– A moment of freedom
When I traveled to Tokyo with my bestie, he had everything planned perfectly. But after a couple of days, he suggested I explore on my own for a while. He said that while he was satisfied with how everything was going, he wanted me to plan some of my journey myself. I agreed—it sounded like a good way to experience traveling abroad independently.
I decided to visit Odaiba. I didn’t have a detailed plan; the name and appearance on Google Maps simply attracted me. I had a transportation ticket that I thought would cover everything, but I realized I needed extra cash for the bus. A kind Japanese girl at the bus stop helped me figure it out and even assisted me with the payment.
Once I arrived in Odaiba, I wandered freely. I first saw some factory areas, then moved toward the ocean. The sea breeze was refreshing against my face. I walked to the Gundam statue, enjoyed its massive presence, and then searched for the Statue of Liberty. The wind was cold and strong, and my feet were tired from hours of walking. Yet, after asking people and checking Google Maps, I finally reached it.
Standing there, the Statue of Liberty was steady and solemn. I took a few pictures and headed back to meet my bestie. That evening, we celebrated our last night in Tokyo with some Japanese beer, which we don’t usually drink. It was the perfect ending to our trip.
I had so much fun in Tokyo, and that little freedom of traveling alone taught me a lot. It helped me gain confidence and independence, which later made solo trips in Europe much easier. Even with someone very close, like a best friend or a partner, having personal space to reflect and feel free can be truly valuable.
Do you think everyone needs a private space to feel free, even from someone they love?