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Aichi: Heritage Sites and Modern Attractions
Where is Aichi?
Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a rich tapestry of history, nature, food, and entertainment. Visitors can explore historical landmarks like Nagoya Castle, built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, and Inuyama Castle, Japan's oldest wooden castle tower.
Sacred sites such as Atsuta Shrine and Toyokawa Inari Shrine are also must-sees. Nature lovers will appreciate Mikawa Bay's beautiful seascapes, Gamagori Hot Springs, and the seasonal beauty of Chausuyama Kogen. Culinary delights include Nagoya meshi, featuring hitsumabushii, miso katsu, and kishimen noodles.
Family-friendly entertainment can be found at Legoland Japan and Ghibli Park, making Aichi a diverse and exciting destination.
Nagoya Area
About 2 hours from Tokyo station by trains.
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a historical castle located in Nagoya City. It was built in the early Edo period by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu and completed in 1612. Nagoya Castle is known for its "golden shachihoko," a gold-leaf covered shachihoko attached to the roof of the castle tower.
Inside the castle there is a vast garden and a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the castle and the lifestyle of the time. Although most of the castle was destroyed by fire during World War II, it was later rebuilt and remains a popular tourist attraction for many people.
Nagoya Castle is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan for its beautiful architecture and historical value. It is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Kinshachi Yokocho
Kinshachi Yokocho is a commercial area around Nagoya Castle, popular among tourists and locals alike. This area is divided into two main entrances to Nagoya Castle: the Main Gate Seimon and another near the East Gate Higashimon.
The Main Gate Seimon area is lined with restaurants offering traditional Nagoya cuisine and sweets. Visitors can enjoy Nagoya's famous dishes such as Hitsumabushi, Misokatsu, and Kishimen.
East Gate Higashimon area is an area where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining while enjoying the historical atmosphere, and is characterized by retro buildings and decorations. Here, visitors can purchase gourmet foods and souvenirs unique to Nagoya.
Kinshachi Yokocho is an ideal stopover when visiting Nagoya Castle, where you can enjoy the culture and flavors of Nagoya.
Atsuta-jingu Shrine
Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine) is an ancient shrine located in Nagoya City and is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. It is said to have been founded more than 1,900 years ago and is known for enshrining the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Sword of Kusanagi), one of the three sacred weapons.
Atsuta Jingu Shrine has a large number of Shinto shrines on its vast grounds, creating a sacred atmosphere. In particular, the main shrine is designated as an important cultural property, providing a solemn atmosphere. The beautiful garden and nature are another attraction, with different scenery for each season. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are especially worth seeing.
Atsuta Jingu Shrine is an important tourist spot in Nagoya where history and nature are in harmony, and where you can heal both body and soul.
Tokugawa Park
Tokugawa Park is a beautiful garden that conveys the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is adjacent to the Tokugawa Museum and was once the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family.
The garden is approximately 4.5 hectares in size, and was designed as a garden with a pond and a circular path around it. There is a large pond in the center of the garden, surrounded by walking paths. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from season to season, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall being particular highlights. Tokugawa Park also has a tea ceremony room where visitors can enjoy tea in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere.
Tokugawa Park is an ideal place to spend quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a spot where visitors can experience traditional Japanese garden culture. It is a relaxing and healing space for visitors who come here to sightsee and stroll.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is located in Nagoya City and exhibits Toyota's history and technology. Built on the site of a former textile machinery factory, the museum exhibits the looms of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota, and early textile machinery.
The museum is divided into the Textile Machinery Pavilion and the Automobile Pavilion. In the Textile Machinery Pavilion, visitors can learn about the evolution of Toyota's roots in textile machinery technology. The Automotive Pavilion, on the other hand, displays the history of Toyota's automobile manufacturing, from the earliest cars to the latest technology.
Many exhibits use demonstrations and models, allowing visitors to intuitively understand the evolution of technology. It is a valuable facility where visitors can enjoy learning about the process of Toyota's technological innovation.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a railroad museum located in Nagoya City that introduces the development of Japanese railroad technology. Operated by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai), the museum has a wide range of exhibits including Shinkansen bullet trains, conventional trains, and linear motor cars.
The museum has many actual rolling stock on display, including the first Shinkansen "Series 0" and the latest "Series L0" linear motor cars. There is also a driving simulator and a diorama of a model train that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a facility where visitors can directly experience the evolution of Japanese railroad technology and learn about the technology of the future transportation system, the linear motor car. It is a must-see for railroad fans and technology enthusiasts.
Noritake Garden
Noritake Garden is a complex in Nagoya that was built on the site of a former factory and offers visitors a wide variety of experiences, including a beautiful garden, museum, store, and restaurant.
At the museum, visitors can learn about Noritake's history and the process of making ceramics, and workshops are held where visitors can actually try their hand at painting. It is a place where visitors can feel close to the art of ceramic production and its beauty.
The garden is a beautiful space where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, perfect for a stroll. Visitors can also purchase Noritake's high-quality ceramic products at the facility's store and enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant. Noritake Garden is a fascinating blend of culture and nature.
Hisaya-odori Park
Hisaya Odori Park is a large urban park located in the center of Nagoya City, with lush green plazas and walking paths that are popular with citizens and tourists alike. The park is popular as a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the seasonal flowers and trees. It is a place of relaxation for families and walkers.
Adjacent to the park is the Nagoya TV Tower, Japan's first concentrated radio tower at 180 meters high, completed in 1954. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Nagoya city, and at night, the tower is illuminated to provide a beautiful night view. There are also cafes and restaurants around the TV tower, making it an attractive spot for tourists.
Also located near the park is Oasis 21, a futuristically designed complex. It features a large glass roof called a "water spaceship," a rooftop garden, a shopping mall, and a collection of restaurants. With a bus terminal in the basement, it also serves as a transportation hub. Together with Hisaya-odori Park, the Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21 are areas where visitors can experience the charms of nature and the city at the same time.
LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Japan is a theme park located in Nagoya, and is a popular destination for families and children. The park, themed around the world's most popular LEGO bricks, opened in 2017 and offers numerous attractions and shows.
The park has a variety of themed areas, each with different attractions. In Miniland, visitors will be amazed by the elaborate miniature LEGO-block reproductions of famous Japanese landmarks. There are also a variety of thrilling activities such as roller coasters, water attractions, and the Adventure Zone.
In addition, LEGOLAND Japan offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at building LEGO bricks, as well as a number of stores where LEGO bricks can be purchased. Visitors can spend time stimulating their creativity while enjoying the world of LEGO bricks to the fullest. The theme park also has a restaurant, making it a family entertainment facility that can be enjoyed all day long.
Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is a theme park in Aichi Prefecture where visitors can experience the world of Studio Ghibli films. 2022 is the year the park opened, and visitors can enjoy the charm of Ghibli films such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away".
The park features areas that faithfully recreate the settings of the films, such as "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," "Mononoke no Sato," and "Valley of Witches". In these areas, visitors can experience the movie as if they were in the film, as there are many exhibits that recreate scenes from the movie and many exhibits related to Ghibli.
The natural surroundings are also an attraction, and the vast grounds are lush and green, making it a pleasant place to stroll. With stores selling Ghibli-related goods and themed cafes, visitors can enjoy themselves all day long. This is a recommended spot for Ghibli fans and tourists.
Inuyama Area
About 30 minutes from Nagoya station by trains.
Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle is a Japanese historical castle located in Inuyama City and designated as a National Treasure, built in 1537 and known as the oldest remaining wooden castle keep in Japan. The castle tower is located on a small hill, offering a beautiful view of the Kiso River and Inuyama City.
Inuyama Castle was used as an important base from the Warring States Period to the Edo Period and was the setting for many historical events. There are many historical exhibits inside the castle, where visitors can learn about life and battles of those days.
Surrounding the castle is the castle town, where visitors can enjoy strolling through the traditional buildings and stores. Inuyama Castle is a popular tourist attraction that combines beautiful scenery and a rich history.
Okazaki Area
About 50 minutes from Nagoya station by trains.
Okazaki Castle
Okazaki Castle is a historical castle in Okazaki City, known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famous general of the Warring States period, and was built in 1452 and fully developed by Ieyasu's grandfather, Matsudaira Kiyoyasu.
The castle served as an important base for the Tokugawa family during the Edo period, and today houses a restored castle tower and a museum. In the museum, visitors can learn about the history of Tokugawa Ieyasu through exhibits of materials, armor, and armors related to the Tokugawa family.
Okazaki Park is located in the surrounding area and is famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the park is crowded with cherry blossom-viewing visitors, who can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Okazaki Castle is a popular sightseeing spot where history and nature are in harmony.
Gamagori Area
About 1 hour from Nagoya station by trains.
Gamagori Hot Spring
Gamagori Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture, and features an excellent location overlooking beautiful Mikawa Bay.
There are several lodging facilities in the hot spring resort, each with its own unique hot springs and baths. The open-air baths and private baths overlooking the ocean are especially popular. The quality of the hot spring water is chloride spring water, which warms the body from the core and is effective in relieving fatigue and improving health.
The area surrounding Gamagori Onsen is rich in sightseeing spots, including Takeshima, Laguna Ten Bosch, and the Gamagori Classic Hotel, where you can enjoy both sightseeing and hot springs at the same time. The area is loved by many tourists as a place where they can relax and enjoy sightseeing at the same time.
Toyokawa Area
About 1 hour 20 minutes from Nagoya station by trains.
Toyokawa Inari Shrine
Toyokawa Inari Shrine is one of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan, located in Toyokawa City. It was founded in 1441, and its official name is Toyokawa Kaku Myogonji Temple.
The shrine attracts many worshippers because it is believed to bring blessings for prosperous business, family safety, and traffic safety. The shrine grounds are lined with a majestic main hall, numerous torii gates, and statues of foxes, creating a unique atmosphere.
Toyokawa Inari Shrine is also crowded with visitors during the annual Hatsumode (New Year's Pilgrimage) in January and the Setsubun Festival in February. There are also souvenir stores and restaurants in the vicinity of the shrine, where visitors can enjoy a stroll after visiting the shrine.
