It’s with great pleasure that we present you Ryoko who, despite not mastering the Portuguese language, accepted to share her fascinating story with getLISBON. In Lisbon in Us by Ryoko Inamura she tells us about her discovery of this marvellous city and how she became a photographer and guide for Japanese tourists.
My interest in Portugal started about 10 years ago, when I was still a student. A city in Portugal was featured on a Japanese TV show and I was completely enchanted by what I saw on the screen. I decided that one day I’d go there.
A few years later I was working as a teacher at a school and I was always really busy. In order to continue at this intense pace, I needed a reward for myself. Then, I remembered Portugal… I bought the plane ticket and that was it. This was the beginning of a new journey.
In the winter of 2013, I came to Portugal for the first time. There was no direct flight between Portugal and Japan. It was a long trip for me.
From the moment I set foot on the ground of Portugal, from the moment I breathed the air of Portugal, I felt that something was destined for me.
This trip was a wonderful experience. Every day I walked a lot around the city of Lisbon and took a lot of pictures. Lisbon’s neighbourhoods are all beautiful, especially Alfama. In Alfama, we can feel people’s lives.
Portuguese food is also great. I ate codfish for the first time, it was very good! I think every Japanese person would enjoy Portuguese food.
As soon as I finished my first trip, I decided to go on another one. I decided that it would be in the summer and that I would visit Porto. I immediately bought the flight tickets.
The second trip to Portugal was also amazing! The sky was blue, the sea was glowing and luminous. Portugal in summer was even more fascinating.
With these two trips, a small desire to live in Portugal grew in my heart. Despite being in Japan, my love for Portugal grew little by little. At the same time, I was wondering if I should leave my job. I was so worried, but Portugal enthralled me.
So, I decided to come and live in Portugal; and this was the biggest decision of my life.
Finally in Lisbon
In 2018, I finally started my life in Lisbon. Everything I saw was captivating and I kept taking pictures with my camera.
I love taking pictures, but at that time I never thought of becoming a photographer. I walked around and took pictures every day, all for my own satisfaction. This way, I became familiar with the streets that are like labyrinths. The alleys, the streets, the courtyards are all beautiful. I was also told that I’m a good photographer.
In recent years, Portugal has often been featured in Japanese magazines as a well-known but not very explored travel destination. In the city, I saw Japanese tourists from time to time. So, I came up with the idea of taking travel photos for the Japanese. I want to share the wonderful things I know about Portugal and Lisbon with many people. This was the reason why I became a photographer. I met a lot of people and I was so happy to see them happy.
Because of the pandemic, there have been no tourists from Japan for over a year, but I still take pictures of Lisbon. Always following the rules, of course!
People who’ve seen my Instagram have told me “I’m happy to be able to see Lisbon because I can’t travel to foreign countries right now”. I can’t wait for the day when I can guide someone again and take pictures.
| Lisbon in Us by Ryoko Inamura | |
|---|---|
| Mini introduction | I grew up in Tokyo, Japan and I’ve been living in Lisbon for 3 years. I take pictures of this beautiful city, tiles and tourists. Follow my work on Instagram! I also teach Japanese. |
| An inspiring place | Alfama! |
| An unmissable visit | National Tile Museum |
| Her mouth waters with… | Pastel de nata (egg custard tart), ice cream, bitoque (Portuguese steak) and fried horse mackerel with tomato rice |
| A song… | Lifetime by SixTONES |
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