My family and I decided to visit Oidaira Park near Toyota City this autumn to check out the autumn leaves.
Despite living here for 25 years, I had never heard of this place before, so I was excited to check it out.
We even took our dog.
Getting There
The park is an easy day trip from Nagoya.
We drove from our house, and it took about 90 minutes.
We used the Nagoya expressway to reach National Route 153, the Sanage Green Road.
At the very end of the road, turn left and go towards Korankei and Asuke.
Continue until you reach Inabu.
From there, follow local signs to Oidaira Park.
As always, Google Maps is your friend.
Parking
Parking is available on both sides of the road.
The main parking lot is free and is by a suspension bridge.
During the autumn leave season, however, it was packed, so we had to queue to park in one of the other smaller car parks that were available,
Thankfully, we got a space after waiting for 30 minutes and like the main car park, it was free.
By Public Transportation
Here’s how to get to Oidaira Park if you do not drive.
1. Nagoya to Toyotashi Station:
- Meitetsu Toyota Line: Take the Meitetsu Toyota Line to Toyotashi Station from Nagoya Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. The fare is around ¥1,000.
2. Toyotashi Station to Inabu:
- Toyota Oiden Bus (Inabu-Asuke Line): At Toyotashi Station, board the Toyota Oiden Bus bound for Donguri-no-Yu-mae and alight at Inabu. The ride is about 82 minutes, with a fare of ¥1,200.
3. Inabu to Oidaira Park:
- Local Bus or Taxi: From Inabu, take the local Inabu Asahi Bus to Oidaira Park, which is approximately a 20-minute ride. Alternatively, a taxi is an option.
Exploring The Park
Oidaira Park is a gorgeous spot for enjoying nature, especially in autumn.
Depending on when you go, there might be some food stalls dotted about near the river and car park.
We ate a typical Aichi snack called Gohei mochi.
Gohei mochi is a kind of grilled rice skewer coated in a sweet miso sauce
A small park with a suspension bridge is next to the car park.
It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the views, and spend time with family or friends.
It is a bit shaky but sturdy enough and has the best views when you cross it.
Once you reach the other side, a path along the Nagara River will take you to Inabu town.
It’s only a 10-15 minute walk.
There is also a walking course in the park, where you can enjoy the autumn colours and the nature of the seasons.
So long as the weather is nice, it’s a peaceful way to spend the morning or afternoon.
Planning Your Visit
I’ve got some helpful tips to make your trip to Oidaira Park smooth and enjoyable.
Visitor Insights
The big draw is the autumn leaves; to see them, you’ll want to plan your visit sometime from late October to November.
I’d suggest going early to beat the crowds.
It’s not a large place, so you’ll only spend 2-3 hours there, in my opinion,
If you go off-season, it will not be busy, but the views will also be less amazing.
That might mean there will be no food stalls, so bring something to eat and drink.
Finally, nearby the Acorn Village might be worth a small visit.
This roadside stop has unique acorn-shaped huts, local snacks, and fresh produce.
