Every trip offers an unforgettable experience: Nikon India's Hiroshi Takashina

A break from the routine is just what we need to unwind after meeting with deadlines and hectic schedules day after day leaving very little time for ourselves. At such times it is necessary to take time out to enjoy life and refresh ourselves. The inherent adventurous streak present in each one of us craves for the outdoors. Nikon's MD, Hiroshi Takashina travels often on assignments to different countries. The one outlet that helps him to relieve stress is a much deserved holiday and that is the philosophy Takashina believes in. The wanderlust in him takes him to destinations which he loves to explore. He never gets bored of travelling and is fond of  meeting  people from different backgrounds. He spends quality time with his family (and colleagues while on official tours) and his favorite camera Nikon is a must while travelling, to capture the scenic beauty of the places he visits which helps to revive and cherish memories of his travelling experiences. 

In an exclusive interaction with Hiroshi Takashina, Adgully learnt more about his favourite holiday spots, his preferred choice of international cuisines, the gadgets he must carry while on holiday, travelling tips that he advises for those venturing out on exotic locations and more.  Edited excerpts: 

Fox Traveller DIARY (FTD) : If there is one place you can keep going back to for a holiday, where would it be?

Hiroshi Takashina (HT): My work at Nikon India involves a lot of travelling which I truly enjoy.  On an average, I usually travel 3-4 times in a month and it allows me to visit cities in India and abroad. My trip to Switzerland has been the most beautiful and memorable and if given a chance I would love to re- visit and witness the beauty of the place. Switzerland is a heaven on earth, enriched with breathtaking fauna and flora with stunning Swiss Alps. This place is a must go.

FTD: Tell us three good things about travelling.

HT: Being an avid traveller, I believe that the best thing about travelling is that you take back an unforgettable experience from every trip you make.

Travelling allows you to meet different people with different cultures and this makes the journey worthwhile.

Travelling also allows you to click lots of pictures and hence these pictures in turn become beautiful memories of that particular place which one can cherish forever.

FTD:  When you travel, what is a must carry for you?

HT: While I’m on the go, I always take my iPod and my Nikon 1 J1 camera.

FTD: As a traveller, what’s your tip for the others?

HT: Some of important tips for the fellow business travelers which I also follow are:

Web Check-in: This saves a lot time at the airport and also gives you enough time to reach on time.

Traffic and Reporting time: Traffic on roads can result in missing a flight for an important meeting, therefore planning well in advance for a pick-up and drop to Airport is highly advisable.

Recharge your phone/tablet: Usually we realize much later that we are running out of battery. It is very important to recharge the phone/tablet well before boarding the flight and to carry a spare battery/charger just in case one is running low on the battery.

Pack a light suitcase: Take only what is essential, along with a couple of nice shirts, ties and business suits.  You will have fewer luggage to worry about getting lost or carrying through airports. You will also not have to endure delays in waiting for luggage.

FTD:  A colleague/co-worker from your industry with whom you would like to go on a holiday.

HT: I would like to visit Leh Ladakh with my colleagues. I have heard a lot about the scenic beauty and monasteries of that place and would like to go for a holiday and indulge in the land of high passes to capture the beauty and wilderness of Ladakh.  Another city I would like to visit is Dubai, the city has beautiful combination of beaches, shopping areas, bustling city life, and world class infrastructure.  But, unfortunately nothing is materialized as of now.

FTD:  Have you ever been surprised by the taste of food, outside India? Where?

HT: Every place I visit has a different and a unique cuisine to offer and I enjoy experiencing varied tastes of food. In Finland, I once tried Reindeer steaks, I relished the flavor but was surprised by the wild taste in it.

FTD:  What and where has been your best bazaar bargain so far?

HT: Shopping has always been tough task for men and to bargain is even tougher. For me any good purchase is an apt purchase. Once I bought a bandhani saree for my daughter, and I would like to call it my best bargain.

FTD: Tell us how you have managed to make a journey fun.

HT: To make a journey fun, one should make all the bookings in advance to avoid any last minute hassles. It always advisable to be read a bit about the place you’re going. This gives you an overall view of the place and also allows you to know some of the famous venues in that particular region. Camera is a must gadget one should carry to make the journey joyous.

FTD: What has been your worst travel moment? Why?

HT: Once I was travelling to Paris from Tokyo in winters and due to heavy snow fall in Paris the flight had to land at Frankfurt and there was a 30 hour delay in reaching Paris. It was my longest and tiresome international travel.

FTD:  What is the best souvenir you ever bought for anyone?

HT: During one of my business trip I bought a Bandhani saree for my daughter. It was the best souvenir I bought; because my daughter liked it very much and calls it her most cherished and treasured possession.