A New Dawn in Japan

Daily miles: 12.81 | Total miles: 9,371.72

After my long overnight journey, I arrived in Tokyo — sleepy, curious, and slightly overwhelmed — ready to begin a new chapter of this world run in Japan.

My second flight was the classic middle seat scenario, where real sleep is nearly impossible. I drifted in and out of dreamy half-sleep but felt far from rested when the lights came on and we started our descent. The plane touched down at 12:25 a.m., and customs went smoothly. My luggage arrived safely, and I was grateful to see my gear all intact.

Once I changed clothes and reassembled my buggy, a customs officer reminded me — five minutes left before closing time! I worked quickly, finished just in time, and then paused to breathe. Everything was still in “travel mode,” but that could wait until I reached my hotel.

Coffee in hand, I looked at the map. The idea of stepping out into Japan with my buggy — tired, disoriented, and surrounded by flashing signs and new sounds — felt intimidating. Cities and crowds have always challenged me, and the thought of navigating through one of the world’s busiest regions was daunting.

So, I took my time — two full hours — to mentally prepare. I spoke with Sumito from the tourist information desk, who kindly offered directions and encouragement. Eventually, I stepped outside into the cool, dark Tokyo night. The wind blew softly, the roads were still quiet, and I began moving. Slowly.

Those first few miles were about observation. I watched how the sidewalks connected, how the lights changed, how bicycles, cars, and pedestrians interacted. Everything felt new — the rhythm, the design, the pace. Around 6 a.m., daylight began to brighten the sky through a soft drizzle. The city started to wake up just as I began to fade.

I walked rather than ran, knowing my tired mind and heavy legs weren’t in sync. Safety first. Every pause felt like my body might shut down right where I stood. By the time I reached Yokohama, I was dreaming only of a bed.

At 11 a.m., I found a hotel in a quiet area that felt welcoming. For ten extra dollars, I paid for early check-in and waited in the lobby until noon — watching the world move gently around me. When I finally got my key, I rode the elevator to the 10th floor, took a shower, recorded a short reel, and then collapsed into two and a half hours of the deepest, most restorative sleep imaginable.

When I woke, my eyes still burned from exhaustion, but my mind was lighter, calmer. I went for a short evening walk through the streets, exploring local shops and observing what I might eat over the next weeks. Everything felt modern, clean, and fascinating — even the toilets! Heated seats, bird-chirping sounds, soft wind — each one seemed to have its own little personality. I haven’t tested all the buttons yet, but it’s on the to-do list.

Food-wise, I’m realizing I’ll need a little time to adjust. Many labels are written only in Japanese, and textures and flavors are new — seaweed, tofu, mushrooms, okra. I think it’ll be an interesting journey for my taste buds! For dinner: a hummus sandwich, a baguette with pesto, and interesting salads.

The friendliness here is already striking — the bowing, the gentle smiles, people running to hold doors or assist with directions. Even on my first day, I felt this deep sense of respect and care in every small encounter.

Today was a long one — emotional, sensory and physical — but it was also full of learning, discovery, and kindness. I’m glad I listened to my body, rested, and didn’t try to push through fatigue. Tomorrow, I’ll start running again, with a clearer head and an open heart.

Japan, you’ve already surprised me — and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store.

See you tomorrow, Andrea