Japlanning Sights - Imperial Palace and Gardens

December 7, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Today Japlanning are taking a look at one of the biggest sights in Japan, The Imperial Palace. Home to the emperor of Japan and his family, these massive grounds are open to the public just twice a year, unless you get on a tour. Luckily Japlanning have the hook up to tell you how easily you can get on a free tour and witness the beauty of these grounds, and learn its rich history for yourself.

Now you may be thinking: the palace must be thousands of years old? Well, not quite. Actually the imperial palace is quite new, with it becoming the official residence of the emperor of Japan in 1888 when the emperor moved into the newly completed palace from the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, which was the imperial capital of Japan for thousands of years prior.

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 101 - Baseball

September 28, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

When people think of sports in Japan, typically Sumo instantly comes to mind, or perhaps one of the various martial arts like karate, or even soccer (football) comes to mind. What many outside Japan don't realise however is that the biggest sport in the country is an import; and it is huge. Welcome to the world of Nippon Professional Baseball, the most popular sport in Japan.

The “Great American Pastime” of baseball has a rich history in Japan, dating back to 1879. A young Japanese engineering student, Hiroshi Hiraoka introduced the sport to co-workers at Japan’s national railways after returning from studying in the USA. The first Japanese baseball team was created by Hiraoka and his co-workers, called the Shimbashi Athletic Club. The sport quickly gained massive popularity across Japan with teams popping up all over, however the Shimbashi Athletic Club reigned supreme for many years.

Hotel Review - Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Kabukicho

September 21, 2014

by Devon Sponheimer

Toyoko Inn is a well known hotel chain with over 200 hotels located throughout Japan with additional locations in Korea. It offers a consistent experience at each hotel, so it is their aim that at each hotel you will have a similar experience.

During our last trip, we stayed in the Toyoko Inn in Shinjuku. This hotel was conveniently located being about a 10 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. This convenient location is not unique to this hotel but is a hallmark of all Toyoko Inns. Getting a taxi there was quite a hassle due to its proximity to the train station, but we finally managed to convince one taxi driver to take us there (With sad eyes and pitifully gazing at my luggage).

Japlanning 101 - Toyota

August 31, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

They are the number one car manufacturer in the world, with the most popular car in the world in their brand (the Toyota Corolla). It's not surprising that Toyota offer a variety of museums and tours for the public in Japan to see their vast history, the exciting future and also get a first hand look at the manufacturing of their legendary cars. Today Japlanning have the must see guide for any car aficionado visiting Japan, with the attractions on offer to see Japan's most famous auto maker, Toyota.

Toyota has a long history that spans back to 1933 when it began as a division of the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, with their focus to be on developing an automobile, their first vehicles, a passenger car and a truck known as the A1 and G1 were released in 1935. Shortly after, in 1937, the Automobile division split off into it's own company, known as The Toyota Motor Co.