Why I have a Tokyo bucket list - and so should you
Living as an expat in Japan is and will be an incredible experience for me and my family. Of this, I I am sure. But with so many ideas, wishes and opportunities floating around in our heads, I wonder how to harness the magic?
As a fully organised and practical woman, I decided that the best way to not miss a beat over the next three years would be to write a Tokyo bucket list.
My list has turned out to be a clear road map or direction for the next years.
But it is also my WHY?.
My Tokyo Bucket List is a work in progress - in no particular order:
Climb Fuji-san
To quote an old Japanese proverb, “There are two kinds of fools; those who never climb Mt. Fuji…. and those who climb it twice.” I passed on my first opportunity to do this last month – but still have time. I have found two great women to do this with in July 2018 - any else joining?
Stand Up Paddle Board in Okinawa
One thing that impresses me is the diversity of nature in Japan. There is some of the best powder skiing in the north and tropical beaches in the south….so while Johan will “bucket-list” the north, I have got the beaches covered. I cannot wait to swim in the clear blue waters of Okinawa.
Sing Karaoke
The nightlife culture in Tokyo is like I have never seen. From businessmen and women, to families and everything in between – all come together and let their collective hair down. While I love singing, I am quite clear on how terrible I am. But, despite the fact that I am much more comfortable to watch others belt it out, channelling their inner diva, I will not pass up the opportunity to sign karaoke and join the culture club.
Go to a Hanami
During the cherry blossom season, or Sakura, there is a shift in the social life in Japan. Parks, neighbourhoods, rivers, all become picnic grounds for millions, wanting to sip a wine under a cherry tree, full of blossoms. It is a social and cultural event that sweeps through and brings together the nature and the wonder.
Tour Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum
I expect this to be sad and reflective, but something I must experience while living here. The park, the A-bomb dome, all reminders and memorials to our past.
Practice Yoga in Bali
Of course I’ve read Eat, Prey Love. And of course I fell in love with Bali. Am I excited for our trip, planned for this month? Oh yes.
Drive a Caravan in New Zealand
That’s right, Andrea, I am coming! I had plans to do this, 6 years ago with Lulu and Friso. We were all set to go, visit our dear friend and caravan around. Until I found out I was pregnant with Cleo. But, not that we are “so close”, it is on the list!
Any help in convincing my husband that this is a great idea will be appreciated!
Walk thru the streets of Hoi An
Even though it has lost its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of the architecture and spirit has been preserved. I can imagine walking down the lantern-lit streets in the evenings, popping into a gallery or two on the way to dinner.
Goto a Baseball Game
Out side of America, Japan has the largest baseball community. The joke is that, when told that baseball is the Great American Pastime, locals are actually surprised!
I have spent many memorable evenings at the stadium (Yankee!), ate a few dirty water dogs and cheered New York through each game of the Subway Series.
So, it would be natural to catch a game or two while living here, in baseball’s second home. With five of the twelve professional teams located within Tokyo, we are spoiled for choice.
Camp Lakeside, at the Foot of Mt. Fuji
It is no coincidence that Fuji-san shows up twice on my list. I guess for all of my “I am a beach-girl” talk, I also adore those gorgeous beauties called mountains.
About 3 years ago, we bought tents, sleeping bags, etc. etc. to go camping. We made it as far as the back garden and, even then, Johan split halfway thru the night.
When I hear about these amazing experiences of camping under the stars, lakeside with the majestic Fuji-san in the back. I’m in!
Take a Picture of a Snow Monkey
I just have to be in the neighbourhood of these little onsen-loving guys, the Japanese Macaques. To watch them bathe in the hot pools and observe their behavior… and take loads of pictures!
Have a Conversation with a Local
I was at a farmers’ market shortly after arriving in Tokyo. The fruits were organic, the produce totally new, but what impressed me the most was that Western guy who belted out fluent Japanese to his local mates. Impressive. I want that.
And those already crossed-off:
✓ Watch a Sumo Match
I will be honest; my fascination with Sumo was probably more to do with the theatre than the actual fight. And that was a good thing. I visited Sumo last weekend (yeah – off the list!) and the ceremony of getting ready to fight lasts quite a bit longer than the fight, itself!
Between the pageantry, the culture and the competitive spirit (and of course with copious amounts of Sapporo) it was easy to forge that we were twisted up like pretzels in that little box!
✓ Visit Kyoto’s Ancient Sites
A visit to any shrine or temple is more than a gaze at history. The religion and the meaning behind is still very much embedded and intertwined into the every day culture of the Japanese.
Another one, which has been ticked off my list, but one that I plan to visit more than once.
✓ Overnight in a Ryokan
I thought I would giggle out loud when we were invited to take our shoes off, upon entering the hotel lobby. The look on Johan’s father’s face! Priceless.
But there is something about sleeping on the floor, a private onsen and a very large and diverse evening meal served in your hotel room that is quintessentially Japanese and very enchanting.
Being an expat in a foreign land is magical.
I suppose it is like living by the sea, you take the ocean for granted. But if you know that your time is limited in any way, you see that water a bit more clearly.