Japlanning 101 - Buying Electronics in Japan

July 25, 2015

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Japan offers travellers many amazing things: historic sites, museums, spectacular natural wonders, amazing people. Oh, and also shopping! One of the biggest shopping items people are after in Japan in electronics. And it’s no wonder with Japan being one of the world’s leading tech innovation countries. Today Japlanning will give you the low down on buying electronics in Japan and explaining the tax free benefits available to foreign visitors.

Japan is home to many of the biggest and most innovative electronics companies in the world, they love their tech, and it is available everywhere in stores you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Why I love Japan - Bryce's Top 10

November 9, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Today on Japlanning we are getting personal, we have had Devon, one of our main reporters and editors, and also had our Techhead Sam give his favourites. Now it’s time for me, Bryce - the founder of Japlanning, to get down to it and reveal what, make my top-10 about Japan -- and what better time to post this than when I’ve just gotten home from Tokyo for a quick Japlanning research trip.

We love Japan. I’m sure that is obvious, however I have avoided writing this article since the start, not because I don’t love Japan, no, this article has just seemed so daunting! Where do I start, and how do I keep it down to just ten? (I’m sure there will be bonuses.) However, no more stalling; I give you my personal ten things I LOVE about Japan.

Trails by Japlanning - Shinjuku

April 15, 2014

by Bryce Marley

Today we're starting a new series at Japlanning that we hope will help you get the most out of your time in Japan: Japlanning Trails. We offer a plan that'll take the average adventurer between a few short hours, up to a half-a-day trek, where we'll guide you through hitting some great tourist spots, amazing food, spectacular shopping and some little-known gems. We're starting in one of Tokyo's biggest areas, Shinjuku.

One of Tokyo's major business centres, Shinjuku is one of the busiest cities in Tokyo. Thanks to it's convenient public transport, amazing sights and spectacular shopping, it's no wonder that it's considered one of the best places for tourists to stay in Tokyo. There is no better place in Tokyo for us to start our trails series, with a great trail that will give a best-of overview of what Shinjuku has to offer.

Japlanning the Menu - Kit Kats

March 7, 2014

by Bryce Marley

It's a candy bar known the world over for its delicious chocolate and wafer fingers, however you really don't know anything about the wonder that is the simple Kit Kat until you visit Japan. Today Japlanning is letting you in on the number one candy people bring home from Japan, the Kit Kat.

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.

Shopping in Japan - Big Brand Stores

January 23, 2014

by Bryce Marley

Today Japlanning are looking at two must stop stores in Japan, Muji and Uniqlo. Both these stores are uniquely Japanese, and have become so successful they have expanded to have stores all over the world, with Muji recently opening their first Australian store, and Uniqlo opening theirs in Melbourne within the next few months. Let's take a look at what these brands offer you, and why they are a must stop shop while visiting Japan.

Both stores started small in Japan and quickly expanded. They both offer quality products that have what you would expect from a Japanese company: great design and quality craftsmanship. But the best part is both also provide great value!