hdwf2002's Reviews Page 1/2

With a history of about 1,400 years, Zenkoji Temple is definitely a must-visit attraction when visiting Nagano Prefecture. It is a heritage site that combines history and religious culture. You can take a bus from Nagano Station. Shops line both sides of the approach leading to Zenkoji Temple. If you come in the afternoon, you can take a leisurely walk from the Niomon Gate to the Sanmon Gate, and then you’ll see Zenkoji Temple’s principal image. For souvenirs, the BEAMS limited-edition Zenkoji items are worth checking out. They feel like special regional collectibles, so travelers who like that sort of thing should definitely add them to their list. Visitors gradually start leaving Zenkoji Temple around 4–5 p.m. If you’re not in a hurry to leave, you can walk back along the approach in front of the temple, where there are also quite a few places to eat, bringing a perfect half-day itinerary to a close.

The Kanto region has Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, and when visiting the Chubu region, you definitely shouldn't miss Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. Located by Hisaya-odori subway station, it stands 180 meters tall. Although it isn't the tallest tower in Japan, it is an important landmark in the Chubu region and a must-visit spot for night views.

The tower is in Hisaya-odori Park, with a pond in front of it where events are held from time to time. There are shops and restaurants on both sides. The scenery is completely different during the day and at night, making it a great place to have afternoon tea or enjoy dinner and a walk in the evening. At night, mist rises from the park's pond, and the atmosphere and scenery will have you taking plenty of memorable photos with your phone or camera. If you're in Nagoya's Sakae area, remember to stop by for a walk.

The Sakae shopping district is a top choice for accommodations when visiting Nagoya. Transportation is convenient, and the area from Hisaya-odori Station through Sakae Station to Yabacho Station is lined with department stores, shopping centers, restaurants, and more. Sakae Station is the liveliest part of the area, and you can walk around and browse at night. The Ferris wheel is quite beautiful at night, but the area near Don Quijote attracts a more mixed crowd after 11:00 p.m., so be mindful of your personal safety and belongings. South of Sakae is where many department stores are concentrated. If it's your first visit, you can stay at a hotel south of Sakae. Prices are a little higher, but you won't have to worry about finding places to eat or shop.

The Nagoya City Science Museum is definitely a must-visit family attraction in Nagoya that you'll regret missing. You can spend half a day here with your kids. The entire museum offers hands-on exhibits that you can touch and operate to experience science firsthand. There's no need to worry if you can't read Japanese—the activities are simple and easy to figure out, and kids are sure to love them. The most memorable exhibit was the tornado generator, which can create a tornado 2–3 floors high. Combined with the sound and lighting effects, it makes for a very immersive experience. Keep in mind that there is no food available for purchase inside the museum, so you can bring some bread and snacks to eat in the rest area and recharge. After leaving the museum, there's also a nice dessert shop across the street directly opposite the spherical building that is well worth visiting.

Gifu Castle in Gifu Prefecture is located at the top of Mount Kinka. It was renamed after Oda Nobunaga captured it during Japan’s Sengoku period. Since it is at the top of the mountain, you need to take the ropeway from Gifu Park below. Building this castle back then must have taken tremendous effort, so it’s no wonder it was easy to defend and difficult to attack. After getting off the ropeway, you still have to walk for about 10 minutes. If you come here, you definitely have to go up to the castle keep. From there, you can see the Nagara River and the city scenery in the distance. Gifu Park at the foot of the mountain has a hydrangea season in June, so besides visiting Gifu Castle, you can also enjoy the hydrangeas below the mountain castle.

Located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, it can be reached in about 30 minutes from Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Although it may not be a top priority when visiting Nagoya, Okazaki City is historically significant as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and Okazaki Castle itself has important historical value. It is about a 15-minute walk from Higashi Okazaki Station. Along the way, you will pass Sugo Shrine, Okazaki Park, and Ryujin Shrine, while Okazaki Castle is located inside Okazaki Park. Although the grounds are not very large, you can see the castle keep from Tonobashi Bridge over the Oto River. Okazaki Castle has 3 stories and 5 floors, and from the top you can look out over the Higashi Okazaki area. There aren't many visitors inside, so you can take your time exploring. After visiting Okazaki Castle, you can return to the area near the station for some food and finish up this half-day trip. If you visit Nagoya, remember that you can also stop by this historic site just 30 minutes away.

Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan’s three major shrines, enshrines the Kusanagi Sword, one of the three sacred swords. The shrine grounds are spacious and quiet, surrounded by ancient camphor trees. Many people make sure to visit when they come to Nagoya, and it is a place filled with energy. I recommend visiting during the Atsuta Festival, when the shrine suddenly comes alive with food stalls, taiko drumming, sumo and kendo performances, and locals and tourists dressed in yukata. Of course, there are also lantern floats, and at night, dedicated fireworks light up the sky. Come in early June to experience the prelude to summer, as Atsuta Jingu transforms from solemn and quiet into a lively festival feast. It is well worth visiting at this time and is guaranteed to be worth your while, offering a different kind of shrine visit.

If you're traveling to Nagoya, you definitely shouldn't miss a day trip to Inuyama Castle. Inuyama Castle is the oldest of Japan's 12 surviving original castle keeps. Although it isn't as imposing as Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle, looking up at the keep from the foot of the mountain gives you a better sense of its commanding position and how difficult it would have been to conquer, as well as its importance at the time. To visit the keep, you first have to tackle an 85-degree wooden staircase. From the top floor, you can see the Kiso River and enjoy a wide-open view. Of course, the most important thing is to walk all the way around the outside. When you step onto the wooden walkway, you can hear the interlocking wood creak. The railing isn't very high, so it's a little nerve-racking, but you can fully experience the history of this old castle keep, almost as if you've traveled back in time. After your visit, you can also head to Inuyama Castle Town for local food, a kimono experience, and the atmosphere of the old streets. I recommend getting off at Inuyama-Yuen Station and departing from Inuyama Station on the way back. This lets you avoid the crowds and experience a different route.

If you visit Lake Biwa, I highly recommend taking a boat across the lake and stopping at Chikubu Island. There are three ports offering round-trip island tours, or you can choose a route that crosses Lake Biwa. If your schedule allows, choose the latter. Take a boat from Imazu Port on the west side of Lake Biwa to Chikubu Island, then continue to Nagahama Port on the east side. During the crossing, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Biwa. Of course, Chikubu Island has Tsukubusuma Shrine. Remember to try throwing a round ceramic tile through the torii gate, and your wish will come true. Finally, stop by the port for an Omi beef bun. Visiting Chikubu Island takes about 1–1.5 hours. Make sure to keep track of the boat departure time. After returning to Nagahama Port, you can also visit Kurokabe Market if you have time.

Nagoya's Higashiyama Zoo completely changed my impression of zoos. The animals are kept behind low fences in comfortable spaces, so visitors don't feel like their living areas are cramped. The grounds are also spacious and great for children to run around. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, but the most special are probably the polar bears. You can see them up close without traveling to the Arctic Circle, which is quite a sight. Besides visiting the zoo, you can also go boating on the lake and enjoy the retro amusement rides. It's highly recommended for families with children. Transportation is convenient, so if you're visiting Nagoya, you can plan a day trip here.