If you’re looking for a unique travel destination in Japan, Aichi Prefecture is definitely worth considering.
Located in the heart of the country, this region boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and plenty of fun activities for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples and castles, trying local cuisine (best in Japan), or just taking in the beauty of the landscape, Aichi has something for everyone.
Aichi Prefecture Overview
Aichi Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan’s main island.
It is home to the third biggest city in Japan, Nagoya, which is the prefecture’s capital and a castle town.
I have lived here for over 23 years now.
Considering I came for 6 months, I’ve kind of overstayed my welcome.
In Japan, you’ll hear that Osaka has the best food.
For me, Aichi is 1000 times better food-wise.
It is also the birthplace of many famous Japanese companies such as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi.
The region is also known for its traditional crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and lacquerware.
Aichi Prefecture has a diverse landscape, with both urban and rural areas.
The Chubu region’s largest airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, is located in Aichi Prefecture, making it a popular destination for travelers.
It won the best regional airport in the world in 2023 and if you ever visit, you’ll know why.
So, here are some of the top attractions in Aichi.
Top Aichi Prefecture Historical Sites
Aichi Prefecture, like many places in Japan, is rich in history.
Many of these are in the main city of Nagoya.
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is one of the most famous castles in Japan.
It was built in 1612 by the Tokugawa shogunate on the order of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
And has been an important landmark in Nagoya ever since.
The castle was destroyed during World War II, but it was rebuilt in 1959.
The castle has a beautiful garden, and you can also see many historical artifacts in the castle museum.
Take a walk with me around the castle grounds.
And here is the official website if you want to learn more.
Atsuta Shrine
Atsuta Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Japan and a personal favourite.
It is said to be home to one of the three sacred treasures of Japan, the sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
The shrine has a long history, dating back over 1,900 years.
It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and you can see many traditional Japanese rituals and ceremonies taking place here.
Watch our walk around Atsuta Shrine.
Inuyama Castle
The Castle in Inuyama is the oldest original castle in Japan.
And the best.
It was built in 1537 and is located on a hill overlooking the Kiso River.
The castle is a national treasure and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views.
You can also see many historical artifacts in the castle museum.
If you are feeling adventurous, try some Ukai, or cormorant fishing on the Kiso river that runs past the castle.
This is a traditional form of fishing in the area and one of the popular attractions of the town.
You can also do this in nearby Gifu as well.
Inuyama City can be reached on the blue line of the Nagoya subway.
Nittaiji temple
This temple in the Kakuozan area of Nagoya is worth a visit.
Nittaiji is the only temple in Japan that doesn’t belong to any one sect but instead reflects all of them.
King Chulalongkorn of Siam, which is now called Thailand, gave a holy part of the Buddha’s body to Japan as a gift.
This part is kept in the Nittaiji Temple.
This huge building, which is more than 330,000 square meters and was built in 1904, is a symbol of the friendship between Thailand and Japan.
It is also a way to bring together the different Buddhist groups in Japan.
Take a walk with me from the station to the temple.
Okazaki Castle Town
Okazaki Castle was built in 1455 and is located in Okazaki City, which is 54km from Nagoya.
The castle played an important role in the history of Japan, as it was the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The castle was destroyed during World War II, but it was rebuilt in the 1950s.
Today, you can see many historical artifacts in the castle museum, as well as enjoy the beautiful gardens and views from the castle tower.
Parks
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun in Aichi Prefecture, you won’t be disappointed.
There are plenty of parks to explore, each with its own unique features.
Shirotori Gardens
The Shirotori Garden is a lovely Japanese garden in the middle of Nagoya, Japan.
This garden is a famous place for tourists to visit and a great place for nature lovers to relax and unwind.
It covers an area of about 17,000 square meters.
Its name, “Shirotori,” comes from the many white storks that used to live in the area and means “white stork” in Japanese.
Shirotori Garden is a place of peaceful beauty with rocks, streams, bridges, and plants that are used in traditional Japanese landscaping.
The park has a pond in the middle that is surrounded by lots of green plants and colorful flowers.
There are a lot of koi fish and turtles in the pond, and people can buy special food to feed them.
Tokugawa en
Tokugawa en is a beautiful park located in the heart of Nagoya.
The park is known for its stunning gardens, which feature traditional Japanese landscaping and architecture.
You can stroll through the gardens and admire the ponds, waterfalls, and bridges.
In addition to the gardens, Tokugawa en also has the Tokugawa art museum dedicated to the Tokugawa family, who ruled Japan during the Edo period.
The museum has a large collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide a fascinating glimpse into Japanese history.
Cultural Experiences
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Aichi Prefecture, there are several must-visit destinations that offer unique and fascinating experiences.
Meiji Mura
The museum Meiji Mura is located in Inuyama that showcases buildings and structures from the Meiji period (1868-1912).
You can explore over 60 historical buildings, including a replica of Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and experience what life was like during the Meiji era.
Make sure to catch one of the daily performances, such as the traditional Japanese puppet show.
My daughter was in a film here with the famous actress Emily Mortimer and Japanese actor Shido Nakamura.
The museum Meiji mura is worth a day trip if you are in the area.
Arimatsu
Arimatsu is a small town in Nagoya that is famous for its traditional shibori tie-dyeing technique.
You can visit the Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Kaikan, a museum dedicated to the history and techniques of shibori, and even try your hand at creating your own shibori masterpiece.
Don’t forget to stroll along the charming streets lined with old-fashioned wooden houses and shops.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology
The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology offers a fascinating look at the history of the Toyota Motor Corporation and the development of Japan’s industrial technology.
You can see exhibits on everything from weaving machines to automobile manufacturing, and even take a tour of the nearby Toyota factory.
Remember this is in Nagoya, and not Toyota City.
With Kids
If you’re traveling with kids to Aichi Prefecture, there are plenty of fun activities to keep them entertained.
Nagoya Aquarium
The Nagoya public aquarium is home to over 50,000 marine animals from around the world, including dolphins, penguins, and sea turtles
They have dolphin shows several times a day in their covered outdoor area.
Along with a ton of interactive displays (many only in Japanese).
You can park there or take the Meiko line from Kanayama to Nagoya Port; the final stop.
Legoland
Legoland Japan is a theme park based on the iconic toy bricks.
Kids can also build their own Lego creations and participate in hands-on workshops.
By train, get the Aonami line (dark blue) from Nagoya station to the final stop, Kinjo Futo.
This park is quite small, though expansions are planned and also overpriced.
Despite this, kids love it.
Little World
Little World is an open-air museum that showcases different cultures from around the world.
Kids can explore replicas of traditional houses and buildings from countries like France, Italy, and Thailand.
And randomly in true Japanese style, Burkina Faso.
There are also cultural performances and workshops where kids can learn about music, dance, and crafts from different countries.
Anjo Denpark
This is a large theme park with plenty of activities for kids based on Denmark.
There’s a playground, a petting zoo, and even a mini train that takes visitors on a tour of the park.
In the summer, there’s a water park where kids can cool off and have fun in the sun.
There are also plenty of picnic areas and walking paths for families to enjoy.
Japan has lots of parks that are themed on other countries.
They are all fun but I cannot vouch for how accurate they are.
Studio Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is a theme park based on Studio Ghibli’s popular animated movies.
It opened in November 2022 outside of Nagoya.
Unlike other theme parks, it doesn’t have any rides.
Instead, it lets people explore the magical worlds of the famous Ghibli movies.
The main areas of the park are:
- Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
- Hill of Youth with sections from “Laputa: Castle in the Sky” and “Howl’s Moving Castle”
- Dondoko Forest from the movie “My Neighbor Totoro”
Nagoya City Science Museum
The Nagoya City Science Museum is a great place to take kids who are interested in science and technology.
There are interactive exhibits on topics like space exploration, robotics, and energy.
The highlight of the museum is the planetarium, which has a 35-meter dome and shows stunning visuals of the night sky.
This is between Sakae and Osu in central Nagoya.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park Museum in Nagoya is a great place to go if you or your kids love trains.
It takes only 24 minutes on a comfortable straight train from Nagoya Station, and Legoland Japan is right next door.
Japan Railways built this railway park to show how Japan wants to build a magnetic levitation (maglev) train line.
There are a few displays about maglev trains, but the main focus is on how trains in Japan have changed over time.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun in Aichi Prefecture, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are some top outdoor activities to try:
Mikawa Bay
Mikawa Bay is a great spot for water activities.
You can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or take a boat tour to see the beautiful scenery.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at windsurfing or parasailing.
The area is also known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try some local delicacies.
Korankei Gorge and Asuke
Korankei Gorge is a popular destination for hiking and nature walks.
The area is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
We went to see the autumn leaves and it was mesmerizing.
That said, there were so many tourists and it was a little too busy.
There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, temples, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
To make life easier when getting there, I highly recommend going by car and you can park for the day for 500 yen.
Chita Peninsula
The Chita Peninsula is a great area to visit to see rural Japan much of which is the land time forgot.
Here are a few places to consider:
- Minamichita Beach Land – mini aquarium
- Ebi Sen no sato – Rice cracker factory and shop
- Tokoname Path – An area famous for pottery
Himakajima
If you want to take getting off the beaten path to the next level, try this small island which is a short ferry ride from Morozaki at the tip of the peninsula.
Himakajima is a small island off the coast of Aichi Prefecture.
It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beach even if it is the land that time forgot.
You can swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at fishing.
The island is also known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try the local puffer fish or octopus
Or just take in the sea breeze and relax.
We spent a few nights there several years ago and it was a surreal experience.
Local Cuisine
When it comes to local cuisine, Aichi Prefecture has a lot to offer.
In fact, in my two-plus decades here, it’s the best, though not the most well-known.
Here are a few must-tries.
Hitsumabushi
Hitsumabushi is a popular dish made with grilled eel and rice.
The eel is first grilled and then cut into small pieces, which are then served on a bed of rice.
The dish is typically served with a variety of condiments, including wasabi, green onions, and seaweed.
To eat the dish, you first eat a portion of the eel and rice on its own, then add the condiments to the remaining portion and enjoy it as a different flavor profile.
Note: I had jellied eels in the UK and this is nothing like that (thankfully lol).
Tebasaki
Deep-fried chicken wings seasoned with a sweet and savoury sauce.
The dish is popular in Nagoya and is often served as a snack or appetizer.
The chicken wings are typically crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the sauce adds a delicious flavor that is hard to resist.
The best place to try them is a chain called Yamachan.
Miso Dishes
People commonly use miso, a fermented soybean paste, in Japanese cuisine, and Aichi Prefecture is famous for its miso dishes.
Particularly hatcho miso which is used in home cooking.
One of the popular dishes is miso katsu, which consists of a deep-fried pork cutlet served with a sauce made from miso.
Another popular dish is miso nikomi udon, which is a hearty noodle soup that is made with a miso-based broth.
Shopping Destinations
When it comes to shopping, Aichi Prefecture has a lot to offer.
From high-end boutiques to traditional markets, there is something for everyone.
Fun fact back in the early 2000s, Louis Vuitton was so popular that after Paris, the Nagoya store sold the most products globally.
Nagoya Station Area
The Nagoya Station Area is a shopper’s paradise.
It is home to several department stores, including Takashimaya and Matsuzakaya, as well as many smaller shops and boutiques.
You can find everything from luxury brands to affordable fashion, as well as electronics, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
If you’re looking for something to eat, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area.
Take a walk with me around the Nagoya station area.
Sakae
The Sakae Area is another great place to shop in Aichi Prefecture.
It is known for its high-end fashion boutiques and department stores, such as Maruei and Mitsukoshi.
You can also find many international brands here, as well as local designers and artisans.
The recently redeveloped Hisaya Odori park is home to the TV tower and perfect if the weather suits.
In addition to fashion, the Sakae Area is also home to many specialty shops, selling everything from green tea to stationery.
Osu
For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Osu Shopping Street.
This historic shopping arcade has been around since the Edo period.
There are tons of shops, selling everything from antiques to fashion.
You can find many unique and one-of-a-kind items here, as well as traditional Japanese souvenirs.
The Osu Shopping Street has some great food stalls, selling local dishes and snacks.
Osu Kannon temple is also one of the top places to visit in Aichi.
Maker’s pier
This is a cool outdoor shopping area near Legoland.
It has a wide range of activities for kids as well and if the weather is nice, is worth a trip.
To get there, take the Aonami line from Nagoya station to Kinjo Futo station.
They also have a few large outlets and an indoor area called Port Messe which sometimes has exhibitions on.
Other Cities in Aichi
Gamagori
If you’re looking for a seaside town with plenty to do, Gamagori is a great option.
Located in Aichi Prefecture, it’s easily accessible by train or car. Here are some things you can do in Gamagori:
- Visit Laguna Ten Bosch: This amusement park has a variety of attractions, including a water park, roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel. It’s a great place to spend a day with family or friends.
- Relax at Gamagori Orange Park: This park is known for its beautiful gardens and citrus trees. Take a stroll through the park, have a picnic, or try some of the local orange juice.
- Explore Mikawa Bay: Take a boat tour of the bay to see the beautiful coastline and islands.
- Visit Kodomonokuni: While this has seen better days, small kids will love it.
- Try some local seafood: Gamagori is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try some while you’re there. Some popular dishes include grilled eel, shrimp tempura, and oysters.
Toyohashi
If you’re looking for a city that offers a mix of nature and city life, Toyohashi is definitely worth a visit.
Toyohashi is located in the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture.
One of the must-visit spots in Toyohashi is Yoshida Castle.
It was built in the 15th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The castle offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Another attraction worth checking out is the Toyohashi City Museum of Art and History, which showcases the city’s rich history and culture.
Finally, try a trip to the Atsumi peninsula which has some of the best spots in Aichi beach-wise.
Before You Go
There are many things to do in Aichi.
The main area is Nagoya city but there are plenty more spots to check out.
And it’s also only a few hours by Shinkansen from Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.
Whether you stick to Nagoya city or venture further afield, you’ll have a great time.
