Tokyo on wheels
The wind kisses our faces, a dramatic rainbow arches across the sky, and falling leaves create a tapestry of poetry on the brick road. Leafless cherry blossoms remind us that spring is coming, while a flowing brook babbles beneath a centuries-old bridge. Surrounding it all is a family whose love and kindness are everlasting.
In this land blessed with fervor and favor, one cannot help but feel entranced. It’s not just the sun that rises in the land of kimonos and sushi; love and magic thrive in every corner, too. My recent trip to Japan was more than just a vacation; it was a journey of resilience, gratitude, and the unbreakable bond of family.
The adventure began with a stumble—quite literally. Before arriving in Tokyo, I had an accident while traversing a glacier tunnel in Iceland, which resulted in three broken bones in my ankle. Despite my efforts to dress appropriately, I was undeterred by this unfortunate event. The day before, our group activity included watching the surreal aurora borealis, arranged by the dynamic Chal del Rosario of the highly efficient Jeron Travel. What could have been a daunting experience transformed into a valuable lesson in love.
My best friend, Bum Tenorio, Jr., never left my side. He accompanied me from the emergency room in Reykjavik throughout the recovery process back at St. Luke’s BGC under the attentive care of Dr. Jomig Lumawig. I will be forever grateful for such kindness.
My family displayed unconditional love that touched me, securing my visa just two days before departure. They would have canceled the entire trip if my group and I couldn’t come. That selfless sentiment touched me deeply, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey.
From Shinagawa to Shibuya, Nakameguro to Ginza, Tokyo offers a vibrant blend of tradition, innovation and undeniable charm. In Shinagawa, we found a perfect mix of history, dining and attractions like aquariums and a racecourse. Tennozu Isle stood out with its repurposed warehouses and art galleries.
Shibuya was another highlight. Of course, we visited the famous Shibuya Crossing. Nearby, we paid homage to the Hachiko statue. We learned about the dog’s enduring loyalty—waiting at Shibuya Station for nine years after his owner passed. It brought tears to my eyes.
Throughout this adventure, my family’s love was my constant. My brother Mark, my nephew Matthew, and the whole family took turns pushing my wheelchair with such care and tenderness that I was moved beyond words. They brought me to delightful restaurants, supermarkets and clothing stores and helped me navigate escalators, elevators and the handicapped areas of the trains.
Trips to 7-Eleven and Shinagawa Station’s food stalls captured our appetites with flavorsome, affordable Japanese treats like oyakodon, fresh sushi, creamy smoothies, egg sandwiches, fresh salads and more! Once I could walk, it was my turn to push Mark in the wheelchair, leading to hilarious moments that reminded me of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
Visiting Tokyo DisneySea was like stepping into a magical scene, where joy and amazement captured the soul and imagination. This “happiest place on earth” is an authentic tribute to the magical, mystical, and even unbelievable. With just a wave of a fairy wand, it offers unforgettable moments for children and adults alike.
In Tokyo, it wasn’t just the landmarks, bustling streets, or cultural marvels that made this trip extraordinary. It was the quiet moments, the shared laughter, and the realization that even in life’s challenges, love shines the brightest.
My beautiful niece, architect Nikki Buensalido, shared, “Our family has a yearly tradition of travel, as my dad always said never to leave that tradition behind. As our family continued to grow, we were blessed to have our grandnephews and grandnieces with us. Come New Year’s Eve, we gathered in one room to tell stories, dance and even play ‘Ondo Ondo,’ a game my parents taught us as kids. Now, we pass it on to our nieces and nephews, who play it with their children, dancing to the song Apt. to the delight of all, including exceedingly handsome Papa Mark Dayrit, who gamely danced with the kids in our hotel room, which we converted into our family suite.”
A special highlight was a trip to our hotel’s Maxell Aqua Park Aquarium, where my granddaughter Annika rode a Viking ship similar to “Anchors Away” from the Enchanted Kingdom and screamed with delight. We were transported to different worlds where we encountered jellyfish, sharks, manta rays, piranhas, arapaima, dolphins, colorful fish, capybaras and iguanas.
Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of how fleeting life is. Time is a precious currency, and there’s no better way to spend it than with the people who matter most.
Dusk was beginning to turn to dawn as we traveled to Narita Airport on our last day. A rainbow of pastel hues arched across the sky as we thanked the Lord for traveling mercies.
Soon, the cherry blossoms will bloom profusely, reminding us that peace and joy can be found in the silence of nature.
On this trip, I discovered the true meaning of family. Just like in Tokyo, where the sun rises, love never sets.
