Japanese Food Bites: Indulging in the Taste of Summer

My chaotic start to Japan:

It’s May 14, and the day has arrived to go across the world to a place that is on many people’s bucket lists, Japan. As someone who is new to adulthood and traveling alone in general, so many thoughts were coming into my head as soon as I got out of bed at 5:45 AM. I was especially not looking forward to a 14 straight flight.

“You sure you packed your passport?”

“What if there’s traffic?”

“What if I lose my luggage?”

“Did you pack enough underwear?”

All these and more were rushing into my head as I waited for the Uber with my mom. I need to give my mom more credit. Shoutout to those parents or relatives who drop you off and pick you up from the airport.

Now, 14 hours doesn’t seem so bad when you have unlimited movies and some casino games right at your hands, so eventually all is well, and my panicking was only harming myself. The immigration process was probably one of the most efficient matters I’ve seen. I highly suggest filling out the Immigration form prior to arrival as all you need is your QR code to skip the line (Travel tip for anything looking into Japan).

Shortly after meeting with some other peers from the dialogue, we get on the bus to head to the hotel. Remember that voice I was talking about earlier? Okay, well it came back.

“Check you have all your belongings.”

So of course, I check my stuff, and I come to find out my passport is missing. Frantically searching all pockets and crevices on my pants and bag, and nothing. 24 hours in, and you’ve lost your passport already. Great way to start this trip, Maryorie.

Now, fast forward, and Sora, the G.O.A.T (Greatest of all time), was able to retrieve my passport at the airport. I always knew it would be okay, except the 6-7 minutes of googling whether I’d be stuck in Japan, but maybe not such a bad place to stay? I still have yet to tell my family because they would actually kill me, so I’ll tell them once it’s a story to laugh about when I’m back home in NYC and my passport is stored away in my mom’s closet that only she knows the secrets to.

My first meal, with some peers, in Japan was at Chikawa Ramen Pork, a restaurant themed after a popular show in Japan. I recently got into Anime, so I will add this to the lengthy list I already have. I’m really bad at keeping up with shows, so who knows when I’ll get to it.

My first time traveling alone, and its safe to say, I need to listen to that voice sooner than later. I need more travel experience under my belt. ALWAYS CHECK FOR YOUR BELONGINGS. TRIPLE CHECK IF YOU HAVE TO.

A calmer side to May 14 with Grace:

Grace told me about her excursion to the City of Shibuya. She’d been here since May 12th and knew Shibuya was the spot to go. The trains were even more packed than the morning of May 15th. Sardines everywhere and tensions were high. Luckily Grace had a friend tag along, and having someone to travel with, always makes things a little easier, alas the beloved buddy system. They hopped from vintage store to vintage store and their final spot was the Onitsuka Tiger store for shoes! Grace was blinded by the lights projecting off the screen. Soon I shall also be visibly in awe when I go to the Shibuya Crossing. Hopefully the locals don’t get too upset if I stand in the middle of the street (I am definitely that person to get mad at a tourist in NYC who stops to take pictures). That period from 10 am until 3 pm in which Grace was dilly-dallying until check in, brought her back to her London days as a Northeastern Global Scholar.

Until next time Japan,

Maryorie