Trails by Japlanning - Asakusa

May 24, 2014

by Bryce Marley

Continuing with our trails series, we are back in the vast land that is Tokyo for a different trail, from the newest, to some of the oldest, in Asakusa. Asakusa is old Tokyo: here you will find Tokyo’s most famous temple, Sensoji, amazing shopping, and not too far away, the Tokyo SkyTree. Following today’s trails, you will get to see some old, some new, and also the best shopping for your kitchen.

The trail starts just outside Tawaramachi Station in Asakusa. From here we’ll be making our way to Kappadashi-dori, the world famous “kitchen street”, through the laneways of Asakusa, to Sensoji, to see the locals pray and take in one of Tokyo’s most sacred temples, down the Nakamise Shopping street, then across the Sumida River to the tower dominating the skyline, Tokyo SkyTree.

So, let’s get going!

Japlanning 101 - Kappadashi-dori "Kitchen Street"

October 10, 2013

Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, but not everyone wants to spend days shopping for the latest fashion or tech items. Well don't fret, Tokyo is the world’s shopping capital for a reason, and today Japlanning are taking you to Kappabashi-dori, or, as it is more commonly known, Kitchen Street. It's one of the largest areas in the world to buy all things for your personal or big industrial kitchen, from the best knife you will ever get for your kitchen, to the plastic food models you see in countless restaurants windows in Japan, you’re guaranteed to get a great souvenir here that will revolutionize your home kitchen, and, it’s cheap too!

Japlanning On Location - Tokyo Sky Tree and Park Hyatt Tokyo

September 10, 2013

Well we're in Japan at the moment here is the daily highlight for you to feel like you're right along with us!

Today we checked into our last night in Japan, by staying at the best. We checked into the spectacular Park Hyatt Tokyo, where the service was first class from the opening of the taxi door. This incredible hotel, has gorgeous decor and amazing plants, fresh everywhere.

Japlanning-On-Location-Park-Hyatt-Tokyo-View

After check in and seeing our spectacular view, which promises views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day, we were off to the other side of Tokyo to go a little higher, that's right we climbed the highest tower in the world, Tokyo Sky Tree.

We went up to the highest point 451.2 metres. and a few of the team were a little tense about the height and drop down! The tower offers two observation decks, the main at 350 metres the Tembo Deck then the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres.

After we made it back down safely a reward was in order, at the 100% Chocolate Cafe, then we trekked around Asakusa and Kappashiba-dori for some amazing Japanese knives.

We have spent our final night indulging at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, with some decedent food and breathtaking views. A good nights rest seems guaranteed.

Tomorrow is Japlanning's last day in Japan, for the meantime, so will have further updates and regular posts again next week. Get ready for our latest and greatest finds in Tokyo and beyond from this trip, as well as some great reviews on many hotels in Japan.

Until then...

さようなら!

Japlanning 101 - Asakusa

August 4, 2013

Today we are looking at one of Tokyo’s more historic areas, Asakusa. Home to Tokyo’s most famous and visited Buddhist temple, Sensoji, with it's rich history and great shopping, Asakusa attracted tourists for centuriesm. Come with Japlanning, as we take a look at the history, sights and shopping of Asakusa.

Asakusa, located north of central Tokyo, on the banks of the Sumida River, began as a quiet fishing village, then later thrived as people arrived in numbers to worship at Sensoji. For most of the early twentieth century, Asakusa was the entertainment district of Tokyo, and it became home to the first cinema in 1903, as well as many theatres. During World War II, the area was quite damaged, due to this, in the later years of the century, the area was surpassed for being the entertainment district by Shibuya and Shinjuku, amongst other areas in Tokyo. More recently, however, this has been making a comeback, with a downtown entertainment district that is rivalling Ginza, Shinjuku and others.

The best things in life are free - 30 free things to do in Tokyo

May 23, 2013

We've scoured through our memories, past trip notes and the internet for our top 30 Tokyo freebies. Here's our list of over 30 activities to experience that cost you absolutely nothing!

Keeping with our budget tips, we have grouped the activities into regions, so if you want to check some out, we've already done the work so you can keep travel times (and costs) to a minimum.

Japlanning 101 - Tokyo Skytree

May 5, 2013

Tokyo Sky Tree, the newest edition to Tokyo’s skyline which also happens to hold the title of the tallest tower in the world. Up the tower is two observation decks, not for anyone with a fear of heights.

We are coming up to Tokyo Sky Trees first anniversary, opening in May 2012 this new tower is the tallest building in Japan and the second tallest in the world. Standing at a staggering 634 metres, the tower is actually a large television broadcast antenna for Japans national television networks. However the tower has two observation sections one at 350 metres and another up at 450 metres.