Lost in Translation? Feel It!

The classical movie “Lost in Translation” was a melancholy between the disconnection of language and the connection of love. Even if someone does not have a mastery of Japanese, one can be immersed in the culture and hospitality. No wonder the tourism sector contributed 359 billion USD to its GDP, making it the third-largest market after China and the US.

Tokyo, aka the “Eastern Capital”, was renamed from Edo after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. It is believed that two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, from the Sumida River in the year of 628. Since they failed to send it back, they started to build the Sensoji. Pass through the iconic Thunder Gate and feel the traditional vibe in this oldest temple of the city.

As a constitutional monarchy, the Emperor “Tenno” is the state symbol to fulfill ceremonial duties. The Meiji government relocated the Emperor from the historic capital of Kyoto to Tokyo. The Imperial Palace is their main residence as well as the State Guest House to accommodate world leaders. Various trees were planted to symbolize all 47 prefectures in Japan.

The capital is well-known as “the city of 808 villages”, where it used to be organized into some small enclosed villages. Today, Tokyo is one of the most hustle-and-bustle cities when visitors wander in Shinjuku, Shibuya or Chiyoda. As the cradle and paradise of pop culture, multi-story arcades are readily available in Akihabara dedicated to anime, manga and games.

Japanese also have such an admiration to foreign culture. The “Duffy Phenomenon” proves. Built in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland is its first international park, modeling the California one. If you are an adventure seeker, the Disneysea makes your dream come true. Note that the Oriental Land Company owns and operates the parks, while it pays licensing fees to Walt Disney.

Which active volcano is visible from Tokyo and Yokohama? Standing on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, Mount Fuji is considered as the most sacred icon of Japan. It officially opens for public climbing via several routes in summer. If the 3776 meter height is not a reasonable option, why not consider the surrounding region, aka Fuji Five Lakes?

Lying at the northern base, this region is one of the best viewing spots of Mount Fuji, while Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible one by public transportation among the lakes. Enjoy classical music in the Music Forest; connect to various masterpieces in the Museum of Art; most importantly heal your body and soul in some bliss-inducing hot spring resorts.

When it comes to traditional cuisine, sushi, ramen and tempura must be top-ranked. Have you ever tried the “Kaiseki Ryori”? The multi-course cuisine used to serve as a simple meal at the tea ceremony, yet it has evolved into an elaborate dining style among aristocratic circles. Chefs are free to add, omit or substitute courses to highlight regional or seasonal delicacies.

Common Types of Sushi:

・Nigiri (握り): An oval-shaped mound of rice with raw fish pressed on top

・Maki (巻き): A filling rolled by rice and nori

・Uramaki (裏巻き): An “inside out roll”, with filling enclosed by nori and then rice

・Temaki (手巻き): A hand-rolled sushi, in the shape of a cone

・Gunkan (軍艦): Rice horizontally wrapped in nori with a topping

・Chirashi (ちらし): Pieces of fish or toppings scattered on top of rice

 Common Options of Sushi:

・tuna (鮪、まぐろ): akami (赤身) vs toro (トロ)

・red snapper (鯛、たい): madai (真鯛), mandarin red seabream (みかん鯛)

・yellowtail (鰤、ぶり、はまち)

・salmon (鮭、さけ、サーモン), salmon caviar (イクラ)

・flying fish roe (飛魚、とびうお、とびっこ)

・mackerel (鯖、さば)

・eel (鰻、うなぎ)

・squid (烏賊、いか), octopus (蛸、たこ)

・sweet shrimp (甘海老、あまえび)

・scallop (帆立、ほたて), sea urchin (雲丹、うに)

・tamago (玉子、たまご), deep-fried tofu (稲荷、いなり)

An amazing Tokyo trip will never be completed without visiting the two iconic towers. As a symbol of Japanese post-war rebirth into a major economic power, the 333m Tokyo Tower is the tallest self-supported steel tower in the world. It was also the tallest structure until the Tokyo Skytree surpassed its record in 2012. See how the biggest enemy is always yourself.