Obon Week Adventures in Tokyo & Kanagawa
During Obon week, I had the chance to explore both Tokyo and Kanagawa, visiting a mix of cultural landmarks, shopping streets, and hidden gems.
Day 1 – Kamakura
I started my trip in Kamakura, where I visited the famous Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in temple. Afterward, I walked over to the beautiful Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, surrounded by lush greenery and steeped in history.
Day 2 – Tokyo Highlights
The next day took me to the bustling heart of Tokyo. I stopped by the Hachikō statue in Shibuya before heading to the peaceful Meiji Jingū Shrine. From there, I wandered down Takeshita Street in Harajuku to enjoy some local treats like crepes and colorful cotton candy. I also browsed through Harajuku’s trendy shops before ending the evening at a rooftop garden, watching the city lights sparkle across Tokyo.
Day 3 – Okutama Adventure
Looking for something more outdoorsy, I spent the following day in Okutama. I went hiking through scenic trails, tried canoeing on the river, and ended the day with a hearty bowl of tonkatsu ramen—a perfect way to recharge after being active.
Day 4 – Yokohama
Yokohama was next on my itinerary. I visited the Cup Noodles Museum, where I learned about the invention of instant ramen and even made my own custom cup. After some light shopping at the Red Brick Warehouse and a relaxing café break, I stumbled upon a lively festival outside. From there, I walked over to the waterfront at Red Brick Park before heading to Chinatown. Dinner was a feast of flavors with dim sum, crispy fried chicken, kakigori (shaved ice), and more.
Day 5 – Asakusa
On my last day, I explored the historic side of Tokyo with a visit to Denbōin Temple and Sensō-ji in Asakusa. The atmosphere was vibrant, with traditional shops and temple grounds buzzing with energy—a perfect ending to my Obon week journey.
Overall, it was a memorable trip filled with culture, food, shopping, and nature—truly a little bit of everything Japan has to offer.