Shopping In Tokyo

Really don’t want to go home

• book airport limousine with concierge of hotel 2 days in advance



Would rather stay and drink beer under the canopy of sakura

• the reality of jet lag

Remember to always pray for another opportunity to return

May your time in Tokyo forever be a part of your soul

Arrange your airport limousine bus a couple days in advance — usually via the hotel concierge.  As good as an excuse as “I couldn’t get to the airport” might be for staying in Japan, you do eventually have to return home.  And as punctual as the Japanese are, remember that the bus is about a two hour ride to the airport.

Once at the airport, check in and make your way to the gate.  You will have one last stop where you can enjoy sushi — you may wish to do so.  The food kiosk at your departure gate is actually pretty poor in terms of selection (which I find odd).

Board the plane, settle in, take your sleeping aide (if you use) with your meal and it’s lights out until you land.  If you are returning to Vancouver, the flight gets in during the day.  You will be wired.  In fact, jet lag will hit you like a tonne of bricks by the end of the day.

And last for about three to four days following.  Your brain will feel scrambled and your body capable of only the most basic functions.  Jet lag from Japan to North America is hell.  You are lulled into a false sense of “it’s not that bad” because going to Japan; it doesn’t feel so bad — sure you wake up early and crash a little early for the first few days, but your brain still works on day two.  Not so when you return.  You are warned.

And you will wish to return again… and again… again.  Maybe… maybe not.  This really depends on the person.

I had a wonderful chat with an expat once where we discussed that for some people, Japan gets into your blood and soul.  It’s beyond otaku, beyond the culture, beyond anything tangible.  There is just an overwhelming sense that Japan courses through every fibre of your being.  It moves you to tears when you think on it.  It possesses you like nothing else ever will.  It cannot be explained rationally.  This is how it is for me.  This is how it is for many others.  And if this is how it is for you, you are not alone.  The only treatment is:  plan another trip!