Tokyo Tower is primarily an active, functioning broadcast tower that also serves as an iconic, aesthetic landmark. Built in 1958, it acts as a central antenna for FM radio and previously television (now handled by Tokyo Skytree), while its 333-meter, orange-and-white lattice structure functions as a major tourist attraction and observatory.

After a week with one’s family in Japan, one cannot but feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to reconnect with one’s milieu of family, colleagues, and friends in the homeland.

A trip to view the northern face of Mt. Fuji brought us to a snow-filled highway peak where we got off from our van, stepped on a snow-covered parking lot, played with snowballs and, of course, took many photos that we could share with friends.

Of course, our other points of attention — Keio, Takashimaya, Hands, Isetann, Uniqlo, and Bic Camera, and Gotemba — did not disappoint. Their products offered good value for money, and the dazzling variety of options ranged from winter clothes to refrigerator magnets.

For my eight year old grandson Rafa, who was on his fifth trip to Japan since he was two years old, there were two key experiences: TeamLab Planet as a sequel to TeamLab Borderless; and the native way of mochi-making.

We first went to TeamLab for a three-hour field trip, followed by a visit to a store that enabled Rafa to experience how to make mochi, “a traditional Japanese rice cake made from steamed and pounded glutinous rice, resulting in a soft, chewy, and sticky texture” that is “often served as a sweet snack or dessert.”

Like our previous experience at TeamLab Borderless, the TeamLab Planet experience was equally memorable.

As observed by critics, TeamPlanet is probably more immersive. It includes a “highly sensory, barefoot experience” of walking on a flooded walkway and studio — as if wading in floodwaters back home — sans the threat of leptospirosis, for sure.

I would endorse TeamPlanet to those planning to visit Japan sometime soon. Beyond high-tech water and light installations that beckon everyone to imbibe the unique experience, it makes one realize that man’s capacity for creativity and innovation is both borderless and boundless. As such, anyone from eight to 80 —from grandchild to grandparent —could aspire to continually explore the wonders of our earth and universe.

Digital technology is the great enabler that expands possibilities exponentially. When it is harnessed for entertainment and education that appeals to people of all ages, then it emerges as a mighty force for the good of humanity.

My brother-in-law, a New York resident for decades before recently moving to North Carolina, joined us and was simply awed by his first experience of being in Japan. He said that despite countless meals at Japanese-themed restaurants in the USA — and glimpses of Japanese culture through Netflix — nothing compares with actually witnessing their day-to-day living in their homeland.

He observed their orderly behavior even in crowded trains; their patience in crossing streets at main intersections; the cleanliness of streets; the orderliness of long queues; and the friendliness of the Japanese people.

A “peak experience” for Tokyo tourists — both repeat visitors and first-timers — are the city’s observation towers.

It was my first time to visit the 634-meter high Tokyo Skytree, which is nearly twice higher than the Tokyo Tower which stands at 333 meters. Both offer extensive shopping facilities. As explained by Google: “Tokyo Tower is primarily an active, functioning broadcast tower that also serves as an iconic, aesthetic landmark. Built in 1958, it acts as a central antenna for FM radio and previously television (now handled by Tokyo Skytree), while its 333-meter, orange-and-white lattice structure functions as a major tourist attraction and observatory.”

With all the foregoing experiences stored in one’s memory bank, going home to Metro Manila offers another opportunity for imagining the myriad possibilities for the future that could be realized whenever people roll up their sleeves and link arms in a common endeavor.

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