Things have Disappeared

The last couple of days my brother and I have been making day trips into Tokyo.  Of course, to places that we have been before and used to frequent before Covid-19 became a thing.

The last trip we made to Japan was in November of 2019, about four months before Covid started.  The mega city was so different at this time in more ways than one.

One of our favorite places to visit almost daily while in Tokyo is Ueno.  We found a small bridge / park area that we would end each night at, talking stories and eating snacks.  Sometimes it was with my brother while other trips we were lucky enough to have family and friends join us.

In November we were lucky to have not only family join us but met up with some friends randomly, it was honestly one of the best trips we have ever taken.

But today was the first time to Ueno since 2019 and I have to say a lot of things that I enjoyed or expected to be there were not.  Either due to Covid-19 and the lack of tourism or just maybe a change in time.

Ameyokocho is a Shotengai in Ueno that hosts a ton of random stalls selling anything from pharmacy products to fresh fish.   We would stop here to get some Kebabs, normally feasting on way to much then we should and then heading to the bridge to discuss life.

Walking through the Shotengai today I found stalls empty and the coveted underground market closed.  Now I’m not sure again, if these are permanent things but as to date they are gone.   My heart sunk a little knowing that these things may only be memories now.

But of course there is a glimmer of hope for those who rely on tourism as the Japanese Government has decided to try out letting tourist in starting this month.  They of course are only allowed from specific countries and through tour groups only.  If all goes well this month and next I’m sure we can see the gates finally open.

Which will be a breath of fresh air for those who have been waiting so long for this moment.

My hopes for Japan are simple.  I hope the stores, shops, restaurants can start to recover from the damages Covid has done and quickly, as we never know at this point if another pandemic will occur.  The people who put their heart and soul into these small stalls and shops need help making ends meet and keeping their hardwork alive.

While visiting Tokyo I’ll say that it’s almost never possible to avoid crowds but I was able to do that easily today, which is a good and bad thing in itself.

I know a lot of people are apprehensive to allow tourism back into the country, but for many and in the long run for all, it will do the economy well.

Being that over three years has passed since I last stepped food in Ueno, I did expect change.  But in all honesty did not expect or anticipate the changes that did happen in that time.

So please when you come to Japan, take pictures, make memories because you never know if those favorite places will be around next time!  And for those of you really entering please be respectful and follow the rules set in place by the Japanese Government.