Shirakawa-go Light-up Event
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go, this event, held on specific days in January and February, draws large crowds annually. The sight of the iconic, thatched triangular roofs of the gassho-style houses blanketed in snow, illuminated against the night, evokes a fairy-tale-like look and feel.
Seeing this World Heritage site lit up on a winter night was truly unforgettable. The fairy-tale atmosphere is just magical.
Gifu Castle
The Symbol of Gifu towers on top of Mt. Kinka 329m above sea level. During the age of provincial wars, Saito Dosan resided. When Oda Nobunaga became the lord, it became the homebase of his ambition to rule the nation.
Gifu Castle is located on Mt. Kinka, and it's known for being easy to defend and hard to attack. If you don't want to tire yourself out, you can just take the ropeway up.
Meijo Park (Meijyo Park)
The 198-acre comprehensive park is adorned with all-season flower beds, an open space with lawn, and Ofuke Pond with a view of Nagoya Castle. A baseball field, sports facilities and many more are providing recreation to Nagoya City residents.
After visiting Nagoya Castle, you can take a walk in the park. There are lots of wisteria varieties blooming from late April to early May.
Osu Shopping Street
Nagoya‘s biggest arcade is surrounded by Wakamiya, Fushimi, Osu and Minami-Otsu Streets. Almost 1,200 stores and facilities in all kinds of genres are clustered - restaurants, second-hand, general, and appliance stores, etc. are creating a unique atmosphere.
The shops here are pretty down-to-earth and affordable, but honestly, it's more fun just to browse than to buy.
Hasedera temple (Kamakura)
Hasedera Temple, often referred to as "Hase Kannon," is known as one of the most scenic spots in Kamakura. The principal deity is the statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, with 11 faces. Standing at 9.18 meters high, it is one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in Japan.
Hasedera has a huge area dedicated to hydrangeas, with so many different varieties. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore every corner and really take it all in.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the symbol of Kamakura, located in the heart of the city. It is frequented by many worshipers as a shrine related to Minamoto no Yorimoto, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. The current main shrine, which was built in 1828, has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is truly the symbol of Kamakura. The red buildings are really impressive. You can get there directly by the Enoden train, and Komachi Street nearby is also worth checking out.