Today is my official last day

I left Sendai, The Green city by the Sea. It was a very comfortable ride in Gran Class on the Shinkansen. It was my last trip. I decided to splurge a little, and it was absolutely worth it. The chair is super comfortable and the space is in a 1-2 configuration. Your seat can recline pretty far back and it also comes with very comfortable house slippers.

You are offered a small little treat to eat and a choice between western or Japanese. And of course, whatever you want to drink. The ride was one hour and a half to Tokyo station. From there, it’s a 30 minute ride to Yokohama station.

Once there, I searched for lockers and stored my luggage ( carry on roll away and duffle ). My main suitcase is already waiting for me in Haneda airport. The translation is quite large, so I took pictures of the surrounding area. I also captured signs to guide me to the luggage storage section. All I need is to be lost and can’t find my bags. That would be a terrible way to end this journey.

Upon exiting, I noticed all the fabulous public art in the station. One mural in particular was such a stand out. Once street side. I just decided to walk …. And then I realized, why am I walking?

So I took fired up the maps and looked for the nearest metro line to Chinatown.

The last time I was here was 2009. I was with my mom and dad and my family that lives in Tokyo. Three of them are no longer with us.

From there I walked to Motomachi and did a little Browsing. What a quaint street for shopping.

I was starving by this time. It was already almost 2 PM. I wanted my last lunch landside to be ramen!

I found this cute little place and it did not disappoint. It was one of those Tonkotsu ramen places that you can smell the fat on the walls.

After lunch, I planned to visit the church where my mom and dad got married. They tied the knot in the year 1956. 

The church is Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was about an eight-minute walk up the hill from where I was. During that last visit to Yokohama in 2009 with my parents, my cousin took us to see the church. I am so grateful that I knew of its existence and that it is still there.

This was the end of my Japan… A Tribute Journey to my Mother. I found it so fitting. This journey culminated in an homage to her and to my parents. It ended where it all began… With their wedding.

I shed lots of tears inside the Cathedral. My roommate sent me a photo of the very picture hanging on my wall. It showed my parents kneeling before the priest, saying their vows in that church. An angel of a voice was serenading me while an organist practiced her twinkling to the most beautiful hymns .It was like a scene at the opera. This operatic voice …. you can’t make this up. Everything was so surreal and beautiful. My heart bursted open. And now I feel complete and fulfilled.

Im not sure if I mentioned this, but the church sits on the side of a hill. It has commanding views of Yokohama and her beautiful Bay. Life seems so different here. It feels more international. The homes here remind me of the Palisades or some swank area up in San Francisco .

I took my time strolling along the way to the nearest metro. I am trying to get to the Cup a Noodle museum.

The stop that coincides with the museum is in such a beautiful area by the water. I did not realize it before, but wow my goodness, how beautiful is Yokohama ? 

It’s absolutely stunning. The architecture is beautiful. I walked around on the elevated walk ways. Staring at ships, some old some new and just enjoying the beautiful day. The people are nice and the vicinity close to the water just makes it more spectacular. It was the perfect way to end my journey.

28 nights here.And its been nothing short of beautiful.

I started off in Fukuoka, the elegant capital city of Kyushu for two nights.

Yufuin: Ryokan living and Hot springs Vibing for two nights

Beppu: Mama I’m home for 3.

Hiroshima, where there is Peace, there will be light. for 3.

Kyoto, The Thousand Year capital of Japan for three

Ise, Home of the Most Sacred Shrine in Japan for 2

Tokyo. Thank you! for 6

Kanazawa an Unexpected 3 days of Beauty

And Sendai , The Green city by the Sea for 3 nights. 

So there I was sitting in the Delta sky lounge at Haneda airport. I sipped my cocktail and looked out to the tarmac. I see a sea of planes from all over the world. This sight reminds me of how fortunate and lucky I am to be able to travel. What does the future hold for me who knows, but I do hope to make it back to Japan soon.

My last little notes on visiting Japan.

Japan is just the best

The people are truly genuine and nice

Please use the QR code to enter the country and makes it so easy and fast, you can find this information on my first blog : Japan… A Tribute Journey to my Mother

If you can download the Wallet version of Suica It’s a lifesaver and we can use it everywhere practically

Please don’t bring money except for emergency

Instead, if you have a good ATM card that doesn’t charge you a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee then that is the way to go

And in reality, you don’t really need that much cash on you. They use the Suica and credit cards quite often.

A little research goes a long way. At first, it might seem a little daunting to navigate the trains and subway systems. However, it’s easy because there is signage all over to help you find your way. And if you get lost, there are staff around the train station to help you navigate. Even the Japanese sometimes get a little confused.

Try to learn a little Japanese it’s very respectful.

Be quiet on trains, planes, and buses. This includes having your phones on silent. Do not take calls while on the train.

Follow the crowd to see what they are doing.

People line up to board trains and buses. They let the people inside come out first before entering. That’s the gentle way and the way of the Japanese people.

When visiting an onsen or ofuro (Public bath) Please wash your body completely outside before stepping into a public water.

Do try the strange and the things that make you go out of your comfort zone. More than likely, you will be very happy with it.

Please, if you see the elderly, a pregnant woman, or even a woman with kids, offer your seat. If someone looks like they need to sit, give up your seat. Too often I have seen locals and visitors completely disregard the elderly, and it really bothered me a lot. I gave up my seats frequently. Many elderly women reminded me of my mom and grandmother. It brought me joy, and it brought them joy because they got to relax and sit.

Sake is alcohol. If you want what you think sake is , order Nihon shiu. 

If you Reserve your hotels a few months ahead of time you may be guaranteed a way better rate. However, be forewarned. A lot of hotels require you to pay when you’re there. That might be a good thing if the Yen is good.

Tax free, I passed through tax free passport control and no one blinked an eye. A little background on this. Japan has an honor system as people tend to be very honest. When you purchase goods and qualify for a tax refund, you don’t have to show it at the airport. There’s no need to present it there. Other countries make you do this. Japan does not because it trusts people. However, It could still happened so make sure you’re covered just incase.

Haneda terminal 3 is brilliant and extremely efficient. When you pass through passport control they just scan your face and the doors open…

Have a wonderful time in Japan.

I know I did. My heart is bursting with love and happiness. I am sad yet fulfilled. My journey has now come to a close.

Sayonara.