Gen Z Guide to FI

TL: DR I went on a date, solo bar hopping, heavy karaoke & I can make sushi now.

I had some solo mysterious choose your adventure days. My friends went to Disneyland and other day trips. I chose to try and live like a local on these dates. It really fits my slow travel and relaxation vibe.

Mysterious day 1:

I started off nervous and lazy. I started watching an anime called ‘My Happy Marriage’- because why not watch anime in Japan, am I right? But that was honestly an excuse because I was too nervous to go outside and run into a situation where someone was speaking to me in Japanese and I was blank as fuck.

But at noon, I left my hotel room despite all odds, baby. I went to the 7/11 at lunch rush hour. I don’t recommend doing this as a nervous introvert! I was panicking like crazy. There were so many Japanese workers rushing, and all the seats were full. I felt like I was in their way – because I was there to be mysterious and confused. They didn’t have time for my shit.

Then, I proceeded to Shinjuku for a sushi cooking class. I can honestly say this is one of my best experiences ever. I don’t know why I thought I’d be bad, but my sushi was bomb! I 1000% recommend Cooking Sun. I got the opportunity to talk to locals in a class of 8 tourists I didn’t know. It was really fun.

I had some sake with the tourists I met and got a fat headache. My dehydrated ass went home. Actually, I stopped by the 7/11 again because I was determined to eat ramen in the stalls and live my mysterious foreigner dreams to the max. I couldn’t understand the ramen instructions, so I just ate snacks instead, lol.

Mysterious Day 2:

I enjoyed spending two days with my homies, but there was way too much walking involved. It was also hot as fuck.

I started off my next mysterious day with a bath in my hotel bathtub. I had never taken a bath before as an adult, and I actually loved it. Then, I went to the 7-11 for brunch (my favorite place all trip). Most of my meals were from there because it was so convenient.

I went in search of anime merch at Akihabara. It was beautiful. I was like – is this Heaven? I had a really great time. At night, I went out on a date…

Yeah! I was determined to have new spontaneous experiences in Japan. I redownloaded Bumble and did the speed dating hour on Thursday. I got talking with someone, and it was fun, so we agreed to meet up Friday. We went to some of the bars in Ginza and proceeded to drink more and rate different alcoholic drinks at Ginza convenience stores. I had fun, especially since it was on someone else’s dime. Yeah, baby, yeah.

But as dates often do, it ended. He asked to come to my hotel, and I said quote, ‘I don’t roll like that.’So we had an awkward side hug because stranger danger, and I went to my hotel while he went to catch his train.

I was proud of myself because the younger me would have felt guilty. Just because you spent money on me doesn’t mean I owe anything. It took me so long to get to realize this. Now, I’m just trying to have PG-13 fun.

Mysterious Day 3:

I checked my messages in case I got a message from Bumble Boy, but I didn’t. I expected that. Classic Bumble love story.

Then, I went to Akasaka for a traditional tea ceremony. Because I was a solo traveler, the host taught me how to make my own tea. It was an amazing experience. I got to dress in a kimono, and I looked damn good – if I do say so myself.

In the afternoon, I went to Ginza luxury shopping outlets in search of a designer bag for my Mother. I couldn’t find any like the type she had asked for. But the experience was interesting. I went wearing my one-piece T-shirt while sweating and felt out of place. Either way, it was fascinating to see how many people were waiting in lines just to enter all the high end stores. I got annoyed waiting in line so I left most of the stores prematurely. Sorry Mother.

I ended the day by going back to the bars at Shinjuku Golden Gai. I had a few Gin Backs – Gin & ginger ale. That’s my new favorite cocktail. Thank you, Bumble Boy, for the introduction to this beverage. Then, I went back to Ginza and found a karaoke building.

I spent almost 2 hours singing to Adele and Sam Smith in one of the solo karaoke rooms. I lost my voice, but it was worth it.

I freaking love everything about this trip to Japan. I can definitely see myself living here. I got really comfortable with solo travel on this trip and it has given me more confidence to plan more solo adventures.

If you read this full post, thank you & I love you 🙂

XOXO Gen Z Fire Baby