Aichi Travel Guide

Quick Facts: Aichi, Japan

Destination Overview

Why Visit Aichi?

Aichi blends living tradition with Japan’s manufacturing heart. You can stroll castle towns like Inuyama, visit one of Shinto’s great shrines at Atsuta, then watch next generation mobility at Toyota Kaikan. Nagoya anchors the prefecture with museums, markets, and bright neon dining streets, while the Chita Peninsula and Mikawa Bay coast offer quieter escapes, onsen towns, and island views. Artisans fire clay in Tokoname, river valleys glow in Korankei, and kitchens serve Nagoya-meshi that is bold and comforting.

Best Time to Visit Aichi

• Spring – Mild weather, cherry blossoms in parks and along rivers, lively street festivals, moderate crowds.
• Summer – Hot and humid, long daylight, fireworks and festivals at night, plan midday museum time and evening walks.
• Autumn – Comfortable temperatures, vivid foliage in Korankei and Shinshiro, ideal for temple visits and hiking.
• Winter – Cool and drier, clear views, lower hotel rates except holidays, cozy noodle shops and indoor museums.

Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration

Difficulty: Easy for first timers, stations have English signage and staff assistance.
Recommended: 3 to 5 days for a balanced trip that covers Nagoya highlights plus a day trip to Inuyama or Toyota. Add 2 to 3 more days for the Chita coast, Tokoname pottery, and Korankei.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Entry

Most travelers from visa-waiver countries can enter Japan for short stays, provided their passports are valid and they meet entry conditions. Check current requirements and permitted lengths of stay on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal: official immigration guidance.

Money & Realistic Daily Costs

• Budget: ¥6,000–¥10,000 per day for dorms or simple business hotels, casual meals, and public transit.
• Mid-range: ¥12,000–¥22,000 per day for comfortable hotels, a mix of casual and sit-down meals, taxis when needed.
• Luxury: ¥28,000–¥60,000+ per day for upscale hotels, fine dining, guided experiences, private transfers.

Language & Communication

English is common on trains and at major attractions. Download an offline translation app and consider an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi for maps and reservations. Simple greetings and thank yous go a long way and are warmly received.

Getting There & Around

Air, Rail, Bus: Chubu Centrair International Airport serves Aichi. Meitetsu trains link the airport to Nagoya Station and other hubs. The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Nagoya to Tokyo and Kyoto. Highway buses offer cost-effective links within the region.
Local transport: In Nagoya, use subway lines, JR, and Meitetsu. Aonami Line reaches the waterfront museum area. IC cards like manaca and TOICA are convenient across operators. Taxis are reliable and can be hailed at stations.

Top Things to Do in Aichi

Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites

• Nagoya Castle
  Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Grounds typically open daily 9:00–17:30, last entry about 30 minutes before close. Entry from around ¥500 for adults.
  Best visiting time: Early morning on weekdays for quiet photos in the Ninomaru Garden.
  The symbol of the city with green-tiled roofs and golden shachihoko ornaments. Explore reconstructed palace rooms, gardens, and seasonal events.
• Atsuta Jingu
  Address: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Shrine grounds open daily and free. Treasure hall charges a small fee, typically from around ¥500.
  Best visiting time: Early morning for calm atmosphere, or late afternoon for warm light through the cedars.
  One of Shinto’s most revered shrines. Walk shaded paths, observe quiet rituals, and try kishimen noodles at the shrine eatery.
• Inuyama Castle
  Address: Kitakoken-65-2, Inuyama, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Typically open daily 9:00–17:00 with seasonal variations. Entry commonly from around ¥550–¥700.
  Best visiting time: Clear days for panoramic views over the Kiso River and town rooftops.
  One of Japan’s oldest surviving wooden castles. The steep stairways are part of the experience and reward with sweeping vistas.
• Okazaki Castle & Park
  Address: 561-1 Kosei-cho, Okazaki, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Museum entry around ¥200–¥500, park open daily. Hours vary by season.
  Best visiting time: Spring for blossoms and evening illuminations, autumn for quiet riverside strolls.
  Birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The small museum, moat walks, and nearby teahouses create a gentle half-day stop.
• Toyota Kaikan Museum
  Address: 1 Toyota-cho, Toyota, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Usually free entry on weekdays, 9:30–17:00. Factory tour reservations required well in advance.
  Best visiting time: Weekday mornings for exhibit browsing before group arrivals.
  Learn about vehicle design and manufacturing, robotics, and future mobility through polished exhibits and staff demonstrations.
• SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
  Address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Commonly open 10:00–17:30, closed some Tuesdays. Adults from around ¥1,000.
  Best visiting time: Late afternoon on weekdays for calmer simulator queues.
  Superb collection of shinkansen and historic trains, with interactive simulators and kid-friendly exhibits by the waterfront.
• Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
  Address: 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Typically open daily 9:30–17:30 with seasonal hours. Adults from around ¥2,000.
  Best visiting time: Mornings for fewer tour groups, then enjoy the port promenade for lunch.
  Large, well-curated aquarium near the port. Pair with a bay cruise or a visit to the maritime museum.
• Tokoname Pottery Path (Yakimono Sanpomichi)
  Admission and timing: Free outdoor walking route year round.
  Best visiting time: Late morning to catch studios open and enjoy soft light for photos.
  A charming loop through kilns, chimneys, and alleyways. Browse small galleries and try a quick pottery workshop.
• Korankei Gorge
  Admission and timing: Valley access is free, small fees for parking and certain facilities.
  Best visiting time: Autumn for maple colors, weekdays for lighter foot traffic.
  One of Aichi’s most scenic valleys with river bridges, hillside temples, and trails suitable for casual walkers.
• LEGOLAND Japan
  Address: 2-2-1 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
  Admission and timing: Date-based pricing, typically from around ¥4,000–¥7,000 for children and higher for adults, gates usually 10:00–17:00 or longer on weekends.
  Best visiting time: Weekdays outside holidays for shorter queues.
  Colorful theme park by the bay with rides for young families and an adjacent SEA LIFE aquarium.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

• Arimatsu Tie-Dye District – Edo-period streets where artisans still create shibori textiles. Ride the Meitetsu Nagoya Line to Arimatsu Station, visit small workshops in late morning.
• Endoji Shotengai – Retro shopping street west of central Nagoya with indie cafes, bakeries, and weekend pop-ups. Come midafternoon and stay for dinner.
• Sasashima Live – A redeveloped area south of Nagoya Station with a skyline viewpoint, casual dining, and relaxed evening walks.
• Takeshima Island, Gamagori – A short footbridge leads to a tiny shrine island. Quiet sunrise spot and sea breezes on clear days.
• Atsumi Peninsula Beaches – Gentle surf, local seafood, and sunset views over the bay. Rent a car or use limited buses from Toyohashi.
• Little World Museum of Man, Inuyama – An open-air cultural park with world architecture, food stalls, and seasonal displays, good for families.
• Higashiyama Sky Tower Park – Green space with a small observatory that gives broad city views without crowds.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss

• Hitsumabushi Lunch, 60–90 minutes, plan a short queue. Expect from around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person at a classic eel restaurant.
• Pottery Workshop in Tokoname, 1–2 hours, from around ¥2,000–¥4,000. Bookable day of at small studios along the Pottery Path.
• Factory Tour at Toyota, 2–3 hours, free but advance reservation essential. Check tour availability and language support.
• Kawaramachi Riverside Walk in Inuyama, 1 hour, free, traditional townhouses, snack stands, and craft shops.
• Tea Tasting in Okazaki, 45 minutes, from around ¥1,000, learn about local green tea and brewing basics.
• Morning Market Graze in Yanagibashi, 1–2 hours, free to enter, small bites from ¥300–¥800 each.

Best Photo Spots

• Inuyama Castle Keep balcony for river panoramas. Tripods are restricted inside, handhold at high ISO.
• Nagoya Castle Ninomaru Garden footpaths for seasonal reflections.
• Port of Nagoya promenade at blue hour with ferris wheel silhouettes.
• Tokoname brick chimneys and alley curves in late afternoon light.
• Korankei river bridges at sunrise for calm water and mist, weekdays preferred.
• Toyota city overlook from nearby hills on crisp winter days.

Where to Stay in Aichi

Best Areas or Neighborhoods

• Nagoya Station (Meieki) – Fastest rail access, business hotels and upscale towers, ideal for day trips, busy at rush hours.
• Sakae – Shopping and nightlife, walkable to parks and museums, many dining choices, lively evenings.
• Kanayama – Excellent transit junction for Meitetsu and JR, easy airport link, quieter than Sakae, good mid-range hotels.
• Inuyama – Historic town base for the castle and riverside walks, small inns and guesthouses, charming nights.
• Chita Peninsula – Coastal inns and onsen ryokan, slow travel atmosphere, best if you plan to rent a car or stay two nights.

What & Where to Eat in Aichi

Must-Try Dishes

• Hitsumabushi – Grilled eel over rice served three ways. Expect from around ¥3,000–¥5,000 at established restaurants.
• Miso Katsu – Pork cutlet with rich red miso sauce, a Nagoya staple. From around ¥1,100–¥1,800.
• Tebasaki – Peppery glazed chicken wings with a crackly finish. From around ¥500–¥900 per plate.
• Miso Nikomi Udon – Thick udon simmered in earthenware with red miso broth. From around ¥900–¥1,400.
• Kishimen – Flat noodles in a light soy or miso broth, often topped with fish cake and greens. From around ¥600–¥1,000.
• Tenmusu – Bite-size shrimp tempura rice balls wrapped in nori. Box sets from around ¥700–¥1,100.
• Ogura Toast – Toasted bread with sweet red bean paste and butter, a morning cafe classic. From around ¥500–¥900.

Restaurants & Cafés

• Classic Hitsumabushi – Atsuta Horaiken, typical sets ¥3,000–¥5,000, 503 Godo-cho, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya.
• Miso Katsu Favorite – Yabaton Yabacho, plates ¥1,300–¥2,000, 3-6-18 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya.
• Tebasaki Pioneer – Sekai no Yamachan, plates ¥500–¥900, multiple branches including Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya.
• Morning Coffee Culture – Komeda’s Coffee, sets ¥500–¥900, branches across Aichi including Sakae and Meieki.
• Noodle Comfort – Miwa Kishimen, bowls ¥600–¥1,000, inside Nagoya Station area, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya.
• Local Sweets – Aoyagi Uiro, gift boxes ¥600–¥1,500, 1-2-5 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya.

Street Food & Dietary Tips

• Yanagibashi Central Market for fresh sashimi bowls and warm croquettes in the morning.
• Osu Shopping District street snacks like karaage, taiyaki, and bubble tea, best between 11:00 and 16:00.
• Vegetarian and vegan travelers can look for “yasai” and “mame” options, or seek set menus at modern cafes in Sakae.
• Carry a small trash bag. Public bins are limited, pack out wrappers until you find a recycling point.
• Water from taps is safe to drink in cities. Many cafes refill bottles if you ask politely.

Local Culture & Etiquette

• Norms – Greet with a slight bow, speak softly on trains, remove shoes in homes and some ryokan or small restaurants.
• Do’s & Don’ts – Do queue on platform lines. Do not eat while walking in quiet residential streets. Do keep phones on silent in carriages.
• Tipping – No tip expected. Exceptional service is sometimes acknowledged with a small wrapped gift.
• Festivals & Events – Castle town parades in Inuyama, shrine festivals at Atsuta, summer fireworks along rivers, autumn leaf nights in Korankei.

Practical Tips & Safety

• Health & Safety – Japan’s emergency number is 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. Pharmacies are well stocked and staff can assist with basic needs.
• What to Pack – Light layers in spring and autumn, breathable clothing in summer, a warm coat in winter, compact umbrella year round.
• Money Saving – Consider local one day subway passes in Nagoya, off-peak museum times, and combination tickets at port attractions.
• Emergency Phrases – “Tasukete” (help), “Byouin wa doko desu ka?” (where is the hospital), “Eigo o hanasemasu ka?” (do you speak English?).

Aichi Itineraries

3-Day Express Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Nagoya Castle and Ninomaru Garden, lunch near Sakae, afternoon at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, dinner at tebasaki shop in Sakae.
2. Day 2 – Atsuta Jingu, kishimen brunch, Osu shopping arcades, Nagoya City Science Museum, evening skyline from a Sakae rooftop.
3. Day 3 – Inuyama Castle and old town, riverside snacks, return to Nagoya Station for souvenir shopping and departure.

7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Arrive and settle near Nagoya Station, gentle evening walk to Endoji Shotengai for casual dinner.
2. Day 2 – Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden detour, afternoon in Sakae, ogura toast cafe break.
3. Day 3 – Atsuta Jingu, Osu district browsing, Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium at blue hour.
4. Day 4 – Day trip to Inuyama Castle and Little World Museum of Man, return for miso nikomi udon.
5. Day 5 – Toyota Kaikan Museum and optional factory tour, tea tasting in Okazaki, evening onsen.
6. Day 6 – Tokoname Pottery Path and hands-on workshop, seaside lunch on the Chita coast.
7. Day 7 – Korankei Gorge nature time, slow lunch, souvenir run at Nagoya Station depachika before departure.

Off the Beaten Path Route

Make a loop from Nagoya to Shinshiro and Korankei, then across to Toyota and down to the Chita Peninsula. Use JR and Meitetsu lines to reach hubs, then local buses or short taxis to trailheads and pottery districts. Plan earlier starts for valley walks and save pottery browsing for midday when studios are open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Miss

• Climb Inuyama Castle’s steep stairs for sweeping Kiso River views and rustic rooftops.
• Trace the Pottery Path in Tokoname past brick chimneys, kilns, and quiet artist studios.
• Savor hitsumabushi and learn the three classic ways to enjoy each bowl.
• Walk the cedar-lined paths of Atsuta Jingu and pause for a quiet shrine moment.
• Spend an afternoon among bullet trains at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, then watch the bay at dusk.
• Wander Korankei Gorge on a clear weekday morning and picnic by the river.

Your Aichi Story Starts Here

Aichi rewards curious travelers who mix big city energy with small town craft. Base yourself by the rails, taste Nagoya-meshi where locals eat, then wander castle towns, pottery lanes, and leafy valleys at an easy pace. Choose two or three hubs, stack sights along the same lines, and leave space for slow coffee or a pottery class. When you feel the sea breeze on the Chita coast or the hush of a shrine grove, you will know you planned it right. Pick your dates and start mapping your own Aichi story.

Useful Links / Official Sources

• Aichi Official Tourism Guide
• Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Meitetsu Railway Timetables
• JR Central, Tickets and Lines
• Aonami Line to the Port Area
• Chubu Centrair International Airport
• Japan MOFA, Visas and Entry
• LEGOLAND Japan Resort
• Tokoname City Tourism
• Inuyama City, Travel Information