Nagoya

T and Amber came to Japan just in time for Golden week. Since I had a whole week of no work, I began to think of ways how to spend it with them. There was no way that there would not be any travel outside Tokyo or Chiba.

We chose Nagoya because Legoland just recently opened its doors to fans like us and that travelling to Nagoya will not take much of our time as long as it was via Shinkansen.

Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. 

Knowing Japan, they have this eccentric way of designing their manholes. This one is a water manhole with Water Strider design. According to my research via google (ahhh, the wonders of technology!), Water Striders are known to live in clean waters only. Meaning that the water inside this manhole is clean, safe and potable.

Nagoya Castle used as background for my mandatory ice cream selfie.

 Legoland was around 30 minutes by train from Nagoya station. 

I have to say that the price was too expensive (500 JPY short of Disney resort tickets) considering the park was not huge. On the plus side, the variety of food are many and kids below 10 will appreciate and enjoy the attractions more.

It Girls

A scale model of Tokyo Station and famous skyscrapers of Tokyo metropolis at the back. Just a few of the many scale models of Japan's famous landmarks.

Amber getting along with a Lego family

So secluded that we were one of the two sets of tourists strolling around.

The rotary just in front of Nagoya Station

We just stopped by the Science museum but did not have much time to get in after having seen the long queue!

Amber teaching me how to pose ala Little Pony. If I remember correctly, she changed her name to Apple Jack during this trip. She was Rainbow Dash during her birthday. As of this writing though, her name has changed again.

Overall, Nagoya may not be as famous and unique as Osaka but it was the experience that really made it special. At the risk of sounding cheesy, it was one of the best trips I have had because Amber was at the stage of getting funnier and wittier. She turned 5 a couple of weeks before this trip and her ability to retain information and attentiveness to details were amazing. I know this is nothing special for kids her age but I am her mother so to some it may be an exaggeration.