Japlanning Day Trips - Kawagoe

November 23, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Less than an hour from Tokyo is a whole other world in the township of Kawagoe in the Saitama prefecture. Known as Little Edo, it echoes back to a time in the past, with streets lined with historic buildings, and amazing events year round. Join us as we take a stroll around and step back into history.

Famous for its Edo period feel, that has lasted where many have disappeared, the town of Kawaoge was once home to Kawagoe Castle, which was the headquarters for the Kawagoe Domain and home for many close aids to the Tokugawa shogunate. Although the castle is now gone, like many buildings from that time, many were kept in tact, or moved around the city.

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.

Japlanning Sights - Gotoku-ji Temple

July 26, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Today Japlanning are taking a glimpse at one of Tokyo's lesser known temples, Gotoku-ji. This little temple is situated away from the business and madness of Shinjuku in a quiet ward, amongst family homes and corner shops. Gotoku-ji is a very unique temple, in that it's grounds are filled with hundreds of "maneki neko" or as many may know the little statues: Happy (or Lucky) Cats!

One of the most amazing things about Japan is the way the past and future live in harmony. You can walk down a neon flooded street in Shinjuku, feeling like you have stepped into the future, and then around another corner be thrown back hundreds of years in to Japan's deep history. Just 10 minutes away from the Shinjuku, in the peaceful Tokyo ward of Setagaya this temple is about a 10 minute walt from Gotokuji Station.