Japan - One of a Kind Travel

BRAVE NEW WORLD

Your travels made possible

Editor’s Note

A magazine could be picked up, put down, returned to. And it enable my thoughts to travel far beyond the carriage paper and ink

Ready to see the world? Do it on your own timeline! For the unlimate in indulgent travel, take a solo adventure. There are few things as liberating and exciting as traveling alone.

For me, factors that make a city great for solo travel are: the ease of getting around by yourself (whether there is a good transportation system or it’s easily walkable), how safe a city is, wherther the city is, whether the city is know for friendly locals (you never know when you’ll need a helping hand), and the number of sights to see!

See exactly you want to see, maximize every moment, and open yourself up to experiences that you would have never had traveling with friends or family.

Feeling inspired? Get out there! I know traveling alone can be scary, but it is worth it.

Mount Fuji, standing tall at a majestic height of 3,776 meters, proudly claims the title of Japan’s highest mountain. Its awe in spiring presence and its nearly flawless, symmetrical shape have earned it a place of reverence as a sacred mountain in the hearts of many. Throughout centuries, artists have been captivated by its beauty, immortalizing it in their works, while common people have been drawn to its allure, seeking solace and inspiration amidst its grandeur.

This remarkable landmark Mount Fuji, is not merely a dormant giant, but an active volcano that last erupted in 1707, leaving an indelible mark on the surrounding landscape. It proudly stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures casting its watchful gaze over the land.

“The country’s most iconic landmark”

“The heart of Japan”

Tokyo the vibrant capital of Japan city stands as a testament to the grandeur of modern urbantiny . With an astounding urban population exceeding 38.5 million people, it proudly claims the title of the world’s largest city. Situated in the Kanto region on the southeastern side of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Tokyo serves as both a bustling metropolis and a distinct prefecture among the country’s 47.

Throughout its storied history, Tokyo has endured numerous devastating earthquakes and fires that have shaped its character and resilience. One of the most catastrophic events in the city’s modern history occurred in 1923 when a powerful earthquake struck, unleashing a devastating fire that ravaged the land. Tragically, over 100,000 lives were lost, and the city suffered

significant destruction. In the wake of this disaster, Tokyo’s architecture has been influenced, with fewer towering skyscrapers gracing its skyline due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the region.

Tokyo’s origins can be traced back to its humble beginnings as a modest fishing village known as Edo. However, it rapidly transformed into a prominent political center and castle town during the 17th century. In 1868, Emperor Meiji made a historic decision to relocate the imperial seat from Kyoto to Edo, bestowing upon it the name Tokyo, meaning “Eastern Capital.” The city faced further challenges during World War II when it endured extensive damage from Allied bombing raids, leaving its downtown area in ruins. Following the war’s end in 1945, American soldiers occupied Tokyo for seven years, assisting in the city’s reconstruction efforts.

However it was after the departure of American forces in

1952 that Tokyo witnessed its most significant improvements. In a remarkable transformation, the city modernized and embraced progress. Tokyo’sambition was on full display when it successfully hosted the 1964. In preparation for this grand event, the city undertook ambitious projects, constructing new roads, a monorail, hotels, and state of the art athletic facilities.

Today, Tokyo stands as a global powerhouse, renowned for its prowess in finance, technology, and culture. It is a haven for the arts, media, fashion, and entertainment industries, leading the way on the international stage. The city boasts an impressive array of worldclass museums, aweinspiring temples, and exquisite gardens, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich heritage.

Tokyo

has more

Michelin starred

restaurants than any other city in the world

A one of a kind gastronomic paradise, Tokyo is a city where you’ll find whimsical novelty restaurants cosying up with unabashed sass to Michelin-starred finediners, and a cornucopia of casual but incredible street eateries that offer visitors an epicurean experience on every corner.

From plump gyoza dumplings to delicate sashimi, golden tempura to rice-filled sushi, Japanese food is universally adored. Whether it’s a skewer of chicken at a hole in the wall yakitori joint, a steaming bowl of ramen or udon noodles purchased via vending machine, or a traditional multi-course kaiseki feast, dishes are prepared with the utmost finesse and devotion to fresh, seasonal produce.

“How has Michelin rated Tokyo?”

Published by the tire company of the same name, the Michelin Guide began in 1900 as a guidebook for motorists. Having since expanded in variety, it is now a popular guidebook for gourmets worldwide. Anonymous surveys are conducted in each country and city, giving ratings from one to three stars. Quite aside from ingredient quality, the evaluation criteria are wide ranging from cooking techniques, through the level of perfection, to the originality of the dishes. Admired and held in high regard, these ratings are well respected by chefs and diners alike.

One star indicates, “A very good restaurant in its category”; two stars, “Excellent cooking, worth a detour”; and three stars, “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” Since Michelin continually updates its ratings, restaurants strive to maintain and improve their quality. That is precisely why Michelin is so trusted by culinary connoisseurs around the world.

In November 2007, the MG took its first steps into Asia with the publication of the Tokyo edition. The MG Tokyo 2022 awarded stars to over 200 restarants, more than any other city in the world.

The Michelin Guide Tokyo features many types of cuisine besides Japanese, including French, Italian, Chinese, etc. This might well reflect Tokyo’s diversity as a gourmet city and, by extension, the preferences of its gourmet. The variety of cuisine and number of stars make Tokyo a gourmet treasure trove full of delights for the gourmand’s palate.

Just why has Tokyo been awarded so many stars? One possible answer is the phenomenon of “ummi.” Umami is not deliciousness itself. Beside the long identified four basic tastes: sweetness, sourness, salt ness, and bitterness; umami is now considered the fifth, and is thought to hold the key to what we define as “delicious.”

The discovery and utilization of umami, a distinct and savory taste sensation, have left an indelible mark on the culinary world. While its main components, such as glutamic acid, inosinic acid, and guanylic acid, are now integral to dishes worldwide, it is fascinating to note that they were first identified in Japan over a century ago. The Japanese, with their rich culinary heritage dating back to ancient times, have long mastered the art of preparing dishes that skillfully incorporate umami through the ingenious use of dashi stock.

Osaka is known as one of the major attractions for tourists to visit when they plan a trip to Japan. However, have you ever wondered what the journey is behind that name? Was it called Osaka forever? The city has been a way for trade and international commerce ever since the 15th century. It is Osaka that brought Buddhism to the town, and then later, it was spread across Japan rapidly

The lively metropolis of Osaka, Kansai’s largest city, is sometimes overlooked by first time visitors to Japan (usually in favor of Kyoto, which always appears on lists of Japan’s best destinations). Yet it is a perennial favorite of Japan connoisseurs and repeat visitors, especially among travelers who love Japanese food.

Osaka is best known for its amazing casual food and outgoing locals. It’s arguably Japan’s street food capital, and most famous for snacks including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka is also renowned for its fun, extroverted people who make eating and drinking in the city an unforgettable experience.

Like most of central Japan, Located in central and western

Japan and western Japan, Osaka is a vibrant year-round destination., offering a plethora of attractions and experiences that cater to all seasons, each with its own distinct charm and allure. The weather in this captivating city fluctuates throughout the year, painting a diverse tapestry of climates and landscapes that continuously enchant visitors. Generally speaking, temperatures in Osaka tend to be most comfortable and pleasant in the spring and fall. Because these are popular times to visit, we suggest trying to avoid the busiest periods within these seasons.

If you prefer to encounter fewer tourists and don’t mind the cold or heat, consider traveling during a less crowded time of year, allowing you to savor the serenity and embrace the authentic essence of the city.

As with elsewhere in Japan, winter can get quite cold (though Osaka is usually a little less frigid than nearby Kyoto). Summers are very hot and humid, though also fun and fascinating, especially if you time your visit with a local matsuri.

“The exuberant energy of Osaka, Japan is a striking contrast to the traditional culture of Kyoto city!”

Osaka Culture: Food, Fun, and Nightlife

It has been said that the people of Osaka spend more on food than on anything else, and the term “kuidaore” (“eat until you drop”) is used to describe the food culture here. At the same time, the locals have high expectations towards the quality of their cuisine, and restaurants have to maintain high standards or face closure.

Osaka is arguably Japan’s street food capital (along with the food-obsessed city of Fukuoka), and within Japan the city is famous — some might say notorous! for its unique and spirited culture.

The delicious, unpretentious cuisine is what draws many culinary travelers to Osaka. The city’s people are famous for their obsession with eating and drinking, which has given rise to the well-known local expression, kuidaore (“to eat oneself to ruin”).

Osaka has an eclectic culinary universe, with specialties ranging from casual favorites such as streetside takoyaki and okonomiyaki, to elegant establishments and Michelin-starred restaurants.

While Osaka is home to some of Japan’s top high end restaurants, part of the fun here is eating and drinking alongside locals at boisterous hole in the wall izakayas, tachinomi (standing bars), and

hidden cocktail bars.

Along with its great food and energetic nightlife, Osaka is also home to some of Japan’s most fun loving people. It’s no surprise that many of Japan’s most famous comedians are from Osaka, and the local baseball fans are among the most rabid and passionate in the country.

This energy is also on full display at the city’s many matsuri, the most famous of which is the annual Tenjin Matsuri, which takes place in late July. Along with the beautiful traditional dress and ceremonies, a festival like the Tenjin Matsuri is the ideal place to have fun along side Osaka’s people as they eat and drink with abandon to celebrate the festivities.

The best place to experience Osaka’s food culture is the neon-laden Dotonbori district near Namba Station, which is packed with all types of eateries along its main thoroughfare and many side streets.

Osaka is an unparalleled destination. With its charming kushikatsu shops and lively shogi parlors, this vibrant neighborhood offers a glimpse into the bygone eras, evoking a sense of nostalgia and intrigue.

Dinh Huynh Duc

Nguyen Le Giang