Taming the train maze - The Tokyo rail network

December 9, 2013

by Bryce Marley

Today Japlanning are giving you the bible on understanding the maze of train lines and companies that cover every inch of the worlds largest city, Tokyo. It's a network that is used by millions a day without issue, which can, at first glance, look confusing and intimidating, however read our guide below and you will step off the plane a pro on all things trains in Tokyo!

When you first start planning a trip to Tokyo, one of the first things you will see is the daunting map of the rail network (above). This scares most people who have never been to Japan, and can even make some reconsider their journey! Don't stress, its a breeze to understand and use while you're in Tokyo.

Japlanning 101 - Origami

November 28, 2013

by Bryce Marley

The Japanese art of paper folding is a beautiful sight to see, from the simplest crane to entire zoos of animals all intricately made, it's a beautiful art from from Japan. Today let's look at the history, where to get into it in Japan, and learn how to make a few.

The origins of origami date back to the 17th century, where many ancient Japanese poems have noted paper animals, such as butterflies, in shinto weddings which were used to represent the bride and groom. However there is references in history that date back even further to 794-1185AD about Samurai warriors exchanging gifts adorned with "noshi", which was a good luck token that is crafted from folded strips of paper.

What I love about Japan - Devons Top 10

November 19, 2013

by Devon Sponheimer

When writing this post, I limited myself to 10, since I could very well go on FOREVER about everything that’s great about Japan. So without further ado……here’s my Top 10!

Japlanning 101 - Miraikan: The National Museum of emerging sciences and innovation

November 15, 2013

by Bryce Marley

Tokyo is a city filled with fascinating galleries, museums and historical sites, however today we're taking a look at a very unique museum out on Odaiba: Mirikan, the national museum of emerging sciences and innovation!

Located on Odaiba, right in the heart of Tokyo Bay, nestled amongst the contemporary buildings, onsen theme park and shopping of the island, is Mirikan, Japan's museum celebrating and educating everyone on future technologies, innovation and science that will help make life better.

Review - Tokyo Nihonbashi Sumisho Hotel

November 12, 2013

When traveling to Japan, many people want to stay in a ryokan and experience a traditional Japanese inn, but are traveling in large cities where they can be difficult to find. In the June trip Japlanning made to Tokyo, we managed to find one in the heart of the city.

The Tokyo Nihonbashi Sumisho Hotel is located in the Ginza district, by the Tokyo Stock exchange, and surrounded by many great restaurants. It’s just a short walk from two different Tokyo Metro lines, Nigyocho Station on the Hibiya Line or Toe Asakusa Line or the Mitsukoshimae Station on the Hanzomon or Ginza lines. The hotel itself is down an alley and can be a bit tricky to find, but the hotel provides maps and directions on its’ English site. Reservations can be made via the phone or on email. Email responses are prompt and thorough. When emailing regarding reservations, we received directions from the airports as well!

Japlanning the Menu - Tokyo Disney Resort, POPCORN

November 9, 2013

Today on the menu we’re looking at one of the most happiest places on earth, and one specific food they have in wide variety: It's the popcorn at Tokyo Disney Resort! Now, this isn't your ordinary movie popcorn, read on to find out why Tokyo Disney Resort has the best (and craziest) popcorn around!

When visiting Disneyland parks across the world, it's all about the attractions, fireworks, parades, characters, and also, the food! These magical places are everyone’s "day off" from diets, and your chance to try some amazing and unique food, that we’ll all pretend is healthy. Well today we are showing you the food that the two Japanese Disney Parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, are filled with, in many varieties and that Japanese visitors are crazy in love with, popcorn.