【Aichi Prefecture】Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Nisshin City – Explore the Town of History and Industry♪

Nisshin City, located near Nagoya, is often known as a residential area, but it's also packed with must-see attractions for travelers. The top highlight is definitely Aichi Farm (Aichi Bokujo)—a fun-filled destination offering hands-on experiences with animals and delicious homemade gelato. It’s a perfect outing for families and animal lovers alike.

Train enthusiasts and kids will love the local exhibit featuring vintage Nagoya trams and subway cars, showcasing a nostalgic journey through Japan’s public transportation history.

Nisshin is also home to several corporate museums and art galleries, thanks to the many companies based in the area. Factory tours of Yakult and the Maspro Denkoh Museum of Art offer fascinating insights into Japanese industry and culture, making for unique educational tours.

History buffs, especially those fascinated by the Sengoku period, shouldn't miss Iwasaki Castle Ruins Park. Meanwhile, one of the city’s most unusual yet captivating attractions is Goshikien, where concrete statues narrate the life and teachings of Saint Shinran, surrounded by seasonal greenery.

Explore the unique charm of Nisshin with these 5 best sightseeing spots perfect for families, history fans, and curious travelers.

1. Aichi Farm, the Top Tourist Spot in Nisshin City

If you're planning to explore tourist attractions in Nisshin City, Aichi Farm is a top recommendation. With free admission, it's an easy and budget-friendly destination where you can enjoy nature and have fun all day. Commonly called “Aiboku,” Aichi Farm is a popular sightseeing spot in Aichi Prefecture. It's a large-scale tourist farm offering hands-on activities such as cow milking, and its gelato and soft-serve ice cream made from fresh milk are especially popular among kids.

At Aichi Farm, you’ll find not just cows but also horses, sheep, and other animals. Children can enjoy a pony ride, and those interested in more advanced horseback riding can take lessons at the riding club. In the animal petting area, feeding and interacting with the cute animals makes for a heartwarming experience.

The most popular gelato flavor is “Farm Milk.” Visitors can also try making butter using freshly squeezed milk, and participate in ice cream-making experiences that are among the most loved activities here. The farm also offers a mini-golf course, BBQ facilities, and many more fun attractions. Aichi Farm is the kind of place you’ll want to visit over and over again to meet the animals and enjoy the outdoors.

Tourist Spot in Nisshin City #2: Nostalgic Nagoya City Tram – The Retro Densha-kan (Nagoya City Tram & Subway Museum)

Have you ever heard of the Nagoya City Tram? It was a streetcar system once operated by the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau. With roots tracing back to the late 19th century, it faithfully served the people of Nagoya for more than 70 years. However, due to chronic traffic congestion in the city center, the tram system was gradually replaced by subways and buses, and all lines were officially closed on April 1, 1974.

Today, visitors can relive this charming slice of history at the Nagoya City Tram & Subway Museum (Retro Densha-kan) located in Nisshin City. The museum displays three iconic streetcars from the era, including one that operated between Nagoya and Sakaemachi during the launch of the subway system. Guests can even step inside the cars and explore their interiors.

Whether you're a vintage train enthusiast or someone looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this retro-themed museum is a must-see attraction in Nisshin City. The vintage vibe may feel nostalgic for some, while others might find the old-school design refreshingly unique.

Tourist Spot in Nisshin City #3: Maspro Museum, a Unique Tourist Attraction in Nisshin City

Nisshin City is home to the headquarters of Maspro Denkoh Co., Ltd., a well-known Japanese electronics manufacturer. Founded in 1953 in Nagoya, the company started with radios and amateur radio equipment. The name "Maspro" is a coined term from "Master Production," symbolizing excellence in manufacturing. Today, Maspro leads the Japanese market in television antennas.

One of the city’s hidden gems is the Maspro Museum, operated by this local company. The museum has two main exhibit rooms such as the Ceramics Room, showcasing antique ceramics and porcelain, and the Ukiyo-e Room, displaying colorful woodblock prints from the late Edo to early Meiji period, including depictions of Tokyo and Yokohama.

This cultural attraction offers a glimpse into Japan’s artistic heritage. As of September 2023, admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for students. If you're visiting Nisshin City, don’t miss this local museum that reflects the pride of the community.

Tourist Spot in Nisshin City #4: Iwasaki Castle Ruins Park, A Historical Highlight in Nisshin City

Nisshin City is not only an industrial hub with numerous company headquarters and business offices but also a historic city rich in cultural heritage and ancient sites. One of the most notable historical events in the area is the Battle of Iwasaki Castle during the Sengoku period, which involved the Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans. Tokugawa Ieyasu is known to have highly praised the achievements of the castle's governor, Niwa clan, for their role in this significant battle.

The historic site of Iwasaki Castle has been developed into Iwasaki Castle Ruins Park. The original castle was built by Oda Nobuhide, father of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. Today, the park features a reconstructed castle keep (tenshukaku), which serves as an observation tower, along with the Iwasaki Castle History Museum.

At the museum, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the history of Nisshin City through photographs, artifacts, and historical tools. The 4th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Nisshin City and even the Nagoya skyline. With over 400 years of history, Iwasaki Castle Ruins Park is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Japan’s samurai heritage and Sengoku-era culture.

Tourist Spot in Nisshin City #5: Goshikien (Nisshin City), A Unique Religious Park Known for Its Distinct Concrete Statues

Goshikien in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, is Japan’s only religious-themed park, covering a vast area of over 200,000 tsubo (approximately 66 hectares). This one-of-a-kind destination features life-sized concrete statues depicting the life of Saint Shinran, founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. These statues, first installed in 1937, are scattered throughout the park and offer a surreal, immersive experience.

Some of the statues have been repainted, creating vivid and dramatic scenes that captivate visitors. In fact, many people visit Goshikien specifically to admire these unique sculptures, drawn to their artistic and spiritual atmosphere.

The park's name, “Goshikien” (Five Colors Garden), comes from the variety of trees found within its grounds—pine, bamboo, plum, cherry blossom, and maple—each contributing to the park’s seasonal beauty. Among them, cherry blossoms are a major highlight, with about 3,000 sakura trees blooming in spring, attracting numerous visitors during the hanami season.

Within the grounds is also the main hall of Daianji Temple, and the park offers accommodation facilities, making it ideal for spiritual retreats or longer stays. The best time to visit is during spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Don’t miss the chance to explore Goshikien during this breathtaking season.

◎ Summary: Discovering the Charms of Nisshin City

We have introduced some of the top tourist attractions in Nisshin City, a residential area conveniently located near Nagoya. Known as an academic town with a concentration of educational institutions, Nisshin also boasts a thriving industrial scene and a wealth of historical sites that attract visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Nagoya, why not take a short detour to explore the unique charm and rich culture of Nisshin City?