王小鈞's Reviews Page 8/11

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.

• Nagoya
• Shopping Streets

Osu Shopping Street is a popular shopping area that’s a must-visit after seeing Osu Kannon. The area is huge, with all kinds of unique snacks, desserts, clothing, lifestyle goods, and specialty shops. You can eat as you walk and browse as you go, so it never gets boring.

It has a great local vibe, and you can find plenty of affordable hidden gems. Whether you’re here for food or shopping, it has you covered. If you enjoy taking your time exploring and hunting for little finds, I’d recommend setting aside a full day to really experience the charm of Osu Shopping Street.

Midland Square

This 247m complex in front of Nagoya Station stands tallest among buildings in Tokai Region. The commerce wing is filled with high-fashion oversea brands, restaurants, and cafes as well as a movie complex and a gallery to show off Lexus luxury cars.

• Nagoya
• Commercial Buildings

A fantastic spot to enjoy Nagoya’s night view. Take the elevator up to the high-rise observation area, and you can see the whole city sparkling below.

The daytime cityscape is great, but after the lights come on at night, it feels even more romantic and beautiful. Perfect for a date or for slowing down during your trip to take in the night scenery.

If you’re visiting Nagoya, don’t miss this free and worthwhile night-view spot. It’s a great way to make a memorable moment on your trip.

Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory

The viewpoint is a popular spot to overlook the village of Ogimachi in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, known by the name "Shirakawa-go," from an elevated position. Ogimachi Castle was a small mountain castle built atop a 60-meter hill with dimensions of approximately 60 meters east-west and 50 meters north-south; now, only remnants like earthworks remain.

• Gifu
• Observatories

If you visit Shirakawa-go, don’t miss going up to the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory. From above, you can look out over the World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, with its beautiful gassho-style houses spread out before you. The view is truly stunning.

Every season has its own completely different charm: fresh green in spring, lush greenery in summer, red maples in fall, and a dreamy snowy landscape in winter. Every photo looks like a postcard.

Standing at the observatory and taking in the peaceful mountain village scenery makes you want to slow down and really appreciate the beauty of nature, history, and culture coming together.

They also give you a free commemorative photo with the beautiful Shirakawa-go scenery, which makes for a precious keepsake from the trip. Definitely worth saving.

Hida Kotte-ushi

Located in the historical district of Hida Takayama, the Kotte-ushi specializes in nigiri-sushi topped with Hida beef for takeout only. Eating Hida beef at a reasonable price while strolling about the traditional town of Hida Takayama has become a very popular activity, resulting in long lines of visitors wishing to try this gourmet street food.

• Gifu
• Japanese Cuisine

Hida beef sushi in Takayama’s old town is a must-try popular food when visiting Hida Takayama.

The freshly seared Hida beef melts in your mouth, with tender, juicy meat. Paired with vinegared rice, it brings out the beef’s rich sweetness even more. Every bite is unforgettable.

There can be quite a line, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. Enjoying this local specialty while strolling through the old streets is definitely one of the most memorable flavors of a Takayama trip.

Hida Takayama Old Townscape

Hida Takayama Old Townscape is said to be a town where the original landscape of Japan remains, as the streets from the Edo period still remain, and the charming town houses and noren (curtains) of old stores continue to be seen.

• Gifu
• Famous Places

If you're traveling to Takayama, Hida Takayama Old Townscape is definitely a must-visit spot! Strolling through the old streets filled with Edo-period charm, with traditional wooden buildings lining both sides, feels like stepping back into old Japan.

The area is packed with unique snacks and souvenir shops, and eating as you walk around is the best way to enjoy it. Be sure to try the melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef skewers, the fresh and delicious Hida beef sushi, and the fragrant gohei mochi with its rich miso sauce. Every bite is unforgettable.

Whether you're taking photos, sampling local food, or soaking in the deep historical atmosphere, Hida Takayama Old Townscape is worth slowing down for and truly enjoying.

Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market

"The Miyagawa Morning Market is held along the Miyagawa River from Kaji-bashi Bridge to　Yayoi-bashi Bridge, near the “Furuimachinami”(old townscape) of Hida Takayama.

• Gifu
• Shopping Streets

When visiting Hida Takayama, don’t miss the Miyagawa Morning Market, full of local charm! The market stretches along the Miyagawa River and sells fresh fruits and vegetables, handicrafts, pickles, and all kinds of local snacks. It’s a really relaxing place to stroll and snack.

Since it’s only open until noon, I recommend going early in the morning. The stalls are at their fullest, the crowds are relatively smaller, and you can better enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Takayama’s old town. It’s definitely one of the must-visit spots on a trip to Hida Takayama.

SCMaglev and Railway Park

It exhibits 39 different trains of Shinkansen, conventional trains and Superconducting Maglev. As you enter, you will find a “Symbol display”, there are three trains that set world speed records at that time, such as Class C62 Steam Locomotive, Class 955 Experimental Shinkansen (300X) and MLX01-1 Superconducting Maglev.

• Nagoya
• Museums

A must-visit spot for railway fans. The museum displays many trains from different eras, from old-school trains to the latest maglev technology, all of which you can see up close. There’s also plenty of information about railway history.

The park isn’t huge, but the exhibits are really engaging, and the admission price is reasonable. About 2 hours is plenty if you take your time. It’s a great place for families with kids.

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
• Tourist Attractions

Nagoya Castle is one of the must-visit attractions when traveling to Nagoya. It’s very easy to get to, with convenient subway access. Even on a weekday, there were still many tourists, and the area felt lively.

Unfortunately, the castle tower was under renovation during my visit, so I couldn’t go inside. Still, the impressive architecture, golden shachihoko decorations, and garden scenery were well worth seeing. It made for a wonderful travel memory.

Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)

About 1900 years ago, one of the Three Sacred Treasures (in Japanese mythology, the goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami, conferred on them. They were handed down as the proof of imperial succession), Kusanagi-no-tsurugi (sacred sword) , was dedicated here, which is said to be the beginning of this shrine.

• Nagoya
• Shrines & Temples

Atsuta Jingu is one of the classic must-visit spots on a trip to Nagoya, with a long history and a solemn, peaceful atmosphere. Once you step inside the shrine grounds, you’re surrounded by towering old trees, giving you a strong sense of traditional Japanese charm. Each season offers its own beautiful scenery: lush greenery in spring, vibrant energy in summer, stunning maple leaves in fall, and an even more dignified feel in winter. No matter when you visit, it’s worth taking your time to appreciate.

Ghibli Park

Whisk away into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli at the world’s one-and-only destination complete with 5 areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches.

• Aichi
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Ghibli Park in Nagoya is a family-friendly spot I highly recommend, and a dreamy destination that Ghibli fans shouldn’t miss. The park is huge and full of greenery, so even just strolling around the free areas is really pleasant. Each themed area requires a separate ticket, and while the prices aren’t exactly cheap, the level of detail and faithful recreations are truly impressive. It’s absolutely worth it.

Unfortunately, it was pouring rain during my visit, so I couldn’t fully enjoy many of the outdoor spots or get the photos I was hoping for, which was a bit of a shame. Still, that just makes me even more excited to come back on a sunny day, explore every corner, and really soak in the magic of the Ghibli world.