Lost in Tokyo

Keeping it classy (For probably the first and only time)

Tokyo, Japan

I arrived in Tokyo feeling refreshed and ready to explore. I’m used to long flights, but this time I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t feeling exhausted. Oh wait, now I remember. Thanks to my generous cousin and a little luck, I was able to get on a direct, stand-by flight to Tokyo. Not an economy seat, which would have been greatly appreciated as well, but a first class seat!

Once I finished analyzing every nook and cranny of my space, I thought I should try to get some shut-eye since my seat turned into a full bed accompanied with a comfy pillow and blanket. However, I was too excited to sleep so I watched a few movies lying horizontal, enjoyed each savory bite of my fancy meals and took every opportunity to grab two or three items from the overwhelming snack basket that passed by frequently. I probably wouldn’t be eating this well for a while or sleeping in something so comfortable for that matter so I wanted to take full advantage. I tried to find ways to use all the complementary toiletries that were packed into a cute carrying case that I also knew I would need to find room for in my tiny backpack since there was no chance of convincing myself I didn’t need it. I was able to knock some sense into myself when I tried to justify taking the little salt and pepper shakers because they had me at hello.

 

 

 

 

 

It was the first flight I wished would  have lasted a little a lot longer, but I was also ecstatic to be in a country I have wanted to visit for so long. The curiosities that had built up over the years flooded my mind. I felt an intense sense of peace and gratitude.

The feeling may have lasted longer if it wasn’t for my first visit on the Tokyo metro system.

I sat down, took a deep breath, waited for my eyes to uncross and spent the next twenty minutes trying to make sense of what I was looking at. Of course, I knew I would find my way to the hostel somehow; just not as early as I thought. What should have taken about two hours only took me three wrong turns and four hours. I assumed this would be a typical day in Tokyo so I planned to start each morning earlier, giving myself three extra lost wondering hours. I wasn’t sure which map out of the four available would be most useful since they were all apparently for the same area but looked totally different.

I actually really enjoy getting lost. As long as I don’t need to be anywhere at a specific time or accidentally wander into an area where it may be my last, of course. Getting lost can lead me to random sites, funky experiences, yummy food and interesting people if I relax and approach the situation with an open mind. I’m also filled with a sense of accomplishment when I do finally find my way back and possibly come to an understanding of the way a city functions. However, in Tokyo I’m not too sure I did come to that understanding, but it just made that many more days interesting. That being said, I have learned that acceptance makes a huge difference in the way I perceive things and deal with a situation. I can either get irritated and frustrated with myself (and still be lost) or turn it into an exciting opportunity.

It’s a spontaneous sense of adventure and a perfect way to check off bucket list items without a plan to do so. The majority of items on my Japan bucket list were planned to be checked off in Kyoto; a more traditional city and my next stop, but there were a few things I wanted to accomplish in Tokyo. I didn’t know too much about the city except that it was a symbol of more modern Japan and there were some interesting things to see unlike anywhere else in the world; and that is exactly what it was. It was actually a great city to always be lost in because I didn’t have too many expectations (I try not to have too many anywhere I go although difficult at times) and I was introduced to many experiences I may not have had if I was easily arriving to A to B and so on. Maybe a new hobby? Well, not sure I would go that far yet, but it can definitely be a fulfilling reality.

I’ll share more items I was able to check off and some extra eye-popping items it led me to. Thanks confusion!

 

What are your thoughts on getting lost?