41 must-see tourist spots in Aichi Prefecture | What are the must-see spots in the Tokai area?

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When you think of tourist spots in Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya comes to mind, but that's not all there is to Aichi. There are plenty of spots in each region where you can enjoy the gourmet food known as "Nagoya Meshi" and the nature and history of Aichi! Aichi Prefecture has little snow, so you can visit all year round.

Here are some popular tourist spots in Aichi that you'll want to visit with your partner or family, such as the increasingly popular Chita Peninsula, where you can enjoy driving in a rental car, and the Nishi Mikawa and Okumikawa areas where you can tour factories.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 1. Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle, known for its golden shachihoko, is the most famous symbol of Aichi Prefecture. It is an essential spot for sightseeing in Aichi Prefecture. The main attraction is the Honmaru Palace. Used as the residence and villa of the feudal lord, the palace is completely decorated with gold leaf. You can feel the dignity of history from the gorgeous paintings on the sliding doors.

Kinshachi Yokocho where you can taste Nagoya cuisine is also a highlight! You can enjoy everything from classic Nagoya cuisine to innovative dishes in the Yoshinao Zone and the Muneharu Zone. It is about a 5-minute walk from Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Line. There are also two large parking lots.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 2. Nagoya Port Aquarium

Nagoya Port Public Aquarium is one of the tourist attractions in Aichi. It is divided into the North and South Buildings, and you can see many sea creatures.

The killer whales in the North Building are particularly recommended. You can get up close and personal with these giant killer whales, known as the kings of the sea. There are also lots of adorable penguins in the South Building! Be sure to check out the well-coordinated performances between the dolphins and trainers at the events.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 3. Tokugawa Art Museum

The Tokugawa Art Museum exhibits a collection related to the Owari Tokugawa family. The director of the museum is the 22nd head of the Owari Tokugawa family. The Tokugawa Art Museum is famous for its beautiful swords designated as national treasures, as well as the impressive armor worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and many other exhibits that give you a sense of history.

You can also enjoy luxurious Japanese cuisine at the nearby Hozentei, which was also enjoyed by the lord's daughter. It's a recommended tourist spot for a slightly luxurious lunch.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 4. SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Many vehicles are on display at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, from superconducting maglev trains to steam locomotives. You'll be able to sense the excitement for the linear motor car and the history of railways that have carried so many people and freight up to now.

For meals, we recommend the reproduced "Shinkansen Opening Lunch Box in 1964." For souvenirs, try the 50cm "Linear Long Baumkuchen." Both are products exclusive to SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, so why not buy some as souvenirs for your trip?

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 5. Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine is a must-visit for sightseeing in Aichi Prefecture. It is where the Kusanagi Sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures, is enshrined. Just strolling through the grounds surrounded by greenery will leave you feeling refreshed.

There are many things to see on the tranquil grounds of Atsuta Shrine, including a large camphor tree and a wall donated by Nobunaga. The Atsuta Shrine Kaikan is also famous for the many couples who hold their wedding ceremonies here in the elegant traditional style.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 6. Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (formerly Nagoya TV Tower)

Following major renovations, Nagoya TV Tower was renamed "Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER" in May 2021. At night, it is lit up in full color with 16.7 million state-of-the-art LEDs, making it the symbol of Nagoya.

From the 100m high Sky Balcony, you can get a panoramic view of the Nagoya Sakae cityscape, and it is always bustling as a popular tourist destination.

Various events are held around MIRAI TOWER depending on the season, such as the opening of a beer garden or coloring with projection mapping. Don't miss the amazing night view, which has been certified as a night view heritage site.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 7. Nagoya City Science Museum

Nagoya City Science Museum is a 5-minute train ride from Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture, and even after renovation, it remains one of Aichi's most popular tourist destinations. The planetarium, which projects images onto the world's largest dome screen, is accompanied by live commentary from a curator, allowing you to enjoy the mysteries of the starry sky even more deeply.

There are also many other must-see attractions, such as the "Extremely Cold Lab" where you can experience a world of minus 30 degrees Celsius, and an actual display of a working rocket! Come and experience the wonders of science for yourself.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 8. Nagoya City Art Museum

If you're visiting Aichi and want to enjoy art, the Nagoya City Art Museum is a must. As a public facility, admission is a reasonable 300 yen, with free admission for elementary and junior high school students. Approximately 5,800 artworks collected under four themes are on display, including Modigliani's masterpiece "Girl with Pigtails."

The museum's facilities are very well-equipped, including a cafe where you can enjoy lunch while looking out at the natural greenery, and a library with a collection of art-related books.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 9. Higashiyama Sky Tower

Higashiyama Sky Tower is a tourist spot where you can see the city of Nagoya which can only be seen from here, as there are no tall buildings around. In particular, the beautiful night view, which has been registered as a night view heritage, is a must-see!

If you're going on a date, it's nice to enjoy an authentic French course meal while watching the night view at the casual restaurant on the top floor. Admission is 300 yen for adults, so be sure to stop by when you're visiting Higashiyama Park next door.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 10. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a tourist destination in Aichi that combines a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park. At the zoo, you can see cute animals such as gorillas and giraffes.

The recommended spot in the botanical gardens is the Cherry Blossom Corridor, which is planted with about 1,000 cherry trees of 100 different varieties! They bloom beautifully in spring.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also famous as a sacred place for lovers. There are many romantic sightseeing spots such as the Bell of Happiness and the Love Compass. It is sure to be a fun place for families and dates.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 11. Osu Kannon

Osu Kannon is a historic temple founded as the Shinpukuji Temple. It is one of Nagoya's most famous temples and is a popular tourist destination. There are many unusual spots within the temple grounds, such as a mound for the memorial of dolls and a mound for the storage of lost teeth and dentures.

Before or after visiting the temple, why not stop by Osu Shopping Street, which is very popular for food tours? With an Osu map in hand, enjoy gourmet food such as mitarashi dango, fried manbo, Brazilian fried dumplings, Taiwanese fried chicken, and meat buns (loupao).

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 12. Tokugawa Garden

Tokugawa Garden is a garden built on the site of the retirement mansion of Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari domain. With a large waterfall and pond, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. The peony flowers, which are in season in the latter half of April, are particularly spectacular!

In addition, at the Garden Restaurant Tokugawa Garden, you can enjoy French cuisine for dinner while looking out at the garden. Why not visit this popular tourist destination, which is also a wedding venue?

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 13. Banshoji Temple

Banshoji Temple is located in Osu Shopping Arcade, in the center of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and is a bustling temple with many tourists and locals alike, both in the past and present. Banshoji Temple was founded as the family temple of Oda Nobunaga's father, Nobuhide. It is famous for the episode in which Nobunaga threw incense at his father's memorial tablet at his funeral. It is also known as the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his childhood.

The recommended attraction at Banshoji Temple is the Karakuri dolls. Anecdotes about Nobunaga's youth are told to the present day through these Karakuri dolls.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 14. Owari Okunitama Shrine (Konomiya Shrine)

Owari Okunitama Shrine is commonly known as Konomiya Shrine. It has long been worshipped as the shrine that protects the Owari region, which is now Aichi Prefecture. For this reason, it is a popular shrine for New Year's visits.

In addition, the "Naked Festival" is held on January 13th of the lunar calendar. Men clad only in loincloths gather and have a great time. During the Inazawa Cherry Blossom Festival, the approach to the shrine is filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom. It is also famous as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Aichi Prefecture.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 15. Meiji Mura Museum

Meiji Mura is a huge museum lined with historical buildings from the Meiji period. It is located about 20 minutes by bus from Meitetsu Inuyama Station. Adults can enjoy walking around the large grounds and looking at the famous architecture.

In addition, some events change with the seasons, so you will never get bored no matter how many times you visit. Come to the Meiji Mura Museum, which is often used as a filming location for dramas, and explore the world full of the atmosphere of the Meiji period.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 16. Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle is one of Aichi Prefecture's famous castles, famous for having the oldest remaining castle tower. For that reason, it has been designated a national treasure and attracts many tourists.

The castle town around Inuyama Castle still retains its old streetscape. You can enjoy the atmosphere just by strolling around. If you use the Inuyama Castle Town Ticket, you can enjoy sightseeing at a discount. It's easily accessible, less than 30 minutes by train from Nagoya, so it's a tourist spot in Aichi that's worth visiting.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 17. Japan Monkey Center

This is one of the world's leading monkey-specialized zoos, run by the Japan Monkey Center, a public interest incorporated foundation. It is rare to find a facility in the world that houses over 60 species of monkeys, about 900 of them, and it has been loved by local Aichi residents for many years.

There are many primates kept here, including chimpanzees, gibbons, and marmosets, so you'll never get bored.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 18. The historical site of Mount Komaki (Komaki City History Museum)

Komakiyama Castle was built in 1563 by Oda Nobunaga. It was built to capture Inabayama Castle (later known as Gifu Castle), and the nearby area was the site of the later Battle of Komaki and Nagakute.

The building on the top of the mountain is not a castle tower, but the Komaki City History Museum. Modeled after Nishi Honganji Temple's Hiunkaku, the building is made of reinforced concrete and displays armor from the Edo period, ancient documents, and artifacts unearthed during excavations. It is also a facility where you can learn about history in an easy-to-understand way through panels and videos. The fourth floor is an observation deck.

Why not also visit Rekishiru Komaki (Komakiyama Castle Historical Site Information Center) at the foot of the mountain?

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 19. Candy Castle

A large Western-style mansion located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, is the Candy Castle, one of Aichi's tourist spots. At Candy Castle, there are plenty of experiences that women will love, such as making cookies, decorating biscuits, and a dress rental service where you can choose your favorite from over 300 types of dresses and wear them for photos!

It's easily accessible, about 30 minutes by car from Nagoya, and has a large parking lot. It's a little-known tourist spot in Aichi that can be enjoyed by couples, groups, and families.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 20. Little World

Little World, a theme park with buildings from 23 countries scattered across a vast site in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, is a place where you can casually enjoy a trip around the world. You can enter houses that have been relocated or built-in full size, try on the national costumes of each country, and taste the cuisine of each country.

There are also a wide variety of limited-time events, so no matter how many times you go, it's exciting.

Why not visit Little World, where you can take commemorative photos, enjoy the feeling of traveling, and enjoy sightseeing, eating, and playing in your own way?

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 21. Moricoro Park (Expo 2005 Commemorative Park)

The site of the "Aichi Expo" held in Aichi Prefecture in 2015 has been renovated into "Moricoro Park (Aichi Expo Memorial Park)". Visiting "Satsuki and Mei's House" featured in the Ghibli movie "My Neighbor Totoro" is very popular with tourists! You can even go inside the house and experience the retro world to your heart's content, making it a spot you can enjoy no matter how many times you visit.

You can also cycle around the park on the 5.1km long cycling course.

This tourist spot in Aichi is easily accessible after getting off at the Linimo "Ai-Chikyuhaku Koen Station."

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 22. Toyota Automobile Museum

Operated by the world-famous Toyota Motor Corporation, the Toyota Automobile Museum is a place where you can learn about the advances in automotive technology. It can be accessed by Linimo or bus from Fujigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.

This is a must-see tourist spot in Aichi for car enthusiasts, as you can see rare classic cars up close. You can learn about the history of automobiles, which began in the 19th century, while also experiencing the changes in people's lives.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 23. Twin Arch 138

Twin Arch 138 is a tower that is the symbol of Kiso Sansen National Government Park. It is 138 meters tall, named after Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture. The two large arches, which are inspired by the flow of the Kiso Sansen River, are impressive.

Events are held every season, and the most popular is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Spring. Cycling there is very refreshing. Kiso Sansen National Government Park is a recommended tourist destination in Aichi, with a very large area where children can play to their heart's content.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 24. Masumida Shrine

Masumida Shrine has the rank of Ichinomiya in Owari Province. This is the origin of the surrounding area's name, "Ichinomiya" in Aichi Prefecture.

When it comes to events at Masumida Shrine, the Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival in summer is the most popular! It is a huge event that is hugely popular with both local Aichi residents and tourists.

During the same period, the Itsukushimasha Shrine on the shrine grounds also holds a lantern festival. The red light of the lanterns softly illuminates the surrounding area. There is also a venue for wedding receptions in the assembly hall on the shrine grounds. This is the perfect shrine for holding a solemn wedding ceremony in Aichi Prefecture.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 25. Nishiura Onsen

Nishiura Onsen is located at the tip of the Nishiura Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, a place beloved and praised by Man'yo poets. Stay at popular accommodations such as Suehiro, Hazu, and Tatsuki, and relax in the hot springs while overlooking the endless ocean.

In the surrounding area, you can enjoy plenty of sea activities, including the leisure complex Laguna Gamagori, and spots for sea fishing and clam digging. The sunsets seen from the spectacular view of Mikawa Bay are particularly special! Enjoy a relaxing trip to the atmospheric Nishiura Onsen.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 26. Himakajima

Himakajima is the closest island to Nagoya. It is about a 10-minute ferry ride from Chita Peninsula.

Locals also recommend dishes made with fresh seafood, especially octopus dishes. You may also have a chance to catch a big fish while fishing around Himakajima! You can enjoy a variety of activities, from swimming to cycling.

It is an Aichi remote island that is easy to get to and can be visited for a day trip or you can stay at a guesthouse on the island.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 27. Mentai Park Tokoname

Mentaiko Theme Park. Located in Tokoname City on the Chita Peninsula, close to Chubu Centrair International Airport, this spot is popular with group tourists.

You can see the mentaiko manufacturing process and learn about mentaiko while having fun at the Mentaiko Museum. At the food corner, you can sample mentaiko, and there are many mentaiko-related souvenirs available, making this one of the most popular tourist spots for families.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 28. Cape Irago

Located at the tip of the Atsumi Peninsula, Cape Irago is home to the Cape Irago Lighthouse, one of Japan's top 50 lighthouses. On a clear, sunny day, you can see the Pacific Ocean, Mikawa Bay, and the islands of Ise Bay. There are hotels and inns scattered around the area, so you can enjoy driving and fishing with your family.

The Ise Bay Ferry connects Irago Port with Toba, and ferries to Kamishima in Mie Prefecture are also in operation, reservations for the Ise Bay Ferry can be made through skyticket.

Koijigahama Beach, where legends are still passed down, is a popular tourist destination in Aichi that is also a popular date spot.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 29. Chita Peninsula

Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture is a spot packed with tourist attractions. There are many clam-digging spots on the Chita Peninsula, and many people visit in the spring. You can also enjoy fishing at the many fishing spots. Enjoy seafood dishes for lunch.

At Maruha Resort Maruha Drive-In Utsumi Branch, you can enjoy a BBQ, and let your dog play freely in the attached dog run. In addition, at Minamichita Onsenkyo, you can relax in the hot springs while looking out at the vast ocean. Why not visit Chita Peninsula, which has plenty of ways to have fun?

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 30. Mount Zao Observatory

The Mt. Zao Observatory, which was renovated in 2014 with a "light" theme, is a recommended viewing spot in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture.

The most attractive feature of the Mt. Zao Observatory is the night view! The observation deck is lit up with blue light, creating a truly fantastical scene. You can enjoy views of the surrounding Mikawa Bay and Tahara City. And on a clear day, you might even be able to see Mt. Fuji. There is a cafe on the second floor where you can take a break from sightseeing.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 31. Atsumi Peninsula

Atsumi Peninsula is a peninsula on the eastern side of Aichi Prefecture. Cape Irago and Mt. Zao Observatory mentioned above are also located on the Atsumi Peninsula.

Atsumi Peninsula is also famous for some of the best swimming spots in Aichi Prefecture, such as Shiratani Beach. There are also many other tourist attractions popular with couples, such as Koijigahama Beach and Hinode no Sekimon. In spring, clam digging takes place everywhere, attracting many tourists and showing off the excitement.

There are also many gourmet foods made with fresh seafood, which are recommended for lunch. The local specialty melon, which is recommended as a souvenir, is sold at roadside stations and other places.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 32. Korankei

Korankei, located in Asuke Town, Toyota City, is a representative autumn foliage sightseeing spot in Aichi Prefecture. The mountains are colored red, orange, and yellow, and the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the river are a spectacular sight! The illuminated night view is also fantastic and popular.

Not only during the autumn foliage season, but in the summer, the riverside is bustling with tourists who come to barbecue, splash around in the water, and fish for sweetfish.

Also, Asuke's specialty eel is fragrant and delicious. It is a natural sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed all year round.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 33. Asuke Castle Ruins

Asuke Castle is also known as Mayumiyama Castle, as its main citadel is located at the top of Mt. Mayumi. The ruins of Asuke Castle are the first faithfully recreated mountain castle in Japan, and you can feel the atmosphere of the Warring States period from the restored turret.

The ruins of Asuke Castle are also famous for the beautiful views from the main citadel. The castle town flourished as a key transportation hub in history, and you can still enjoy vestiges of that time today. Although it is a somewhat minor castle, it is a tourist spot where you can enjoy the scenery, so hiking around is also recommended.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 34. Heishoji Temple

Heishoji Temple in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, is famous for the "Ayato Night Nembutsu and Bon Odori" event. This night nembutsu and Bon Odori are designated as important intangible folk cultural properties by the country. Other cultural assets that are treasured include the wooden seated Kannon Bodhisattva statue and the Kanekakesugi cedar.

Heishoji Temple also has well-maintained mountain trails, making it a recommended tourist spot for hikers and trail runners! If you visit during the autumn foliage season, you'll be able to see some beautiful scenery.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 35. Toyokawa Inari

Toyokawa Inari, famous as one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan, is a tourist power spot that is said to bring good fortune in business, good fortune, and safety in the home. Many people visit from all over the country every year to collect temple stamps and pray.

In addition, the temple town is full of gourmet foods that will improve your luck, including "inari sushi," which is said to have originated at Toyokawa Inari! Come and pray for better luck.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 36. Kiyosu Castle

Kiyosu Castle, known for being the castle where Oda Nobunaga played an active role as the lord, is a must-see spot for tourists in Aichi Prefecture. Kiyosu Castle, where the famous "Kiyosu Conference" was held, is a castle that was a major turning point in history.

The exterior of the castle is very elegant, especially the castle tower. It is a particularly popular tourist destination when the cherry blossoms are lit up at night in spring. Inside the castle, there are exhibits about the Kiyosu townscape and Nobunaga's conquest of the country. There is also a corner where you can try on armor, and taking a commemorative photo will make a great memento of your trip.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 37. Tsushima Shrine

Tsushima Shrine is a shrine that was deeply revered by Aichi's proud heroes, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Many people visit Tsushima Shrine during seasonal events such as the spring Wisteria Festival and the summer Tenno Festival.

Recommended souvenirs for tourists visiting Tsushima Shrine are "akada," deep-fried rice flour balls, and "kutsuwa," rice flour mixed with sugar and deep-fried in the shape of a bridle.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 38. Aichi Ranch

Aichi Farm is located in Nisshin City near Nagoya City. In the summer, sunflower fields spread out as far as the eye can see. Lunches and rich soft-serve ice cream made with milk from the farm are very popular! You can also enjoy a barbecue without having to bring anything.

There are also plenty of activities available, including feeding sheep, donkeys, mini pigs, and other animals that even small children can participate in, horse riding, and milking cows. Why not try an experience that can only be found in a vast area surrounded by nature? As one of the tourist attractions in Aichi, this is the perfect tourist spot for those who want to spend a day soothed by nature.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 39. Okazaki Castle

Okazaki Castle is the castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu was born and later played an active role as the lord of the castle. Ieyasu later moved his base to Hamamatsu, but Okazaki Castle became the pride of the region. As a result, events related to Ieyasu are held, and the castle is crowded with tourists, including Sengoku fans.

In particular, the Okazaki Castle Town Ieyasu Summer Festival, where large fireworks that Mikawa craftsmen are proud of are launched, is very popular. Okazaki Castle is also a tourist destination in Aichi that has been in the news in recent years due to the excavation of the longest stone wall in Japan.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 40. Laguna Ten Bosch

Laguna Ten Bosch in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, is a resort complex located on the seaside of Gamagori city.

The lineup includes Lagunasia, where you can enjoy VR attractions, real treasure hunts, theater programs by SKE48 and Hinatazaka46, live entertainment shows, illuminations, 3D mapping, and other exciting attractions, Lagunasia, Laguna no Yu, where you can soak in natural hot springs, the shopping and restaurant Festival Market, hotels, and beaches. It is a tourist spot in Aichi where everyone from adults to children can have a full day of fun.

Aichi Prefecture's popular tourist spot 41. LEGOLAND Japan®

The last one we will introduce is LEGOLAND Japan® which opened in 2017. It is said to be one of the three biggest theme parks in Japan, rivaling Tokyo Disney Resort® (TDL®) in Tokyo and "Universal Studios Japan®" (USJ®) in Osaka.

There are many objects made of LEGO blocks in the park, and it is amazing that they are made of 17 million LEGO blocks.

If you want to enjoy the world of LEGO blocks to the fullest, we recommend staying at the attached hotel "LEGOLAND Japan Hotel" which can be booked through skyticket! The hotel amenities are also based on LEGO characters and blocks, so you will be able to experience the depth of LEGO blocks once again.

A summary of popular sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the whole of Aichi

Aichi Prefecture is a place where Nagoya, one of Japan's largest cities, and nature-rich areas coexist. Using the Shinkansen, express buses, and flights to Komaki Airport and Centrair, you can easily access Aichi from any region, including Kanto and Kansai. We also recommend reserving a cheap rental car in Aichi Prefecture and touring the area by car. You can enjoy sightseeing in various areas, including Nagoya gourmet food, historical sightseeing spots, and nature such as the sea, rivers, and mountains.

Nagoya is not the only place to see in Aichi Prefecture. Why not take your time and explore Aichi Prefecture?