About TokyoTopia
About TokyoTopia shares the whys and hows of how I got started on this Tokyo venture and will hopefully give those of you who are interested a little insight into the motivation and background to this labour of love.
It's funny, never did I imagine a few years ago that I'd be writing about how I developed my own website! Then again, before I made the decision to move to Tokyo, it never entered my head that I'd be living long term outside the UK.
This city has been my home since 2001 with one year out in Singapore and a couple of months in the UK. I've travelled to some great places in Asia and seen some fantastic sights. I intend to see many more! Travel is in my blood I guess. The culture, the colors, the smell, the people, just everything really that you get a chance to experience when you visit new countries.
At the end of the day though, I always come home... to Tokyo. Everyone seeks their own utopia and, so far at least, the big T is the closest thing for me. The result? Tokyotopia was born.
The Story Of Moving To Tokyo
So where did this about TokyoTopis story start?
Driving to Manchester airport with my brother as I got ready to say good-bye to the UK. I was setting off on what I thought would be a 1 year adventure. My engagement had finished, I'd quit my job and this was my kick start back to life at 29 years of age. Truth be told, I felt like I was about 12!
So there I was. Feeling sick, nervous, scared, excited and just plain terrified (as I don't like flying) all at the same time. Walking through the airport with so many thoughts in my head. What am I doing? How am I going to manage? I should have planned more! What on earth made me think I could do this? Gaaahhhhh.... a definite Bridget Jones moment!
Time to check in. Heart pounding. My brother turned and said "Well. Time for me to go. See you little sis." He gave me a hug and a kiss, then he turned his back and walked away. He never turned round - not once. I know because I was so close to bottling it but he never gave me the out. Thank you, thank you big bro for that! Actually, he's a great big bro all round : )
In the 3 months leading up to my departure, there were many cries of 'What on earth are you doing?' and, 'What about your career?' There were also definitely moments when I nearly cancelled my tickets to settle for my life that was. I'm so glad I didn't! I certainly wouldn't be writing about TokyoTopia if I had.
Well, here I am now. Still in Tokyo apart from one year out in Singapore. I've been living here since that feted day when I first left the UK. My life has changed completely. I'm doing a job I love, I live in a place that has a buzz like no other, and I feel free! Add to that I'm growing my website, little by little, with the help and guidance of some wonderful people. I'm heading in a direction I like. Life is good.
Why Build TokyoTopia?
So why build a site about TokyoTopia? The answer to that one is simple. I love Tokyo, and yet I talk to many people who worry about visiting or staying in Tokyo. Frequent concerns that are raised include, is it ok to use English, how are we going to get around, where should we stay, and just what are we going to eat!
Other people express worries that it will be too difficult, too expensive, or too busy. There's usually a 'too' in there somewhere!
All I can say is, if you don't come because of these initial impressions, you're missing out on so much. My "about TokyoTopia" reason for developing the site, is to show the big T in all her glory, and hopefully change some of these common misconceptions.
What's Special in Tokyo?
It's a city of contrasts, perhaps the strongest of which is the mix of old and new, traditional and modern. Tokyo is without doubt one of the epicenters for commerce in the world, but it also has a local feel. More so than the area I grew up in the UK.
To really "get" Tokyo you have to experience the big T and take in what's going on around you. Take time to stop and absorb the power, pace and pulse of the big T. Of course it's not all roses and light. Nothing ever is. Still, if you want a city stay with a difference, Tokyo has it for me.
There is great sightseeing, excellent shopping, and many different Tokyo tours to name a few! One of the best recommendations I can make, is to plan your visit to coincide with one of the many Japanese festivals that take place. These occasions are when you have the chance to soak up a little bit of local life, at the same time as having a lot of fun.
Yes, I'm biased. I know that. Stick with me though, have a look around the site, and maybe you'll feel the same way. Maybe you already do!
If you're reading this and wondering how you could do something similar, take a look at my how to build a website page. It's really not that difficult. Maybe soon you'll be writing your own about TokyoTopia page!
