I visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura for a year-end shrine visit, and also did a bit of a pilgrimage to a famous filming location. Seeing a place that once appeared in a historical drama right in front of me was really special.
This historic shrine has witnessed the rise and fall of the Kamakura shogunate, and actually walking up the stone steps made me feel the weight of its history.
As one of Kamakura’s signature attractions, I’d highly recommend visiting for worship even if you haven’t seen the TV drama.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Kyoto Tower (Nidec The Kyoto Tower)
It is located right in front of Kyoto Station. It was designed in the shape of a lighthouse to illuminate Kyoto, and is the tallest building in Kyoto at 131 meters. It has been visited by over 32 million people since it opened in 1964.
Kyoto Tower is right across from Kyoto Station. Travelers arriving in Kyoto will see it first. Its modern look may not seem to match the ancient capital, but its convenient location and striking appearance make it impossible to ignore.
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Branch Miyage Nara Sanjo Store
In July 2022, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a retailer of handicrafts and goods from across Japan, carried out a major renovation of its “Nihonichi Nara Sanjo Store,” transforming it into a shop offering about 1,300 Nara-themed souvenirs crafted with a focus on local handwork.
If you’re visiting Nara and want to pick up a souvenir that’s a little different, I highly recommend Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. You won’t find the usual traditional souvenirs here. Instead, they sell lots of lifestyle goods that incorporate Japanese craftsmanship. Everything is beautifully designed, inside and out, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it. If you’re looking for unique little finds, this is the place to go!
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Asukayama Park
Japan's first park, opened to the public and planted with cherry trees by Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune about 300 years ago. It is one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, and the park features around 600 cherry trees. Other plants in the park include hydrangeas and azaleas.
Asukayama Park is one of Tokyo’s famous cherry blossom spots, but it’s not nearly as crowded as Ueno Park, which makes the overall hanami experience so much better.
Before entering the park, I walked up to the pedestrian bridge outside and waited for the Toden Arakawa Line train to approach. Watching the streetcar slowly pass by from above, with its retro cars framed by the cherry blossoms, I captured a feeling that felt uniquely Tokyo.
If you’re like me and don’t enjoy big crowds, Asukayama Park is absolutely a fantastic choice. -
