Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important shrine in Kamakura. It was moved to its current spot in 1191 by Yoritomo Minamoto who helped establish Kamakura as the capital. The shrine buildings you see today were rebuilt in 1828 by Ienari Tokugawa. The shrine is impressive and the grounds are large. There are two ponds flanking the central entrance to the shrine and many buildings within its precints. There is also a small museum of treasures owned by the shrine.
Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha that is located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan (the largest is located in the Todaiji Temple in Nara). The statue was cast in 1252 and originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were washed away by a tsunami tidal wave in the end of the 15th century, and since then the Buddha stands in the open air.
Medetaiyaki shop in Kabukiza Tokyo
Medetai means happy, joy or congrats, and taiyaki is a sea bream shaped sweets. Medetai+taiyaki=Medetaiyaki sounds happy for Japanese. And more, sweet bean-paste with red and white mochi dumpling in the tummy of it! Red and white are also happy colour in the japanese culture. The shop is located only in Kabukiza Tokyo, so it will be always very popular and the medetaiyaki taste good too.
Zenkoji Temple, Nagano
The Zenkoji Temple is the most famous temple in Nagano, with 1400 years of history. Dating from 1707, Zenkoji is a designated National Treasure. Zenkoji is an important pilgrims destination and remains an authentic centre of worship in Japan. There is a pitch black tunnel underneath the Main Hall where you can walk around. It is said that this is the temples’ ‘place for enlightenment’ and that all people here are equal.
Doraemon Sky Park, New Chitose Airport
Doraemon Sky Park located in the New Chitose Aiport, which includes several different areas with themes dedicated to the much-loved robot character from the future. Doraemon greet you at the entrance of the main attraction area. Children who are a little bit older should enjoy drawing or reading the Doraemon comics available in various languages in the library and workshop area. you can rest at the Doraemon cafe, where they have various Dorameon-decorated foods and drinks. You can also buy baked Doraemon taiyaki filled with sweet red-bean paste in the shop right next to the cafe. The taiyaki are available in the shape of either Doraemon or his sister, Dorami.