One of Aichi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions is Nagoya, Japan’s fourth largest city and known for its castles and delicious local cuisine such as miso katsu. Toyota City, home of the famous Toyota Motor Corporation, is also a popular spot where you can learn about the history and development of Japanese cars. On this page, we will guide you about sightseeing in Aichi Prefecture, including things to see and things to experience in Aichi Prefecture centered on Nagoya City.
Table of Contents
Outline of Aichi
Nagoyajo-Castle_Nagiya-City_Aichi-prefecture
Map of Aichi
Aichi Prefecture is located in the middle of Honshu, Japan, on the Pacific Ocean side. Nagoya city is in the center. Nagoya is the largest city in the Chubu region. At the end of the Edo period, the Tokugawa family directly ruled this area. Nagoya Castle, which was built at that time, is a huge castle comparable to the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle), Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle, etc. If you’re visiting Aichi Prefecture, don’t miss Inuyama Castle and Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful castles.
Access
Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture is easily accessible by train or plane from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Okinawa.
from Tokyo
It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station. Also, it takes about 1 hour by domestic flight from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport.
From Osaka
The Shinkansen is the fastest and most popular way to get from Osaka to Nagoya. It takes about 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station. You can also use limited express trains and highway buses.
from Kyoto
About 35 minutes by Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Nagoya Station is the fastest. You can also use limited express trains and highway buses.
From Fukuoka
Take a domestic flight from Fukuoka Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport and you will arrive in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, about 4 hours.
From Sapporo
Take a domestic flight from New Chitose Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport and you will arrive in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen from Sapporo Station to Tokyo Station, then transfer to another Shinkansen to Nagoya Station.
from Okinawa
The fastest way is about 2 hours by domestic flight from Naha Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport.
>>Check out Nagoya’s tour menu and discount passes here!
Weather and Climate in Nagoya City
There is an article explaining the weather and appropriate clothing for Nagoya City. You can check it by month.
AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Weather in tourist destinations around Japan
Below are pages showing the climates of various regions in Japan at the same time of the year.
| January | February | March |
| April | May | June |
| July | August | September |
| October | November | December |
Local food in Nagoya
Nagoya has a variety of unique local foods. Be sure to try their representative menus, “Tebasaki”, “Kishimen”, “Misotastu” and “Hitsumabushi”.
Tebasaki is chicken wings that are deep-fried without batter. Seasoning varies from store to store, such as salty-sweet sauce, salt, pepper, and spices.
Kishimen is a dish of flat, long noodles. It is a specialty of Aichi with a history of over 400 years.
Misokatsu is a pork cutlet that is served with a sweet and spicy sauce based on red miso and Haccho miso that have been made in Nagoya since ancient times.
Hitsumabushi is a Nagoya-specific dish of kabayaki eel served with condiments such as wasabi, chopped seaweed, and green onions, as well as soup stock and green tea. Enjoy changing the taste as you like.
>>Check out restaurants in Nagoya on TripAdvisor!
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a historic castle built in the 17th century. It is a landmark located in the middle of the city of Nagoya and is also a popular tourist destination. It was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. The beautiful historic castle is surrounded by picturesque gardens.
Inuyama Castle
Inuyama castle in Inuyama city, Aichi, Japan = shutterstock
Inuyama Castle is the oldest existing wooden castle in Japan and one of the buildings with historical value in Japan. Inuyama Castle was built by Oda Nobunaga in 1560, and has undergone several repairs and renovations to its present appearance.
Inuyama Castle has a castle tower, which is a feature of Japanese castles, and although it is a little small castle, its appearance is wonderful, and the view from the castle tower is the best. You can experience the feeling of becoming a lord of the Sengoku warlords. In addition, there is “Inuyama Castle Town” nearby, where traditional Japanese townscapes remain, and it is recommended to take a walk.
Inuyama Castle is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. It takes about 30 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car from Nagoya city.
Inuyama Castle is introduced in another article. Please take a look.
Atsuta Jingu
Atsuta Jingu Shrine_Nagoya
Atsuta Jingu is a highly respected and important shrine in Nagoya with a history of over 1900 years. It is known for enshrining a divine sword, one of Japan’s national treasures. Approximately 7 million people visit the shrine every year, and the locals have been affectionately called “Atsuta-san” since ancient times. It is also known as a spiritual spot that grants wishes for marriage and severance. The vast precincts are overgrown with many trees, including camphor trees that are over 1,000 years old, and you can experience being purified just by walking.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Toyota is a world-famous automobile manufacturer that started as a textile factory. At the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, you can see the history of Toyota, which supported the development of modern Japan, and the manufacturing process of its products. In the vast grounds, there is a “Textile Machinery Pavilion” and an “Automobile Pavilion” where exhibits are displayed as if they were in a factory. The museum, which is full of highlights, is filled with the desire to convey the importance of making things. There are plenty of demonstrations and experience corners, so parents and children, friends and partners can enjoy the whole day.
>>Check out Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology on TripAdvisor!
Thank you for reading to the end.
If you want to check the tour menu and deals for the entire Aichi prefecture, click here.
Now, let’s plan to make your vacation in Japan the best experience ever!
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