If you’re looking for a unique travel destination in Japan, you should get to know Aichi Prefecture.
This region blends urban attractions and natural beauty, making it an exciting place to explore.
From bustling cities like Nagoya to peaceful countryside villages, there’s something for everyone.
🌸 Visiting Nagoya or Aichi prefecture? Then you’ll want to check out these deals:
- Ghibli Park 1-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya
- Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
- Nagoya Street Food Walking Tour of Osu
🏢 Places to stay:
What makes Aichi Prefecture truly special are the hidden gems that most tourists miss.
Let’s look at 18 facts about Aichi prefecture.
- 1) The Tokugawa Art Museum
- 2) The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in Aichi
- 3) Nagoya Castle, located in Aichi, has a golden dolphin on its roof.
- 4) Traditional red miso paste called 'Hatcho Miso'
- 5) The prefecture is home to the festival of 'Toyohashi Gion Matsuri'
- 6) Atsuta Shrine in Aichi contains one of Japan's Three Sacred Treasures
- 7) Ceramic production
- 8) Aichi has a unique dialect called 'Nagoya-ben.'
- 9) The Nagoya Railway Museum showcases historic Japanese trains.
- 10) Aichi is the birthplace of pachinko, Japan’s famous arcade game
- 11) Nagoya in Aichi is one of Japan's three major ports
- 12) The city of Inuyama houses one of the oldest castles in Japan.
- 13) Aichi's Korankei Valley is stunning for autumn leaf viewing
- 14) Nagoya's Oasis 21 is a futuristic shopping complex with a green roof
- 15) Nagoya TV Tower offers fantastic panoramic views of the city.
- 16) Aichi was a filming location for the movie 'Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah'
- 17) Large-scale fireworks festivals.
- 18) Nagoya cuisine includes unique dishes like Hitsumabushi and Tebasaki
1) The Tokugawa Art Museum
If you visit Aichi Prefecture, you’re in for a treat.
This region is home to one of Japan’s oldest museums, the Tokugawa Art Museum.
This fabulous museum opened its doors in 1935.
It showcases over 10,000 items, including swords, armour, Noh costumes, and intricate lacquer furniture.
2) The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in Aichi
If you’re a car enthusiast, you probably know about Toyota.
You might not know that Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in Aichi Prefecture.
It all started in Toyota City, also named after the company.
Quite fitting.
3) Nagoya Castle, located in Aichi, has a golden dolphin on its roof.
When you visit Nagoya Castle, one of the first things you’ll notice is the shiny, golden dolphins on its roof.
These dolphins, called shachihoko, are mythical creatures believed to protect the castle from fire.
The castle has a rich history, and these golden dolphins are iconic.
4) Traditional red miso paste called ‘Hatcho Miso’
When visiting Aichi, you can’t miss tasting Hatcho Miso.
This rich, dark red paste is made primarily in Okazaki.
Hatcho Miso is made from steamed soybeans and salt, which gives it a unique, robust flavour.
It ferments for 24 to 30 months, developing deep, complex notes.
The process of making Hatcho Miso has been perfected for over 800 years.
Even Japanese emperors have enjoyed it, making it a true culinary gem of Aichi.
5) The prefecture is home to the festival of ‘Toyohashi Gion Matsuri’
The Toyohashi Gion Matsuri, also known as the Toyohashi Gion Festival, takes place in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture.
This festival has been celebrated for over 450 years and features impressive fireworks.
6) Atsuta Shrine in Aichi contains one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures
Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya is a must-see when visiting Aichi Prefecture.
It is home to the sacred sword, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
This sword is one of Japan’s Three Imperial Regalia.
The shrine draws millions of visitors every year.
7) Ceramic production
Aichi Prefecture is famous for its ceramics.
Seto, a city in Aichi, is a critical player in this tradition.
Seto has been making pottery for nearly 1,000 years.
The term “Setomono” even means “pottery” in Japanese.
Seto ware includes a variety of ceramics, from everyday items to artistic pieces.
The glazed ceramics from this region are particularly popular.
8) Aichi has a unique dialect called ‘Nagoya-ben.’
Nagoya-ben is the local dialect spoken in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.
It’s a variation of Japanese with unique phrases and pronunciations.
If you visit Aichi, you’ll likely hear locals using Nagoya-ben in daily conversations.
Because of these differences, learning a bit of Nagoya-ben can make your time in Aichi more enjoyable and authentic.
9) The Nagoya Railway Museum showcases historic Japanese trains.
You can’t miss the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park when you visit Nagoya.
You’ll find a collection of trains from different eras, starting with steam locomotives.
There’s a display of world-record-setting shinkansen (bullet trains) and the latest maglev trains.
The museum offers a unique look into Japan’s fascinating train history.
10) Aichi is the birthplace of pachinko, Japan’s famous arcade game
Pachinko started in Aichi Prefecture in the early 20th century. This game quickly became a favourite pastime for many Japanese people.
You’ll still find many pachinko parlours there, with people enjoying the game.
It represents a blend of pinball and slot machines and has deep roots in local culture.
11) Nagoya in Aichi is one of Japan’s three major ports
Nagoya’s port is a busy hub.
It’s the most significant trading port in Japan.
This port handles many goods and Toyota exports most of its cars from here.
The port is also great for international trade and boosts the local economy.
12) The city of Inuyama houses one of the oldest castles in Japan.
Inuyama, a city in Aichi Prefecture, is home to Inuyama Castle.
The castle was initially built in 1537 and has a rich history.
It stands proudly overlooking the Kiso River and is a National Treasure of Japan.
Inuyama Castle’s main keep is one of the oldest in the country.
It is one of only twelve original castles still standing in Japan today.
13) Aichi’s Korankei Valley is stunning for autumn leaf viewing
When autumn arrives, Korankei Valley in Aichi turns into a red, orange, and yellow palette.
Known for its maple trees, the valley boasts around 4,000 of them.
A walk through the famous maple tunnel is a must for any visitor.
14) Nagoya’s Oasis 21 is a futuristic shopping complex with a green roof
Oasis 21 in Nagoya is a unique shopping complex and bus station.
You can walk here and enjoy the city views.
15) Nagoya TV Tower offers fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Nagoya TV Tower is one of the best spots in Aichi Prefecture if you want a bird’s eye view of Nagoya.
You can see a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from the top.
It’s gorgeous at night when the city lights up.
16) Aichi was a filming location for the movie ‘Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah’
Did you know that parts of the movie ‘Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah‘ were filmed in Aichi Prefecture?
It adds a fun bit of movie magic to the region.
17) Large-scale fireworks festivals.
Aichi Prefecture hosts some of the most impressive fireworks festivals in Japan.
One of the highlights is the Toyota Oiden Festival, which features vibrant fireworks lighting up the night sky.
This event attracts thousands of spectators every year.
Another must-see event is the Okazaki Fireworks Festival.
18) Nagoya cuisine includes unique dishes like Hitsumabushi and Tebasaki
Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture, boasts some truly unique and delicious dishes.
Hitsumabushi stands out as one of its signature dishes.
This meal features grilled eel served over rice.
You can enjoy it in different ways.
For example, you might start by eating the eel and rice alone.
Then, add condiments like green onions, wasabi, or seaweed.
Finally, you can pour broth or tea over the rice and eel.
Another popular dish is Tebasaki or seasoned chicken wings.
