Navigating Emotions and Finding Calm through my solo travel in JAPAN 🇯🇵 | Alone in OKINAWA

Navigating Emotions and Finding Calm through my solo travel in JAPAN 🇯🇵 | Alone in OKINAWA

Our experience of a place is deeply personal and often mirrors our own inner state and what we are going through. At times our hearts are open and full of light and everything around us feels vibrant. Other times something shifts inside and even the most beautiful landscapes can seem distant or subdued. When I arrived in Aka, a quiet heaviness followed me. The island felt dim, almost colorless through the lens of my emotions. But as the days passed, something gentle began to shift. The island didn’t change, but I did. Bit by bit, I began to feel warmth again. A sense of love started to return softly, patiently, bringing life and color back into my surroundings and into me. [Music] Waking up with the sun is something I love. Watching the sky slowly shift, the light change. It feels like magic. Even if you’re dealing with emotions, this sound just makes everything feel better. Sometimes to shake off those feelings and whatever you’re going through, it helps to go outside, take a walk, interact with nature, and get yourself out of your mind. [Music] This was the most alone I felt so far. Not in a negative way, just different. I’ve heard this idea that certain places are more energetically compatible with us than others. Something to do with our astrocartography or the way our birth chart aligns with different parts of the world. Maybe that was the reason why I felt what I felt. Instead of outward connection, I was gently pushed to turn inward. It felt like the universe was saying, “Go deeper into yourself first. Anchor there, and the right energies, people, and experiences will meet you when you are in alignment.” In the mornings, I found calm by walking barefoot along the sea, just grounding, feeling the sand, listening to the waves gently breaking on the shore. It reminded me that it’s usually the simple things that help the most. I walked up and down the same beach on both days I was there and I really fell in love with it. [Music] Now and then I would see a deer. Sometimes they would come closer. Other times they kept their distance. It was like they were just checking in. [Music] I went outside in full introspective. Ive taking it all in mode. The island was surprisingly quiet. So much so that it was hard to believe a place like this still exists. I biked around Aka and Heruma Islands for about half a day and barely saw anyone. That alone made me be present even more with the nature around me because it really was something special. [Music] There were deer everywhere and butterflies, too. So many. It felt like something out of a fairy tale. One butterfly I saw looked just like a blue morpho, like the ones I’ve seen in Central America. [Music] [Music] There were only a few people on the beach, so I used the chance to fly my drone. I had two reasons. One, I wanted to capture the beauty of this place as best I could. And two, this was only my second time flying it. The first was on Takashiki, which you can see in my previous video. I won’t lie, I get really anxious doing it. I have this fear of crashing it or losing it in the ocean. The funny thing is I really wanted to get a drone to improve my filming skills. And now that I have it, I’m scared to use it. But the only way to get over it is to keep doing it. So I did. Later, I went snorkeling and I saw a sea turtle. I swam alongside her for about 15 minutes, keeping my distance and just watching her try to nibble on the algae. My underwater camera didn’t turn on. It just gave up on me this time. And maybe that was a blessing. I couldn’t film it. So, I had no choice but to leave it fully, to just be there. [Music] I was curious to explore every corner of the island. So when I saw a little path, I followed it and it led me to a deer. Then another and another. These acade are smaller in size and slightly different in appearance compared to their mainland relatives. They’re native only to the Carama Islands, specifically Aka Zamami and Heruma, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else in the world. They’re classified as a natural monument of Japan and are protected by law. On aka they roam freely, especially in the early morning or around dusk. These deer are generally shy but used to the presence of humans. So they won’t run unless approached too closely. And needless to say, they’ve become a symbol of this island and its stillness. [Music] Seeing them felt very peaceful, almost spiritual. The contrast of them against the wild beauty of the island’s cliffs and sea makes it feel like something out of a dream. I eventually biked across a bridge to Karuma Island, but by then the midday heat hit hard, so I turned around and went back to cool off in the pool at my place. [Music] As I sat there by the pool soaking up the view, my mind wandered to my body. A couple of months ago, I went through some rough emotional patches and my eating shifted. I started eating more at night and after a couple of months, I gained about 4 kilos, something that hadn’t happened in over 10 years. So sitting here now, I was thinking about how I want to get back to feeling good in my body. Not just for looks, but for my own well-being. I also think sometimes our bodies hold on to weight when we are stressed or holding on to emotional stuff. So I’m working on that too, gently but intentionally. I was also planning to get back on track literally by exercising more regularly because I just love how I feel in my body when my muscles are toned. It miraculously works both ways. When you feel strong on the outside, the same applies on the inside and you’re less prone to being affected by anything negative coming your way. And by the way, this is my Hama Beach where the place I stayed at is located. And that’s the beach I would walk on in the mornings and afternoons. That’s where I would find calm and peace. Good morning, guys. This was my last morning on the island. My ferry back to Naha wasn’t until the afternoon, so I decided to take things slow. No rushing, just a peaceful start. Sometimes I really enjoy sipping tea or coffee in bed, gazing out at the beautiful view, and visualizing what’s next, reflecting on everything. This was one of those mornings. I even got to do my full skincare routine without rushing. I’ve simplified it so much over the years. 10 years ago, I would pile on every product thinking it was better. Now moderation matters. Less is more. I love the freedom that comes with a minimalist routine. [Music] With a few hours before my ferry, I went for a walk in search of a place to eat. It wasn’t easy finding vegetarian options here, but I managed to find one cafe that kindly prepared a plant-based bowl for me. [Music] I took the ferry Sami back to Naha. It is bigger than a speedboat, so it took a bit longer, but the ride was smooth and calm. [Music] They say we travel to find ourselves. We step outside of everything familiar, the routines, the people who know us, the expectations we carry without even realizing it. And in that space, something shifts. We start to see ourselves more clearly. The noise gets quieter and what’s underneath starts to speak louder. It’s not always a comfortable process. Sometimes it brings up feelings or parts of ourselves we would rather not look at. But that’s also where the growth lives. For me, travel isn’t always about discovering something new out there. Sometimes it’s about remembering something I forgot in here. A version of myself I tucked away. a way of feeling, moving, or simply being that feels more like home than any place ever could. We are just learning to return again and again to who we really are but with more clarity and presence. Naha greeted me with rain and I actually loved it. that fresh rainy smell, quiet streets, and the city in a softer light. I was craving some comfort food, so I headed to La Zorba, a vegetarian spot I discovered earlier. I arrived right at opening and had the place to myself for a bit. Of course, I went straight for the coconut Thai curry and Tibetan style dumplings, the same choice I had here last time, and it was absolutely delicious. [Music] I spent the evening strolling Kokusai Dori, the main street with all the bus. I also loved seeing those vintage style cars driving around. It gave me a sense of nostalgia, almost like I got to experience Japan in a different timeline. [Music] This time I stayed at a hotel right next to Kokoai Dori and it was very convenient. The rooms here were very spacious compared to the typical size in Tokyo or other Japanese cities. [Music] [Music] When you see Naha from above, it’s hard to believe you’re on a subtropical island. It looks very urban. But once you step onto the streets, you feel the difference. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting. I couldn’t wait to get outside and explore. I had a specific plan for the day. I knew Okinawa is known for its pottery, and there is even an entire pottery street located very close to where I was staying. I had to check it out because one thing I truly love is holding a beautiful mug in my hands and sipping from it. That ritual is something that really soothe my nervous system. I actually have a whole collection of mugs from my travels. It’s always a tough decision not to bring one home if I find something I love. I try to be mindful about bringing new things into my space since I’ve experienced overconsumerism before and had to go through the process of decluttering. And since then, I’ve gone back and forth, but I still do my best to keep things as minimal as possible, at least in a way that feels right for me. Okinawa is famous for its ruku pottery with vibrant glazes and cultural significance. Originally made for local rituals, it blends Okinawa’s indigenous Ruku heritage with Japanese craftsmanship dating back to when Okinawa was its own kingdom. That history is what makes HP so special and meaningful. [Music] Walking this pottery street was a visual delight. I felt transported back in time, wandering through that old duku spirit. And clearly, I couldn’t resist purchasing something, too. Of course, I walked away with a few blue pieces, a mug, and a plate. Here, I stumbled upon the Araki residence, a traditional Ruku townhouse. It’s worth visiting because it showcases Okinawan architecture, red tile roofs, inner courtyards, and local craftsmanship passed down through generations. I also loved spotting Shisa, those little lion or guardian statues outside homes and shops. They’re believed to protect against evil spirits. A beautiful symbol woven into Okinawan daily life. You will find them on rooftops, at entrances, and as souvenirs. A few hours into my walk, it started raining and I also got hungry by that point. So, I asked around for a good plant-based restaurant in the area. People recommended me a place called Mana Cafe. There was no food menu. They just served one meal set, which was whatever they had for that day. I personally liked it. The unique local flavors were very different from what I’m used to, but it was interesting for me to try their local cuisine. Afterward, I grabbed some snacks on Kokoidori, got a matcha to go, and cozied up in my room overlooking Naha. The rest of the afternoon was movie time and unwinding. [Music] The next morning, I woke up to another gloomy day in Naha. With my downtown shopping done, I set out for Shuri Castle. I grabbed my breakfast at a nearby cafe, then took the Montreal to the castle, perched on a hill with beautiful panoramic views. [Music] Shuri Castle was once the royal palace of the Uruku Kingdom. Its red walls and ornate carvings tell the story of Okinawa’s unique past before it became part of Japan. It’s a perfect mix of history and beauty. [Music] [Music] For lunch, I went to Raquan Cafe inside the shopping center by the prefectural office Monreal station. I had a vegan burger and a rice bowl salad. Both were fantastic. And that was pretty much how I spent my final day in Naha. Just savoring good food, wandering the streets, and taking it easy before returning to mainland Japan the next morning. I hope you guys enjoyed spending this few days with me in Okinawa. Thank you for watching this video. Take care and I will see you in the next one. [Music]

Join me as I continue my journey through Okinawa and discover inner peace. This solo adventure in Japan is all about reconnecting with myself and embracing new experiences. Come along and find your own moment of tranquility.

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