[ad_1]
As a National Geographic journalist, I recently had the pleasure of exploring the stunning city of Okazaki, Japan. Located on the northeastern coast of the Aichi Prefecture, Okazaki is a beautiful city surrounded by lush greenery, flowing rivers, and ancient temples.
The scenery of Okazaki is simply breathtaking. The city is surrounded by mountains which provide a stunning backdrop to the vibrant city center. I particularly liked the beautiful cobblestone streets, unique architecture, and traditional Japanese gardens dotted around the city. However, the constant hustle and bustle of the city center can be a little overwhelming at times, especially during peak tourist season.
The average cost of living in Okazaki is relatively moderate. A budget traveler can survive on about $50 a day which includes accommodation, transport, and food. However, those who are looking for a more luxurious experience can expect to spend more.
Okazaki is home to over 20 exciting points of interest that caters to all interests. Here are the top 20 points of interest with addresses, websites, Yelp top reviews, and ratings:
1. Okazaki Castle; 2-45 Hori Kose-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0032 – Website, 4.5 stars
2. Higashi Castle; 213 Higashimachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0874 – Website, 4.7 stars
3. Togo Shrine; 17 Higashiyama Togoyama, Okazaki, Aichi 444-2123 – Website, 4.5 stars
4. Okazaki Park; 50 Horikoshi-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0025 – Website, 4.4 stars
5. Otogawa Waterfall; Hachiman-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0025 – Website, 4.6 stars
6. Mito Shrine; Bito-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-2142 – Website, 4.5 stars
7. Okazaki City Art Museum; 4-56 Awata-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0004 – Website, 4.4 stars
8. Okazaki Castle Park; 2-45 Hori Kose-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0032 – Website, 4.6 stars
9. Myoden Dojo; 1088-1 Sakaemachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-2141 – Website, 4.5 stars
10. Hachiman Shrine; 116 Hachiman-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0032 – Website, 4.7 stars
11. Nawa Insect Museum; 2-1 Nawa, Okazaki, Aichi 444-3424 – Website, 4.4 stars
12. Shinojima Island; Shinojima, Tahara, Aichi 441-3605 – Website, 4.8 stars
13. Goharata Shrine; 116 Harata-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-2131 – Website, 4.6 stars
14. Kakigawa River Park; Hyakumanben, Okazaki, Aichi 444-2143 – Website, 4.5 stars
15. Arai Sekisho; 545 Arai-shinden, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0113 – Website, 4.7 stars
16. Okuda Genso Saijiki; 2-36-1 Higashimachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0874 – Website, 4.4 stars
17. Ruins of Okazaki Castle; 2-45 Hori Kose-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0032 – Website, 4.6 stars
18. Isshiki Beach; Isshiki-cho, Tahara, Aichi 441-3601 – Website, 4.5 stars
19. Korankei; Iimori Asuke-cho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2424 – Website, 4.4 stars
20. Morimachi System Yokoyama Dolls; 44-1 Yokoyama-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-3512 – Website, 4.5 stars
For foodie travelers, Okazaki offers some of the best street food in Japan. Here are the top 20 popular street food and its price, along with my recommended locations to find them:
1. Miso Katsu; $5-7; Inafuku, 3-3 Kuramotocho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0867
2. Hitsumabushi; $10-15; Iroha, 2-1 Mishuku, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0944
3. Kishimen; $4-6; Nikutei, 6-11 Higashi Bessho-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0842
4. Mochi; $2-3; Ozaki Mochizu, 3-3 Nakamura-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0845
5. Oden; $2-4; Kaneyoshi, 2-2-27 Marunouchi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0043
6. Akumaki; $3-5; Kamigato, 1 Chome-25-31 Fukiage, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0009
7. Tebasaki; $4-6; Yamachan, 2-59 Higashimachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0814
8. Misonikomi Udon; $4-6; Nakakatsu, 1-1 Takashi-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0065
9. Anko Dango; $2-3; Komine, 19 Bito-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-2142
10. Yakitori; $2-4; Yakitori Marukatsu, 7-23 Nodobashi-machi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0926
11. Yuba; $4-6; Mamefuji, 2-2-10 Marunouchi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0043
12. Kaiten-Sushi; $1-3 per plate; Kaisen Misakiko, 1058-3 Aoida, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0846
13. Ogura Toast; $3-5; Ogura Cafe, 1-19-14 Shinden-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0035
14. Katsu Curry; $8-10; Ezy Curry, 2-15-7 Marunouchi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0043
15. Takoyaki; $3-5; Daruma, 111-3 Takajaya-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0648
16. Kakigori; $3-5; Fukuzumi, 3-2-1 Kuramotocho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0867
17. Dango; $2-4; Dangokei, 4-23 Higashi Bessho-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0842
18. Kibi-Dango; $2-3; Ebisawa, 8-12 Kuramotocho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0867
19. Tamagoyaki; $2-3; Hikawa, 13-1 Chome-39 Nakamura-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0845
20. Shumai; $3-5; Aso, 3-36 Higashimachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0874
For accommodation, Okazaki offers a wide range of options to cater to different budgets:
Top 5 Hotels:
1. Okazaki New Grand Hotel; 4-2 Horikoshi-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0025 – $80-90 per night – 4.5-star rating
2. Comfort Hotel Okazaki; 1-20-15 Higashimachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0874 – $60-70 per night – 4.3-star rating
3. Okazaki Daiichi Hotel; 3-40 Nakamura-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0845 – $70-80 per night – 4.0-star rating
4. Loisir Hotel Okazaki; 49-2 Hori Kose-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0032 – $80-90 per night – 4.1-star rating
5. Okazaki Castle Hotel; 4-4 Jyujyo-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0921 – $80-90 per night – 3.9-star rating
Top 5 Airbnb Listings:
1. Cozy Japanese-Style Room; $40-50 per night
2. Clean & Affordable Studio Apartment; $30-40 per night
3. Spacious Tatami Room with Balcony; $50-60 per night
4. Modern Japanese Apartment with Tatami Room; $60-70 per night
5. Charming Japanese Townhouse; $70-80 per night
In summary, Okazaki’s stunning scenery, diverse points of interest, delectable street food, and affordable accommodation options make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. I would rate this city 9 out of 10 stars given its unique charm and affordability.
To make the most of your visit, I recommend a 3-day trip with at least 5 places to visit each day. Here’s my recommended itinerary with where to find a good or popular food nearby:
Day 1:
1. Okazaki Castle – Inafuku for Miso Katsu
2. Okazaki City Art Museum – Ogura Cafe for Ogura Toast
3. Higashi Castle – Yakitori Marukatsu for Yakitori
4. Otogawa Waterfall – Komine for Anko Dango
5. Togo Shrine – Iroha for Hitsumabushi
Day 2:
1. Arai Sekisho – Hikawa for Tamagoyaki
2. Mito Shrine – Nakakatsu for Misonikomi Udon
3. Shinojima Island – Kamigato for Akumaki
4. Kakigawa River Park – Fukuzumi for Kakigori
5. Goharata Shrine – Yamachan for Tebasaki
Day 3:
1. Korankei – N/A
2. Nawa Insect Museum – Nikutei for Kishimen
3. Morimachi System Yokoyama Dolls – Dangokei for Dango
4. Isshiki Beach – N/A
5. Ruins of Okazaki Castle – Kaneyoshi for Oden
Enjoy your trip to Okazaki!
[ad_2]