In May, I traveled to Nagoya with my little one, and the thing we were most looking forward to was visiting Nagoya Anpanman Children's Museum & Park.
This place is truly a paradise for kids. The park is clean, comfortable, and full of bright colors. You can see Anpanman and other adorable characters everywhere, so my child was excited from the moment we walked in.
There are plenty of indoor play areas, outdoor attractions, and themed restaurants full of playful charm. Whether you’re playing, taking photos, or having a meal, you’ll come away with lots of great memories.
It was raining heavily that morning, so I was worried it might affect our plans. Luckily, the rain stopped in the afternoon, and the outdoor show we had been looking forward to went on as planned. Seeing the characters interact so warmly with the kids made my little one laugh nonstop.
We played from morning until the afternoon and still didn’t want to leave. It’s a fantastic spot for families with children. If you’re traveling independently in Nagoya with kids, I highly recommend setting aside a full day here. I’m sure both adults and children will leave with unforgettable and happy travel memories.
Nagoya Anpanman Children's Museum & Park | Review by Queenie
Other Reviews by Queenie
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Otaru Canal Cruise
The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12) by reclaiming the offshore coast, is lined with historic stone and timber warehouses and remains a popular tourist attraction. A 40-minute tour on a cruise boat around this area is a popular choice among visitors.
The Otaru Canal Cruise is a highly recommended experience when visiting Otaru! The boat slowly makes its way along the canal, and during the day, you can admire the well-preserved historic buildings and warehouses along the waterfront. Listening to the onboard commentary also gives you a better sense of Otaru's former prosperity as a port town. In the evening, the sunset and streetlights reflect on the canal, creating a completely different atmosphere. See the history by day and enjoy the romantic night views after dark—each time of day has its own charm, so don't miss it when visiting Otaru!
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Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.
Mt. Tengu is an attraction you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting Otaru! I specifically chose a clear day, took the train from Sapporo to Otaru, then transferred to a bus and the ropeway up the mountain. I enjoyed the mountain scenery all the way up, and once I reached the observation platform, I could see all of Otaru, Otaru Port, and the coastline. The elevation here isn't particularly high, which actually makes the view of the city feel just right. The views are also great as you slowly walk along the hiking trails. Overall, the scenery is every bit as good as Mt. Hakodate, with an added touch of romance unique to Otaru. I recommend heading up the mountain when you visit Otaru!
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Otaru Canal
Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.
After taking the JR train to Otaru Station, I slowly walked over, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Otaru's streets along the way. The weather was beautiful that day, and the blue sky and white clouds paired with the warehouse buildings along the canal made every photo look great.
I strolled along the canal, took photos, and soaked in the city's unique romantic and nostalgic atmosphere. Otaru is even more charming when the weather is nice. Walking through the streets feels like being in a movie scene.
If you visit Otaru in Hokkaido, I really recommend setting aside some time to take a leisurely walk along the canal. There's no need to rush—just wandering around is very relaxing. -
