Ichi-go Ichi-e: The philosophy of the Japanese countryside

Discovering the Japanese countryside—exploring that part of the country far from tourist brochures and open-top buses—has been the best experience of my life. Escaping the hustle of big cities and the bustle of urban life was a risky decision—I know it—but as you will see below, it was worth every moment.

One morning, without much thought, I handed in the keys to my suite and began a journey that would change me forever. There, in the heart of the Japanese countryside, I stumbled upon two of the simplest yet most profound words I’ve ever learned: Ichi-go ichi-e.

Do you want to know about it? Let’s dive in!

The beginning of an unforgettable journey

Like all my previous vacations, my journey began at my computer. I booked a flight and reserved a nice hotel in the heart of Tokyo through an airline’s website. I did what most travelers do: I researched some of the most popular tourist sites, packed my suitcase, and set out, expecting a holiday like many others. Oh, how wrong I was!

Like any tourist, I hired a guide to help me explore the city. Keiko, a delightful and knowledgeable guide, knew every corner of Tokyo’s futuristic landmarks. Thankfully, I didn’t need a translator, as Keiko spoke my language fluently.

However, despite my admiration for Tokyo’s greatness, I wanted a deeper connection with this fascinating country. I went to Japan willing to experience the traditions preserved for centuries in the countryside, far from the overcrowded cities. Overcoming my hesitation about language and cultural barriers, I venture into Japan’s rural heartland.

I have to admit it… I felt a little regret as I gave up that luxurious room with its stunning views! But my adventurous spirit overcomes luxury comforts—at least when it comes to traveling. Without second-guessing myself, I bought a train ticket to Okayama. According to travel guides, this city would serve as a gateway to the less Westernized side of Japan, offering a firsthand glimpse of its customs.

What happens when you don’t speak any Japanese?

Anyone who has ventured beyond the main tourist routes of a country knows how intimidating it can be—especially if you don’t speak the local language. In major cities, things are usually designed to ease the traveler’s journey. Signs are often in the local language with translations, public transport announcements are multilingual, and restaurants offer menus in several languages.

But as you leave the city and rural landscapes take over, the challenges appear. Signs are no longer translated, and finding someone who speaks your language becomes increasingly rare. This was my experience when I traveled from Okayama to Kibichūō, a small town of about 10,000 people that is the quintessence of the Japanese countryside.

At my hotel, the receptionist spoke a bit of English, which helped with initial directions. However, eating in this quaint town proved to be an “interesting” experience. I found a charming local restaurant on a narrow street, but the menu was entirely in Japanese—no helpful translations like those in Tokyo.

As hunger beat me, the fear expression on my face must have said it all. That’s when an older man approached me with a smile, gently patted my shoulder, and said:

“Ichi-go ichi-e.”

Of course, I didn’t understand what he meant at the time. But later, I would come to grasp its profound significance.

Live the moment… It will never happen again!

While the philosophy of Ichi-go ichi-e is known throughout Japan, it’s uniquely cherished in rural areas. There, people understand that certain things are beyond their control—like the weather or, in my case, the inability to read a menu. They embrace each moment for what it is, knowing it will never repeat.

Ichi-go ichi-e teaches us to appreciate each fleeting moment as a unique and irreplaceable experience. These simple words reshaped my perspective on travel and life.

Guided by the older man’s words, I ordered a dish at random, pointing to an item on the menu. The result? One of the best fish stews I have ever tasted. I enjoy every bite, appreciating the rustic flavors and the beauty of being far from home.

A change in perspective, a change in life

“Ichi-go ichi-e.” Without fully understanding why, I kept repeating these words on my walk back to the hotel. With my confidence restored, I resolved not to let language barriers spoil my journey.

The restaurant staff kindly gave me a copy of the menu, and I asked the hotel receptionist to translate it for me. Using his phone’s camera translation app, he patiently helped me understand the entire menu. This small act of kindness opened a new world of culinary exploration, allowing me to fully experience the local cuisine and culture of the Japanese countryside.

The receptionist, very politely and always with a smile, did the translation. I discovered that he owned a method to make translations faster and easier, a translator app on his cell phone. I asked him what it was and eventually, we ended up talking, through his smartphone, about his experience in Thailand on a trip very similar to mine. He told me that using Talkao’s translator camera made his life easier and transformed his trip into a memorable experience.

I had never used this type of translation technology and, honestly, I didn’t think they were very useful. Hesitant, I downloaded the app and set out to test its effectiveness with the restaurant’s menu. Worked like a charm! Everything was exactly as the receptionist had translated it to me. I had no idea how quickly and accurately any text could be translated just by holding my phone close to an image.

Traveling without barriers, enjoying every moment

Every part of this trip felt like an amazing chain of positive events, pulling me toward the rural charm of the Japanese countryside. From leaving a five-star hotel in Tokyo to wandering through Kibichūō’s rice fields, the journey was indescribable.

I came home with a newfound appreciation for the philosophy of Ichi-go ichi-e, which I now carry with me everywhere. Each moment is unique, and life becomes richer when you embrace it fully. Whether it’s a bowl of fish stew in a small-town restaurant or a conversation with a farmer in the fields—no matter if you have to speak through your phone—, every moment has its own story.

Now, as I plan my next adventure, I have packed the essentials: a backpack, a phone with Talkao’s translation apps, and the mindset of Ichi-go ichi-e. This philosophy will forever guide my travels and remind me to cherish every step of the journey.

Published Wed, 4 December 2024