Photo Credit - clio1789 — Photo Credit - clio1789

Big wheel keep on turning - Ferris wheels in Japan

February 22, 2014

by Bryce Marley

Ferris wheels, big wheels, or observation wheels, they are found all over the world, and tourists flock to them. Japan happens to have a love for the big wheel, and you will find them all over the country thanks to a surge in building the tallest wheel and consistently beating the record throughout the 90's. Today Japlanning have the definitive guide to where you will find Japan's best ferris wheels, to give you a birds eye view of the land of the rising sun.

Japan wants you to see it all. Most major cities have observation towers, Tokyo even has the tallest tower in the world, but it doesn't stop there. You'll find a plethora of ferris wheels all over the country, every one of them dazzling you with their spinners.

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.

Takayama - Takaya me away in history.

February 2, 2014

by Bryce Marley

Today Japlanning is showing you the rural city of Takayama. Situated in the heart of the Japanese alps, this historic area is loved by many and popular with tourists. It's a city that has embraced the past, and is filled with traditional architecture and areas, especially its famous old town precinct. Come take a look at why Takayama is definitely worth a visit if your looking for a more rural stop on your journeys through Japan.

Takayama is located in Gifu prefecture of Japan, which is right in central Japan, to get to Takayama, you're looking at a 5 hour train journey from Tokyo, thanks to a direct route being thwarted by the Japanese alps being between the two. However if you're in the Kansai region, it is a far more tolerable 3 hour train from Kyoto. Takayama was settled back in the Jōmon period (300BC-538AD), and was famous for it's citizens expertise in carpentry, and were key in working on the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, as well as many temples in the Kansai region.

Japlanning the menu - Katsu got your tongue?

January 28, 2014

by Devon Sponheimer

In the mood for something a little bit Japanese, but a little bit Western? Then a meal featuring Tonkatsu might just be your answer!

Tonkatsu originated in the late 19th century Meiji era and originally was just called katsu, featuring beef in lieu of pork. The meal was first served in Ginza, when Western culture arrived in Japan. According to legend, the “Tonkatsu” (or pork cutlet) we know today was developed in Tokyo in the 1930’s. Prior to this, the cutlet had to be cut apart with a knife and fork, but one genius chef decided to slice it into bite sized pieces for his diners so they could use chopsticks, making the Western dish more Japanese style.

Photo Credit - tkysocialevents — Photo Credit - tkysocialevents

Furisodeshon: Coming of Age in Japan

January 13, 2014

by Sam Jarrett

Traveling to Japan over the holiday and new year period can be a very popular time for tourists, especially those looking for a snow adventure. Usually by the start of January, probably due to people's leave limits, people start to leave, but if you stay just a week or so longer, you will get to see something spectacularly beautiful and so uniquely Japanese. Seijin no Hi (or, Coming of Age day, a national holiday) is a special day for young Japanese adults who have recently turned twenty to celebrate reaching maturity.

Each year on the holiday, which is held on the second Monday of January, newly 20-year-olds gather in the early hours of the morning at local council offices to attend a Seijin-shiki, or coming of age ceremony. All Japanese young-adults who are residents in the local area are invited to attend the ceremony, where government officials give speeches on adulthood, and the new responsibilities that their newest adults will now have, before gifts are given as a kind of welcome present.

Japlanning 101 - Holidays in Japan

December 25, 2013

When Japlanning your trip to the land of the rising sun, one thing many people do not look into is when Japan observes public holidays -- and the other big one: school holidays. Read our guide for the full list of 2014 public and school holidays in Japan!

As for many of us in the world, while we are in festive season, it inevitably means shops closed, as well as many people on holidays, and tourist attractions see increased visits, and sky-high flight prices.