I recently had the opportunity to meet with fifteen women who had recently moved to Tokyo. Some days, I feel like my family has just gotten off the plane in Narita with our giant bags of stuff. I vividly remember that first drive from the airport to our new apartment…the city looked so grey and sprawling. The kids had a million questions we couldn’t answer. It was a strange feeling to sit on the other side of the table now, and to be the one answering questions about living in Tokyo. How can I possibly have the answers, I feel like we just got here? But, surprisingly enough, you learn a lot very quickly here. It’s either that, or stay inside and hide all day – never an appealing option. Winter here can be cold, grey, and more than a little depressing; but it can also be crisp blue skies, brisk walks through new neighborhoods, and warming cold hands on a hot can of coffee from an ever-present vending machine. My advice to those who have recently arrived: Don’t worry too much about all the things you might not easily know (the language, finding your destination on the first try, proper etiquette for every situation) – just get out there, hop on a train, and see where it takes you!

Suzanne Davison
Editor, Tokyo Families