For the Love of Wanderlust – I left my Heart in Tokyo.

Tokyo! From it’s ultra-efficient public transportation system (what a novel concept), to its fashionable, cool and effortlessly put together residents and the glitz, glamour and neon lights of the Shinjuku and Shibuya districts.. WOW!

I knew coming into this trip that it would be something special. It was to be my first attempt at solo travel in almost 10 years and it’s needless to say that my motivation for globetrotting and how I embark upon these ventures has changed considerably since my early 20’s.

The entirety of this trip represented the attempt to force myself out of a long dwelled in comfort zone. To be honest I wasn’t sure how I would feel travelling, eating and experiencing everything alone without any kind of buffer for a full week. In addition to this, I knew that not speaking the language would add to this discomfort and could represent a further isolating and terrifyingly lonely factor. But such is the nature of Japanese lifestyle, its people and the wonder of Tokyo that this element barely phased me.

I forced myself to do a few things which were uncharacteristically beyond my usual nature. One of these was taking myself out to the Park Hyatt Hotel on my first night, heading up to the 41^st floor and having a drink, on my own. I sat myself next to a window with the most incredible view I have ever witnessed and forced myself to look up and around. I didn’t bow my head or hide myself behind my phone or a book. I met people’s eyes as they passed me in a defiant and assertive, gaze, silently stating yes I am here alone, but yes I have every right to be and in fact I am enjoying my own company as I sit here sipping on this wonderful cocktail against the backdrop of a stunning Tokyo skyline. Oddly enough that moment in my mind has come to represent somewhat of a revelation. As I watched the sun set on a sprawling metropolis, I took a deep exhale and realised that I didn’t have to wait for anyone else anymore. I didn’t have to put my hopes, my dreams and my aspirations on hold. I could explore, live and wander to my hearts content without needing to provide an explanation for why I was choosing this path or feel the need to explain lack of someone to embark on it with.

Another huge thing that I have been reminded of by the Japanese is the need for calm, patience and ease in which every small action one takes is dripping with composed and peaceful intent. I was lucky enough to witness a traditional tea ceremony and the more I watched this graceful tea master the calmer I felt. Every action she took, from lifting a container to putting down a whisk was measured and tranquil. I watched as she drew breath which each movement and focused vehemently on every single detail of the process. She took pleasure and pride in each act in which her attention to detail was only matched by the calmness of her nature.

I walked out realising that I had many lessons to learn from this encounter and from Japanese society as a whole. In the West we tend to get so carried away with the next thing that we rush through life often without giving interactions a second thought. We don’t offer ourselves the time to actually appreciate whatever it is that is in front of us and instead thoughtlessly move on to the next thing. Patience, gratitude, reflection, what important lessons to learn, even if a little late.

Lastly, I cannot compose a post about Tokyo without mentioning the fascinating, quirky and incredible fashion on display. For me personally, the ease and comfort in which I practice self expression has also changed extensively since my time in Tokyo. For its residents, especially in Harajuku and Shibuya, fashion is not just about clothing. It has a deeper meaning in which self expression and self confidence are individually tailored and uniquely wielded through dress. In a society in which precision, order and uniformity are mandatory, being able to play with the way one looks is an important expression of individuality. And boy, Tokyo did not disappoint! From Lolita style, to Goth, to old school 90s oversized get up and beyond… like dang! Special props to Laforet in Harajuku which has all of the above on display and offer (umm it also has a Sailor Moon outlet!). As put best by a Tokyo resident and resident fashion e-x-p-e-r-t “Nothing ever goes out of style in Tokyo, because style itself is subjective, it’s a matter of personality and individuality”.

I mean boom! The above quote is what I would use to describe Tokyo itself.. a fascinating metropolis which catches your eye through futuristic technology, flashy lighting and eye catching fashion. But which at the same time oozes old world charm through its many temples, cultural sites and downright suave.

I left my heart in Tokyo….

Sx