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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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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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 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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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 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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Shinjuku is a popular spot to visit and stay in Tokyo. It boasts one of the busiest stations in the world! A trip to Japan is not complete without being lost at least once in Shinjuku station! Shinjuku is popular for its night life, electronics district, government towers that provide a great view of the…
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Hakone is an onsen town just outside of Tokyo. It’s a popular get away town for Tokyoites and famous for its traditional ryokan, relaxing onsens and views of Mount Fuji. If you are looking for a short escape close to Tokyo with amazing scenery as well as a traditional Japanese experience, then Hakone is the…
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One of the things I love about Japan is that the seasons are celebrated and mark distinct times of the year. Spring is Sakura or cherry blossom season. A time when everyone comes out to celebrate the fleeting cherry blossom and picnic under the delicate, transitory petals. This is one of the most popular times…
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Nagasaki city is a picturesque port city on the island Kyushu in the South West of Japan. This beautiful city has had a varied history and has been a key player in the history of Japan. In 1543, Portuguese explorers first landed near Nagasaki and trade was established. Spanish, Chinese and Dutch traders were also…
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