Mt. Fuji | Review by hdwf2002

Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan’s three major shrines, enshrines the Kusanagi Sword, one of the three sacred swords. The shrine grounds are spacious and quiet, surrounded by ancient camphor trees. Many people make sure to visit when they come to Nagoya, and it is a place filled with energy. I recommend visiting during the Atsuta Festival, when the shrine suddenly comes alive with food stalls, taiko drumming, sumo and kendo performances, and locals and tourists dressed in yukata. Of course, there are also lantern floats, and at night, dedicated fireworks light up the sky. Come in early June to experience the prelude to summer, as Atsuta Jingu transforms from solemn and quiet into a lively festival feast. It is well worth visiting at this time and is guaranteed to be worth your while, offering a different kind of shrine visit.

If you're traveling to Nagoya, you definitely shouldn't miss a day trip to Inuyama Castle. Inuyama Castle is the oldest of Japan's 12 surviving original castle keeps. Although it isn't as imposing as Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle, looking up at the keep from the foot of the mountain gives you a better sense of its commanding position and how difficult it would have been to conquer, as well as its importance at the time. To visit the keep, you first have to tackle an 85-degree wooden staircase. From the top floor, you can see the Kiso River and enjoy a wide-open view. Of course, the most important thing is to walk all the way around the outside. When you step onto the wooden walkway, you can hear the interlocking wood creak. The railing isn't very high, so it's a little nerve-racking, but you can fully experience the history of this old castle keep, almost as if you've traveled back in time. After your visit, you can also head to Inuyama Castle Town for local food, a kimono experience, and the atmosphere of the old streets. I recommend getting off at Inuyama-Yuen Station and departing from Inuyama Station on the way back. This lets you avoid the crowds and experience a different route.

If you visit Lake Biwa, I highly recommend taking a boat across the lake and stopping at Chikubu Island. There are three ports offering round-trip island tours, or you can choose a route that crosses Lake Biwa. If your schedule allows, choose the latter. Take a boat from Imazu Port on the west side of Lake Biwa to Chikubu Island, then continue to Nagahama Port on the east side. During the crossing, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Biwa. Of course, Chikubu Island has Tsukubusuma Shrine. Remember to try throwing a round ceramic tile through the torii gate, and your wish will come true. Finally, stop by the port for an Omi beef bun. Visiting Chikubu Island takes about 1–1.5 hours. Make sure to keep track of the boat departure time. After returning to Nagahama Port, you can also visit Kurokabe Market if you have time.