In this article I will speak about how on Earth I missed my last train home. It's not as cut and dry as it may seem.
Getting Ready for A Fun, And Nonproblematic Night Out!!!
I was getting ready one night to meet a group of friends in Tokyo. I had done my make-up, picked out the perfect outfit and I felt amazing. It was about 8 at the time, but I felt confident. Usually when I went out, it would be a little bit earlier so that I could give myself time to get back home. Well... This time I gambled and horribly failed.
I lived about an hour from Tokyo by train, but I thought no problem. I think this was my first time to travel to Tokyo alone. But I thought that I should try to brave and give it a go. The night was so much fun! I had some drinks with my friends, keeping a close eye on the time... But not letting it interfere with the fun I was having. It was about time for me to head out.
It's Time for Me to Head Out...Like NOW
I wanted to leave a little bit early, so I told my friend I was getting ready to head out. I get lost easily so I wanted some cushion time. My friend that I didn't need to leave early, because she would walk me to the train station. Okay...
So… it was getting time to leave, but my friend kept talking. I was feeling super anxious because I had NEVER caught the last train before, and I wasn't exactly sure how to navigate it.
I Made It!!!!?
After my friend spoke to someone... For quite a while I should add... I made the train... GREAT.
I was feeling a little better, but I knew I still needed to transfer to get home. I could do it, I thought. I checked my phone battery and... OH NO, it was on like 50%. But it was okay because I was almost there! So, I made it to the station in order to switch trains to go home... But only... The train had already gone. I was so so so sad, I almost cried.
No Money, No Phone, No Hope
I looked to see if anymore trains were coming... But nope! I wanted to take a taxi, only I didn't have any cash on me!!! And by the time I reached the train station, the ATMs were closed!! Okay, I thought... So, what's my next plan of action. I thought I could walk, the train ride to my house was only about 10 minutes. I looked up the walking time...OMG! IT'S 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES. I would have honestly walked if my phone's battery wasn't so low at the time. Between me trying to find a train, and looking for the nearest convenience store, my phone's battery was on 20%.
Maybe I did cry...
Sitting and Trying to Stay Enthusiastic
I tried to find some place I could stay overnight, but I couldn't find anything... And after a while I just gave up. I was still new to Japan and I didn't know at the time, that there are A TON of places you can go if you miss the train. I was just too scared to go into any unknown places. I walked outside for a while, I ate and tried to find somewhere to sit and rest. But I didn't want to be accosted by anyone so I to quiet places near the station to wait out the night.
Getting Home
I had to wait until around 4:30 for the next train to arrive. Luckily it was still summer, so I wasn't too cold while I waited. My phone died that night. I was so sad. But the bright side is that the next weekend, I MADE SURE to buy a rechargeable battery for my phone. I've had it ever since. I thought, there's no way in HEDES that I would be caught out there like that again. And I always bought extra cash with me after that as well. You just never know what you'll need for a night out in Tokyo, so it's best to be prepared.
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