Japlanning 101 - 100 ¥en Stores

October 22, 2013

While Japan can be considered an expensive place to visit, there are many ways to cut costs and save Yen while traveling. One of the big things you save for is shopping while in Japan, and the souvenirs you want to bring back. Today Japlanning is letting you in on a great secret to shop big and spend small on great souvenirs in Japan. It's time to look at the 100 Yen Stores.

Japan is one of the shopping meccas in the world, but sometimes you don't want to spend too much, especially on all those trinkets and typical gifts you bring home from another country for your work colleges, friends and family. Japan has thousands of 100 Yen stores where you can buy a huge range of items, and especially things that are perfect to take home for gifts; all just 100 Yen per item! The stores range in size from small corner shops to large multi-story department stores.

Japlanning 101 - Kappadashi-dori "Kitchen Street"

October 10, 2013

Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, but not everyone wants to spend days shopping for the latest fashion or tech items. Well don't fret, Tokyo is the world’s shopping capital for a reason, and today Japlanning are taking you to Kappabashi-dori, or, as it is more commonly known, Kitchen Street. It's one of the largest areas in the world to buy all things for your personal or big industrial kitchen, from the best knife you will ever get for your kitchen, to the plastic food models you see in countless restaurants windows in Japan, you’re guaranteed to get a great souvenir here that will revolutionize your home kitchen, and, it’s cheap too!

Japlanning On Location - Tokyo Sky Tree and Park Hyatt Tokyo

September 10, 2013

Well we're in Japan at the moment here is the daily highlight for you to feel like you're right along with us!

Today we checked into our last night in Japan, by staying at the best. We checked into the spectacular Park Hyatt Tokyo, where the service was first class from the opening of the taxi door. This incredible hotel, has gorgeous decor and amazing plants, fresh everywhere.

Japlanning-On-Location-Park-Hyatt-Tokyo-View

After check in and seeing our spectacular view, which promises views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day, we were off to the other side of Tokyo to go a little higher, that's right we climbed the highest tower in the world, Tokyo Sky Tree.

We went up to the highest point 451.2 metres. and a few of the team were a little tense about the height and drop down! The tower offers two observation decks, the main at 350 metres the Tembo Deck then the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres.

After we made it back down safely a reward was in order, at the 100% Chocolate Cafe, then we trekked around Asakusa and Kappashiba-dori for some amazing Japanese knives.

We have spent our final night indulging at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, with some decedent food and breathtaking views. A good nights rest seems guaranteed.

Tomorrow is Japlanning's last day in Japan, for the meantime, so will have further updates and regular posts again next week. Get ready for our latest and greatest finds in Tokyo and beyond from this trip, as well as some great reviews on many hotels in Japan.

Until then...

さようなら!

Will it Vend?

August 19, 2013

Welcome to the home of vending machines. Yes, Japan has more vending machines than any other country on earth, with, on average, one machine per 23 people. Now Japlanning has the run down on the latest and greatest vending machines as well as the just plain crazy ones that Japan has to offer.

Japan is truly the home of the vending machine, with more than any other country and here you’ll find machines that sell everything imaginable. That's right -- you will find them on every street and selling you not only cold drinks, but also heated drinks, snacks, alcohol, cigarettes, eggs, flowers, and the list goes on.

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.