Thomas Ong’s solo trip to Japan took an unexpected turn when he fractured his ankle after slipping on wet steps near a waterfall. Despite the pain, he demonstrated resilience by driving himself to a local hospital and choosing a non-surgical recovery path before returning home to heal.
- Ong slipped on wet stone steps while photographing a waterfall in Japan
- He drove himself to a hospital where a fracture was diagnosed
- Opted for natural healing over surgery, with six weeks recovery expected
What happened
In October, Thomas Ong embarked on a 45-day solo self-drive tour of Japan’s remote mountainous landscapes, seeking out scenic waterfalls and immersing himself in the local natural beauty. He visited areas like Kashiwazaki in Niigata Prefecture and several waterfalls including Urami Taki, where he took his last photos before the accident.
While photographing a waterfall on a drizzly day, Ong slipped on wet stone steps and fractured his right ankle. Despite the injury, he impressively drove himself to a nearby hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture. This incident ended his trip prematurely after just over 10 days.
Why it feels good
Even amid a difficult situation, Ong found reasons to be grateful and positive. He was given two medical options—surgery with quicker mobility afterward or letting the bone heal naturally—and chose the latter, showing determination to recover on his own terms. Additionally, the timing of the injury means he can still lead an upcoming Europe tour scheduled six weeks post-injury.
Ong’s upbeat attitude extends beyond medical decisions. Despite losing his wallet early in the trip and damaging his phone’s SIM card, he kept spirits high, focusing on the positives, like the beautiful landscapes he experienced and his plans to return to Japan next year. His humorous remark about returning home with crutches as souvenirs underscores his resilience and good humor.
What to enjoy or watch next
While recovering, Ong plans to rest and binge-watch television dramas, taking a well-deserved break from travel adventures. His followers can look forward to updates on his recovery journey and upcoming projects, including the December European tour where he leads a group, demonstrating his enduring passion for travel and work.
Fans and travel enthusiasts might also enjoy following Ong’s reflections and future travels, as he has expressed eagerness to revisit Japan and explore the places cut short by this injury. His story offers both inspiration to stay positive during setbacks and encouragement to embrace the unexpected detours in life.