Travel Truths in Tokyo

A few short thoughts on how my 7th time in Japan feels very different, for obvious reasons.

It’s our third day in Tokyo. It is a short trip as we cannot afford to take a long vacation currently. I love Japan. My first trip back in 2014 cemented a goal that I will come back and visit each year if I can. My last trip was on March 2019 before the pandemic robbed me of the chance to visit for the next three years. So, YES, I am thrilled to be back.

I was also in Tokyo during my last trip and about 6 weeks pregnant with my eldest daughter. I was basically struggling throughout with fatigue, exhaustion, and nausea (plus an aversion to most foods). This time is different. I now have two kids. This trip was kind of a spur of the moment when I learned my family had booked theirs already. Not sure if it was FOMO but I’m just grateful that my husband agreed.

This is not meant to be a travel entry. Maybe, I’ll consider a separate post on some Tokyo haunts for those who are interested and have messaged me on my Instagram. I know a lot of my friends are planning to go here soon. But let me take this moment to share some personal thoughts:

1. It’s Sunday and the streets of Tokyo are filled with families out and about including the cutest kids.

2. My heart melts and aches when I see these kids and their families because I get these strong pangs of longing as I miss my babies terribly.

3. There are a lot of tourists (including families!) here in Tokyo and I also love observing how foreign parents interact and go on vacation with their kids. It’s such a different experience traveling now as a parent.

4. I don’t feel the least bit guilty taking this trip without my kids. I truly respect those who do and feel bad leaving their kids. I get it. I also know that these circumstances come with a certain sense of privilege. After our trip to South Korea last November, I already know that we can’t travel with the kids yet. At least to Japan at this time.

5. My husband and I traveling on our own again is just so nourishing. I get to sit on my own emotions and thoughts — mostly about myself. It’s not something proactive really. As an extrovert, I gather energy and strength from my external surroundings. Change in my environment — people, places, circumstances, can have a profound internal effect.

I’ll stop here for a moment and let myself wander a bit.

On a different note, I’ve finally chosen a new title for this substack publication. It’s called The Hats We Wear and basically just chronicles the different roles I take. Thank you to those who have subscribed. Feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations in Tokyo.