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Looking at this photograph, I’m overwhelmed with nostalgia, happiness, and melancholy. It was taken on my last day in Tokyo, my second trip to Japan within a 4-month timespan. My primary purpose for returning to the eastern hemisphere was threefold: to see Japan’s famous cherry blossoms for myself, go on a group tour to North Korea and travel around China afterwards. However, due to safety concerns expressed by family and friends, I ended up cancelling my trip to North Korea at the last minute. All of my travel plans suddenly came to a halt.
The morning of my last day in Japan I spent moping around, feeling more disappointed than I ever have in my life. By late afternoon, enough was enough. I kicked my ass out of bed, determined not to let the rest of the day slip away from me.
I took the train to Tokyo Station, in search of a nice lunch and decided just to walk around the area near the Imperial Palace. That’s where I came across a long row of the last of the blossoming sakura trees in the city. With a renewed smile on my face, I couldn’t help but reminisce about how wonderful my time in Japan had been.
Despite the grey skies threatening rain, people were out and about, taking pictures, walking around, and even having picnics. I parked myself on a nearby bench to people watch and admire the soft beauty of the cherry trees. The lively atmosphere was just the remedy I needed for my somber mood.
It may not look like much, but now, every time I look at this picture, it reminds me not to feel sorry for myself when things don’t work out the way I want them to. There’s still beauty all around to be enjoyed. Japan is a country I so desperately want to call home, and in due time, I will.
This Wanderlust Wednesday is brought to you by Kimi of Wandering Souldier, a collection of travel tales and lessons learned about different cultures through food, nature, people, and all the adventures that come intertwined. Catch her on Twitter at @WSouldier.
Love this photo. The cherry blossoms look so pretty. You are right, sometimes things may not work out as planned, but there is always another adventure just around the corner. Everything happens for a reason.
Love the pict! The cherry blossom so stunning!
So delicate, so pretty, so relaxing
Thanks, Tammy! Definitely need those bad days/moods to contrast the good and look forward to what’s ahead.
Such a pretty picture! That makes me want to visit Tokyo!
Wow! no words to describe this photo………..
Lovely photo, congrats! I miss Japan every single day since we’ve visited in 2010. We also have a dream of calling it home one day… Thank you for the memories and safe travels!
I would catch the next plane if I could!