[2019-10-04]
After a doubtful and fearful night, I woke up with the sound of raindrops. I hadn’t slept enough because I didn’t want to be seen camping there, so I put an alarm at 5:30 am. It was still a bit dark in the big Toyama Park, so I hurried and packed how I could. I got the chance to use the restrooms and find refuge under a small bridge inside the park before it started raining stronger.
Almost in every park in Japan, there are public restrooms with great facilities (including for people with disabilities). That is incredibly helpful for a trip like mine. Also, water dispensers are almost everywhere; and there’s even an app for that: Mymizu. It shows where you can get free drinkable water on a map (it works in japan and it’s growing to some other countries).
The time was passing under that little bridge, and I was getting a bit desperate; I got to talk with my family and friends, but the rain didn’t seem to be slowing down. I also had time to organize my belongings and even to draw, but most of the time, I used it to think about my doubtful decisions.
I was extremely worried about my next two months, thinking whether if I had bought the right bicycle (well, I knew it wasn’t suited for crossing mountains, but at least if it was durable enough, and could carry me and my bags). Or if my body would resist everything that would come.
(Now, two years later, I discovered that this park was considered one of the most haunted in Tokyo; although I can’t be more skeptical, it has an awful history dating back to the World War II. You can read about it here.)
After four hours since I woke up, the rain started to cease. I immediately got on my bike and rode to my first destination of the day: Nerima, a big area in the northwest of Tokyo where Rumiko Takahashi (creator of Urusei Yatsura and Ranma 1/2) growth up and based her stories. Also, that ward is considered the birthplace of anime, where many productions started; Toei Animation created its first film there.
Nerima had many old houses and tranquil streets; I started to prefer the outskirts more than central Tokyo. I first arrived at Shakujii Park, a big complex full of nature, a beautiful pond, huge trees, small temple. All the peace I was needing at that moment. I found myself completely distracted by all that beauty.
At first, I was still hesitant to leave my bike alone at the entrance, but there were so few people, and I decided to trust Japan taking only the valuable things in my backpack.
Then, I felt the last bits of summer, the warm breeze, the sound of insects, everything so green…
I started exploring and experimenting with my camera. I found so many big spiders; they were fascinating, maybe not for everyone, but Japan had a lot, so it was good that I wasn’t scared of them.
Walking around the big pond, I got impressed by the trees, so huge and voluminous; it was incredible. I felt so small, so insignificant, so relaxed.
Then, it started to blow a strong wind and it became magical. The trees moved like there were monsters pushing through them (I imagined Totoros).
If you visit Nerima, I recommend spending some time relaxing in this park, it is a refreshing experience, after the heaviness of Tokyo.
Before I directed myself to the Toei Museum, I stopped at a konbini for lunch. I had a pack of sushi and a bento box. The Bento is the typical lunchbox that people prepare at home and carry to schools or work; also, you can find many varieties at konbini or supermarket. Every bento I bought in my journey was amazing; it wasn’t the cheapest option (between ¥600 and ¥1000, around $5 to $9usd), but they were fresh and diverse.
Beside the museum, I found a big store with bike parking. I was starting to be more relaxed about it.
The Toei Animation Museum was smaller than expected. If you happen to be around, you could visit, it’s free, but the truth is that you won’t find too much to see. Although, there were amazing sculptures and some at real scale 1:1.
It was a short visit, but I had to continue my riding; I needed to cross to the western side of the metropolitan area of Tokyo, more than 30km away. It was my first long ride with the bicycle; if it were difficult, it would have meant that my journey would be tougher.
I enjoyed the ride, but I wasn’t entirely comfortable. I still felt the bike too small, and the saddle yet too low; that worried me.
I was going to the city of Hamura, where another close friend was waiting for me. The closer I got, the more different it felt from central Tokyo. Peaceful areas, a bit more rural. It felt nice.
I enjoyed at last being at my friend’s home; it felt so relaxed having a kind of safe place after my difficult past night. After some whisky, dancing, and kebab with other latin friends, I laid down late, just hoping that I woke up well because I had an important plan that morning.
Don‘t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments below.
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