Focus On…Tokyo Drifting

Japan had always been a place I fantasized about. Thanks to my brother's love of Dragon Ball Z, I was introduced to anime at an early age. My imagination raced rapidly to keep up with the various shows I watched throughout the years. Oftentimes, these shows were set somewhere in Japan but had their own twists of magical realisms. Very much set in a world similar to ours but with their own magical or supernatural x-factor(what makes their world different). Whether that be a world where heroes use their quirks(super power) to save the day or students must hunt down demons using cursed energy techniques. Like every protagonist, I went on my own journey. A journey to discover Japan through my own lens.

I landed in Tokyo on May 31st and immediately activated every ounce of Japanese I had learned from shows and the classes I took at Syracuse. Quickly realized there was a lot of Japanese I had to learn. Arriving at the customs agent, he stared at me and then at my passport. He asked me sternly, "When are you leaving?" I told him I didn't know yet. I could tell he didn't like that answer. Sorry, dude, I booked a one-way and wanted to figure it out as I went. He placed the visa sticker in my passport and pointed at the date, August 28th. I had three months.

While going to collect my bags, I saw a lady holding a sign with my name on it. Now, I didn't book any VIP services, so anxiety filled within me. She informed me that my bags had been delayed and were still in Paris. I smiled and tried to fight off the pure agitation that overwhelmed me. Here I was in Japan, the place I longed to be, and already had misfortune find me. After filling out the forms, I walked out of the terminal and headed to the train station. I needed to take an express train from Narita Airport to Tokyo. However, my card kept being declined at the ticket machine but a kind agent was able to help me book my ticket.

Sitting down on the bullet train, I let out a sigh.I’d done it. I arrived in Japan and was about to go on some jaw-dropping adventures. You see, this first part of my time in Japan centered around hanging with my Seoul Searching boys and some additional new cast members. As I pulled into Shinjuku and the concrete jungle tower over, my heart raced. I fumbled with my phone texting my friend to find him. Shinjuku is known to be one of the busiest stations in the world and when I got out of the train- I felt it. 

Drifting through the station, I was able to reunite with one of my boys. We grabbed a bowl of ramen and then split up because I wanted to check out this popular black barber.

 Plus I wanted to be extra fresh during my time traveling and Shop Brooklyn didn’t disappoint.

By the time I was done, it was time to check into our airbnb. Being in a foreign country, the place you stay can play a crucial role in your experience with the location. Well, upon arriving to our 2nd floor apartment, we put in the code just as we’d be given by our host. And… it didn’t work. You read that correctly, we double checked the apartment number and it was unit she’d specified in the booking. After about 45 minutes of patience, praying and panicking, we ended up trying the code on the unit above us and it ended up working.

Settling into our first space, we decompressed from our travels and rested. Plus, the rest of the gang wasn’t here yet. Don’t tell the rest of the boys but we did a night shoot at Tokyo Tower. がこい Ga-ko-i（cool right).

  One by one, the avengers assembled. With our gang all together, we took on Tokyo.

If we were the Avengers, then Tokyo took on the role of Hydra. Trying and testing us at every turn. It just so happened that a typhoon was passing through. You’d think that would slow down the city but not a chance. We had two weeks together and were going to make the most of every second.

You down for breakfast? How’s some Tempura and Soba noodles sound?

How about after we catch a high rise view of Shibuya Crossing?

We didn’t let rain deter us from experiencing the city. Even if that meant following a certain future doctor around just so we could arrive at a Butler-themed coffee shop only for it to be booked for the day.

Don’t worry because my back up plan had us covered with some fluffy pancakes. 

Asakusa a local temple in Tokyo, provided more of the vibes we were looking for but it was crowded. If there’s one thing about visiting Japan in the summer, It will be packed.

With our time in Tokyo wrapping we grabbed some ramen and reflected.

Our shoes were soaked through, we probably smelled a little and our umbrellas may or may not have been stolen. That’s okay, because the hero’s journey is often filled with trials and tribulation. Our next stop, Mount Fuji. 

One of the sites you have to see while in Japan is Mount Fuji or Fuji-san. Arriving at the station, clouds covered our view of Fuji. As we began our journey to our accommodations, focus slowly shifted from sightseeing to finding sustenance. We may or may not have arrived way before check in time. 

While many places were still closed, a local cafe just opened and with it the sweetest Oji-san(grandpa). I can still remember seeing those katsu currys coming to our table. Food was great but what took the cake was when his wife came out of the kitchen to recommend a local hotspring for us. We chatted for a bit with the Japanese we could muster but their enthusiasm for us to explore the local area was everything.

Check in time arrived and our spot was definitely worth the wait and walk. Secluded with a gorgeous view of Fuji-san. You can’t beat that. 

Being the true adventurers we were, we journeyed to the hotspring. I had been tasked with guiding us to the destination. 45 minutes later, after j-walking, going through clearly marked “do not enter” signs and politely saying “onsen” to the hotel staff, we found the hot spring we’d been searching for. It was worth every ounce of anxiety I had while leading my boys.

Rejuvenated, we began our walk back and Fuji-san was just begging for a quick photoshoot.

For me that hotspring was such a welcomed change of pace. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquility that found me soaking in those thermal waters. Pressing onward, we ate a popular noodle spot and with spirits high and bellies full we passed out upon arriving back to the hotel.

Kawaguchiko, a region filled with so much natural beauty, it could never disappoint. But with Mount Fuji as a backdrop it’s hard to beat.Hopping on the Shinkansen(bullet train), we prepared to head to the old capital of Japan, Kyoto. Our final leg of the trip was upon us.