- Destinations by Region -
Castle, sacred shrine, and Inuyama’s old town—Aichi’s Owari & Mikawa highlights in one compact itinerary.
Nagoya Castle
Former seat of the Owari Tokugawa with its iconic golden shachihoko. Don’t miss the magnificently restored Honmaru Palace and its lavish screen paintings.
Atsuta Shrine
One of Japan’s most venerable shrines, enshrining the legendary Kusanagi Sword—stroll the sacred grove and feel two millennia of history.
Inuyama Castle
A National Treasure keep atop a hill overlooking the Kiso River. Pair your visit with a photogenic food-tasting walk through the castle town streets.
The symbol of Nagoya: an imposing castle famed for its glittering golden shachihoko roof ornaments—beloved by history fans and first-time visitors alike.
Feel like a lord at the Tokugawa’s grand stronghold!
Commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle flourished as the seat of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family. The paired golden shachihoko atop the main keep are a city icon, and the entire complex is a Special Historic Site, with massive stone walls and moats radiating power.
Although the wartime fires destroyed the keep, the Honmaru Palace was exquisitely restored in 2018, revealing dazzling wall and screen paintings. The keep’s interior is currently closed in preparation for a future wooden reconstruction, but its majestic exterior and historic significance remain intact.
Come spring, cherry blossoms in Meijo Park frame the keep; autumn brings rich foliage—every season offers a new face. Nearby “Kinshachi Yokocho” serves local treats, perfect for a bite during your historical stroll. A must-see on any Nagoya itinerary.
One of Nagoya’s foremost shrines with a history of over 1,900 years. It enshrines the Kusanagi sword, drawing worshipers year-round.
Two millennia of sacred power protecting the Kusanagi Sword
Atsuta Shrine venerates the mythic Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Said to date back to antiquity and often ranked in prestige just after Ise Grand Shrine, its vast grounds are cloaked in a camphor forest, creating an oasis of solemn tranquility in the city.
More than 2.3 million visitors come for New Year’s prayers. Weddings, Shichi-Go-San rites, and the June Atsuta Matsuri (Shobu-sai) keep traditions alive with fireworks and rituals. The Treasure Hall displays replicas and imperial artifacts that tell the shrine’s long story.
After your visit, try local favorites like Kiyome-mochi and Miya kishimen along the approach. A soothing, spiritual stop that refreshes both body and mind.
A wooden castle with a National Treasure keep—among the oldest surviving in Japan—offering sweeping views over the Kiso River and a deep Sengoku atmosphere.
“White Emperor Castle” views from a National Treasure keep
Built in 1537, Inuyama Castle crowns a hill above the Kiso River. Its graceful silhouette earned the nickname “Hakutei-jō” (White Emperor Castle).
Inside, original timber structures and steep stairs evoke the past; step onto the top-floor balcony for a 360-degree panorama—on clear days you can even glimpse Mt. Ontake. The castle town below preserves old streets perfect for kimono strolls and tasty snacks.
Cherry blossoms in spring and scarlet foliage in autumn make it photogenic year-round. Each April, the UNESCO-listed Inuyama Festival parades ornate floats with karakuri puppets through town. Just ~30 minutes by train from Nagoya.
A famed autumn-leaf gorge. About 4,000 maple trees blaze with color in fall, drawing crowds for the spectacular scenery.
Tokai’s autumn king: 4,000 blazing maples
Spread along the Tomoegawa River, Korankei is one of Aichi’s top foliage spots. From mid- to late-November, the valley glows red and orange—especially around the iconic Taigetsu Bridge.
Fresh greens and dog-tooth violets brighten spring, the river offers cool relief in summer, and winter snows hush the valley—four distinct seasons to enjoy. Well-maintained trails make for easy scenic walks; evening illuminations reflect on the water for a dreamlike scene.
Nearby Kojaku-ji Temple hosts seasonal tea stalls and events. A classic day-trip from Nagoya, especially in autumn.
A theme park that brings Studio Ghibli’s worlds to life. Iconic sets and buildings let fans of all ages step inside the films.
Wander through the forested worlds of Ghibli
Opened in 2022 on the former Expo 2005 site, Ghibli Park recreates beloved film settings to explore on foot rather than via rides. “Hill of Youth” features the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart; “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” houses exhibits and a kid-favorite Catbus area.
“Mononoke Village” (2023) and “Valley of Witches” (2024) added even more detail—crafted with astonishing fidelity. Timed tickets are required and sell out quickly on weekends and holidays.
A calm, nature-blended space where you can linger inside your favorite stories.
An engaging corporate museum in a former weaving factory. Explore textile machinery and automobiles to trace Japan’s manufacturing story.
From looms to hybrids—hands-on monozukuri
Built on the birthplace of the Toyota Group, the red-brick complex preserves history while showcasing two main zones: the Textile Machinery Pavilion and the Automobile Pavilion.
See live demonstrations of historic looms and learn how innovation in textiles paved the way to cars. Then walk through Toyota’s automotive timeline—from early models to hybrid technology—with cutaway engines and robotic arms in action. Kid-friendly assembly and simulator experiences round it out.
Multilingual signage and audio guides make it welcoming for global visitors and a great rainy-day choice.
A string of seaside hot-spring towns at the tip of the Chita Peninsula. Swim in summer, feast on fresh seafood, and soak with sunset views.
Ise Bay sunsets and coastal hot springs
“Minamichita Onsen” collectively refers to several resorts—Utsumi, Yamami, Toyohama—dotting a scenic shoreline. The briny chloride springs are known for heat retention and skin-moisturizing effects, ideal after a breezy seaside stroll.
Summer buzzes with beachgoers; winter tables feature pufferfish, octopus, and mantis shrimp. Many inns offer panoramic open-air baths and starry-night soaks. Morning markets and fish auctions nearby make great stops for souvenirs.
Only about an hour by car from central Nagoya—an easy weekend reset by the sea.
A mystical sacred mountain. Highlights include Horaiji Temple on the slope and the 800-year-old “Kasa-cedar.” A long-revered site of worship.
1,425 stone steps and an 800-year cedar—feel the energy
Rising to 695 m, Horaiji has been a center of mountain asceticism since the Nara period (founded in 724). The entire area is designated both a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.
Pilgrims climb 1,425 steps from the foot to reach the temple. Midway stands the monumental Kasa-sugi cedar—around 60 m tall and ~800 years old—like a guardian of the mountain.
Historic gates, halls, and a three-story pagoda dot the grounds; Aichi’s prefectural bird, the scops owl, is famously heard in summer. Seasonal scenery and nearby Yuya Onsen make it a rewarding spiritual and nature outing.
Held every autumn, this is Nagoya’s biggest festival. The grand “Heroes’ Parade” featuring Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu thrills the whole city.
War-lords reborn—autumn’s spectacular parade
Launched in 1955, this two-day celebration now draws over two million people. Downtown bursts with parades and performances.
The highlight is the “Local Heroes’ Procession,” with armored retinues portraying Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—over 600 participants marching in splendor. Elaborate floats with mechanical dolls gather as well, accompanied by flute and drum music. Stages and markets in Hisaya-odori Park and beyond add food and entertainment for all ages.
A perfect chance to rediscover Nagoya’s traditions blended with modern fun.
A railway museum showcasing real rolling stock—Shinkansen to superconducting maglev. Simulators and a giant diorama delight all visitors.
See Japan’s high-speed past and future in one place
Operated by JR Central in the Kinjo-futo area, the museum exhibits 39 vehicles, from classic 0- and 100-series Shinkansen and steam locomotives to experimental maglev cars.
Try your hand at train operation in simulators (lottery system) and watch day-to-night cityscapes on one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas. Clear explanations make it easy for kids to learn while having fun—no railfan status required.
A fast-rising Nagoya highlight that’s great for families and rainy days.
A summer festival with 500 years of history. Lantern-lit boats gliding along the river at night create a dreamlike scene—one of Japan’s three great river festivals.
Lantern boats shimmering on a midsummer river
Held the 4th weekend of July, the festival traces back to the Muromachi era as a rite for warding off calamity and water disasters.
The nocturnal highlight is the “Makiwara-bune”: five boats adorned with bamboo frames and thousands of lanterns, about 7 m high, drifting along Tennogawa. The reflections weave glowing ribbons across the water—an unforgettable sight.
Morning brings land processions with beautifully crafted “hitsu” floats, drums and flutes resounding as townspeople carry offerings. Food stalls and events fill Tennogawa Park for a quintessential summer vibe.
A spring tradition in the castle town. Ornate floats and karakuri puppet performances by day; by night, 365 lanterns set the floats aglow.
Lantern-lit floats swirling under spring skies
Said to date to 1635, Inuyama Festival is listed under UNESCO’s “Yama, Hoko, Yatai” float traditions. Thirteen lavish floats parade the streets; midday, karakuri puppet offerings at Haritsuna Shrine showcase Edo-period craftsmanship.
At dusk, each float is illuminated by 365 lanterns, processing again through the town. The dramatic “donden” (float pivot) and shimmering lights create an ethereal spectacle. The whole town becomes pedestrian-only, lined with food stalls for a festive stroll.
One of Japan’s largest aquariums. Dolphin and orca shows are a hit, alongside close-up encounters with marine life.
Orcas, belugas, and a vast ocean world
Set at the Garden Pier with the Antarctic research ship Fuji, the two black-and-white buildings display 500+ species from rivers to polar seas.
Stadium-pool performances by bottlenose dolphins and orcas wow audiences; belugas charm with gentle grace; penguin colonies zip by underwater windows. Themed zones recreate Japanese and Antarctic environments, while touch pools invite hands-on learning.
It’s easy to spend half a day here. Waterfront views from the restaurant and evening illuminations make it a romantic night stop, too.
Birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. From the reconstructed keep, admire seasonal views of Okazaki Park—history and nature together.
Castle of Ieyasu’s birth—cherries, history, and views
Dating back to the 15th century, Okazaki Castle is famed as Ieyasu’s birthplace. The current keep (rebuilt in 1959) underwent a major renewal in March 2024 with upgraded exhibits.
Okazaki Park bursts with about 2,000 cherry trees in spring; fireworks in summer, foliage in autumn, and winter illuminations keep the calendar festive. Inside the keep, local-history exhibits highlight Ieyasu and the Mikawa warriors, and the top deck overlooks the city.
Nearby miso breweries and historic temples make great add-ons—an ideal Mikawa highlight for families and history buffs.
An open-air museum preserving Meiji-era architecture. Stroll among rare buildings—including several Important Cultural Properties—and time-travel to Japan’s early modern age.
Welcomed by the Imperial Hotel’s grand entrance
Sprawling across an area about 25 Tokyo Domes in size, Meiji-mura features 60+ structures—from churches and post offices to the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Imperial Hotel central entrance. A dozen-plus are Important Cultural Properties.
Ride the historic Kyoto streetcar or a working steam locomotive to move around; try Meiji-era costumes for photos; dine and sip coffee inside heritage buildings. Seasonal illuminations add romance after dark.
A favorite film location and a rewarding day trip—about an hour by bus from central Nagoya.
One of Japan’s largest combined zoos and botanical gardens, home to ~500 animal species. Famous for the “handsome gorilla” and adorable koalas.
Meet a celebrity gorilla and sleepy koalas in the city
With 80+ years of history, Higashiyama houses everything from elephants and giraffes to rare koalas. The ruggedly handsome Western lowland gorilla “Shabani” became a media star.
The botanical gardens showcase seasonal beauty—cherries and wisteria in spring, irises in early summer, and fiery leaves in autumn. The Sky Tower observatory offers sweeping city views and a lovely night scene.
Rides and kid-friendly areas make it a full-day family spot. Night-zoo events and year-round programs keep locals coming back.
An outdoor theme park built on the world of LEGO bricks. A family favorite with ~40 rides, shows, and hands-on activities.
Adventure through a kingdom made of 10 million bricks
Opened in 2017 in the port district, the park spans seven themed areas with attractions for toddlers to thrill-seekers. “MINILAND” recreates Japan’s landmarks with over 10 million bricks.
Character shows and parades entertain all ages; build-and-learn workshops spark creativity; restaurants even serve LEGO-inspired dishes. Combined with the adjacent SEA LIFE Nagoya aquarium, it easily fills a whole day.
A flagship family destination for visitors from Japan and abroad.
Home to one of the world’s largest planetariums (35 m dome). Interactive exhibits let both kids and adults learn through hands-on science.
Sail the stars inside a colossal 35-meter dome
The museum’s silver sphere houses the planetarium with stunningly realistic night skies that often sell out on weekends.
Interactive zones include a 9-meter “tornado lab,” dramatic science stage shows, and a -30°C “extreme cold lab.” Floors cover space, Earth, life sciences, and technology—from Nobel-related displays to nostalgic science toys.
The gift shop brims with science kits and souvenirs. A perfect rainy-day stop where learning feels like play.
A seaside hot-spring resort area overlooking Mikawa Bay. Relax with gorgeous sunsets and fresh seafood in a resort-like atmosphere.
Sunset views and open-air baths over Mikawa Bay
Established in the early Showa era, Nishiura’s inns perch on hills with sweeping bay views. Sodium-calcium chloride springs warm you to the core and ease fatigue.
Many properties offer private ocean-view baths or rock baths. Meals spotlight the bay’s seasonal catch—kaiseki cuisine, seafood BBQs, and winter fugu at select inns.
Coastal promenades and “lover’s sanctuary” spots make for pleasant walks. Easy access from Nagoya by train or car makes it a top weekend retreat.
Japan’s first multipurpose broadcasting tower (1954). Today it features an observation deck and cafés, shining as the nightscape icon of Sakae.
360° Sakae skyline from MIRAI TOWER
Rising 180 m in Hisaya-odori Park, the elegant tower—nicknamed “Nagoya’s Eiffel”—is a registered Tangible Cultural Property. The 90 m indoor Sky Deck and outdoor balcony offer views to Mt. Ontake and Ise Bay on clear days.
LED lighting paints the tower in seasonal colors, pairing beautifully with the spaceship-like roof of Oasis 21. Chic cafés and shops sit below, making it easy to linger.
A timeless landmark that keeps evolving—essential for any Sakae stroll.
A spring festival at Tagata Shrine each March praying for a good harvest and fertility. Its distinctive procession with a large phallic-shaped portable shrine draws visitors from around the world.
Fertility & good harvest—an age-old, sacred rite
The Honen Festival is held annually on March 15 at Tagata Shrine in Komaki. Rooted in agrarian traditions, it prays for bountiful crops and prosperity for families. The highlight is a newly carved, roughly 2-meter (6.5-ft), 400-kg (880-lb) wooden phallic symbol carried through town by shrine parishioners in white robes—an eye-catching yet reverent procession covered by international media.
Festivities include the lively parade accompanied by chants, traditional rice-cake tossing, and numerous food stalls selling local snacks and sweets. The event welcomes many overseas visitors interested in Japan’s folk culture and humor—while remaining, first and foremost, a sincere, community-rooted Shinto observance.
Beyond the spectacle, the festival preserves a sacred ritual that reflects the region’s agricultural heritage and the bonds among local residents.
Nagoya’s liveliest shopping quarter. Covered arcades pack in street-food stalls and quirky boutiques, buzzing with energy day and night.
1,200 shops—street food meets subculture
Spreading across central Nagoya, Osu is a sprawling network of shopping streets with roughly 1,200 stores—one of the largest in the Tokai region. The covered arcades make it walkable in any weather and beloved by locals and travelers alike.
Come hungry: snack on skewered cutlets with rich miso sauce, karaage, crepes, bubble tea, and Taiwanese sweets—global flavors alongside Nagoya classics. Grab-and-go bites make grazing half the fun.
Osu also blends “electric town” vibes—idol theaters, cosplay and anime goods—with vintage clothing, general stores, and stylish cafés. Old and new subcultures mingle in a uniquely Nagoya way.
Next door, Osu Kannon Temple hosts lively fair days on the 18th and 28th each month, adding antiques markets and festival flair. Fashion, food, and people-watching—Osu distills Nagoya now.
Nagoya’s “kitchen.” A bustling wholesale market for fresh seafood and produce—with canteens serving top-notch sashimi bowls for breakfast.
Steps from Nagoya Station—seafood starts at 5 a.m.
Operating since the Taisho era, Yanagibashi supplies restaurants and households across the city. Before dawn, auction calls echo through the halls as pros bid on tuna, crab, and more—classic market drama.
Visitors are welcome to browse many areas, watching fish expertly broken down right on site. Come early to feel the energy.
Eateries inside and around the market serve seafood rice bowls, sushi, and set meals with market-fresh toppings at great value. Increasingly, cool cafés and bars have joined the scene, making it a fun stop beyond shopping.
If you love food markets, this is Nagoya’s beating culinary heart.
A historic miso brewery tour in Okazaki—home of rich, long-aged Hatcho miso. See giant cedar vats and sample the deep, savory flavor.
Six-ton cedar vats & centuries of umami
Operated by Kakukyu, a 300-year-old producer, this facility showcases traditional methods for making Hatcho miso, a robust soybean miso tied to the hometown of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Walk past towering 2-meter-wide cedar vats, each holding about six tons of miso. Piles of river stones stacked on top act as natural weights—a signature sight of Hatcho miso production.
Guided tours explain the entire process from preparation to long aging, with tools and vats still in use across generations. Tastings and a shop await afterward, plus a restaurant serving local dishes like miso-nikomi udon and dengaku.
A delicious dive into Japan’s fermented food heritage.
A quiet mountain hot-spring village with 1,300 years of history. Retreat to riverside inns surrounded by forest and clear streams.
Soak in sulfur springs beside a tranquil gorge
Dating back to the Nara period, Yuya Onsen—once known as the “Hot Springs of Horaiji”—served pilgrims and travelers, and later flourished as a therapeutic spa town. Today, traditional inns line a peaceful valley away from city noise.
The mild sulfur spring is gentle on the skin and historically favored for ailments like rheumatism. Soak while listening to the river and birdsong, letting the countryside pace slow you down.
Nearby Mount Horaiji offers spiritual walks and seasonal scenery: blossoms and fresh green in spring, fireflies in summer, foliage in fall, crisp air in winter. Local country cuisine and river fish dishes round out the stay.
Access is easy via the JR Iida Line from the Nagoya area—serene yet reachable.
A venerable Shingon Buddhist temple in central Nagoya. A cultural hub with lively fair days that spill into the surrounding shopping streets.
Temple fairs & antiques—where tradition meets town life
Officially Hoshou-in at Kitano-yama, Osu Kannon was relocated here during the Tokugawa era and has long been cherished as a guardian temple of the city. The main hall enshrines Kannon, attracting worshipers year-round.
On the 18th and 28th of each month, festive fair days fill the precincts and gate area with antiques markets and food stalls—signature Osu scenes perfect for browsing.
The temple is also known for its historical texts, including important early manuscripts of the Kojiki and classical sutras, occasionally shown during special exhibitions.
With the adjacent Osu shopping arcades, you can pair a temple visit with street-food grazing and treasure hunting.
Counted among Japan’s three great Inari sites. Famous for countless fox statues and strong associations with business prosperity and household safety.
Stone foxes by the thousand—pray for good fortune
Although commonly called “Inari,” Toyokawa Inari is a Soto Zen temple known formally as Myogon-ji. It venerates Dakiniten, a deity linked with fox imagery, and has drawn fervent devotion for centuries.
New Year’s visits can exceed 1.2 million people. Step into the grounds to find rows upon rows of dedicated fox statues. Behind the main hall, the Okunoin and the Reiko-zuka mound feature more than a thousand statues—an unforgettable sight.
The temple is popular among business owners and performers seeking success. The bustling temple town serves inari-sushi and local specialties—perfect for a post-prayer bite.
A powerful place of faith where history and living tradition meet.
A small island in Mikawa Bay known as an “art island.” Outdoor installations dot the quiet landscape, paired with fresh local seafood.
Sea breezes and the Instagram-famous “Nap House”
Just off Nishio, Sakushima is an ~11-km-around island with under 200 residents. A community art project placed 20+ contemporary works across the island, turning a leisurely walk or bike ride into an open-air gallery.
Highlights include the photogenic “Nap House” and “East House,” which blend into the blue sea and sky. Cats are a common sight, adding to the island’s relaxed charm.
With no traffic lights and few conveniences, it’s ideal for slowing down. Local eateries serve clams, octopus, and other fresh catch. While doable as a day trip from Nagoya, staying overnight for starry skies makes it extra special.
Art, nature, and simple island life in gentle balance.
A quick island escape off the Chita Peninsula—famed for octopus and pufferfish. Enjoy beaches, fishing, and laid-back island eats.
Octopus & pufferfish paradise—just minutes by boat
Himakajima sits about a 10-minute high-speed boat ride from the peninsula tip. Though only 5.5 km around, it’s renowned for tender, sweet octopus and winter fugu cuisine.
Summer brings swimming in clear waters; fishing and dolphin interaction programs are popular with families. The “Heidi’s Swing” lookout has become a social-media favorite with sweeping sea views.
Easy to circle on foot or by rental bike, the island is also a sunset spot—chosen among Japan’s “100 Best Sunsets,” with the sun sinking into Ise Bay.
A compact, feel-good break from city life.
A scenic walking route through Japan’s historic pottery town of Tokoname. Clay-pipe walls, maneki-neko art, and kiln remains bring the craft to life.
Ancient kilns, clay-pipe lanes & giant “Tokonyan”
Tokoname is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, producing ceramics since the Heian period. The curated footpath winds through the old production district, making the heritage easy to explore.
Spot walls embedded with countless clay pipes and jars—a retro, industrial art feel. At the hilltop, the massive maneki-neko “Tokonyan” greets visitors and cameras alike.
Remains of multi-chamber climbing kilns evoke craftsmen of past centuries. At the Pottery Promotion Hall, learn the history of Tokoname-yaki and try a hands-on pottery workshop.
Cafés, general stores, and kiln-run shops dot the route—sip coffee from Tokoname ware or tea brewed in a local kyusu. A photogenic craft town best enjoyed at strolling speed.