Middle Seat, Motion Sickness, and Chaos: My Tough (but Amazing) Trip to Japan

Japan, Days 1 and 2

I had booked a three-week trip to Japan: 14 days on a group tour with 22 participants from around the world, and the final week traveling solo. The plan was to experience 35 activities. I was excited but also nervous, this was one of the biggest trips I had ever taken alone.

✈️ Destination and Route

Oslo, Gardermoen → Helsinki, Finland → Tokyo, Japan

I had purchased a Japan Rail Pass and SIM card in advance (they luckily arrived just hours before I left!). Packing? That was left until the night before. Even with lists, it was chaotic trying to fit everything into a 60L suitcase and a 32L backpack.

🤢 The Flight: Middle Seat and Motion Sickness

The flight from Gardermoen to Helsinki went smoothly, and I received boarding passes for the whole trip. The layover in Finland was easy. But the long 11-hour flight to Tokyo was rough:

• I was stuck in a middle seat, something I regretted.

• Motion sickness tablets didn't help; I felt nauseous and overheated.

• I didn't want to wake the sleeping passengers beside me, so I waited too long to use the restroom.

Tip for others: If you get motion sickness, pay a little extra for a better seat. It doesn't have to be business class, but an aisle or window can make a huge difference. Next time, I did just that, and it helped.

Despite the discomfort, the Finnair staff were incredibly helpful, which made me feel safe.

🚉 Train Chaos in Tokyo, and Help Everywhere

After landing in Tokyo, I was exhausted but excited. I boarded the wrong train, but a conductor and later a mother and daughter helped me without hesitation. It reminded me:

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if language is a barrier, most people are eager to assist.

• Allow yourself to make mistakes. They're part of the journey, and often where the best memories are made.

🛏️ First Meeting with the Group and Hostel

I stayed at Sakura Hotel Nippori, a simple and cozy hostel with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. I met my roommate Samantha from New York, and we clicked instantly.

Tip: If you're traveling solo or nervous about meeting people, a hostel with common areas can be a goldmine. It gives you natural opportunities to connect with others.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 New Friendships and First Dinner

My group was a mix of people from Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, the UK, Australia, and the USA. As the only Norwegian, I truly got to test my English skills. Our first dinner was hotpot, where you choose your ingredients and cook them at the table. The flavors were diverse, and I quickly learned it's worth practicing with chopsticks before a trip to Japan.

⛩️ Evening at Senso-ji Temple

In the evening, we visited Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. We learned about Buddhism and Shinto, prayed to the gods, and tried fortune slips. I got "regular luck," which was fine by me. The evening was magical—full of lights, history, and new friends.

😴 Tired but Happy

After only an hour at the hotel before activities started, I was completely exhausted.
Tip: If you're going on a group trip like this, arrive a day early to rest and adjust to the time difference.

🌸 Reflection: Travel Isn't Always Perfect, and That's Okay

The middle seat, nausea, and chaos weren't fun at the time, but those are the moments that make a trip memorable. I learned that the kindness of strangers, the friendships I made, and the sense of accomplishment are what I'll remember most.

Travel can be challenging, especially with anxiety, motion sickness, or other hurdles. But with preparation and courage, it's possible, and worth it.

Everyone deserves to experience the world and live life to the fullest, even when the journey doesn't go exactly as planned.