NATHY – Travel in Tokyo Japan – from United States

2024-04-23

Meet Nathy, an enthusiastic traveler from the United States who explored Japan’s vibrant culture and attractions in just 12 days. From animal cafes to Caribbean Carnivals, Nathy’s journey was packed with adventure. Inspired by anime, Nathy dreams of fluency in Japanese and aims to participate annually in Japan’s Caribbean Carnival. 🎌

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Interview – Story in Japan

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

United States

WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAPAN?

I stayed in Japan for 12 days in September and did so much! We packed our itinerary with as much as we could in a short time. In order: this is what we did: We went to a pig cafe, owl cafe and snake cafe. Tokyo has so many animal cafes and it’s rare to find that back home!

I also went to two Kimono studios to try on traditional kimonos and do a Kitsune (fox bride) photoshoot. I’m in love with the final pictures!

The next few days we went to Osaka to go to Universal Studios for Nintendo Land. Playing at the Mario theme park was a dream come true. We stayed overnight to take the train to Nara and see the free-roaming deer at Nara Park. They are so cute and will come up to you immediately for their treats 🙂

Once back in Tokyo, we went to Japan’s first-ever Caribbean Carnival. There was Caribbean food, music, costumes, and a parade same as in the Caribbean islands. My favorite part was Saturday morning when we threw paint, powder, and foam while partying. Japan Caribbean Carnival has a unique twist where they had a cosplay party with Caribbean music.

Lastly, I can’t forget seeing my first ever sumo match- I’ll be sure to keep up with the tournaments even while at home, it was a very fascinating sport to watch!

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?

My interest in Japan started when I was very young (11 years old) and watching anime. I loved cartoons but animes were so well drawn and had complex stories that I was hooked and interested in Japan ever since! That interest in anime grew to Jpop, Japanese food, spirituality, and language.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?

I stayed in Tokyo, particularly Shinagawa Seaside because it was on the train lines closest to where most of our tours were (Shibuya, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Harajuku). It made our stay easier because we were about 20 minutes from everything and taxis can quickly add up in Japan!

WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?

I highly recommend the Aeon Plaza in Shinagawa seaside- they have everything you’ll need like Family Mart, pharmacy, department stores, grocery stores, games, restaurants and more open til midnight.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?

I enjoyed the Japan Caribbean Carnival the most because I made the most new friends there and got to party with them and eat so much good food. Everyone was so kind and supportive, and the team worked very hard and was professional. I foresee it becoming bigger every year and can’t wait!

DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS AFTER YOU START YOUR JOURNEY?

I am motivated to become fluent in Japanese and learn more languages after my journey! I realize I forget what I learned because I’m not consistent due to work and life, but this time around I’ll make more effort to practice.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

It is my dream to attend Japan Caribbean Carnival every year after my trip 🙂 I had so much fun that I hope to participate in more cultural exchange events and volunteer my time.

MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.

If you come to Japan for a second time or more, why you don’t go to rural areas or maybe underrated places? Just search it on Google map, follow any person who shares the interesting part of Japan and you will get to know more places that are so amazing starting from Kagoshima to Hokkaido, and don’t forget Okinawa too.

HOW DO YOU LEARN JAPANESE?

The best way is to practice with a native speaker, but if you are a beginner use Youtube especially the channel Japanesepod101. If possible take a class at your local university. Take notes on your phone for helpful phrases while you are traveling, so you don’t forget.