Shinagawa Aquarium
Opened in 1991 inside Shinagawa Kumin Park, which sits right next to the canal, this aquarium is themed around “Connecting with the Sea and Rivers.” It features around 4,000 sea creatures from approx 450 species. Through shows and seasonal events, you can get up close with the fish, observe them, and learn more about their world.
Watching the fish swim around so freely really helped me relax. It was super soothing.
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, is a district lined with countless Chinese restaurants. From affordable dishes you can enjoy as takeout or all-you-can-eat meals to authentic Chinese cuisine, there are options to suit your budget.
The strong Chinese vibe here feels especially fresh and exciting when you're abroad.
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
It’s really crowded—people everywhere! But the area you can explore is huge, and it’s an awesome place to visit.
Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located by the sea, just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It was opened in March of 1930, reclaiming the waterfront using rubble caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Yamashita Park was created on reclaimed land, and it's super romantic and beautiful here. The docked ships are really impressive to see.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
This trip to Universal Studios Japan was full of endless surprises for us.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka
Originally launched in 1932 with a mission to foster “knowledge and learning through fun”, this themepark is dedicated to the same LEGO® blocks that are loved by kids and parents around the world.
In the world of LEGO, you can really let your imagination run wild and create endless possibilities.
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.
Kuromon Market has over 100 shops! You can find seafood, fruits and veggies, and all sorts of goods from north and south. There’s so much delicious food here, you’ll never run out of things to try.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
The head shrine of 2300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide, revered as the god of cleansing evil spirits, safe voyage and poetry. It is said that Osaka’s summer festival begins with Aizen Festival, via Tenjin Festival and ends with Sumiyoshi Festival.
The grounds are really spacious, and there are all kinds of sacred trees and historical sites. Super impressive.
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
Ketsumi-mikono-okami is enshrined here. The shrine was built during the era of Japan’s 10th emperor, Sujin. Designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2004.
There are lots of tasty foods and souvenirs nearby, too.
Temma Tenjin Hanjotei
This is a regular Kamigata Rakugo theater that opened in 2006 in the precincts of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine with donations from the public.
I stopped by since it’s right next to Tenmangu Shrine.