Studio Ghibli Museum

December 15, 2013

by Devon Sponheimer

Looking to check out one of the most whimsical museums in Japan? In June, the Japlanning team headed to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for an animated adventure.

The first thing you’ll need to know is how to get tickets to the museum. With limited entry each day, here’s how.

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.

Day Trips - Nikko

July 25, 2013

After spending time in the biggest city in the world, Tokyo, Nikko is a great escape from city life and an excellent day trip to plan, and just a short trip out of Tokyo. Nikko is home to spectacular natural sights, and one of the most elaborate shrines in Japan, Toshogu.

Nikko is a small town just 125 kilometres out of Tokyo. It is a town rich in history and culture, and was once the centre of Shinto and Buddhist worship in the mountains for centuries, and is home to Japan’s most lavish shrine, Toshogu. If you happen to be there from November to December, the area around lake Chuzenjo, is particularly know for the beautiful autumn colours of its trees. The autumn colours start earlier in October at higher altitudes, and make their way down to the town centre of Nikko in the first half of November.