Day Trips - Nara

June 30, 2013

We've talked a lot about the big cities that most visit: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These are hubs you usually spend a few days in, so now it's time to reveal some great day trips from these cities that escape the big city vibe and give you amazing experiences not too far away! Today we are starting with a small city that's a great day trip from Kyoto and Osaka - Nara.

Nara is located about an hour by train from Kyoto and Osaka. Nara is the capital of the Nara prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, established in 710AD. It was the capital of Japan through to 784AD, when it was moved to Nagaoka due to the growing political aspirations of the buddhist monasteries, which had became a threat to the government. Because of it's vast political history, the city is filled with historical landmarks and temples, many of which are some of Japan's oldest and largest.

Japlanning 101 - Maid Cafes

June 24, 2013

We have covered Cat Cafes and now it's time to uncover the cafe Japan is most famous for: the Maid Café. Originating in Japan, these cafes are very prominent in Akihabara, Tokyo and are an otaku's dream café.

If you happen to be in Akihabara and are looking for a distinctly Japanese experience, then venture no further than into one of the dozens of Maid Cafés in the electric city.

The first Maid Café, "Cure Maid Cafe", opened in Akihabara in 2001, and its massive popularity ensured many, many more opened fast, creating a sub set of cafés in the restaurant industry in Japan. Since 2001, they have opened all over Japan and internationally in China, South Korea, Taiwan, France, Mexico, the US and even Australia.

Japlanning 101 - Eating Fugu

June 15, 2013

Now, we probably all know about fugu, thanks to a classic Simpsons episode, however it was quite accurate. In that this deadly fish is prepared and eaten in Japan, and considered quite the delicacy.

The Fugu, or puffer fish, as it is more commonly known in English, is renowned for the poison is carries. It can be deadly to humans if consumed. The fugu, when prepared correctly is a delicacy to eat in Japan.

Japlanning 101 - Shinkansen

May 16, 2013

These aren’t your regular trains in your home town. Shinkansen, or "Bullet Trains", are a high-speed train that connects Tokyo with most of Japan's major cities.

This train system is a great alternative to traveling by air, and if you’re not from Japan, there is a great deal available to use the system for a steal.

The neon river next to the Dotonbori Canal.

We like to Shabu Shabu

April 24, 2013

After a few nights in Osaka, with one being rained out. We finally made it to the Dōtonbori district.

The Dōtonbori is a neon lit street that stretches along the Dōtonbori canal in central Osaka. Famous for its restaurants and giant neon signs, it's a must visit destination whilst in Osaka, or even the Kansai region.

Universal Studios, Osaka

April 22, 2013

Between jaunting off to Kyoto and Hiroshima on our time down south, we spent some time in Osaka, and experienced Universal Studios, Osaka.

As we were staying opposite Universal Studios Osaka, and the theme park fiend that I am, we spent a day at the first Universal park in Asia. Although now they have a park in Singapore and one in development in South Korea, Osaka was the first dip into the Asian market for Universal Parks.