Japlanning Recipe Card - Goma-dare (Sesame Dressing)

August 24, 2014

by Devon Sponheimer

Today we're starting a new food series with quick and easy Japanese recipes to make at home! Devon is starting us off with one of her favourite accompaniments to so many Japanese dishes and can be used as a condiment with any food: Sesame dressing! Take a read below to find out what classic Japanese meals are accompanied by this delicious dressing, and how to make it yourself.

One of the more frustrating things about not being in Japan is not being able to find all the foods I like! Right now, I’m a bit obsessed with the shredded cabbage that comes with Katsu. Admittedly, maybe I’m just a little obsessed with the creamy sesame sauce that comes on the top. Maybe so much so that I’d probably drink it if given the opportunity (or just dip everything in it that I could get my hands on), but it’s so hard to find here in the US or in Australia. So I decided to come up with my own!

Trails by Japlanning - Shinjuku to Harajuku

August 10, 2014

Japlanning is back today with a new trail in Tokyo to help you see some well known sights and attractions, in an order that best uses your time in experiencing Tokyo, rather than sitting on a train to get from one point here to another point across the city. Today's trail takes you from the bustling streets of Shinjuku, though to the trend setting Harajuku, with an escape to nature along the way. Let's get moving!

On today's trails we are showing you a great way to experience some of the quieter, local side of Shinjuku, as well as the famous Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and the trendy streets of Harajuku, all in just a few hours.

Japlanning Sights - Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

August 2, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

From Tokyo to Osaka Bay, today we're headed south, down to the port city of Osaka, to show you one of the city's most amazing attractions, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The Osaka Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and the stand out in Japan. Centrally located, the beautiful building holds one of the most organised and fascinating aquariums in the world, focusing on marine life around the pacific rim.

Part of the Tempozan Harbor Village precinct in the port of Osaka, the Osaka Aquarium is the star attraction. Opened in 1990, and has been a major tourist attraction for local and international visitors to Osaka since.

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.

Attraction Review - Tokyo Trick Art Museum

July 13, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

During Japlanning's most recent trip through Japan, while enjoying Tokyo's Odaiba island we hit up the Tokyo Trick Art Museum, located in the Decks shopping complex. Keep reading to see what this unique museum has to offer, and whether we recommend you take a trip out to experience it yourself.

Odaiba is a wondrous place in Tokyo Bay. Made up of man made islands, it's a futuristic playground filled with tourist attractions, modern buildings with quirky designs and is one of Tokyo's areas with tourist attractions nestled around every corner. One could easily spend a day or more exploring all the museums, amusement parks, company showcases, and elaborate shopping malls.

Japlanning the menu - Sushi

July 5, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

When talking about food and Japan, sushi is the first food that will come to most peoples minds, and in the last decade, sushi has taken off internationally and now can be purchased almost anywhere. However when coming to Japan, you are in Sushi’s home, so get ready to taste the finest sushi you will ever taste, from some of the most unexpected places.

Sushi, as we know it today, actually has its origin being in south-east Asia, and it’s name literally means “sour-tasting” which goes back to its first form in Japan, Narezushi, which this particular type of sushi was made by fermenting fish by wrapping it in soured fermented rice. In the Muromachi period (which dates back to 1336-1573), vinegar was added to the sushi mixture to give it a more palatable taste and help it be preserved. As the centuries moved on the fermentation process in sushi was abandoned, where in Osaka it was evolved into oshi-zushi. In this process, seafood and rice was pressed using bamboo molds.