Japlanning the menu - Katsu got your tongue?

January 28, 2014

by Devon Sponheimer

In the mood for something a little bit Japanese, but a little bit Western? Then a meal featuring Tonkatsu might just be your answer!

Tonkatsu originated in the late 19th century Meiji era and originally was just called katsu, featuring beef in lieu of pork. The meal was first served in Ginza, when Western culture arrived in Japan. According to legend, the “Tonkatsu” (or pork cutlet) we know today was developed in Tokyo in the 1930’s. Prior to this, the cutlet had to be cut apart with a knife and fork, but one genius chef decided to slice it into bite sized pieces for his diners so they could use chopsticks, making the Western dish more Japanese style.

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!

Culture Review - Ikebana, Tea Ceremony and Kimono experience, Tokyo

January 17, 2014

by Bryce Marley

On Japlanning's latest trip to Japan we decided to partake in an afternoon of traditional wears, flower arranging and a Japanese tea ceremony. Read ahead to find out how we found out this unique cultural experience, and how you can experience it yourself.

One of the team here at Japlanning is a florist back home, and naturally had the urge to learn and try her hand at the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, Ikebana. Oddly enough the other two "must experiences" of this past trip were a traditional tea ceremony and a fitting of a kimono. Well, thanks be to google, we quickly found japanese-culture.jp, a fantastic group who offer amazing traditional, cultural experiences to small groups, across Japan.

Photo Credit - tkysocialevents — Photo Credit - tkysocialevents

Furisodeshon: Coming of Age in Japan

January 13, 2014

by Sam Jarrett

Traveling to Japan over the holiday and new year period can be a very popular time for tourists, especially those looking for a snow adventure. Usually by the start of January, probably due to people's leave limits, people start to leave, but if you stay just a week or so longer, you will get to see something spectacularly beautiful and so uniquely Japanese. Seijin no Hi (or, Coming of Age day, a national holiday) is a special day for young Japanese adults who have recently turned twenty to celebrate reaching maturity.

Each year on the holiday, which is held on the second Monday of January, newly 20-year-olds gather in the early hours of the morning at local council offices to attend a Seijin-shiki, or coming of age ceremony. All Japanese young-adults who are residents in the local area are invited to attend the ceremony, where government officials give speeches on adulthood, and the new responsibilities that their newest adults will now have, before gifts are given as a kind of welcome present.

Japlanning 101 - Tokyo Tower

December 31, 2013

by Devon Sponheimer

The newly opened Tokyo Skytree has gotten a lot of press, but the original “sky tree” of Tokyo, the Tokyo Tower isn’t something to be missed, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Offering great views and complimentary entertainment, check out this observation tower on your next trip!

The Tokyo Tower opened in 1958, serving as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction. With it’s striking red and white design, it quickly became an icon in the Tokyo skyline. Although not as tall as the Skytree, the Tower features two observation decks and a shopping center. The main observation deck at 150 meters and the special observation deck at 250 meters. Let’s start by first exploring the tower itself.

Studio Ghibli Museum

December 15, 2013

by Devon Sponheimer

Looking to check out one of the most whimsical museums in Japan? In June, the Japlanning team headed to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for an animated adventure.

The first thing you’ll need to know is how to get tickets to the museum. With limited entry each day, here’s how.