Enjoying Matsushima Sightseeing with Right-Side Paralysis | What I Learned from My Trip

When I first got sick,
“Honestly, I thought sightseeing was impossible for me now.”

I’ve been living with right-side paralysis for over 10 years now.
In the past, I was terrified of going outside.
I was self-conscious about how people looked at me, and I was anxious about whether I could walk properly.

But after visiting Matsushima for the first time in a while,
I wanted to write this to share that you can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind, even with paralysis.

What I actually felt👇

・The sidewalks are wide, so I could walk slowly without feeling rushed
・There are many shops, so I could rest immediately whenever I got tired
・There were benches, which allowed me to sightsee without overexerting myself
・The flat paths were nicely paved and easy to walk on

Knowing that there were “places where I could properly rest” was more reassuring than I had expected.

However, there were some parts that I found a bit scary...

・In areas with gravel paths, the footing was unstable and a bit frightening
・Since I never know how my right leg will move, I had to be very cautious with every single step

I realized that even within Matsushima, the ease of walking varies greatly depending on the location.

That is why I felt it is important not to push myself and to “just enjoy the places I can go.”

I remembered making prayer beads at Entsu-in Temple before I became paralyzed.
I was too tired to stop by this time,
but I hope to go back again and try making them once more.

Seeing other people walking with canes or using wheelchairs,
I felt a sense of camaraderie, as if I wasn't alone.

I am definitely not alone.

I went on this trip with my husband and son,
but it might be a different kind of fun if I came with friends (laughs)

I hope this serves as a helpful reference for others who feel the same anxiety.