When thinking of a vacation in Tokyo, a few things might immediately come to mind. From browsing 12-story clothing stores in Ginza, to experiencing the breathtaking views of the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree or walking through the impressive Imperial Palace in the heart of the city, the capital is undoubtedly filled with must-see tourist attractions.
But as I sat on my 11-hour flight to Haneda Airport, fatigued and suffering from a stomach flu (which I would later discover to be E. coli), I began to rethink my family’s excursion.
Gazing out the airplane window as the sun set beside Mount Fuji, I decided that instead of trying to check locations off of an Internet-inspired bucket list, I would use this vacation to wind down and immerse myself in the remarkable environment.
Obviously, going to more “touristy” spots in Japan is still a must-do for anyone visiting, and my vacation was no exception. I spent my first full day exploring Shibuya, starting with a visit to the Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park, both dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji. Just a few blocks away, I lavished inside the MEGA Don Quijote — a seven-story discount store filled with every accessory one could ask for.
Unfortunately, my stomach aches quickly caught up with me and I found myself confined to my hotel room from the afternoon onwards. I would say, however, it wasn’t all a disaster, since I got to binge the second season of “Squid Game.”
Thankfully, with a prescription of antibiotics and a full day’s worth of rest, I was healthy enough to set off on a 2-hour train ride to Enoshima, a small island 30 miles south of Tokyo.
On Enoshima, a fairly short trek up to the top of the island brings you to a botanical garden, lighthouse, shrine and more. I spent my time atop the lighthouse, named the Enoshima Sea Candle, taking in an impressive view over Sagami Bay.
It would be foolish to go a day without finding unique places to eat or shop for souvenirs, so I spent my afternoon in the nearby city of Kamakura, a 30-minute train ride from Enoshima, wandering around the Komachi Street shopping district.
I found myself drawn to a tiny shop run by an old couple selling an assortment of trinkets and plushies — the definition of a mom-and-pop business with a refreshingly nostalgic ambience. I spent an unreasonable amount of time browsing shelves of Miffy, Moomin and Snoopy accessories, and eventually getting my hands on a Peanuts children’s book and various gifts for my friends.
Just as I spent a day visiting the busier, crowded streets of Enoshima and Kamakura, I spent my next (and last) day in the exact opposite setting. Taking the subway to Yoyogi, I spent two hours just walking by myself through the mostly empty streets of residential Tokyo with no concrete agenda.
Instead of being surrounded by fellow tourists, I took in my quiet surroundings as I strolled through places like the Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine — some of the most relaxing moments of my trip, despite having almost nobody there with me.
A few miles away from Yoyogi, I traveled by train to the Tokyo Skytree, but then walked just 15 minutes to Sakurabashi Bridge, absorbing the sights at sea level rather than 2,000 feet in the air.
With its signature X-shaped design, the bridge provides a breathtaking view of the Sumida River. Walking across the river and along Sumida Park provided me a peaceful moment to wind down before I headed back home.
It was also here where I made my fondest memory of my trip: While on my walk, I stopped by an old man who stood facing the river, playing a traditional instrument resembling a flute.
I stood and listened for just a few minutes, and somehow, everything in that moment — from the stunning view of the city to the simple tune being performed by a complete stranger beside me — solidified this vacation as one of the most memorable I’ve taken in a long time.
