Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a must visit for any Studio Ghibli fan or ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ maniacs. Located in the leafy backstreets of Tokyo’s hipster Shimokitazawa district, we visited this themed Totoro cream puff cafe and bakery and were ‘Spirited Away’. It is chock full of cute choux pastries and super cool cookies! Established […]
Author Archives: planmyjapan
09
Oct
Oct
The bright lights of Tokyo’s better known neighbourhoods often means travellers to Japan negate Nakano, but this is one must do district (and handily very close to Shibuya and Shinjuku). From the shopping bonanza that is Nakano Broadway (‘otaku’ heaven) to towering ice-creams (plus some of the coolest looking alleys and anime / gaming galore), […]
09
Oct
Oct
Big Boss 3D Billboard in Shibuya Tokyo, Japan
09
Oct
Oct
There is more to Arashiyama than bamboo forests and scenic train rides – an easy trip from Kyoto, Arashiyama’s idyllic setting boasts riverside views, mountain backdrops and hillside temples. Whilst the main downtown area of Arashiyama can be tourist central, just walk for a few minutes out of town to discover preserved old streets, serene […]
09
Oct
Oct
The former capital of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is a treasure trove of ancient history and Japanese culture, perhaps most famous for its sacred deer (who seem to bow). Many of Nara’s temples and sacred sites date back to the 8th century when it was the capital, and there are many […]
08
Oct
Oct
“Don Don Don, Donki, Don Don Donki…” – you know you’ve arrived at a Japan Don Quijote or MEGA Don Quijote store when you hear the legendary theme tune on loop! Welcome to Don Quijote, Japan’s most famous chain store, with a cartoon penguin as the main mascot (Donpen). Don Quijote department stores are home […]
08
Oct
Oct
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world but not just because of its scenic landscapes or natural wonders – look down towards the sidewalk and you’ll see joyful Japanese manhole covers with incredible designs and artwork. Japanese Manhole covers (マンホール蓋 – Manhōru futa) are colourful and often delightfully designed with intricate […]
08
Oct
Oct
Kanpai! Walk around any major Japanese city and it won’t be long before you see the gleaming lights and hanging pub sign of a HUB Bar or 82 Ale House. One of Japan’s biggest bar chains with over 100 pubs, the 82 Ale House and HUB pubs are British themed pubs that have (VERY) happy […]
07
Oct
Oct
Take a ride on Japan’s only Don Quijote Ferris Wheel, the epic Ebisu Tower in Dotonbori, Osaka. Obviously no trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Japan’s most famous discount chain, Don Quijote. For the ultimate Don Quijote experience in Japan, you need to take a spin on the Ebisu Tower Don Quijote […]
07
Oct
Oct
Dotonbori is Osaka’s most dazzling district, full of bright lights and riverside sights, plus incredible night-life and evening shopping – it is the ultimate place to visit in Osaka at night. From okonomiyaki and takoyaki to kushikatsu, Dotonbori (道頓堀) is famous for its street-food too – and the back streets are home to hidden gems […]