It has been over a year now since I came back in Japan. And since I am staying here for quite a long time, I have enough time to explore the country and embrace its culture. But before I started exploring new places and admiring new trends, first few things that I did was to revisit the places I liked back when I was here in 2008.
This article will serve as first entry to my series of blogs under “Reminiscing” as I revisit the places I liked, remember the happy memories I had, and discover new things.
My life here in Japan started when I was seconded to an international organization based in Minato Mirai, Yokohama. It was my first time to live on my own and be away from my family for a long time. I am an only child so one can assume that I am quite independent but at that time, Yokohama gave a new meaning of independence for me. So the moment that I have settled in our home in Tokyo and finished all the necessary process to legitimize my stay in Edogawa, I immediately went back to Yokohama to see my old friends.
Going back to a place which served as my home for almost two years was very nostalgic. As I walk to Pacifico-Yokohama from Minato-Mirai station, I was greeted by the same old giant Snoopy doll hanging on the second floor of Queen’s. After catching up my old friends and colleagues, I made time to walk around Minato-Mirai. A lot of things have changed but the things I love are still there.
Aside from several malls that sprouted near Landmark and Queen’s, there were also new places that caught my attention.
Yokohama is 30-45 minutes away from Tokyo Central Station via JR Lines or Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya. You can either get off at Sakuragicho station or Minato-Mirai station to start a walking tour around Minato-Mirai and nearby areas.
