Some things you appreciate only once you've experienced them yourself. The movie Lost in Translation was one such experience for me ... my recent visit to Japan made me realize the importance of a common language like English!

 

I sometimes get in to arguments of benefits of the British rule in India and usually get beaten up quite bad. However, one thing I still stand by is the penetration of English in to Indian culture because of English colonization of India. To avoid making this post too controversial, I would say that if you plan to visit Japan, do have a translation guide handy! I was lucky to have someone translate for me at work (except that I had to speak really really slow which being Indian is anything but natural!) but I was on my own after work and someone knowledge of Japanese would have definitely helped!

 

Apart from the slight language barrier, Tokyo is a rocking place to be! An amazing & sometimes disturbing juxtaposition of historical culture & techie & ultra-modern lifestyle. During the day, Japan feels super busy, formal, traditional and business like where every second matters. The Tokyo nightlife (Roppongi & Shinjuku) completely resets this image with its all night parties, super modern outlook & activities (you can guess what i'm talking about!).

 

Apart from their deeply mysterious & well preserved culture, one thing I would definitely go back there for is FOOD! From the freshest (& scary) Sushi/Sashimi options to the best tempuras & of course, Sake!

 

As this was mostly a business trip, I didn't get to see places around Tokyo but that gives me another reason to go back there:). I've added a few pics from this trip for you to experience some of this but as I said before, you have to be there to truly appreciate it!