Trying Freedom

Before I left the UK I only had one place that I knew I needed to visit, Japan. I’m not even too sure why to be honest as it’s not like I’m big into Anime or any of the other weird and wonderful things that have put Japan on the map, but regardless I had set aside one week here to explore.

I had done some research beforehand to make sure I was staying in a good area since the city is one of the biggest in the world, which meant I was staying only a few minutes by tube away from my first major tourist destination which you will have seen in a ton of different films based here, Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

My original intention was to get this photo from the sky instead, Shibuya Sky to be specific which is a 47th-floor/230 meter tall view point in which you can see this famous spot amongst a much wider view of the city, however, lack of planning meant the tickets were sold out and I had to return the next day for that.

I’m glad that I did return though, despite the outside viewing deck being closed due to back weather it was an incredible way to see the skyline.

The next stop and the one I was most excited about was teamLab Planets, an art installation and I have to say it really didn’t disappoint, it was one of the best things that I did here but unfortunately, I don’t have any photos because they really wouldn’t do it justice, if you ever get the chance to visit though I’d highly recommend it.

Next was Red Tokyo Tower, since I’d already been to the Shibuya Sky I didn’t feel the need to go up the tower itself, however, it is home to the largest esports park in Japan.

This was definitely an experience like no other, but more importantly, it was very nice to just play some video games for a while, I pretty much just sat on racing simulators for 2 hours and realised that my reactions are slowing down even more so as the years go on.

After that, it was time to go back in time a little and visit one of the many temples Japan has to offer, I chose Sensoji Temple.

As you can see it was heaving with tourists but it was something I’d recommend as they have a unique style in comparison to other countries.

I also got a chance to meet up with a local whom I met while doing surfboard lessons in Siargao, eating Teppanyaki with Kobe Beef (the best beef I’ve ever tasted), exploring some Yokocho which are narrow streets packed with bars, and eateries before finishing by sampling some different types of Sake.

It was a great way to see a different side of Tokyo, up until now it has felt like one of the more difficult destinations to explore as there are very few Western tourists and a steep language barrier with local people, however, after a few Sake’s and some translating I even managed a few conversations with local people.

I had set aside one final day to venture out of Tokyo and explore some of the surrounding areas, based on some suggestions that I got I decided to head to Kamakura, first heading to Kotoku-in straight of the train.

It was a completely different experience to Tokyo, much more peaceful which I think was definitely needed after the attack on the senses from spending the previous few weeks on an island in the Philippines with such a small population.

I have been trying to stick to one blog post per country but unfortunately, I don’t have much to report on my last country before leaving Asia, Seoul.

I did manage to make it to N Seoul Tower to get a good view over the city but then spent the rest of the few days I had here stuck in the hotel feeling sorry for myself, however, it did also rain for pretty much the whole time so I don’t feel like I missed out entirely.

I will at some point summarise my trip to Asia, but for now, it’s time to reunite with the family and what better occasion to do so than a family wedding in Cyprus.