It's been almost 6 years since this trip happened, and apparently I have not properly concluded my blog series for this. 😅 I have unearthed this entry from the drafts folder and is now published to the world. 😁 Better late than never.

This is the conclusion post of my first ever solo travel in Tokyo. I am so happy because I can proudly declare that the trip was a success. I am forever grateful to the Universe for the guidance I received. Everything went smoothly, and there were not many issues during my trip. I felt safe and was able to navigate the tourist spots I wanted to visit. I met many new people and experienced numerous new activities. One of the highlights was the tattoo that I now carry on my skin from that trip, something I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

I literally just arrived home (when I wrote this), and most of my luggage is in chaos here in my room. Some of the food I packed is already in the fridge, and my dad is enjoying the ramen I bought. I think that was one of the mistakes I made during this trip because I bought only a few ramens and mostly sweets. When I arrived, my mom had already gotten her hair colored, which I mistakenly bought in the wrong shade. I bought my mother a hair color from Japan, and I showed them my tattoo. They were surprisingly nonchalant about it. The strong reactions I expected did not occur; they were so chill, and I wondered if they still cared or if it was a sign of confidence that they knew I could handle myself now. 

I learned many lessons from my first solo journey in Tokyo. Upon returning home, I now have layers of experience. I discovered a lot about myself during that trip. This was my first solo journey, and I spent most of the time in my own company. It was a surprising revelation that I am comfortable with my own company, and I did not feel bored. The experience was peaceful throughout the days, allowing me to listen to the voices in my head, which were friendly. I am happy to declare that I didn't miss home; I didn't become homesick. Perhaps it is a bit unusual, but I truly enjoyed the experience. Although it was only for eight days, I was able to embrace being on my own, and it felt comfortable. My first takeaway is that I am comfortable with my own companionship.

In some way, it felt like a pilgrimage. Each day was an opportunity for self-reflection. It was a good decision for me to bring my iPad mini and the Bluetooth keyboard. Most of the posts I created for this "Solo in Tokyo" series were written while I was in Japan. My routine involved returning to the hotel after the day's itinerary. After completing my night routine, if I was still not tired or sleepy, I would pull out the iPad mini and the keyboard. I would type away all the emotions and thoughts I was having at that moment, ensuring that I captured the freshest train of thought in each post. This practice proved to be beneficial during my travels.

I also learned that when you prioritize giving, you actually receive more. 

Another takeaway is that I need to bring candies, especially when traveling solo. This way, I can have a quick snack if I suddenly become hungry. I also learned that it's possible to meet people you instantly like, and I can make a move if I want. I deserve a huge pat on the back for having the courage to ask for that person's contact information. I asked for his Instagram, and I am proud of that moment (hey and we still follow each other up to this day! 😁)

However, I realized not to fall in love with the moment and mistake it for love with the person. During that time, I was in love with the moment, not necessarily with the individual. I was intrigued and interested, but I couldn't imagine myself falling in love with someone I had just met for a day. Although I was sure I was interested, I know now that nothing would come of it. I am thankful for the odds that brought us together, but I learned that I need to widen my horizons to welcome more people into my life.

Another lesson I learned during this trip is that I tend to be a worst-case thinker. I considered many possibilities of how things could go wrong. I worried about male strangers turning into creepers, being alone, train derailments, earthquakes during my travels, or getting sick or injured. I have weak knees, and I knew I would have no one to take care of me. However, this mindset allowed me to prepare for the parts I could control, even though most situations would be out of my control. I learned to accept that if something were to happen, it would just happen. If an earthquake occurred, perhaps it was my time. I decided to go with the flow.

To the staff at the hotel and the wonderful neighborhood of Nihonbashi, thank you so much. To the hardworking people of Japan who served me delicious food, and to the service staff who witnessed my struggles to convey my order, thank you for your patience. Thank you to the cashiers who counted coins for me and to all the random strangers who guided me along the way. 

To ate She and her friend Roski, thank you for accompanying me in enjoying a whole-in-the-wall ramen and for sharing your insights about life in Japan so far. To Yoko-san, who served as our tour guide during the bus tour, thank you. To Carlo, the fellow Filipino I met who kept me company on this tour, thank you so much. 

To Asao-san, my tattoo artist, thank you for sharing your talent with me and giving me this lifelong mark. To David, with whom I patiently exchanged emails for my design. To the people I had small talk with, to the couple at Studio Muscat who shared their tattoo journey and gave me the most inspiring pep talk before I got my first tattoo, to the random hiker from Germany at Asakusa Shrine with the Mount Fuji view, to the lady who tried to recruit me, to the lady who introduced me to her beliefs in the temple, to the other two guys who shared their beliefs with me, to the kind grandmother who took my photo at Asakusa Shrine, to the dad who took my photo at the Ghibli Museum, to the lady at the Mitaka bus stop who alerted me about a coin slipping through my wallet, and to the Redditors I connected with, you are all witty and intelligent people. 

Even to the service room cleaners at the hotel, thank you for your service. I am grateful for the kombinis that provided comfort during my tough and hungry times. Thanks to Google Maps and Japan travel, which were my saviors for navigating Tokyo. 

Of course, my heartfelt gratitude goes to the higher Universe, which I felt has guided me and will continue to guide me on my journey. There were many life-changing moments during this trip in Tokyo. Tokyo will always hold a piece of my heart. I don’t know what the future holds, but who knows? I might find my way walking along your streets again and meet your wonderful people again.

Thank you so much!