Feel the history of Chiryu City: 7 relaxing sightseeing spots to explore

Chiryu City in Aichi Prefecture developed as a temple town in front of Chiryu Shrine, one of the three major shrines along the Tokaido. It's a perfect destination for a leisurely trip where visitors can enjoy Chiryu Shrine and the blooming irises, which are also the prefectural flower. The town still retains the charm of being the 39th post town along the old Tokaido road, and historic sites and old townscapes vividly evoke scenes from the past.

One must-try Chiryu specialty to enjoy while sightseeing is the “Ooanmaki,” a local treat consisting of sweet bean paste wrapped in a pancake-like dough! Limited-edition flavors are also available during certain seasons, so try one while on a drive. Now, let us introduce 7 sightseeing spots in Chiryu City that you can explore at a relaxed pace.

1. Yatsuhashi Iris Garden — Chiryu City's flower in full bloom

Yatsuhashi Iris Garden is a traditional garden located within the grounds of Muryoju-ji Temple, hosting the annual Iris Festival from late April to late May. This festival has been held for around 60 years, attracting many visitors from both within and outside the prefecture. The iris is not only the prefectural flower of Aichi but also the flower of Chiryu City, beloved by locals for its delicate beauty. The garden is a long-standing tourist attraction, where about 30,000 irises bloom in May. Many poets, moved by the scenery, have composed famous verses inspired by the sight.

The vibrant purple irises spread throughout the garden embody the flower’s meaning of happiness and good fortune, captivating visitors with joy. There is also a tea house, so enjoying tea while viewing the flowers is highly recommended. A peaceful stroll surrounded by irises is another way to appreciate the serene atmosphere of the garden.

Access to Yatsuhashi Iris Garden: about an 8-minute walk from Mikawa Yatsuhashi Station on the Meitetsu Mikawa Line, or about a 10-minute drive from the Toyoda-Minami IC on the Isewangan Expressway. How about visiting Chiryu City in the spring?

2. Kakitsu-hime Park — Where the Karakoromo poem was written

Kakitsu-hime Park is the place where irises were said to have bloomed profusely in the Heian period. It is believed to be where Ariwara no Narihira composed the poem about a “karakoromo” (Tang-style robe) while admiring the irises on his journey east in The Tales of Ise. Upon entering the park, you’ll immediately see a monument inscribed with Narihira’s poem and a stately pine tree named "Ichihonmatsu in Oritanaka". A statue of Narihira is also erected in the park. Located in a quiet residential area, it's a pleasant spot to take a stroll while softly reciting his poem and imagining the ancient scenery.

If you visit the park while soaking in the ambiance of Chiryu City, you may just find yourself feeling like Narihira himself. It’s also a great place to bask in the sun.

3. Chiryu City Historical Folklore Museum — Discover Chiryu’s past

Located about a 10-minute walk from Chiryu Station on the Meitetsu Main Line, the Chiryu City History and Folklore Museum is attached to the city library. The museum exhibits many rare items that can only be seen here in Aichi Prefecture, ranging from artifacts from the prehistoric and ancient periods to models of Chiryu-juku, a post town along the Tokaido during the Edo period. The museum also features dynamic replicas and video presentations, making it easy to understand and enjoyable for children. Special exhibitions are also held from time to time.

Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. The museum is closed on Mondays, the fourth Friday of each month, and during the New Year holidays. Admission is free, so why not take this opportunity to immerse yourself in history and culture by adding this museum to your Chiryu sightseeing itinerary? You can take your time and explore at your own pace.

(Information as of November 2016)

4. Chiryu Shrine — One of the three major Tokaido shrines

One of Chiryu City's main sightseeing spots, “Chiryu Shrine” is a highly esteemed shrine that was considered one of the three major shrines of the Tokaido during the Edo period. Its founding is said to date back to the era of Emperor Keikō. The shrine is famous among travelers for its divine protection against vipers and holds a special place in the hearts of Aichi residents.

Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find chickens and turtles, creating a peaceful atmosphere. In June, the annual “Iris Festival” sees around 30,000 irises in full bloom, offering visitors a soothing and impressive sight. The 14.5-meter Tahōdō (multi-treasure pagoda) is designated a National Important Cultural Property, giving visitors a tangible sense of history. There are also several other historical structures on the premises, making it a great place to take a slow, meaningful stroll while paying your respects.

5. Souji Temple — The temple affiliated with Chiryu Shrine

Located about a 10-minute walk from Chiryu Station, “Souji Temple” is the first site of the Mikawa New Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It is said that when the high priest Ennin of the Tendai sect visited Chiryu Shrine, he was bitten by a venomous snake. After praying to Chiryu Shrine and recovering, he built this temple to express his gratitude.

The front gate is a magnificent bell tower gate, and the temple grounds are densely packed with various halls. Inside the Jizo Hall is the “Omokaru Jizo,” a statue that grants wishes if it feels light when lifted. Why not try lifting it for yourself? Other highlights include the exotic Ryugu Gate, the Kaisando (Founder’s Hall), Shusse Fudo (Fudo of Success), and a sand-stamping path representing the 88 temples of Shikoku. Since it is located close to Chiryu Shrine, be sure to visit both together.

6. Henjou-in Temple — Dedicated to Chiryu’s Kobo-san

Henjoin Temple enshrines a self-carved statue of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in a reflective pose, believed to have been carved by the saint himself. It is affectionately known to locals as “Chiryu’s Kobo-san.” The temple grounds feature many buildings including the main hall, a sand-stamping pilgrimage route for the Shikoku 88 temples, and the Bentendo Hall, making it a popular site for worshippers. On the 21st day of the lunar calendar, believed to be Kobo Daishi’s memorial day, the temple hosts a bustling fair with many vendor stalls, offering a livelier contrast to its usual weekday serenity—a delightful experience for tourists. The flowers planted in the temple also offer a refreshing atmosphere.

Henjoin is about a 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Chiryu Station, about a 7-minute taxi ride from Mikawa Anjo Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, and accessible by car or rental car with available parking.

7. Chiryu Yatsuhashi Historical Site Museum — Learn the history of the Irises

The Chiryu Yatsuhashi Historical Site Museum is a seasonal museum open from April to June. It preserves and displays cultural properties related to the history of the Yatsuhashi irises, Ariwara no Narihira, and The Tales of Ise. One notable exhibit is the “oi” (a backpack used to carry tea utensils) used by traveling monk Hougan Baishao, which is designated as a prefectural cultural asset. The museum houses travel journals and hundreds of cultural artifacts, many of which can only be seen here—making it a must-see historical attraction in Chiryu City.

Since it is located within the grounds of Muryoju-ji Temple, visiting during iris season is highly recommended. Following the traces of history might allow you to appreciate the beauty of the irises even more. The museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Admission is 150 yen for adults and 70 yen for elementary and junior high school students. During off-season months, the museum can be opened by reservation, so be sure to inquire if you plan to visit.

(Information as of November 2016)

◎ Summary

Chiryu City, where the iris blooms and is tied to the poetic legacy of Ariwara no Narihira and his famed “karakoromo” poem, is a destination where visitors can enjoy a journey through history. Since both the Iris Garden and the Chiryu Yatsuhashi Historical Site Museum are located within Muryoju-ji Temple, why not explore them together? The site is equipped to welcome guide dogs and features ramps and wheelchair-accessible restrooms—making it a visitor-friendly destination.

Chiryu Shrine, one of the Three Major Tokaido Shrines, and Souji Temple are closely connected. With numerous halls and structures of historic significance such as the National Important Cultural Property and the Shikoku 88 Temple sand-stamping route, the more you learn, the more you may find yourself enchanted by Chiryu City. We hope this list of 7 leisurely sightseeing spots helps you create wonderful travel memories in Chiryu City.

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Feel the history of Chiryu City: 7 relaxing sightseeing spots to explore