31) Why do you think Japanese eat sea bream on auspicious occasions?
On festive occasions such as wedding banquets, Japanese people eat sea bream, often complete with its head and tail.
It is because “tai,” the Japanese word for sea bream, sounds similar to, thus is associated with, a Japanese word “medetai,” meaning “auspicious.”
Also, sea bream is red, and the color of red has traditionally been the color of celebration in Japan because it is associated with the sun.
[観光]
(32) I want to go to Nikko. Could you tell me something about Nikko?
Nikko is a popular tourist site characterized by the elaborately constructed Toshogu Shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
In Nikko the harmony between nature and man-made beauty is such that there is a famous expression, “Never say kekko (wonderful) until you see Nikko.”
(33) I want to go to Kamakura. Could you tell me something about Kamakura?
Kamakura is about 50 km southwest of Tokyo. From the end of the 12th century through the early 14th century, Kamakura was the seat of the bakufu or feudal military government.
The city has many historical and cultural sites and, along with Kyoto and Nara, draws visitors from all over the world.
(34) I want to visit a Japanese garden. Where would you recommend?
I would recommend that you visit one of the three most famous landscape gardens of Japan. They are (1) Koraku-en in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, (2) Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and (3) Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.
(35) I want to visit a Japanese castle. Where would you recommend?
I would recommend Himeji Castle near Kobe. It is known as “Egret Castle”
because of its white plastered walls, and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.
It is also a World Cultural Heritage site as well as a National Treasure.
As usual with many Japanese castles, it sits high on a hill and offers an excellent view from the top of the castle tower.
(36) I want to see a great image of Buddha. Where would you recommend?
I would recommend that you visit either Todaiji in Nara or Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura.
The former has Japan’s largest statue of Buddha cast in bronze measuring about 15m in height.
The latter also has a great bronze statue of Buddha measuring about 13m in height.
(37) Please explain Todaiji Temple.
Todaiji is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples, and is a major landmark of Nara.
Todaiji was completed in the middle of the 8th century as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.
It houses Japan’s largest statue of Buddha (Daibutsu).
Also, the Great Buddha’s hall of Todaiji is the world’s largest wooden structure, even though the present reconstruction of the early 18th century is only two thirds the size of the original.
(38) Please explain Meiji Shrine.
I would recommend Meiji Shrine, the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo.
This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who oversaw Japan’s entry into the modern world following the Meiji Restoration of 1868.
The shrine buildings are made of Japanese cypress and built in a classic Shinto architectural style that is simple but grand.
It is a special oasis in the midst of all the big-city hustle and bustle.
(39) I would like to see some historical sites in Japan. Where would you recommend I visit?
I would recommend Kamakura, a historical city about 50km southwest of Tokyo.
From the end of the 12th century through the early 14th century, Kamakura was the seat of the bakufu or feudal military government.
The city has many historical and cultural sites, for example, Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
(40) I hear that there are many hot-spring resorts in Japan. Please recommend one of them.
If you are staying in Tokyo, I would recommend Hakone hot-spring resort.
Hakone is a popular all-year tourist site because of its many hot-spring resorts, beautiful scenery and comfortable climate.
Its easy access from Tokyo, views of Mt. Fuji, and the plentiful facilities in the district also add to its attraction.
(41) I will stay in the Tokyo area for a while. Which hot spring resort would you recommend?
I would recommend Oedo-Onsen Monogatari hot spring resort in the Tokyo Bay area.
You can enjoy various types of baths: sand baths, steam baths, foot baths, bubble baths, as well as the traditional hot spring baths.
Also, there are food stalls, stage shows, and shops. So you won’t leave the place disappointed.
(42) I will stay in the Kansai area for a while. Which hot spring resort would you recommend?
I would recommend Arima hot-spring resort in Hyogo Prefecture.
Located quite conveniently within the city limits of Kobe, this resort attracts numerous visitors throughout the year.
With a history of over 1,000 years, it is said to be one of the three oldest hot-spring resorts in Japan.
Although Arima Onsen basically has a modern face today, one can still find several old buildings and some nice temples when strolling through the narrow streets of the town center.
Due to its compact size, Arima resort can be explored entirely on foot.
(43) I will stay in the Kyushu area for a while. Which hot spring resort would you recommend?
I would recommend Beppu hot-spring resort in Oita Prefecture.
One of the most popular resorts in all of Japan, Beppu provides more than 3,000 sources of hot water not only to the hotels and inns but also to private homes.
Beppu has the sea in the foreground and mountains to its rear.
This location and the variety of hot mineral springs make it a favorite vacation spot for travelers.
(44) Where would you recommend I visit for sightseeing in Tokyo?
I would recommend Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward. Having been built in 1958 and molded after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this 333m structure is a beloved landmark in the city’s landscape.
The tower boasts two observatories, both of which offer spectacular, panoramic views of Tokyo.
(45) I want to take a day trip from Tokyo. Where would you recommend I go?
I would recommend that you go to Atami. Atami is one of the largest hot-spring resorts in Japan.
The city has more than five hundred hotels and inns. Atami is about 100 km southwest of Tokyo, so it is easily accessible from Tokyo.
(46) Where would you recommend I visit for sightseeing in Kyoto?
Kyoto was an ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. So, there you can visit some of Japan’s most famous historic sites such as Kinkaku Temple and Kiyomizu Temple.
Kinkaku Temple is known in the West as “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.”
Kiyomizu Temple is built out over a cliff and is famous for its wide veranda and tall wooden pillars.
(47) Where would you recommend I visit for sightseeing in Nara?
Nara was an ancient capital of Japan in the 8th century. So, it has many places of historical interest including Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, in which a large statue of Buddha is located.
The city retains a serene traditional atmosphere.
(48) Both Kyoto and Nara were ancient capitals of Japan, but are there any differences between them?
Kyoto has a much longer history as a capital of Japan, having far more traditional Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples than Nara.
One of the differences is that Kyoto has many beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, but Nara does not.
Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture, but not as modernized as the capital city of Kyoto.
As a result, Nara has a quieter, older atmosphere than Kyoto does.
(49) I want to climb Mt. Fuji. When is the best season to do so? What should we take care of when we hike Mt. Fuji?
Because of snow and inclement weather from fall to late spring, the best time to make an ascent is during the “official” climbing season from July to August.
You don’t need climbing experience to ascend Mt. Fuji, but you do need stamina and a good pair of walking shoes.
You should also bring a light plastic raincoat, a sun hat, a bottle of water, and a sweater for the evening.
It gets very chilly on Mt. Fuji at night even in July or August.
(50) I want to see a World Heritage site. Which site would you recommend?
I would recommend Horyuji Temple located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture.
It is the oldest wooden structure in the world. Founded in 607 as a center for Buddhism in Japan, Horyuji Temple is one of Japan’s most significant gems for the historic architecture, art, and religion. It was from here that Buddhism blossomed and spread throughout the land.
(51) You often see a five-story pagoda at Buddhist temples. What does the pagoda represent or signify?
It is said that the Buddha’s or a Buddhist saint’s ashes or relics are enshrined in the foundation stone or in an altar on the first floor.
So the pagoda is said to be a transformed grave marker, with its origin tracing back to the Indian stupa.
(52) I am on a budget tour. What overnight accommodations would you recommend I stay at?
I would recommend Minshuku. It is a private home that offers overnight accommodations.
Minshuku is basically a small inn, and as such it is certified by the public health office.
(53) I want to buy some traditional Japanese souvenirs. What would you recommend?
If you are looking for traditional Japanese things, the Oriental Bazaar at Harajuku in Tokyo or souvenir shops at Asakusa in Tokyo are recommended.
They offer a wide range of traditional Japanese things, such as fans, paper lanterns for room decorations, kimono-clad dolls, paper dolls, and happi coats.
(54) I want to buy some modern Japanese things. What would you recommend?
Go to an electronics store and buy a digital camera, a portable game machine, or any other computer-based product.
If you are in Tokyo, such stores can be found in areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara.
If you are in Osaka, you should go to Nipponbashi.
In any large city, it is easy to find one or two electrical appliance stores in the downtown area.
(55) What would you do if one of the tourists you are guiding got lost and didn’t come back to your bus?
Well, that’s a pretty serious situation. First of all, I would find out whether he or she is carrying a cell phone and what their number is.
If so, I would try to contact them and arrange to meet them at a nearby landmark.
If they weren’t, I would ask the other members of the group to stay by or in the bus for a short while, while I try to look for the person myself.
If time passed and I was still unsuccessful, I would contact the police.
(56) What should I do when an earthquake occurs?
In Japan, it is commonly advised that we should disconnect the gas to the stove in the kitchen, open the door, and get under a table.
[時事]
(57) What do you think of the recent change of the Japanese government?
Personally, I welcome the change. This year we have seen a historical shift in power from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan and consequently a change in Prime Minster to Mr. Yukio Hatoyama.
Prime Minister Hatoyama has promised much and has indeed set out to revitalize the troubled economy.
His cabinet faces a stiff challenge in the coming months and years to deal with the immediate economic concerns and implementation of social reforms that the country badly needs.
I am hopeful that this change will positively influence our economy and the lives of the Japanese.
(58) Tell me about some of the new policies of the new Japanese government.
The new government has set out to tackle many crucial issues facing the nation.
Increased consumer spending seems to be a high priority, with proposed policies, such as monthly allowances to families with children, broader healthcare provisions and the repeal of all motorway tolls, likely to be introduced.
One of the new government’s rather controversial polices is the proposed scrapping of the impending privatization of Japan Post, a project the previous government had been working on for some years.
(59) What do you think about the spread of the new strain of influenza in Japan?
I think there are plenty of things that should be done to stop the spread of this disease.
The Japanese government should strive hard to cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, local authorities and medical institutions so that more and more citizens can get vaccinated.
It goes without saying it is necessary to wash hands after coming home, or wear masks in crowded places.
On festive occasions such as wedding banquets, Japanese people eat sea bream, often complete with its head and tail.
It is because “tai,” the Japanese word for sea bream, sounds similar to, thus is associated with, a Japanese word “medetai,” meaning “auspicious.”
Also, sea bream is red, and the color of red has traditionally been the color of celebration in Japan because it is associated with the sun.
[観光]
(32) I want to go to Nikko. Could you tell me something about Nikko?
Nikko is a popular tourist site characterized by the elaborately constructed Toshogu Shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
In Nikko the harmony between nature and man-made beauty is such that there is a famous expression, “Never say kekko (wonderful) until you see Nikko.”
(33) I want to go to Kamakura. Could you tell me something about Kamakura?
Kamakura is about 50 km southwest of Tokyo. From the end of the 12th century through the early 14th century, Kamakura was the seat of the bakufu or feudal military government.
The city has many historical and cultural sites and, along with Kyoto and Nara, draws visitors from all over the world.
(34) I want to visit a Japanese garden. Where would you recommend?
I would recommend that you visit one of the three most famous landscape gardens of Japan. They are (1) Koraku-en in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, (2) Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and (3) Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.
(35) I want to visit a Japanese castle. Where would you recommend?
I would recommend Himeji Castle near Kobe. It is known as “Egret Castle”
because of its white plastered walls, and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.
It is also a World Cultural Heritage site as well as a National Treasure.
As usual with many Japanese castles, it sits high on a hill and offers an excellent view from the top of the castle tower.
(36) I want to see a great image of Buddha. Where would you recommend?
I would recommend that you visit either Todaiji in Nara or Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura.
The former has Japan’s largest statue of Buddha cast in bronze measuring about 15m in height.
The latter also has a great bronze statue of Buddha measuring about 13m in height.
(37) Please explain Todaiji Temple.
Todaiji is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples, and is a major landmark of Nara.
Todaiji was completed in the middle of the 8th century as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.
It houses Japan’s largest statue of Buddha (Daibutsu).
Also, the Great Buddha’s hall of Todaiji is the world’s largest wooden structure, even though the present reconstruction of the early 18th century is only two thirds the size of the original.
(38) Please explain Meiji Shrine.
I would recommend Meiji Shrine, the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo.
This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who oversaw Japan’s entry into the modern world following the Meiji Restoration of 1868.
The shrine buildings are made of Japanese cypress and built in a classic Shinto architectural style that is simple but grand.
It is a special oasis in the midst of all the big-city hustle and bustle.
(39) I would like to see some historical sites in Japan. Where would you recommend I visit?
I would recommend Kamakura, a historical city about 50km southwest of Tokyo.
From the end of the 12th century through the early 14th century, Kamakura was the seat of the bakufu or feudal military government.
The city has many historical and cultural sites, for example, Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
(40) I hear that there are many hot-spring resorts in Japan. Please recommend one of them.
If you are staying in Tokyo, I would recommend Hakone hot-spring resort.
Hakone is a popular all-year tourist site because of its many hot-spring resorts, beautiful scenery and comfortable climate.
Its easy access from Tokyo, views of Mt. Fuji, and the plentiful facilities in the district also add to its attraction.
(41) I will stay in the Tokyo area for a while. Which hot spring resort would you recommend?
I would recommend Oedo-Onsen Monogatari hot spring resort in the Tokyo Bay area.
You can enjoy various types of baths: sand baths, steam baths, foot baths, bubble baths, as well as the traditional hot spring baths.
Also, there are food stalls, stage shows, and shops. So you won’t leave the place disappointed.
(42) I will stay in the Kansai area for a while. Which hot spring resort would you recommend?
I would recommend Arima hot-spring resort in Hyogo Prefecture.
Located quite conveniently within the city limits of Kobe, this resort attracts numerous visitors throughout the year.
With a history of over 1,000 years, it is said to be one of the three oldest hot-spring resorts in Japan.
Although Arima Onsen basically has a modern face today, one can still find several old buildings and some nice temples when strolling through the narrow streets of the town center.
Due to its compact size, Arima resort can be explored entirely on foot.
(43) I will stay in the Kyushu area for a while. Which hot spring resort would you recommend?
I would recommend Beppu hot-spring resort in Oita Prefecture.
One of the most popular resorts in all of Japan, Beppu provides more than 3,000 sources of hot water not only to the hotels and inns but also to private homes.
Beppu has the sea in the foreground and mountains to its rear.
This location and the variety of hot mineral springs make it a favorite vacation spot for travelers.
(44) Where would you recommend I visit for sightseeing in Tokyo?
I would recommend Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward. Having been built in 1958 and molded after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this 333m structure is a beloved landmark in the city’s landscape.
The tower boasts two observatories, both of which offer spectacular, panoramic views of Tokyo.
(45) I want to take a day trip from Tokyo. Where would you recommend I go?
I would recommend that you go to Atami. Atami is one of the largest hot-spring resorts in Japan.
The city has more than five hundred hotels and inns. Atami is about 100 km southwest of Tokyo, so it is easily accessible from Tokyo.
(46) Where would you recommend I visit for sightseeing in Kyoto?
Kyoto was an ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. So, there you can visit some of Japan’s most famous historic sites such as Kinkaku Temple and Kiyomizu Temple.
Kinkaku Temple is known in the West as “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.”
Kiyomizu Temple is built out over a cliff and is famous for its wide veranda and tall wooden pillars.
(47) Where would you recommend I visit for sightseeing in Nara?
Nara was an ancient capital of Japan in the 8th century. So, it has many places of historical interest including Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, in which a large statue of Buddha is located.
The city retains a serene traditional atmosphere.
(48) Both Kyoto and Nara were ancient capitals of Japan, but are there any differences between them?
Kyoto has a much longer history as a capital of Japan, having far more traditional Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples than Nara.
One of the differences is that Kyoto has many beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, but Nara does not.
Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture, but not as modernized as the capital city of Kyoto.
As a result, Nara has a quieter, older atmosphere than Kyoto does.
(49) I want to climb Mt. Fuji. When is the best season to do so? What should we take care of when we hike Mt. Fuji?
Because of snow and inclement weather from fall to late spring, the best time to make an ascent is during the “official” climbing season from July to August.
You don’t need climbing experience to ascend Mt. Fuji, but you do need stamina and a good pair of walking shoes.
You should also bring a light plastic raincoat, a sun hat, a bottle of water, and a sweater for the evening.
It gets very chilly on Mt. Fuji at night even in July or August.
(50) I want to see a World Heritage site. Which site would you recommend?
I would recommend Horyuji Temple located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture.
It is the oldest wooden structure in the world. Founded in 607 as a center for Buddhism in Japan, Horyuji Temple is one of Japan’s most significant gems for the historic architecture, art, and religion. It was from here that Buddhism blossomed and spread throughout the land.
(51) You often see a five-story pagoda at Buddhist temples. What does the pagoda represent or signify?
It is said that the Buddha’s or a Buddhist saint’s ashes or relics are enshrined in the foundation stone or in an altar on the first floor.
So the pagoda is said to be a transformed grave marker, with its origin tracing back to the Indian stupa.
(52) I am on a budget tour. What overnight accommodations would you recommend I stay at?
I would recommend Minshuku. It is a private home that offers overnight accommodations.
Minshuku is basically a small inn, and as such it is certified by the public health office.
(53) I want to buy some traditional Japanese souvenirs. What would you recommend?
If you are looking for traditional Japanese things, the Oriental Bazaar at Harajuku in Tokyo or souvenir shops at Asakusa in Tokyo are recommended.
They offer a wide range of traditional Japanese things, such as fans, paper lanterns for room decorations, kimono-clad dolls, paper dolls, and happi coats.
(54) I want to buy some modern Japanese things. What would you recommend?
Go to an electronics store and buy a digital camera, a portable game machine, or any other computer-based product.
If you are in Tokyo, such stores can be found in areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara.
If you are in Osaka, you should go to Nipponbashi.
In any large city, it is easy to find one or two electrical appliance stores in the downtown area.
(55) What would you do if one of the tourists you are guiding got lost and didn’t come back to your bus?
Well, that’s a pretty serious situation. First of all, I would find out whether he or she is carrying a cell phone and what their number is.
If so, I would try to contact them and arrange to meet them at a nearby landmark.
If they weren’t, I would ask the other members of the group to stay by or in the bus for a short while, while I try to look for the person myself.
If time passed and I was still unsuccessful, I would contact the police.
(56) What should I do when an earthquake occurs?
In Japan, it is commonly advised that we should disconnect the gas to the stove in the kitchen, open the door, and get under a table.
[時事]
(57) What do you think of the recent change of the Japanese government?
Personally, I welcome the change. This year we have seen a historical shift in power from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan and consequently a change in Prime Minster to Mr. Yukio Hatoyama.
Prime Minister Hatoyama has promised much and has indeed set out to revitalize the troubled economy.
His cabinet faces a stiff challenge in the coming months and years to deal with the immediate economic concerns and implementation of social reforms that the country badly needs.
I am hopeful that this change will positively influence our economy and the lives of the Japanese.
(58) Tell me about some of the new policies of the new Japanese government.
The new government has set out to tackle many crucial issues facing the nation.
Increased consumer spending seems to be a high priority, with proposed policies, such as monthly allowances to families with children, broader healthcare provisions and the repeal of all motorway tolls, likely to be introduced.
One of the new government’s rather controversial polices is the proposed scrapping of the impending privatization of Japan Post, a project the previous government had been working on for some years.
(59) What do you think about the spread of the new strain of influenza in Japan?
I think there are plenty of things that should be done to stop the spread of this disease.
The Japanese government should strive hard to cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, local authorities and medical institutions so that more and more citizens can get vaccinated.
It goes without saying it is necessary to wash hands after coming home, or wear masks in crowded places.
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