I never wanted this trip to end. Tokyo was nothing like what I expected—in fact, I didn’t really know what to expect. All I knew was that Tokyo was in Japan. That’s it. I hadn’t heard of Hachiko, I didn’t know about the after-work drinking culture, or how many elderly people, even in their 60s and 70s, were still working. There were hardly any cars on the street, and I hadn’t realized just how high the cost of living was, or how hard people had to work to make a living. The contrast between older businessmen in their black pants, white shirts, and ties and the younger generation in streetwear, with bright yellow hair, baggy jeans, and oversized shirts, really stood out. But more than anything, I never knew just how amazing Japanese food was until I tasted it.
I never wanted this trip to end. Tokyo was nothing like what I expected—in fact, I didn’t really know what to expect. All I knew was that Tokyo was in Japan. That’s it. I hadn’t heard of Hachiko, I didn’t know about the after-work drinking culture, or how many elderly people, even in their 60s and 70s, were still working. There were hardly any cars on the street, and I hadn’t realized just how high the cost of living was, or how hard people had to work to make a living. The contrast between older businessmen in their black pants, white shirts, and ties and the younger generation in streetwear, with bright yellow hair, baggy jeans, and oversized shirts, really stood out. But more than anything, I never knew just how amazing Japanese food was until I tasted it.
If I ever get the chance to come back, Kyoto will definitely be at the top of my list. It’s a city I’ve always wanted to visit.
Not to mention, I know this may sound cliché, but thank you, Rod, for an amazing trip. I’m so thankful and blessed for the experiences you made possible. I know I’ll look back and realize just how lucky I was—graduating, feeling all the love, and then flying off to Japan right after. What a July it was!
To wrap up my 5 days in Tokyo, here’s a fun fact I learned from Rod: Did you know Japan’s original capital was Kyoto? They moved it to Tokyo, and in fact, the name Tokyo comes from Kyoto. You just flip the syllables—Kyo and To become To and Kyo. Get it?!
If any of you actually made it through all five days of my Japan blog, be sure to leave a comment—though I’m pretty sure no one has, lol.
Until next time, Tokyo!