Japlanning 101 - Gion Corner

October 12, 2014

by Devon Sponheimer

Way back on my very first trip to Japan, I wanted to experience as much of the country and culture as possible (little realizing that I’d get to travel there AGAIN in the future). For many of our readers, however, a trip to Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we always strive to help you make the most of your trip.

Gion Corner in Kyoto is a Japanese culture stage show dedicated to the arts and striving to provide the opportunity for tourists to experience as much Kyoto culture as possible during their stay. In one evening they offer seven different types of traditional arts, giving you the opportunity to check out these really cool (and often ancient!) art forms. Prices are reasonable and the site is tourist friendly.

Japlanning the menu - We like to Shabu Shabu

October 5, 2014

by Devon Sponheimer

Shabu Shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ), adorably named after the “swish, swish” noise it makes while cooking, is a delicious Japanese dish dating back to Osaka in the early 20th century and evolving from Chinese hot pot dishes. This savoury cousin of sukiyaki is a meal not to be missed.

What is Shabu Shabu? (And why do I want to eat it just because it sounds cute?)

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).

Prefecture Guide - Hiroshima

September 14, 2014

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Just a couple of hours from Osaka, today's prefecture's natural beauty and it’s people are often overshadowed by its sad history; with it holding the unfortunate title of being the first city in the world hit by a nuclear weapon. Beyond its somber history lies a spectacular city, that has overcome its past, rebuilt stronger, and is home to some spectacular sights that can't be missed. Welcome to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima has a rich origin story, which sadly revolves around war. The city was founded back in 1589 by the warlord Mori Terumoto, who had Hiroshima Castle built for his residence, he soon lost the city and castle in the battle of Sekigahara. Following this, the city was industrialised throughout the early 1900’s and became a hub for Japan’s military supply manufacturing. The city played a key part in Japan’s war efforts in WWI, having a POW camp that held with over 500 German prisoners in Hiroshima Bay.

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.

by Devon Sponheimer

by Devon Sponheimer

Shabu Shabu (しゃぶ しゃぶ), adorably named after the “swish, swish” noise it makes while cooking, is a delicious Japanese dish dating back to Osaka in the early 20th century and evolving from Chinese hot pot dishes. This savoury cousin of sukiyaki is a meal not to be missed.

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

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.

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

by Bryce Marley-Jarrett

Shabu Shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ), adorably named after the “swish, swish” noise it makes while cooking, is a delicious Japanese dish dating back to Osaka in the early 20th century and evolving from Chinese hot pot dishes. This savoury cousin of sukiyaki is a meal not to be missed.