The Japan (Summer) Diaries - Day 8
On my eighth day in Tokyo, I took matters into my own hands. I ditched my judo club and went to Tokyo DisneySea. This wasn’t the first time I walked around an international city alone, plus it really isn’t a difficult city to navigate and it certainly isn’t unsafe. I had DisneySea on the brain since the night before, and once I set my mind on something…so that was where I headed first thing in the morning, instead of visiting Keio University to practice more judo.
Tokyo DisneySea is located in Chiba prefecture, about 30 minutes from Tokyo, depending on where you’re coming from. While they have a Magic Kingdom park, there’s also the unique DisneySea that I felt so compelled to visit since there’s not another park like it in the world. It reminded me of EPCOT, due to the several lands or Port-of-Call’s (due to it being water-based). The day was scorchingly hot, and not too fun all by myself, if i’m being honest, but there were plenty of refreshing Mickey-shaped treats for me to indulge in and enjoy which made up for it.
I started off in the Mediterranean Harbor, doing a lot of looking since most places were closed/under construction that day. It truly felt like I was transported to Venice for a moment, looking out on the man-made canals, where an empty gondola was floating. I’ll save the actual gondola ride for when I finally get to visit Venice.
The American Waterfront was next, a mix of big city charm and a New England fishing village. There was so much Duffy merchandise and attractions, I was amazed. I had never even heard of this Duffy before and it appeared to be all the craze here.
There’s also a Port Discovery, the Lost River Delta, and the Arabian Coast – one of my favorites, where I just so happened to run into Princess Jasmine, Jafar, and Genie, the smell of curry popcorn in the air. Unfortunately, no sightings of Aladdin though.
Mermaid Lagoon was next. Definitely my favorite, due to Ariel’s under-the-sea castle on display! Her castle was magnificent, so different from the usual Cinderella’s Castle I was accustomed to. Inside the castle, there was plenty of delicious AC and several of the Ariel-themed rides and attractions. She’s clearly a favorite there.
I only stayed in Mysterious Island long enough to buy myself my first Mickey-shaped churro.
Ultimately, I liked how different DisneySea was, but Magic Kingdom will forever and always be my favorite. Surprisingly, I didn’t purchase a single souvenir!
After leaving DisneySea, I headed straight for Harajuku and walked along the famous Takeshita-dori.
After all of the days walking, plus the heat, I was exhausted by the time I returned to my hotel room. Regrets from skipping out on judo? Zero.
Where to next?
