I used to be
the type of person who would feel uncomfortable traveling alone to a strange
country, let alone dining alone at a restaurant.
In concept,
solo female travel alone seemed refreshing, but when it came down to
actually plan it, my fear would take over.
What would
happen if I got lost? What if I was unable to speak? What if I experienced
loneliness?
However, I
got attracted to Japan for some reason.
Maybe it was
the fusion of modern technology and ancient customs, the serene shrines hidden
amongst skyscrapers, or the dreamlike appearance of the cherry blossoms.
Whatever it was, I had a gut feeling that Japan would be the best
place for me to overcome my worries.
I finally booked a ticket to Tokyo, alone, after months of reading blogs, watching YouTube vlogs, and questioning myself endlessly.
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| How I Overcame My Fear of Solo Traveling in Japan |
Overcame My Fear of Solo Traveling in Japan
- The Fear Before the Flight
I'll tell the
truth. The night before my travel, I cried.
All I could
feel was dread, even though my suitcase was packed and my itinerary was planned
out, complete with color coding. I didn't blame my family for their care and
support.
I had never
traveled abroad by myself. Heck, I hadn't even taken a solo trip outside of my
state.
However, a voice inside of me said, "You can do this."
With shaking hands and a heart that felt like it was running a marathon, I
boarded the aircraft.
Touchdown in Tokyo
Not in a
negative sense, but more in the "I can't believe I'm actually doing
this" sense, I was overcome when I touched down at Haneda Airport.
Understanding
the train system was the first challenge. It all appeared to be a confusing
maze. My thoughts were racing as I stood motionless in front of a ticket
machine.
Then a nice
old man saw me and said, "Need help?" in a weak English. He guided me
to the correct platform and assisted me in buying the right ticket.
Something in
me changed at that time. People wanted to help, I realized. I didn't have to
speak Japanese fluently. All I had to do was be open, kind, and eager to try.
The Magic of Solo Days
I discovered
rhythm in my solo journey as the days went by.
I slurped ramen at a small restaurant where no one spoke English, walked through the colorful mayhem of Shibuya, and sat silently in the peace of Meiji Shrine — and yet I felt totally at home.
Eating by myself taught me to enjoy the quiet.
I began writing in my journal more. I even had the courage to ask a complete stranger to snap my picture in front of Mount Fuji.
Yes, I did
get lost a few times. Yes, I surely ordered the wrong meals and mispronounced
certain words. However, every error was a small victory. Every time I managed
something by myself, the fear I had been holding for so long began to fade.
The Unexpected Lessons
The thing
that shocked me the most was how comfortable I became with myself.
Instead of
the loneliness I had expected, I discovered clarity. I had to be present when
traveling alone. I wasn't preoccupied with compromise or conversation.
When I wanted
to do anything, I did it. In Osaka, I spent hours in bookstores, stayed longer
in temples, and even sang karaoke by myself in a neon-lit room (yep, that
happened!).
I learned in
Japan that loneliness is not the same as isolation. It is equivalent to
freedom.
Coming Home Changed
I was more
than simply a visitor to Japan by the time I took the plane back home. I was
the type of person who had taken a risk, faced her worries, and emerged better.
Traveling
alone not only allowed me to see the splendor of another country, but it also
revealed a power I was unaware I possessed.
I now think
about Tokyo anytime fear says, "You can't." The small ramen shop is
something I recall. At the train station, the man. Kyoto's peaceful mornings
"Watch me," I mumble back.
Final Thoughts
Go for it if
you're considering traveling solo, especially to a place as stunningly unusual
as Japan. Don't hold off till you're brave. Accept the fear.
Let it go.
You'll be shocked to learn how courageous you truly are.
Do you plan to travel alone, or have you already done so? Please share a story in the comments section below.
