Women Travel Solo – Gutless Travel

To make a long story short, I booked a ticket in early January for a summer trip to Sapporo. I was so excited that within two months I finished planning. Google was my best friend at the time. I searched places to visit and how to get there, where to live, and how much money I’ll need to survive. Two months prior to my trip I had secured an apartment to live in.

BUT as my trip neared, I became terrified.

I had never been to anywhere alone. I had taken flights alone, but have had friends or family meet me in the country so my trip to Sapporo was my first real solo travel. I can’t speak Japanese, did not know anyone there, and have never been there. Let’s just say that I almost convinced myself not to get on that flight.

But I did and it was one of the best decisions thus far.

This photo was taken on my second day. It was so embarrassing setting up a tripod on a park bench.
But I made it through my embarrassment & realized no one was really watching me.

It’s been almost a year after my first solo trip. A month-long solo trip to be exact. I had been wanting to draft this blog since I got back, but felt embarrass to confess. I posted my trip endlessly via instagram throughout the month and shown only the brave (or trying to be brave) side of me.

Let me tell you, I’d do it again in a heart beat and here are three reasons why:

IT’S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK

I was exhausted this time last year. I was in a toxic relationship and work was stressful. My dreams were not being fulfilled regardless of how hard I’ve worked. I felt hopeless. I felt as if I was sinking and regardless of how hard I tried to pull myself up to stand, I just couldn’t.

Not everyone can get on a flight to simply breathe or to take a break from a stressful life. Even if you can’t travel by plane, I think it’s important for you to take yourself out of the situation. There are other ways like taking a drive to the nearby beach, going on a hike, or just simply getting yourself comfort food. The main point is that you get to be somewhere else, even if it’s just for a short while, to be away from the situation.

I was able to step out of my situation and saw clearly that I was holding on to things that were hurting me and I needed to let go.

If I did not get on that plane, I would not have been able to see this view:

View from the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower. Left photo shows Odori Park.

BEING ALONE IN PUBLIC IS OKAY

I have never been alone in public before. Being a girl meant it is scary to go to places alone. A girl should never be alone because there is a higher chance of being raped, kidnapped, or taken advantage of.

When I told people that I was going solo to Japan, they said… “that’s so dangerous, why would you go alone?” They made me doubt myself. I started to think of all the wrong things that could happen. Like I said, I almost convinced myself not to go anymore.

The fear and doubt gradually went away as the trip went on.

I spent many hours just sitting at Odori Park (see photos above) reflecting on life, planning for my goals, and observing those around me. I’d come there to read a book or even write on my journal. Being at a different place gave me the time I needed to breathe and to fully see my realities. It also taught me the most important lesson I’ve learned – it’s okay to be alone (especially in public).

Trust yourself that you know what to do if ever a danger arrives. Also, you are smart enough to know how to avoid dangerous situation.

You are capable of being alone and only you can do the things you want to do. Doesn’t it suck not being able to try that new boba shop because all of your friends are working?

THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF

Here are some of the things I’ve learned about myself:

Ice cream is definitely my comfort food. I knew that I like ice cream, but the trip made me realize that I loooove ice cream. I had a soft-serve almost everyday for an entire month. (Hokkaido has the best dairy products).

Museums are not boring. Museums are a great place to see how things have changed overtime. I was reminded that though things can be rough now, it will get better overtime. Just look at how our phones transformed from flip phone to touch screen. Life might be hard and complicated now, but later much easier to manage because of all the lessons learned and not wanting history to repeat itself.

Time is never wasted. I used to think that if you weren’t doing something productive, it was time wasted. I got lost majority of the time. Despite the map on my phone, I got off at the wrong train station, got in a bus heading to the opposite direction, and walked into a building I have no idea about. But the unplanned paths had led me to amazing places and experiences – a small park with a river running through, a shopping center with the best pancakes, and a small alley with the tastiest ramen. Unexpected things happen and special circumstances occur – there are many things beyond your control and it’s okay.

I am obsessed with penguins! The only reason I used to justify my visits to many zoos and aquariums on my trip was “there’s a penguin there.” I even traveled 3-4 hours to go to Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe to see the Penguin Parade.

Thank you for reading this far. I’m grateful for you and I hope you find yourself traveling solo and learning about yourself as well.

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We all have places we’ve been to before that we wish we could go back to. Jigokudani in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan is definitely one of mine. It was such a great break from the city life. Standing across the valley, staring into the smoking valley with its lush green scenery, I knew that exploring the world would be something I’d want to do for the rest of my life. I spent two days there. I went to Jigokudani, also known as Hell’s Valley, and Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe.

Lodging

There are many hotels in Noboribetsu and near Jigokudani. I stayed at Noboribetsu Manseikaku in a single room with breakfast + dinner (both were buffets). They also have indoor and outdoor onsen. The outdoor onsen view was breathtaking. Tattoos are not allowed. Fortunately, the hotel sells tattoo cover ups (stickers to cover your tattoo), which I had to do.

For more information on the hotel, please visit:
https://noboribetsu.manseikakuhotels.com/en-us

Noboribetsu Manseikaku is a 10-15 minute walk to Jigokudani, and across the bus stop to go to the Marine Park Nixe. The hotel also coordinates a bus in the morning to go to Sapporo.

Spot all the demon statues

Throughout Noboribetsu, you can find different demon statutes, all with meanings to them. I was shocked to have seen such a tall demon statue on my way to the hotel. There are other tall demons standing and sitting on your walk to Jigokudani. But there are also small, cute demons for success in love, exams, and business.

By the way, I don’t think I found ALL of the demon statues. I didn’t know how many total were there. It would be a great little scavenger hunt of the place to spot them all.

JIGOKUDANI OR HELL’S VALLEY

Noboribetsu is famous for its hot springs, which come from Hell’s Valley. Above the valley are the Jigokudani-Oyunuma Walking trails. Be prepared to walk deep into the forest: wear sunscreen, bug repellant, and comfortable shoes; and bring a bottle of water.

If you have not seen my bee “attack” story, click here.

There are a few maps before entering any of the pathways so make sure to take a photo just in case.

OYUNUMA LAKE

After a hundred and more steps, I reached a part of the valley looking out to Oyunuma Lake.

I still had to walk towards the pond from the valley. To save some time, it is also possible to drive there. But a walk through the valley would definitely be a great experience. It’s almost like hiking. Well, I guess I’ll consider that a hike.

The walk back to my hotel was about 25-30 minute by foot (on my pace) along the road. It may have been shorter if I had walked through the valley again, but since it was almost dark I did not want to risk getting lost in the woods with no flashlight.

The trail to Oyunuma Foot Bath can also be accessed from the lake.

OYUNUMA BROOK NATURAL FOOT BATH

After my first failed attempt to go to the foot bath, I actually decided not to go anymore. However, after spending half the day at the Marine Park Nixe, I had some time to head there so I put on the direction on Google map and walked over from the hotel. When I got there, there were so many tourists with their shoes off and feet in the water. Do not worry about the water being dirty, the river flows. I had spent about 40 minutes there, with my foot on and off the hot water. Definitely relaxing!

Oyunuma Natural Foot Bath Scenery:

MARINE PARK NIXE

Getting to Marine Park Nixe was easy. There is a bus stop across Noboribetsu Manseikaku and there will be signs. Otherwise, you can also ask the friendly people there. Most likely you will meet another tourist who has been there or will be heading there.

They have seals, turtles, penguins, dolphins etc. Their main attraction is the Penguin Parade. The only reason I went to the park! My love for penguins have made me travel across the ocean to see them up close and out of their cage lol. Not kidding. The penguins will walk on a carpet and you can watch them waddle through.