, observing, yet being immersed.
The air breathes the same,
Water flows as it does elsewhere.
Familiar yet different.
Foreign yet the same.
Perhaps a waking dream
To be replayed over and over again
As memories forever more.
I had never given much thought to visiting Japan. I had imagined traveling to many other places, including my recent journey to Korea. But, Japan hadn’t even crossed my mind. And, I suppose it should have. My professional career would benefit greatly from visit to Japan - to experience the cuisine, the culture, the efficiency of the island. It was a no-brainer in hindsight. In reality, I began to think about traveling to Japan because my younger brother was planning a trip of his own.
Then, while in Korea, I realized just how closely linked the two cultures were - for good and ill - and decided it was a trip worth taking. And once I began to research and plan my own trip, I began to fall in love with Japan a little. I had also opened up a part of myself - a Pandora’s box of sorts. I would never fit myself back into my previous life. I couldn’t. I would not allow it. I had traveled to the other side of the world and called it home for a few weeks. And, yes, I realize I was a tourist, but I was present. I was engaged for that short time, and what is living if not being at home in the present?
I began my journey to Japan much like I did to Korea, with a domestic layover and a long transatlantic flight. This time, however, I was far more confident in my ability to navigate a foreign country. I had three weeks planned, stays booked, sight-seeing destinations pinned in my maps, and even my transportation card loaded onto my phone. I was leaps and bounds ahead of my past self! I purchased a local ESIM again, which has since become my standard practice for international travel. Japan’s transportation card is called Suica, and you can download the card to your Apple Wallet and load money directly through your phone. It is super convenient, (if you have an iPhone).
Descent into Tokyo
“As we approached for landing, I didn’t have a window seat, but I was close enough to see the view from the middle, and it was beautiful! The sun was shining so brightly, and the shoreline came in and out of view. The view of the Chiba prefecture was rolling green hills. As we got closer, I pictured the scene from KiKi’s Delivery Service when she is flying over towns to pick a place to study.” - Journal Entry, 5.11.24
I arrived in Tokyo excited and perhaps a wee bit overtly confident in my ability to navigate the subway system. After gathering my luggage, I headed towards the Keiko Line, scanned my phone to enter the turnstile, and hopped on a train. It was about fifteen minutes later, I realized I was going the wrong direction. I got off the train and properly routed myself. Lesson learned - I need to curb my excitement slightly and pay attention. The transportation systems in Japan are really a global masterpiece. The extensive metro system, the cross-country bullet trains, and even the local buses I took in certain areas were clean, efficient, and timed to perfection.
Tokyo Sky Tree
I arrived at my shoebox of a hotel room, but it was adorable - teddy bear wallpaper decorating the space. I was about a block or so from the Sumida River with a clear view of Tokyo Sky Tree. It was lit up and dazzling in its display as I walked to the nearest 7 Eleven to get beer and snacks for my first night in Japan. I began my first full day in Tokyo determined to walk and explore. I had many stops planned for the day, but my main excursion was the museum. I let my curiosity determine my walking route, however, and that is how I discovered the river walk. I began early in the morning and followed the river for almost two hours, taking photos and just marveling at the reality of where I was. Eventually, I veered off the pathway and headed into the city for the day.
THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME WERE:
“As I was walking, I felt as though I could actually see the world around me through an animated lens/filter. I could see where an artist’s inspiration came from. I felt as though I was photographing everything, being inspired….I have these moments when I’m here, but it’s almost too much to realize that I’m here, if that makes sense. I forget myself, and I’m just so present to the point of absence. In a good way. In a most satisfying way, devoid of worry or anxiety. I love it. I can’t say how to get there, but being in that state is worth all the money, time, and energy it takes to get there.” - Journal Entry, 5.11.24
“I started in the Asian sculpture gallery. Then I explored the outdoor garden. I finished in the main Japan gallery. I find it quite fascinating how pervasive Buddhism is throughout all of Asia. China had the most exhibits other than the Japanese ones. Korea had a small top floor section.…But, there were sculptures from India, Thailand, Cambodia, Egypt, but mainly China and Japan.” - Journal Entry, 5.10.24
“…I ordered six plates: tuna, yuzu sea bream, natto with yam, salmon with onion, eel with egg, and tuna mayo. It was all delicious.” - Journal Entry, 5.10.24
I visited dozens of temples and shrines over the course of my three weeks in Japan. They are all unique and different despite the fact that they are so pervasive. Not only were these sites of spiritual and historical importance, but they are visually stunning and beautiful. And while many of these temples and shrines are being visited by tourists, that is not their main purpose. The ancient Shinto traditions and Buddhist beliefs are woven into fabric of the country and so effortlessly blended with the brilliance of modernity.
Imperial Palace
Note: I only viewed the gardens and grounds because I didn’t book a tour ahead of time. Be better prepared than me!
Shibuya and Teddy Bear Hot Pot
Kumachan Onsen
“It’s a hot spring for bears! It was a place I saw on Instagram over a year ago, and I am so happy I could go. I sat down, they brought a menu and directed me to order via a QR code. I ordered the gochujang pork broth with ‘Genghis Khan,’ which was lamb….I got some extra tofu, a beer, and takoyaki. The veggies came first, then my bear in a pot. They had a sauce and aromatic station. I went and prepared some dishes. Finally, it was time to melt this sucker! …so deliciously satisfying. Everything I wanted it to be.” - Journal Entry, 5.12.24
After only five days in Japan, I was so very comfortable. I felt at ease. I started to imagine myself living there. I think that is a natural thought to have when traveling - to picture your life somewhere else. Would you enjoy it? What version of yourself would you be here? I am describing a more powerful feeling. It was a thoughtless certainty. I didn’t need to ask myself. I knew it felt like home. And this is when I began to accept the idea that home is wherever you are, and some places just feel more like you.
WHAT I WAS WATCHING: Sushi Somo
