Japlanning Sights - Gotoku-ji Temple

July 26, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Today Japlanning are taking a glimpse at one of Tokyo's lesser known temples, Gotoku-ji. This little temple is situated away from the business and madness of Shinjuku in a quiet ward, amongst family homes and corner shops. Gotoku-ji is a very unique temple, in that it's grounds are filled with hundreds of "maneki neko" or as many may know the little statues: Happy (or Lucky) Cats!

One of the most amazing things about Japan is the way the past and future live in harmony. You can walk down a neon flooded street in Shinjuku, feeling like you have stepped into the future, and then around another corner be thrown back hundreds of years in to Japan's deep history. Just 10 minutes away from the Shinjuku, in the peaceful Tokyo ward of Setagaya this temple is about a 10 minute walt from Gotokuji Station.

Day Trips - Narita

February 15, 2014

by Bryce Marley

It's most famous for being home of Japan's largest airport, although most visitors only see it through the airport, however Narita is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a day filled with history, temples, and culture, there is more to see in Narita than just the departure lounge or arrival hall.

Located just 60 kilometres out of central Tokyo, Narita is just a short train out of the city, but far enough out to feel like you have escaped the metropolis. Bonus, if you have a Japan Rail Pass you can take the Narita Express out to the airport and transfer to a local into Narita, fast and free.

Japlanning 101 - New Years in Japan

December 19, 2013

Japan is quite famous for it's celebrations and holidays throughout the year, however, how does the land of the rising sun celebrate the new year? Today Japlanning gives you the low down on what to expect and to be prepared for, when celebrating the new year in Japan!

For most in the world, NYE is the big moment, saying goodbye to the year that is passing us and ringing in the new year with friends, family, and even strangers! However in Japan, New Year is a little more important.

Day Trips - Miyajima

October 7, 2013

We're back with another addition to Japlanning's day trip series with everything to do in Miyajima from Devon!

Part of the Seto Island Sea National Park and boasting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miyajima is a small island located about an hour from Hiroshima, the perfect distance for a wonderful day trip. A divine island where “God dwells”, its’ official name is Itsukushima. However, due to the giant Torii Gate and numerous shrines, it is more commonly known as Miyajima or “shrine island”. Deer, monkeys and raccoon dogs roam the island, and tend to be friendly but keep your distance. They can nab food and bits of paper out of bags and backpacks. Much like in Nara, refrain from feeding them unless you don’t value your fingers.

Although you can do most activities on the island in one day, if you’ve got some extra spending money take advantage of the many ryokans on the island and spend the night in a traditional Japanese inn.

Japlanning 101 - Harajuku

August 10, 2013

The team at Japlanning are off in a couple of weeks back to Japan, and today's article is all about one place we can’t wait to be in. If Shibuya is the youth’s playground of Tokyo, then Harajuku is their catwalk. Nestled between Shinjuku and Shibuya, it’s the centre of teen culture and all styles of fashion.

Here you can literally see fashion trends being born. Harajuku is also a main place to come see legendary Japanese cosplay out in public, with many Japanese youth hanging out in their latest creations for all to admire. To fully experience this and see the Harajuku Girls that Gwen Stefani sung about, you have to visit Harajuku on a Sunday, where you will find many people gathered around the areas by Harajuku station in their cosplay attire. From some who look like a gang of 50’s greasers, to others dressed as their favourite anime characters, or looking like they fell out off Alice in Wonderland. It’s a sight for creative eyes, like dozens of walking artworks.

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.