Aichi Prefecture, anchored by the vibrant city of Nagoya, sits at the heart of Japan’s main island and is one of the country’s most underrated destinations. For first-time visitors, it offers a perfect snapshot of Japan in one compact region: samurai castles, modern architecture, traditional crafts, cutting-edge industry, and excellent local cuisine.

Conveniently located between Tokyo and Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, Aichi is both an easy stopover and a worthwhile base for several days of exploration. This guide introduces the highlights of Aichi for international travelers, with cultural context, practical tips, and suggested areas to explore.

Why Visit Aichi on Your First Japan Trip?

Many first-time visitors focus on Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but Aichi offers a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere while still being very accessible. Here are a few reasons to include it in your itinerary:

• Central location: Around 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo and 50 minutes from Kyoto by shinkansen.
• Balanced mix of old and new: Historic castles and temples alongside modern architecture and industry.
• Less crowded: Popular sights without the intense crowds of Japan’s biggest tourist hotspots.
• Culinary destination: A distinctive local food culture, especially hearty miso-based dishes and Nagoya-style street snacks.

With good transport, a variety of sightseeing areas, and plenty of English signage in major spots, Aichi works well for first-timers who want to see beyond the classic golden route.

Getting to and Around Aichi

Arriving by Air and Rail

The gateway to Aichi is Chubu Centrair International Airport, built on an artificial island south of Nagoya. It has direct flights from various Asian hubs and some long-haul routes. From the airport, take the Meitetsu train to Nagoya Station (around 30 minutes on the limited express).

If you are already in Japan, the Tokaido Shinkansen is the fastest way to reach Aichi:

• Tokyo → Nagoya: about 1 hour 40 minutes by Nozomi (fastest service)
• Kyoto → Nagoya: about 35–50 minutes
• Osaka (Shin-Osaka) → Nagoya: about 50 minutes

Japan Rail Pass holders can use Hikari and Kodama services on this line. Nagoya Station is a major hub with shinkansen, local JR lines, private railways, and the city subway.

Moving Within the Prefecture

For most travelers, Nagoya will be the base for exploring Aichi. The city has an efficient subway network connected to local JR and Meitetsu lines, making it simple to visit major attractions. For side trips to more rural or coastal areas, trains are supplemented by local buses.

Prepaid IC cards such as TOICA, manaca, and nationwide cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) are widely accepted on public transport and at many shops and vending machines.

Top Areas and Attractions in Aichi

Nagoya: Modern City with Samurai Roots

Nagoya is Aichi’s capital and the fourth-largest city in Japan. Historically, it was the power base of the Tokugawa family, and you can still feel this heritage in its castle, shrines, and museums.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is the city’s iconic symbol. Originally built in the early 17th century, it served as a key stronghold for the Tokugawa shogunate. Although the main keep is undergoing long-term restoration, the surrounding grounds and palace are still a highlight.

The reconstructed Honmaru Goten Palace is especially impressive. Meticulously rebuilt using traditional carpentry and materials, it offers a glimpse into samurai elite life with lavish gold-leaf screens, painted sliding doors, and cypress wood halls. Information panels in English explain the courtly etiquette and architectural details, making this a rewarding stop for history lovers.

Visit in spring to enjoy cherry blossoms around the moats, or in autumn for rich foliage. Allow at least two hours to stroll the grounds, explore the palace, and climb the walls for views over the city.

Atsuta Jingu: One of Japan’s Great Shrines

Atsuta Jingu is one of Shinto’s most revered shrines, said to enshrine the sacred sword Kusanagi, a legendary imperial regalia item (not on public display). The shrine sits in a tranquil forested area, a contrast to urban Nagoya.

As you follow the gravel paths under towering camphor trees, you may see Shinto rituals, traditional wedding processions, or local worshippers making offerings. It is a good place to observe shrine etiquette: bow lightly before entering the torii gate, cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin, and offer a coin, bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more at the main hall.

Osu Shopping District

The Osu area blends traditional and modern Nagoya. Centered around Osu Kannon Temple, its narrow shopping streets are lined with second-hand clothing stores, electronics shops, maid cafés, arcades, and old-fashioned snack stands.

It is an excellent place to try nagoya-meshi (Nagoya-style foods) in a casual atmosphere, buy quirky souvenirs, or people-watch during the weekend when the streets are especially lively.

Nagoya’s Museums and Modern Sights

Nagoya also showcases Aichi’s role as one of Japan’s industrial and technological powerhouses:

• Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: A fascinating walk through Japan’s manufacturing history, from early looms to modern car engineering. Interactive exhibits and English explanations make it accessible even if you’re not a car enthusiast.
• Nagoya City Science Museum: Known for its distinctive spherical planetarium, this family-friendly museum features hands-on exhibits and occasional English labeling. It is a good indoor option on rainy days.
• Sakae and Oasis 21: The Sakae district is Nagoya’s main downtown area, with department stores, restaurants, and nightlife. The futuristic glass structure of Oasis 21, with its “Spaceship-Aqua” rooftop, contrasts nicely with the nearby Nagoya TV Tower.

Exploring Beyond Nagoya

Inuyama: Castle Town on the River

About 30 minutes from Nagoya by train, Inuyama is one of Aichi’s most charming historical towns. Its star attraction is Inuyama Castle, one of the few original wooden castles remaining in Japan and a designated National Treasure.

The castle stands on a hill overlooking the Kiso River. Inside, steep wooden staircases and creaking floors give a sense of authenticity. From the top floor, you can see the town, river, and surrounding countryside. At the foot of the hill, the preserved castle town streets are lined with traditional houses, cafés, and shops selling local sweets.

In summer, you can witness ukai (cormorant fishing) demonstrations on the Kiso River, a tradition that dates back centuries. Lantern-lit boats glide across the water as skilled fishermen work with trained cormorants to catch river fish – a unique cultural experience, especially after dark.

Tokoname: Ceramics and Coastal Air

On the Chita Peninsula near the airport, Tokoname is one of Japan’s ancient kiln towns, famed for its reddish-brown ceramics. Pottery from Tokoname has been used for tea ceremonies, everyday ware, and decorative pieces for hundreds of years.

The Tokoname Pottery Footpath is a self-guided walking route through old kiln districts, alleyways decorated with ceramic tiles, and climbing kilns now preserved as cultural sites. Look out for whimsical cat statues and walls made from stacked ceramic pipes. Many small studios and galleries welcome visitors, and you can sometimes try hands-on pottery workshops.

Arimatsu and Shibori Dyeing

The town of Arimatsu, along the old Tokaido Road, is famous for shibori, a traditional tie-dyeing technique. During the Edo period, travelers between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) passed through here, and the town prospered on its specialty textiles.

Today, visitors can stroll among preserved merchant houses, see artisans at work, and purchase hand-dyed scarves, fabrics, and accessories. Some workshops allow you to try simple shibori patterns yourself, which makes for a personal and memorable souvenir.

Okazaki: Birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Okazaki, east of Nagoya, is known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who unified Japan and established over 250 years of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Okazaki Castle sits in a pleasant riverside park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Nearby museums and historical sites explain Ieyasu’s life and the region’s role in Japanese history. Okazaki is also renowned for its production of hatcho miso, a robust, dark miso paste central to Aichi’s cuisine. Some factories offer tours where you can see massive cedar barrels and taste the distinctive flavor.

Aichi’s Food Culture: Nagoya-Meshi

Aichi’s cuisine is bold, flavorful, and distinct from the rest of Japan. Many dishes use red miso made from soybeans and long fermenting processes, resulting in rich, deep tastes. When you visit Aichi, set aside time for culinary exploration.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Hitsumabushi: Grilled eel (unagi) served over rice in a wooden tub. Traditionally eaten in three stages: plain, with condiments, and as a tea or broth “chazuke” poured over the rice at the end.
• Miso katsu: A breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet topped with a thick, sweet-savory red miso sauce. Heavier than the Tokyo version, but addictive.
• Tebasaki: Nagoya-style chicken wings, usually deep-fried then coated in a sweet, peppery glaze. Often enjoyed with beer at izakaya pubs.
• Kishimen: Flat, wide udon noodles served in a light broth or chilled with dipping sauce. Simple and comforting, often found at stations and casual eateries.
• Miso nikomi udon: Udon noodles simmered in a rich miso broth, typically served in a clay pot with egg and vegetables. Especially satisfying in cooler months.

Portions can be generous, but many restaurants offer smaller sizes or set menus that let you sample several specialties. Look for picture menus or plastic food displays to help you order if you are not familiar with the dishes.

Cultural Tips and Seasonal Highlights

Local Festivals

Aichi hosts numerous festivals that offer a glimpse into local culture. Some of the most notable include:

• Inuyama Festival (spring): Ornate festival floats with mechanical dolls are paraded through the streets and illuminated at night.
• Tokoname’s ceramic festivals: Seasonal events where potters showcase their works and offer special deals.
• Summer fireworks and river events: Along the Kiso River and in coastal areas, summer evenings are marked by fireworks, yukata (cotton kimono), and food stalls.

Festival dates change yearly, so check local tourism websites when planning your trip. Crowds are part of the experience, but arriving early and booking accommodation well ahead helps ensure a smoother visit.

Best Time to Visit Aichi

Aichi has four distinct seasons:

• Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures and cherry blossoms around Nagoya Castle, Okazaki, and riversides. One of the best times for first-time visitors.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with a rainy season in June and early July. Festivals, fireworks, and river activities are in full swing.
• Autumn (September–November): Cooler weather and colorful foliage at castles, temple gardens, and mountain areas. Ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
• Winter (December–February): Generally cold but not extreme in the city. Clear days, fewer tourists, and seasonal illumination events.

Practical Advice for First-Time Visitors

Language and Signage

In Nagoya and major tourist spots, you will find English signage in stations, on key attractions, and on many restaurant menus. Staff at large hotels and museums typically speak basic English, though smaller shops may not.

Carrying a translation app is useful for reading menus or asking detailed questions. Learning a few simple phrases such as sumimasen (excuse me), arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), and onegai shimasu (please) will be appreciated.

Cash, Cards, and Connectivity

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, chain stores, and many restaurants, but small eateries and rural shops may still prefer cash. ATMs that accept international cards are available at convenience stores and major banks.

For navigation, a pocket Wi-Fi or local SIM card makes it easier to use map apps and check train timetables. Free Wi-Fi is available in some stations, shopping centers, and tourist information centers in Nagoya.

Suggested Length of Stay

If you are including Aichi in a wider Japan itinerary, consider:

• 1–2 days: Focus on Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Sakae/Osu, and one or two signature meals.
• 3–4 days: Add side trips to Inuyama, Tokoname, or Arimatsu, and explore more museums or cultural workshops.

Because of its central location, Aichi also works well as a base for day trips to nearby prefectures like Gifu or Mie.

Experience the Heart of Japan in Aichi

Aichi may not have the immediate name recognition of Tokyo or Kyoto, but that is part of its charm. It offers a concentrated experience of Japan’s history, craftsmanship, and daily life without overwhelming crowds. Whether you are gazing out from an original castle keep, tasting deep-flavored miso dishes, or following a pottery trail in a quiet kiln town, you will encounter a side of Japan that feels both authentic and welcoming.

For first-time travelers who want to balance famous cities with somewhere a little less traveled, Aichi is an excellent choice—easy to reach, rich in culture, and full of discoveries waiting just beyond the shinkansen platform.