Magome to Tsumago Solo Hike| Naegi Castle, Nakatsugawa| Local Japanese Experiences скачать в хорошем качестве

Magome to Tsumago Solo Hike| Naegi Castle, Nakatsugawa| Local Japanese Experiences

This is the first vlog from my 10-day farewell trip to Japan. After spending four unforgettable months living in Japan, I made the tough decision to leave for a new job elsewhere. But before I said goodbye to this beautiful country, I wanted to immerse myself in one last adventure. And, wow, what an adventure it turned out to be. In this vlog, I share one of the most authentic—and challenging—travel experiences I've ever had. It all started when my bus from Tokyo to Nakatsugawa dropped me off in the middle of nowhere. The bus pulled over on the side of a highway, and just like that, I was stranded. It was 4:55 AM, the temperature was below freezing, and I had an 18kg suitcase, a heavy backpack, and a small day pack. Nakatsugawa was 4 kilometers away, and there I was, alone, in the cold, at the edge of the world it seemed. I made my way to a nearby convenience store, lugging my bags through an underground pedestrian crossing with steep stairs, feeling the weight of it all—physically and mentally. It was just me, the dark, and the early morning quiet. But when I walked into the store, I met Nobu-san, a kind-hearted elderly Japanese man in his 80s. He noticed my struggle and immediately called a taxi for me. But that wasn’t all. After his shift, he offered to take me on a little sightseeing tour of Nakatsugawa. At first, I hesitated. It felt like a spontaneous leap into the unknown—but if you’ve seen *The Beach*, you might recognize the line: “Never refuse an invitation, or resist the unfamiliar.” It had become a personal motto of mine, one that had shaped so many of my travels. So, I said yes. I made my way to the hotel, and at 10 AM, Nobu-san arrived to pick me up. But he didn’t come empty-handed. He brought with him a thick file filled with souvenirs and photographs from his travels, dating all the way back to when he was in his 20s. The stories behind each photo and trinket were incredible. Despite his age and limited English, Nobu had traveled far and wide, making friends from all over the world along the way. Together, we explored Naegi Castle, walking through its history and soaking in the beauty of Nakatsugawa. Honestly, at first, I regretted the decision to travel at night, to not check the bus details more carefully. I wondered if the hardships of that morning were all just a bad choice. But in the end, I realized something. Those struggles, that early morning, that freezing cold—all of it led me to meeting Nobu. And in doing so, it gave me the chance to connect with a truly inspiring person. Nobu is a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace adventure, to keep exploring, and to always make room for new connections—even when you’re past the age when most people slow down. He continues to travel and forge bonds across the world, proving that age is just a number when it comes to living fully. In the end, it wasn’t the journey I expected, but it turned out to be one of the most meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned detours that lead to the most beautiful moments.