When it involves Aichi Prefecture, many think about “Nagoya cuisine” like hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice), miso katsu udon, and chicken wings, in addition to the fascinating road strolls in Tokoname and Osu, and the creative vibe of Sakushima. Here, you may experience a mix of meals, subculture, and nature. Below are 10 thrilling experiences in Aichi Prefecture for your reference!
Taste Nagoya Cuisine: Hitsumabushi, Miso Katsu Udon, and Chicken Wings
Nagoya is a treasure trove of “Nagoya cuisine,” with rich, flavorful local dishes like hitsumabushi, miso katsu udon, and chicken wings that keep you coming back for more!
- Hitsumabushi: Enjoy eel in three different ways, with savory secret sauce that’s irresistible.
- Miso Katsu Udon: The rich taste of red miso makes for a delightful treat during your travels.
- Fried Chicken Wings: Crispy and delicious, perfect with a cold beer.
Strolling through shopping streets while snacking or visiting local diners is are great way to enjoy the food. Plan your trip around Nagoya cuisine for a fulfilling gastronomic adventure!
Explore Historic Castles: Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Okazaki Castle
Aichi Prefecture is packed with ancient castles brimming with allure. Each fortress gives specific views from the hold, beautiful gardens, ancient memories in museums, and excellent strolls through fortress towns!
- Nagoya Castle is famous for its golden shachihoko (mythical fish) and stunning scenery.
- Inuyama Castle: A national treasure with a rich history.
- Okazaki Castle: Tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu, with captivating historical tales.
Perfect for history buffs or the ones seeking Instagrammable spots, a fort-themed ride helps you to discover Aichi’s deep attraction!
Stroll Through Tokoname: A Thousand-Year-Old Pottery Town
Tokoname is a pottery city with 1000-year records, famend for Tokoname ware. Its old fashioned streets, coated with brick chimneys and mountaineering kilns, exude a completely unique appeal. Stroll via Tokoname’s Pottery Path and feel the combination of nostalgia and novelty!
- Pottery Path: Lined with pottery shops, galleries, and cafés, perfect for picking out favorite ceramics.
- Maneki-neko Art: Charming, beckoning cat artworks are scattered throughout the streets.
- Pottery Workshops: Try your hand at crafting, ideal for creative travelers.
- Tokoname (とこなめ)
- Address: Sakae-cho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
- Train: About 10 10-minute walk from Tokoname Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname Line
Enjoy the Night View at Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER
Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (formerly Nagoya TV Tower) is a landmark in Nagoya’s Sakae district. Built in 1954, it was Japan’s first integrated radio tower.
- 90m Observation Deck: Offers a dazzling panoramic view of Nagoya, especially stunning from dusk to night.
- Nearby Attractions: Such as Oasis 21 and Central Park, perfect for an evening stroll. Ideal for couples or those seeking a relaxing night view!
- MIRAI TOWER
- Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00–21:00 (until 21:40 on Saturdays)
- Train: About 5 5-minute walk from Hisaya-odori Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Meijo or Sakura-dori Line
Experience Nagoya’s “Morning Culture”
Nagoya’s “morning culture” is famous for its coffee shops, where ordering a drink comes with toast, eggs, and salad!
- Each shop’s set meal has its charm, some offering lavish ogura toast or chawanmushi (savory egg custard).
- Retro coffee shops offer a taste of local atmosphere, a unique travel experience.
- Perfect for those wanting a relaxed start to the day or to feel like a local while enjoying Nagoya’s “delicious morning”!
Sakushima: Capture Stunning Moments of Art and Nature
Sakushima, a small island in Mikawa Bay, attracts traffic with its blend of nature and art. Visit Sakushima’s artwork spots and cutting-edge cafés for a photogenic adventure!
- Outdoor Art: Installations like “Nap House” and “East House” inspire endless photo ops.
- Bike Rentals: Explore the island at a leisurely pace, soaking in sea and sky views.
- Sakushima (佐久島)
- Address: Isshiki-cho Sakushima Hirago, Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture
- Ferry: About 20 minutes to Sakushima West Port or 25 minutes to East Port from Isshiki Port
Osu Shopping Street: Eat and Shop Your Way Through
Osu Shopping Street, inside the heart of Nagoya, is a bustling arcade with around 200 shops, from conventional shops to modern new spots. Stroll freely, playing with food and buying at the same time, as you soak in Nagoya’s local vibe!
- Food: From fried chicken to miso dango and Taiwanese sweets, snacking on the go is a delight.
- Shopping: Vintage clothing and trinket shops cater to all tastes.
- Osu Shopping Street (大須商店街)
- Address: Osu 2-chome to 3-chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
- Train: About 3 3-minut’ walk from Kamimaezu Station on the Meijo Line or Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line
Korankei: The Top Autumn Foliage Spot in the Tokai Region
Korankei, placed in Asuke-cho, Toyota City, is a renowned spot for autumn foliage. From early to late November, approximately 4,000 maple bushes paint the valley purple, perfect for autumn tourists or those looking for seasonal beauty!
- Tomoe River Walk: Colorful leaves reflect on the water, creating a dreamlike scene.
- Nighttime Light-Up: Offers a different, enchanting view compared to daytime.
- Korankei (香嵐渓)
- Address: Iimori, Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Car: About 20 minutes from Toyota Kanpachi IC on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway
Irago Cape: A Springtime Canola Flower Spectacle
Irago Cape, at the tip of the Atsumi Peninsula, sees canola flowers blooming from late January to March, creating a stunning yellow contrast with the blue sea and sky!
- Walking Paths and Observation Deck: Feel the sea breeze and unwind.
- Irago Cape (伊良湖岬)
- Address: Irago-cho, Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00–21:00 (until 21:40 on Saturdays)
- Car: About 1 hour 20 minutes from Otowa-Gamagori IC on the Tomei Expressway
Laguna Ten Bosch: A Fun-Filled Resort Destination
Laguna Ten Bosch is a beach inn focused across the Lagunasia theme park, with hot springs and a shopping mall, perfect for a complete day of amusing.
- Park Highlights: Seasonal events, light shows, and thrilling rides, with pools in summer and illuminations in winter.
Ideal for families or couples seeking a playful, non-ordinary day!
- Laguna Ten Bosch (ラグーナテンボス・ラグナシア)
- Address: 2-3 Kaiyo-cho, Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture
- Hours/Closures: Vary by facility
- Bus: About 15 minutes by free shuttle from JR Gamagori Station
- Car: About 20 minutes from Otowa-Gamagori IC on the Tomei Expressway
