1/13/25 – Monday
First full day in Japan. Hasn’t really sunk in yet. Train system was harder to navigate than I expected. Scary to not know anyone, nor the language. Train conductor guy was really rude to me, feel bad for not knowing Japanese. Currently on the train to Kamakura. Japan is so pretty. Love the scenery, the neighborhoods, the sounds. Need to cherish each moment, a week is so short.
1/14/25 – Tuesday
It’s my second day in Japan. Definitely feel more used to it now. Everything is less overwhelming/scary. Love walking around. The weather has been so amazing, the sun feels so warm despite the winter air. The couples here are so cute. There are pretty alleyways everywhere. Thinking about that one couple I saw in Enoshima. They tried for so long to get a picture of one of them pinching the sun, or pointing at it? They didn’t seem to care what anyone else thinks, just them in their own little world, and they were laughing a lot. I think I’ll remember that scene for a long time.
1/15/25 – Wednesday
Now at Kichijoji, LIGHT UP coffee. I love the vibe of the place, and the coffee is so good. Learning that I prefer a slower pace. The city was quite overstimulating. Also learning that I’m frustratingly indecisive. Content with being alone but also really lonely. Self-conscious about what people might think of me, scared of breaking a rule I don’t know about. Feeling down but not sure why. Probably because I don’t know what to do right now. Shopping is so draining. Weather is kinda gloomy. Should’ve planned better.
1/16/25 – Thursday
Owner of Airbnb lent me her bike for the day. Spent the day aimlessly, just biking around the neighborhood. Got to visit all the filming locations for Perfect Days. Saw a line outside a bakery and tried salt bread for the first time, it was so good. Sitting by the river now and people-watching. Feels surreal to be doing the things I always dreamed of doing. Wish I had a book to read. Sun is setting, not sure what to do now.
1/17/25 – Friday
At Nadoya no Katte, and it’s so pretty here. I also love the neighborhood that it’s nestled in. Lots of really pretty homes. The seating area is nice here. Service was good too. Best coffee I’ve ever had. Spontaneously walked into the bookstore in the alleyway earlier and bought a Japanese translation of “Never Let Me Go”. Reminded me of the bookstore in Amsterdam which I also really liked. I think it was called “Boegie Woegie”. But everyone feels so cold here. Everyone felt warmer in Amsterdam.
Anyways, it’s my 5th full day in Japan. My trip is officially coming to a close. I had been feeling a bit restless, unsure if I was spending my time well or not. But as I’m sitting here, I feel happy about what I’ve done so far and about this present moment. At some point, I was hoping to meet someone to talk to and spend my time with. It’s been pretty lonely being here with no one to talk to. But I’ve pretty much let that go now.
I think I want to spend the rest of my time here slowly, savoring each moment. Not sure when I’ll be able to come back again. When the sunlight fades, I think I’ll leave. I’ll try to take notice of every little, ordinary thing. Want to cherish the remains of the day.
marginalia 