Ep.20. Embracing Life in Tokyo
- Woolou Green
- Sep 12, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Date: 12th August - 11th September, 2024.
Location: Tokyo, Japan.
Embracing Life in Tokyo
I’ve been truly appreciating my time in Tokyo, filled with moments that remind me of the beauty in connection. I've had the pleasure of meeting creative, enthusiastic, and kind-hearted individuals who capture the essence of Golden Age with their professional camera gear and lively photography style. It’s been thrilling to have a physical shop in Shimo-Kitazawa, the vibrant fashion hub of Tokyo, where both brand new and vintage clothing come together. Our shop not only showcases our unique brand but also highlights other amazing labels, inviting visitors to embark on an adventurous journey with us.
During my stay, I’ve also explored some of Tokyo's tranquil natural spots. One of my favorite outings was cycling to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where I spent time wandering the lush grounds and even laying back on the expansive green lawns, laptop in hand, getting some work done in such a serene setting.
Food has been another adventure. Dining out often means small portions, especially when it comes to vegetables. However, I’ve discovered that supermarkets here offer incredibly fresh produce. I’ve fallen in love with asparagus, zucchini, and Japanese leek, which we turned into a delicious vegetable soup on a rainy night in our Shibuya apartment.
Recently, a dear friend from Hong Kong visited for six days. We braved a two-hour wait for a lunch spot in Roppongi, highly recommended by her boyfriend. I’m not usually one to queue, but I was happy to spend time with her. We were seated in a cozy corner, but the staff seemed rushed, hurrying us even though we hadn’t finished our ramen. It was surprising, as this isn’t typical Japanese etiquette. I sensed their eagerness to accommodate the long line outside, particularly as we sat there, ravenous and slightly soaked from the rain.
Shopping with friends has been a joy as well, especially diving into the world of Japanese skincare products. We’re on the lookout for more affordable, organic options. Given how much sunscreen we apply daily—covering our faces, necks, and arms—we seem to run out every couple of days!
While we passed by some popular tourist spots like Kamakura, Sensō-ji, and Kichijoji, the crowds made it hard to appreciate their authenticity.
Our time in Tokyo also involved some practical farewells. We sold our electric bicycles to a store specializing in pre-loved bikes in Nakameguro, and gave away household items—everything from toiletries to cooking ingredients—to friends still living here. It felt good to know these items would be put to good use.
Before heading to the UK, we hosted a small Rooftop Meetup, gathering friends we’ve met and collaborated with along the way. It was a heartfelt evening, filled with laughter and shared memories, a way to remind everyone that they’ve made an impact on our lives. I often say that Japan is like our zen garden, a place to slow down and surround ourselves with good souls, helping us grow wiser.
Until next time, Tokyo!
擁抱東京生活
自由遊走東京既時光，這裡充滿讓我感受連結美好既瞬間。有幸遇到一些充滿創意、熱情和善良既日本朋友，佢哋用專業相機和生動既攝影風格捕捉著黃金歲月既品牌精髓。在下北澤這個東京時尚中心地區，擁有一家實體店可以話係不可思議。這裡有全新以及復古服裝、首飾、手袋等，全部相聚一堂，令人目不暇給。我地個店舖不僅展示黃金歲月品牌，也會融合展示其他各類精彩品牌服飾，可以令經過既訪客感受一種一齊展開冒險之旅的快感。
逗留日本期間，我發掘到幾個東京既寧靜自然景點。我最喜歡既一次出遊是踩單車到新宿御苑，漫遊在好似禪院般既園區，甚至躺在廣闊的綠草坪上，一邊手持平板電腦在這個恬靜既環境中進行工作。
美食則是另一場冒險。外出用餐常常意味著份量不大，尤其是蔬菜部分。不過，我發現這裡的超市提供既蔬菜非常新鮮。我愛上了蘆筍、櫛瓜和日本韭菜，還在澀谷公寓裡將佢哋用來製作出美味既蔬菜湯，尤其是在落雨後的寒夜製作此湯，飲完特別暖胃。
最近，一位來自香港既摯友來訪東京六日。我地在六本木排隊等足足足兩小時既午餐，就係佢男友強烈推薦食拉麵既地方。我通常不太喜歡排隊，同朋友一齊排一齊吹水就OK。我地被安排在一個舒適既角落座位，但服務人員似乎很匆忙，我地仲未食完拉麵，就有催促我地既意思。這點我少許驚訝，因為這並不是典型既日本禮儀。我感受到佢哋係盡量顧及舖面外長長既等待隊伍，個個都好似要等兩小時以上，肚子都餓得咕咕叫，仲要係淋住雨咁等。
同朋友一齊在東京購物都幾爽，特別係沉浸在日本護膚品區域的世界裡，好難走番出來！有經濟實惠既護膚、化妝品牌，喜歡就有得試試，選擇甚多。考慮到每天都要塗防曬霜——覆蓋臉龐、頸脖和手臂，防曬乳液、任何防曬產品我地都不妨一試！
朋友話一定要去熱門既旅遊景點：鎌倉、淺草寺和吉祥寺，但人潮使得難以欣賞它們的真實魅力。
在日本東京過得滿足充實，時間飛逝，咁快就到暫別時刻。我把電動單車賣俾在中目黑既一家專賣二手車既店，將未用過既洗漱用品、烹飪材料等家庭用品轉贈仍住在東京既朋友，好開心朋友都覺得有用。
在前往英國之前，我地在日本東京舉辦左一個小型既屋頂聚會，邀請左一路上認識同合作既朋友。那是一個充滿笑聲和共同回憶既感人夜晚，感恩有大家既互相幫助，對我們既生活、品牌產生非常正面既迴響。我常常說日本就好似我既禪園，讓我放慢腳步、圍繞在好心靈之中，從而助我變得更有智慧。
東京 - 下次見！
Brands:
Woolou Green - Horticultural Therapy for satisfaction, relaxation and self-improvement.
葫蘆 園藝 - 我係你園藝治療師，讓你知足常樂、解放壓力，從而自我提升。
Golden Age - Passionate about historical adventures and mysteries and on a mission to share the most fascinating stories of our past through the medium of fashion.
黃金歲月，一個同你暢遊歷史探秘嘅牌子，透過時裝設計訴說歷史趣事。
(Official Website Here)
Shop in Tokyo: etienne marcel laboratoire
Instagram: goldenage_hk
Contact:
Email: woolou.green@gmail.com
Youtube: @woolou_green
In each episode, we'll embark on a lighthearted adventure, swapping stories, and commiserating over the absurdities and challenges of modern living. From navigating the ups and downs of relationships and family dynamics to tackling the daily grind of work life, we'll laugh, vent, and find solace in the shared experiences that make us human. Woolou Talk is a stress-free zone where we set aside the worries of the world and focus on creating a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. We'll delve into topics like travel, adventures, and discovering hidden gems that help us escape the daily grind. In the spirit of authenticity, we'll share our own self-doubts and uncertainties, reminding ourselves that it's okay to not have it all figured out. Together, we'll navigate the challenges that life throws our way, finding inspiration in stories of resilience and personal growth. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick off your shoes, and join our laid-back community. Subscribe to Woolou Green and let's unwind, share a few laughs, and release the stress that weighs us down. Together, we'll create a space where authenticity and laughter reign supreme, helping us find joy and relaxation in the midst of our busy lives. Get ready to sit back, relax, and let go of the daily stressors. Woolou Talk is here to remind you that in the chaos of life, there's always room for a good laugh and a moment to unwind.
每集我都會展開一段輕鬆的日常生活分享、冒險經歷故事，並對現代生活的荒謬與挑戰感同身受。從處理情感到家庭關係的起伏；到應對日常工作的煩悶；我地會一齊笑、發洩，並在這些共同的經歷中找到安慰。葫蘆 日常係一個無壓力既平台，我地暫時擱置世界既煩惱，專注於創造一個放鬆和重拾活力既空間。
有時會深入探討旅行、冒險，以及發現那些幫助我地逃離日常生活既小寶藏。在真實既精神狀態下，我也會分享自己既自我懷疑以及不確定性，提醒自己沒必要咩都要非黑即白。一齊來面對生活中既各種挑戰，從堅韌和個人成長既故事中找到靈感。
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