Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (Kongosan Kinjoin Heikenji)
Kawasaki Daishi is considered the birthplace of the "Hatsumode" tradition. Every year during the first three days of the New Year, approximately 3 million people visit for worship.
Kawasaki Daishi is one of the more famous temples in the Kanto area, known for warding off bad luck, bringing good fortune, and keeping you safe.
The place really has a strong Japanese vibe, but it doesn’t feel overly touristy.
Tokyo Disneyland
Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.
There are Disney parks all over the world, but Tokyo Disneyland is probably the most successful one. Definitely worth a visit!
Dotonbori
Crab, octopus, cow, crane….these are just a few of the oversized 3D signboards that make up the look and feel of the bustling Dotonbori Area. Its packed with a number of eateries along the northern Dotonbori River and main street along its southern side.
The Glico Running Man sign has been around since the 1930s and is a true symbol of Osaka. You just have to take a photo here—it's a must!
Nagoya Castle
One of the largest castles in Japan, built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, the five-story castle tower is topped with shining two Kinshachi, one male and one female that has become a symbol of Nagoya.
Nagoya Castle was almost completely destroyed during air raids in World War II. The current castle was rebuilt in 1959. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of golden shachihoko on the roof of the main keep, which are also a symbol of Nagoya.
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
Its predecessor was Tsuruyama Castle built by Tadamasa Yamana in 1441, which was abandoned during the Onin and Bunmei Wars. Later, Tadamasa Mori, the younger brother of Ranmaru Mori, known as a close aide of Oda Nobunaga, changed the castle’s name from "Tsuruyama" to "Tsuyama" and began to construct it. The magnificent castle was completed in 1604 after 13 years of work and it is one of the three great Hirayama castles in Japan.
This is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing. It's definitely worth coming here during sakura season!
Kishiwada Castle
The symbol of Kishiwada, known as the town of "Danjiri", is the residence of the Okabe family Kishiwada clan with 53,000 stones. The shape of the main enclosure and the Ninomaru is similar to the "chikiri" that winds the thread of a weaving machine, so it is also called "Chikirijyo".
It's really close to Kansai Airport, so I stopped by for a walk before heading home. Nice way to spend some extra time!