東京にお時間 - time in tokyo 

My first trip to Tokyo was something out of a fever dream. I grew up watching anime like it was my sole purpose in life, and my favorite thing in most anime(beyond the storyline and animations) were the “b reel” moments that showed the cityscape, nature, and food. That was my first insight into Japanese culture(which for the most part was surprisingly accurate), and my primary reason for wanting to travel to Tokyo. I wanted to see just how accurately what I’d seen on the screen would reflect in reality, and when I touched down in Narita airport, dreams came true. This trip was also the first time I’d ever travelled out of the US by myself which was an experience in it of itself. One 13hour layover, a missed flight, airport tears, and a very helpful(albeit concerned flight attendant) later, I was in the city of my dreams. At the time of my visit my cousin was living and studying in Japan so naturally I stayed with her and she showed me the city through her eyes, an experience I’ll always be grateful for. I went during my first summer of college with no expectations and no plans. It turned out to be the greatest month of my life. From 2am walks post midnight karaoke and コンビニ(convenience store) adventures I was learning the meaning of slow living even though the time seemed to zoom past. When you’re having fun, as they say.