Whilst Japan is amazing, Tokyo weather can sometimes be a little unpredictable – thankfully there are lots of Tokyo rainy day activities to suit all ages and budgets. From photo booths to Tokyo mall shopping, museums to maid cafes, there are lots of things to do in Tokyo on wet weather days – plus at […]
Author Archives: planmyjapan
11
Jan
Jan
The perfect 1 day Himeji itinerary! Perhaps best known for its striking castle (one of Japan’s finest), Himeji is one of the quieter Japanese cities we’ve visited – it makes it the perfect place to escape crowds and the usual hustle and bustle you might encounter elsewhere. From the gorgeous Koko-en gardens to the sublime Otokoyama […]
10
Jan
Jan
Hiroshima is possibly best known for the awful and tragic events of 1945 – whilst never forgotten, there is much to enjoy today and we recommend a short visit to Hiroshima to add to your Japan itinerary! There are moving memorials and museums dedicated to the world’s first atomic bomb attack but Hiroshima is so […]
10
Jan
Jan
Looking to do Tokyo on a budget? From free observation decks to themed shrines, kawaii activities to cool museums, there are many free things to do in Tokyo. Taking in the city’s biggest Gundam statue to the world’s largest projection mapping show, here is our guide to the best free things to do in Tokyo. Free […]
09
Jan
Jan
A charming canalside city dating back to the Edo period, Kurashiki 倉敷 is home to historic streets, hillside temples and many museums. An easy day trip from Osaka, we visited Kurashiki a couple of times whilst staying in nearby Okayama and found it very busy at weekends but more calm along the canal during the […]
29
Dec
Dec
No trip to Japan is complete without some form of Japanese souvenirs to take home, from tasty treats like Pocky or sake to more lasting treasures like gachapon toys or Studio Ghibli gifts. Be it ‘cutting’-edge Japanese knives, gorgeous glasses, cool Kirby Cafe merchandise or customizable gifts there are super Japanese souvenirs for you to […]
29
Dec
Dec
Visiting Tokyo in March? Lucky you! From spring festivals to the height of cherry blossom season, there are many wonderful Tokyo March events and festivals. Some of the March Tokyo religious festivals include the Hina Matsuri Doll Festival, the Golden Dragon Dance ( Kinryu-no-Mai) and Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair – or cheer on the Tokyo […]
28
Dec
Dec
Visiting Tokyo in February? Lucky you! From spring festivals Setsubun 節分 to the start of plum blossom season, there are many wonderful Tokyo February events and festivals. Show some ‘love’ for Tokyo Valentine’s Day 2026, take part in the Shimokitazawa Tengu Festival or wander through a wide array of winter illuminations like the Marunouchi Winter […]
04
Dec
Dec
Have you ‘bean’ to Komeda’s Coffee コメダ珈琲店,? One of our favourite Japanese coffee shop chains, there are almost 1,100 Komeda’s Coffee shops across Japan. Started in 1968 in Nagoya, Komeda’s coffee shop is often like taking a step back in time with their brown wooden furniture and bare red brick walls. Famous for their affordable […]
27
Nov
Nov
Also known as the neko or lucky cat temple in Tokyo, we were ‘cat-atonic’ to visit the Gotokuji Cat Temple 大谿山 豪徳寺 one fine afternoon sunlight when the red autumn leaves were out. This is said to be the birthplace of the good luck charm that is ‘Maneki-neko’ or beckoning cats. Located on the outskirts […]