Think you’ve seen all there is to see in Japan?
Think again.
Let me take you off the beaten path to Toyohama, a tranquil seaside town in Aichi prefecture that’s brimming with undiscovered wonders.
Picture this: You’re strolling down a peaceful street lined with traditional Japanese houses, the sea breeze gently rustling through the trees overhead.
As you take a deep breath, the salty tang of the sea mixes with the earthy scent of nature, reminding you of Toyohama’s charm.
Here, old meets new, and serenity meets the sea, creating a perfect balance that’s just waiting to be explored.
Toyohama Sea Bream Festival – Tai Matsuri
Toyohama, located in Minamichita, which is located on the most southern point of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, is subdivided into wards.
Every region creates their own enormous bream using wooden and bamboo frames covered in cotton material that has been colored.
During the celebration, the enormous red and black bream are paraded around the town and down the coast by a group of male locals.
Children tote about the smaller fish, lending an air of endearing quaintness to the otherwise rowdy occasion.
This peculiar yearly event takes place at Toyohama Beach over a weekend in the middle to late part of July, depending on the timing of the tides.
The festivities begin early on Saturday morning with a procession of huge fish around the town.
Up to sixty men dressed in traditional festival clothing, take turns carrying the fish through the streets.
The Toyohama Fishing Port is the finest place to see the action.
After midday, the Toyohama Fishing Port is the greatest site to watch the activity.
The celebrations on the first night are brought to a close with a big fireworks show.
In Japan, fireworks are big events.
And Summer ins the time to see them.
Fireworks Festival
We go there each year and enjoy getting out of the city into a quaint place that time forgot.
Held every summer, the Toyohama Fireworks are a great way to enjoy a traditional Japanese summer.
The Toyohama fireworks usually begin at about 7:30 PM, so you’ll need to grab a suitable spot.
We lay down a leisure sheet and some small chairs before heading off for dinner.
This is Japan, so it’s safe.
No one steals anything.
After a seafood dinner at close by Maru-ha we head back to get ready for the show.
This isn’t just a trip, it’s a journey, a slice of authentic Japan that few have the privilege to experience.
You’ve ventured off the well-trodden tourist path and found something truly special.
Toyohama Walk in 4K
Toyohama is more than just a destination; it’s a well-kept secret waiting for you to uncover.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories.
Access
If you can drive, then life will be easier.
However, here are the public transport details.
From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the express train bound for Kowa.
At Kowa Station, get off and board the Umikko Bus Toyohama Line bound for Morozaki Port.
Then, get off at Toyohama and it’s a 5-minute walk.
