Blog posts

Japan travel adventures with the family

Top things to pack for Japan travel

Some of my dear family, friends and colleagues are planning their trips to Japan and I’ve been asked about what to pack. Besides the obvious, there are some additional things you will need when travelling in Japan. Passports and Visas Passports – make sure they are still valid for 6 months after you plan to…
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Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is a worldwide recognisable icon of Japan, so should this be on your to do list when you visit Tokyo? Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and at 634m is the worlds tallest self supporting steel structure, standing 3m taller than the Eiffel Tower. It also functions as a broadcast antenna. If you…
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Takao walk tokyo

Hints and tips for travelling with teenagers in Japan

Getting them up in the morning! Japan really suits a teenagers lifestyle, everything opens late and stays open late so win-win! Feeding them We have three teenage boys, I’m not sure about you, but our boys eat a lot!! A bargain sushi train might be really reasonable but by the time our boys are done…
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Ginzan Onsen Ryokan

Top tips for staying in a traditional ryokan

Ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn and we highly recommend staying in one for at least one night for a unique and authentic Japanese experience. Ryokan can be more expensive so here is everything you need to know to make the most of your stay. Choosing a ryokan Searching for ‘ryokan’ in English does not…
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Gacha capsule toy

Gacha-Gacha

Gacha-Gacha or Gachapon (also called Gashapon) are capsule vending machines found all over Japan. Inside the plastic ball is a mystery toy, collectable or even facecloth! Gachapon is onomatopoeia for the sound made when turning the handle of the machine ‘gacha’ and the sound as the ball comes out of the chute ‘pon’. Our kids…
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Japanese convenience stores

Any traveller to Japan will be very familiar with the Japanese convenience store, or konbini, as they are known locally. If you haven’t been to Japan, then let me introduce you to the wonder, the magic and the marvel of Japanese convenience stores! Japanese convenience stores are true to their word – they are conveniently…
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Top 10 Convenience Store Survival Foods for Families

One of the biggest concerns for many families when travelling is what the kids will eat. On our first trip to Japan our youngest was a very fussy eater (2yo) and survived on convenience store bread and the tube of Vegemite we brought with us! Now he’s a fantastic eater and every trip he looks…
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Tokyo DisneySea light show

DisneySea

Tokyo boasts the only DisneySea in the world! At DisneySea you can sail around the World, visiting harbours and taking in rides and adventures from gondolas in Venice to pirate ships to a steam liner or travel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea with Captain Nemo! DisneySea is sometimes said to be marketed at an…
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Disneyland Japan

Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland, like every Disneyland is a magical world of fantasy and fun! If you have been to a Disneyland before it will feel very familiar, however, Tokyo Disneyland has a Japanese twist! Japanese people love Disney and everything cute (kawaii). You’ll see cute couples dressed up in matching outfits, hear Mickey and Minnie speak…
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Tokyo disneyland light show

Disneyland and DisneySea – Planning

Tokyo boasts Disneyland and the only DisneySea in the world. Both parks, although completely separate, are right next to each other on Tokyo Bay. A monorail and ring of hotels circle the parks. For updates regarding restrictions and requirements due to COVID19, please check the official Disney page or download the Tokyo Disney Resort App…
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