Full of charm! 5 recommended tourist spots in Iwakura City, Aichi Prefecture

Iwakura City is the smallest city in Aichi Prefecture, located about 10 minutes by train from Nagoya Station. It offers a unique duality, balancing a vibrant urban center with a countryside rich in natural beauty.

Iwakura City is dotted with various tourist attractions, including famous cherry blossom viewing spots and historical sites where you can learn about the city’s past.
In this article, we introduce five recommended sightseeing spots in Iwakura City.

1. Iwakura Nature Ecological Park

Iwakura Nature Ecological Park is a small-scale facility where you can observe a variety of insects and plants. It is a nature park created with the intention of allowing visitors to feel close to nature, utilizing the forest surrounding Tsushima Shrine in Iwakura City.

Within the park, you can observe over 100 plant species and trees that are more than 200 years old. At the park's workshop, staff members provide detailed explanations about the insects and plants that inhabit the park.

One of the most popular activities here is “crayfish fishing.” The pond is home not only to crayfish but also to medaka fish and frogs. Though you need to purchase fishing rods and bait from nearby convenience stores, the activity is simple enough for children to enjoy.

Since the park offers hands-on interaction with insects and nature, it’s also perfect for kids’ summer homework projects.

2. Iwakura City Historic Site Park

Iwakura Historic Site Park features structures that give visitors a sense of Japanese history.

Within the park are reconstructed ancient pit dwellings, which many may recognize from textbooks, and the thatched-roof Torii-style traditional house. The Torii-style house is designated as a cultural asset of Aichi Prefecture and retains elements from the Muromachi period. It is named "Torii-style" due to its two main interior pillars connected by horizontal beams resembling a torii gate.

In addition to these historical buildings, the park also has a grassy plaza and a shallow wading pond. The lawn area is perfect for picnics or relaxing in the sun, while the pond is ideal for kids to splash around. After immersing yourself in history, why not unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings? Admission and parking are both free, making it easy to visit.

3. Cooking Studio Sante

Cooking Studio Sante is located just near Iwakura Station. It is run by culinary expert Noriko Imai, who is active mainly in Nagoya. Based on the concept of “making cooking fun,” the studio offers classes that help everyone from beginners to aspiring gourmet cooks enjoy the process of making food. They also offer “Nagoya Cuisine” classes, where participants can learn to make local specialties like miso katsu, miso stew, and Nagoya Cochin chicken.

While it mainly serves as a cooking school, Sante occasionally operates the “Sante Café” during certain seasons. The café serves seasonal dishes—shaved ice in summer, French toast in winter, and fresh strawberries in spring. The shaved ice, made with additive-free, naturally colored syrup, is particularly gentle and fluffy.

Since café operating days are limited, it's recommended to check ahead before visiting.

4. Funahashi Musical Instrument Museum

The Funahashi Musical Instrument Museum showcases around 800 musical instruments from around the world. The instruments are displayed by country, allowing visitors to learn how different ethnic groups enjoy music through their traditional instruments.

What’s even more astonishing is that all the instruments on display were personally collected by the museum director. Traveling across the globe, he not only gathered these items but also repaired them himself, restoring them to playable condition.

The director, who personally experienced the music and culture of various regions, provides insightful explanations based on what he saw, heard, and felt. There are also times when he performs using the instruments. He is also a teacher of the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) and the Tsugaru shamisen, and hearing him play can be truly moving.

The Funahashi Musical Instrument Museum is well-regarded even among music lovers, as it features many rare and unfamiliar instruments. It’s a place where you can also learn about world history through music. Be sure to enjoy the director’s proud collection of instruments.

5. Gojo River

A five-minute walk east from Iwakura Station brings you to the Gojo River. This river is famous for cherry blossoms, with around 1,500 Somei Yoshino trees blooming along its banks.

On a pleasant day, take a leisurely stroll by the river while admiring the blossoms. Watch the cherry trees and the flowing water—the reflection of the blooms on the surface and the drifting petals create a quintessentially Japanese scene. Such beauty is refreshing to the soul.

Every year from April 1st to 10th, the "Iwakura Cherry Blossom Festival" is held around the Gojo River. The area from Meiji Bridge to Oichiba Bridge serves as the venue, and at night, the cherry blossoms are beautifully lit up.

The highlight of the festival is the "Nobori Washing" event. Nobori refers to koi-shaped streamers (koinobori), and the event showcases the washing of glue from the cloth during the crafting process. It’s performed once a day on weekdays and three times a day on weekends by skilled artisans.

In addition, during the first weekend of the festival, visitors can try the nobori washing experience themselves. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to register early if interested.

◎ Summary

The sightseeing spots in Iwakura City, Aichi Prefecture, include many destinations that are enjoyable for children, making it a great choice for families.

In August, the city also hosts a traditional evening festival where floats parade through the streets. Consider timing your visit to enjoy both the sights and the festivities. Iwakura offers different charms with each season, so be sure to visit and discover its unique appeal year-round.

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Full of charm! 5 recommended tourist spots in Iwakura City, Aichi Prefecture