Tokyo 2018: A Solo Summer and a Photobook Born Years Later
In 2018, I found myself in Tokyo at the height of Japan’s summer. It was the first time I’d taken a proper solo leisure trip abroad—just me, no agenda, no company. (Don’t count the previous post, that one was for studies.) This one was different.
At the time, I didn’t set out to make a photobook. I just wanted to explore, take photos, and see what would happen. The idea for this book only came a few years later—during the pandemic, when the world slowed down and I finally had time to look back.
So no, there isn’t a big overarching story here. The images in Tokyo 2018 are fragments—little moments and impressions from a trip I didn’t expect to mean so much.
Capsule Life and the Sound of Summer
I stayed at a capsule hotel for a couple of nights, which was a fun experience... but yeah, not something I could do long-term. The lack of space and privacy definitely got to me after a while. Still, it’s one of those things I’m glad I tried.
One of the things that really stuck with me was the sound of cicadas. Loud, constant, impossible to ignore. There was something oddly beautiful about hearing them in the middle of a massive, fast-moving city like Tokyo. Nature and chaos, side by side.
Wandering Off the Map
While I did visit the popular spots, I made time to explore areas that weren’t marked on travel blogs. I can’t even recall the name of the neighborhood now, but I remember climbing a hill and stumbling across a peaceful residential area. There, tucked behind rows of modest homes, was a Buddhist cemetery overlooking the Tokyo Skytree—a surreal and humbling view.
The Blend of Beliefs
One thing I quietly observed throughout my trip was how seamlessly Japan’s religious traditions are woven into everyday life. The blend of Shinto practices with Buddhism—particularly Shinto-influenced Buddhism—was everywhere. Shrines and temples would sit right around the corner from train stations or cafés, and no one made a big deal about it. It just was.
That subtle harmony left a deep impression on me, and it actually led me to dive deeper into Shinto itself. I picked up a book called The Essence of Shinto: Japan's Spiritual Heart by Motohisa Yamakage (affiliated link). It’s not a dense academic read—it’s more like an introduction to how Shinto shapes Japanese thinking, especially around purity, nature, and rituals.
What really struck me was the core belief that everything born is pure. That philosophy alone made me reflect a lot—not just about Japanese culture, but also about how we see ourselves and the world around us. Shinto teaches respect for nature, and you can feel that energy in Japan’s design, architecture, and infrastructure.
Why Japan Feels Like Home (Even When It’s Not)
Of all the countries I’ve visited, Japan holds a special place for me. Yes, it’s beautiful, efficient, and rich in culture—but what makes it my favorite is that underlying philosophy. This idea of purity at the root of all things, and the appreciation for nature. There’s something peaceful and grounding in that.
Trying the Language, Too
Throughout the book, you might spot bits of Japanese—phrases, words, signs. I was experimenting with incorporating the language visually and contextually, just to add to the atmosphere. But heads up: I’m not fluent, so if there are any mistakes, please excuse them. It was all part of the learning and creative process.
No Plan, No Problem
Overall, it was a great trip. Low-key, personal, and full of the kind of moments you don’t really plan for. That’s what this book is—just me walking around Tokyo with a camera, seeing what I could find.
Would I go back? 100%. There’s still so much I missed.
Hope you enjoy flipping through Tokyo 2018.
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