Tokyo Through Kierra's Eyes

Shinjuku during the night-time, numerous signs and billboards lit up in a wondrous display. Photo Credit: Google

“It was the experience of a lifetime,” said Kierra Hurd, a 17-year-old student at Lincoln College Prep. She pauses as she contemplates. Hurd had recently vacationed in the lively city of Tokyo with her two closest friends and was retelling her unimaginable experience, from the bustling streets of Shibuya, to the vibrant neighborhood of Harajuku. Hurd proceeds to describe how Tokyo was filled with concealed gems, each carrying its unique charm. A charm that is due to the city’s captivating atmosphere resulting from a blend of modernity and traditional beauty. 

When asked the reason they decided to go to Tokyo, Hurd goes on to recount the moment, “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, I’m not sure why exactly but I felt drawn to the idea of going to Tokyo,” she says with a laugh. “I honestly remember just calling Lylah and Malik and asking if they wanted to go with me and they said yes, so the next day we started planning it out,” Hurd recalled. She proceeds to describe Tokyo as a city with a rich cultural heritage and a fast-paced lifestyle. She explained further with a sheepish grin, “Like I’m not even joking, I met so many interesting people and went to many beautiful places. It felt like I was in a movie or an alternate reality. Everything was so different from Kansas City, I feel like every district in Tokyo has its unique atmosphere and vibe. Some districts were filled with neon lights and bustling streets while others were traditional and filled with different temples.” 

“I went with my two closest friends, Lylah and Malik. We planned the trip during spring break of the previous school year, so we spent months planning the trip and budgeting.” 

She smiles as she recounts the memories.“We went during summer break for around a week or so, and I had to budget a lot to be able to go. I stopped buying whatever I wanted and everything went directly into savings. When it was nearing time for the trip, I spent some money on new clothing and left the rest for the trip itself.” 

Her travel mates Lylah Wells and Malik Neal seemed to agree. “I was honestly a bit shocked. Because Malik and I were on the phone," Wells said. “We were literally playing a game together, and then Kierra joined the call and asked if we wanted to go to Tokyo,” Neal said. 

“We both said yes but we kinda assumed that she was just joking but the next day, she called us and we started planning,” Wells said. 

Hurd explains that traveling to Tokyo with her two closest friends was a chance to strengthen their bond and create unforgettable memories, a trip filled constantly with laughter and joy.

Hurd could not pick only one favorite place or moment in Tokyo. "I visited so many districts and neighborhoods that I really can’t pick a favorite, but lowkey everywhere I went brought something new,” Hurd said. “One of my favorite places in Tokyo was Yanaka, which is this old Tokyo neighborhood that’s home to artisans, temples, and some amazing restaurants. The traditional atmosphere was so peaceful and cozy. Another one of my favorite places was Shimokita, a neighborhood known for its vintage shops, cozy cafes, and live music. It was so fun to find like, unique thrift pieces and nick-nacks.”

Hurd did find something surprising during her trip. “I was honestly surprised by how fast-paced and vibrant the city was. It felt like everywhere we went, something was going on whether that be a festival or performance. Between the amazing food, the culture, and the people. Everyone was so polite and respectful, I honestly had so much fun and it felt like I was in my own little world,” Hurd said. “We arrived in Tokyo during the night-time, and I remember being extremely jet-lagged. We had booked a hotel room in Shibuya with two beds. Lylah and I shared a bed, and Malik had his own. We spent the next day captivated by Shibuya, it was like a sea of people joining together at the intersection. The towering buildings and neon signs everywhere only added to the electrifying atmosphere, and we entered many trendy boutiques and department stores. We spent the whole day trying out delicious street food, doing karaoke, and going to arcades. 

We spent the following week going to each district in Tokyo. In Asakusa, we traveled to the temples. In Harajuku, we were fascinated by the world of kawaii and Harajuku fashion, and ate the most delicious crepes. In Shinjuku, we explored the nightlife, ate delicious izakaya dishes, and met up with locals we befriended. We went to so many hidden places, like hole-in-the-wall ramen shops, tranquil gardens, trendy stores, traditional temples, and charming cafes. Everywhere we went, we encountered something different. When we were on the plane back, it was honestly such a bittersweet moment. We’ll probably return to Tokyo one day, just the three of us,” Hurd said.

Hurd manages to describe Tokyo as such an intriguing place, where anybody regardless of their circumstances will be able to find something that appeals to them.

“Tokyo wasn’t just a city, it was an experience that showed that the future is coming quickly. It’s my final year of high school and I’m honestly so glad I was able to travel with friends before beginning college,”  she said. 

In the end, Tokyo’s captivating culture and vibrant atmosphere will continue to inspire and entertain people to come. Hurd’s experience shows the uniqueness of Tokyo and how each district and neighborhood showed a different aspect of Japan.