History / Culture / Tour Spots in Aichi Area

  • Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)
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    4.0
    1763 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Atsuta-ku Jingu 1-1-1
    This shrine located in Nagoya City’s Atsuta Ward has been known familiarly as “Atsuta Sama” since long ago. Reported to have been established in 113, it is revered as a Great Shrine ranking second only to Ise Jingu Shrine. The shrine is famous as a place that enshrines the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, one of the three sacred treasures that symbolize the Imperial throne. The approximately 190,000-square meter premises are thick with kusunoki (camphor trees) that have been living for more than one thousand years, and are scattered with numerous setsumatsu-sha (smaller shrines managed under the shrine). There are numerous events and festivals held at the shrine including Hatsu Ebisu on January 5, and it is constantly bustling with visitors for Shichi-Go-San (shrine visit by children aged 7, 5 and 3), omiya-mairi (the first shrine visits by babies) and even Hatsu Mode (the first shrine visit of New Year).

    Shrine is conveniently located across from subway station. The grounds are spacious and wooded. Although their were lots of visitors, one did not feel crowded. A food area offered good, relatively...

  • Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
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    4.5
    1525 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Nishi-ku Noritakeshinmachi 4-1-35
    This is the corporate museum of the Toyota Group, which transitioned into the automobile industry from the textile machinery industry and has now become a global automobile manufacturer. The museum uses the brick building that was the former Sako Plant of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. The exhibits inside the museum are divided into the Textile Machinery Pavilion and the Automobile Pavilion, and in the Textile Machinery Pavilion visitors can learn about textile machinery and the evolution of technology. The Automobile Pavilion introduces the mechanism of automobiles and the exercise of developmental technology and production technology. There is also a monozukuri (Japanese craftsmanship) corner intended for children.

    Who would have thought that Mr Toyoda, who wanted to make a better cotton weaving machine, would end up with a massive corporation including car manufacturing, machines that make things, and a wide...

  • Nagoya Castle
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    4.5
    363 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Naka-ku Honmaru 1-1
    Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 as the castle of the feudal lord, Yoshinao who was the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The large donjon and the small donjon with their characteristic golden dolphins were destroyed during the air raids of Nagoya in 1945, but they were rebuilt in 1959. The pictures on room partitions which are Important Cultural Properties and historical materials are on display in the large donjon, in addition, you can also observe a “full-scale replica of the Golden Dolphin” and you can experience stone pulling and palanquin riding. Nagoya Castle was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Great Castles, and it has also been designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan.

    As the entrance is included in the castle entry fee it is well worth the visit to see the superb craftsmanship in the reconstruction.

  • A National Treasure, Inuyama Castle
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    4.5
    1053 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Inuyamashi Inuyama Kitakoken 65-2
    Inuyama Castle which was founded by Oda Nobuyasu, Oda Nobunaga’s uncle in 1537 during the Muromachi period. It is the oldest wooden donjon in existence in Japan and is one of “the 12 Castles with Existing Castle Towers”. The top floor of the watchtower style donjon overlooks Kiso River, Gifu Castle and Nagoya town, and it must surely be a superb view. I guess you will be able to get a sense of what it was like to be a feudal lord. The castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1952 based on the Cultural Property Protection Act.

    Cute little castle with a great view from the top. The castle was initially constructed in 1537, and its donjon is one of Japans oldest extant. It is one of only twelve original castles left in...

  • Museum Meiji-Mura
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    4.5
    501 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Inuyamashi Uchiyama 1
    This outdoor museum is located in Inuyama City. It displays a number of buildings from the Meiji period, the era that created the foundation for modern Japan, that have been transplanted from across the country. Located on a large hilly area facing Lake Iruka, the museum's numerous exhibits include buildings designed as national important cultural properties such as the former residence of Saigo Judo and the St. John's Church from Kyoto, railway monuments, and modern industrial heritages. The museum also features a number of hands-on facilities including one where visitors can ride on steam locomotives or a Kyoto street car and another where visitors can take commemorative photos dressed in fashionable Meiji era-style garb. Fees are required for some activities. Groups of 20 or more can play a real-world ''Game of Life'' that takes place over the entire village (reservation required).

    I had been there some times before. Every time I went there, it was an interesting experiences. Especially, you can see buildings of Meiji period. If you have any interest in architecture and design...

  • Tokugawa Art Museum
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    4.0
    452 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Higashi-ku Tokugawachou 1017
    This private art museum located within Tokugawaen in Nagoya City opened in 1935 to showcase items donated by the 19th lord of the Owari Tokugawa clan and his in-laws. The collection exceeds 10,000 items and is comprised of daimyo (feudal lord) implements passed down in the Owari Tokugawa clan such as relics related to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, articles purchased from other daimyo families, and donations from wealthy merchants. The collection includes numerous National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and important works of art, and is famous for items such as Genji Monogatari Emaki (The Picture Scroll of the Tale of Genji)” and Hatsune no Chodo. Displays in the permanent section allow visitors to catch a glimpse of life in the Owari clan, and exhibitions are also held in accordance with the seasons as well as different themes.

    About a 30 minute bus ride from Nagoya Station is this wonderful museum with artifacts from the family of the Shoguns. It is not as crowded as many historical museums and it isnt as comprehensive...

  • Toyota Museum
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    4.5
    341 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Nagakuteshi Yokomichi 41-100
    Opened in 1989 for the 50th anniversary of Toyota Motor, the museum has a main building and annex. You can easily learn about the history of the evolution of automobiles. There is a library inside where you can deepen your knowledge of automobiles. In addition, there is also a library for children with picture books of vehicles. The museum shop has plenty of original goods, and the restaurant has a menu centered on Western-style dishes. There are car-related reading materials even in the cafe, so you can spend a relaxing time there.

    I have been there more than three times! Of course I like cars. And my son also likes them. We can see many kinds of cars, not only Toyota cars but also another company’s automobiles. They are...

  • Kitanosan Sinpuku-ji Hosho-in (Osu Kannon Temple)
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    4.0
    450 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Naka-ku Osu 2-21-47
    Located in the Osu district of Nagoya City’s Naka Ward, this temple belonging to the Shingon Chisan sect is said to be one of Japan’s three hallowed grounds of Kannon, the deity of mercy. It is also well-known under the name Osu-Kannon. The temple was constructed as Shinpuku-ji in 1333 in what is now Gifu Prefecture’s Hashima City, and was moved to its present site in 1612. The vermillion hondo (main temple) is a symbol of Osu and is known as the “Osu Bunko” (library) for its collection of some 15,000 old books including Japan’s oldest manuscript of the “Kojiki” (Records of Ancient Matters), a National Treasure, and the “Shomonki” (The Chronicle of Masakado), which is an Important Cultural Property.

    Located at osukannon station & just right beside osu shopping street! Glad & surprise to see cherry blossom still in bloom in the temple as cherry blossom started earlier this year. Good to drop by...

  • Okazaki Castle
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    4.0
    344 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Okazakishi Kouseichou 561-1
    Considered one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles, Okazaki Castle is famous as the birthplace of the mighty shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. After the Battle of Okehazama, Ieyasu re-took the castle from the Imagawa clan and achieved independence. Thereafter, Ieyasu moved his base of operations to Hamamatsu Castle in 1570. Until he defeated the Toyotomi clan at the Battle of Osaka in 1615, Tanaka Yoshimasa, a member of the Toyotomi clan, was the lord of the castle. After Ieyasu unified the country, high status hereditary daimyo lords, whose families had supported Ieyasu, inherited the lordship of the castle. Inside the castle, each floor contains displays of historical materials focusing on a different theme. From the observation room, visitors can get a sweeping view of Okazaki. The castle is also renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

    I have been coming to this castle for 40 years. It has been newly renovated and has artifacts that history buffs will enjoy. The castle grounds are beautiful any time of the year, but especially when...

  • Nagoya Congress Center
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    3.5
    89 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Atsuta-ku Atsutanishimachi 1-1
    A convention center located in Shiratori Park in Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City. Facilities include the 3,000 seat Century Hall, international conference rooms, event halls, and more. The center holds regular events such as classical music competitions and concerts and is used by many locals and visitors from far and wide.

    昔のアニメですが、響けユーフォニアムの聖地巡礼といったところです。アニメ上ではここで全国大会銅賞でしたが、今後卒業までの続編が出るといいんですけどね。訪問日は地元の大学の卒業式で大変な人出、間を縫って撮影しました。

  • Nagoya City Art Museum
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    3.5
    130 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Naka-ku Sakae 2-17-25 Forest of art and science/In Shirakawa park
    An art museum which focuses on art relating to the local area but which also possesses pieces from international artists. Visitors can view School of Paris, Mexican Renaissance, and modern art. The museum also displays works by Amedeo Modigliani and Marc Chagall. The museum is located inside Shirakawa Park, where visitors can view modern sculptures by artists such as Isamu Noguchi. The museum has a library and coffee shop. The museum shop offers original merchandise such as prints of Amedeo Modigliani’s Girl with Pigtails, a piece in the museum’s collection.

    Located just next to the Science Museum, this is a rather small museum about arts. But it has a modern hype and trendy design. We were visiting the science museum, but it was closed (as its...

  • Kiyosu Castle
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    4.0
    151 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Kiyosushi Asahi Shiroyashiki 1-1
    Kiyosu was somewhere everyone wanted to have. The reason was because it is located at the point where the Kamakura and Ise highways cross. Nobunaga Oda occupied the castle in 1555. It is famous as the place where the Kiyosu Conference to decide Nobunaga’s successor was held. In the exhibitions from the first to fourth floors of the castle tower, you can learn about the history of Kiyosu and the exploits of its rulers. The top floor offers an amazing view of cherry blossoms blooming along the Gojo River in the spring.

    Im sure youll like this castle. Its not only the place, all of people working here are kind and nice. I and my sis experienced to wear the samurai costume free of charge. Please ask staff if you...

  • Nittaiji Temple
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    4.0
    142 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Chikusa-ku Hououchou 1-1
    Nittaiji Temple is located about 10 minutes on foot from Kakuozan Station. It was founded in 1904 to house the ashes of Buddha, which the Kingdom of Siam (now the Kingdom of Thailand) gave to Japan. It is the only temple in Japan that does not belong to any specific sect but represents all the sects. In the main hall is the gold-bronze statue of Shaka Nyorai (Tathagata), which was a national treasure of Thailand, and the ashes of Buddha are kept in the holy tower. On the 21st of every month approximately 100 stalls and throngs of people flock to the path leading up to the temple. It is also well-known as a place to see cherry blossom and azaleas.

    They have market on 21th every month. Lots of food carts on side of street from the kakuozan subway station. Try little bit each as one portion is small and cheap!

  • Sanko Inari Shrine
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    4.0
    132 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Inuyamashi Inuyama Kitakoken 65-18
    A Shinto shrine standing at the foot of Inuyama Castle in Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City. Although uncertain, according to legend, the temple was founded in 1586. The shrine was originally located in the adjoining Marunouchi Ryokuchi Park and was moved to its current location in 1964. The shrine was once frequented by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of the mighty Oda Nobunaga, as well as the Naruse clan, whose members once served as the lords of Inuyama Castle.

    Pray for love and good couple life with heart-shape wooden plate. Don’t forget to make merit and ring the bell.

  • Mizkan Museum Mim
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    4.0
    115 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Handashi Nakamurachou 2-6
    A hands on museum where visitors can learn about and enjoy the history of Mizkan vinegar production and food culture. The museum requires an advance reservation to view; a guided tour is provided. The museum is divided into different themes. First, the history of Mizkan vinegar production from the Edo period to modern times is introduced. The museum is full of interesting, interactive exhibits and clever ideas. The tour ends with an area where visitors can experience the wonders of foods with a focus on sushi and nabe hot pot. The museum also has a shop which sells unique original merchandise.

    南知多へ行く際に立ち寄りました。事前に予約が必要です。ガイド付きの全館コースがお薦めです。時間は90分かかります。ミツカンの酢作りの歴史に触れることができます。相当な力の入ったミュージアムです。入館料が300円必要ですが、設備やスタッフのことを考えると安いものだと思います。

  • Masumida Shrine
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    4.0
    109 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Ichinomiyashi Masumida 1-2-1
    A Shinto shrine located in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture dedicated to Amenohoakari no Mikoto. The shrine's primary festival, the Tokasai festival , also known as the Uma Matsuri, is held each year on April 3, and attendees can view a variety of events, such as the Uma no To decorated horse parade, horseback archery, and children's parade.

    初詣の準備が進む中、尾張國の一宮の一つのこちらに幸先詣でお参りしました。平安時代創建の長い歴史のあるこの神社は関東ではほぼ見かけないアマテラスの孫、アメノホアカリを祀ります。太陽が悪疫を焼き、紛争を解くことをお祈りしました。

  • Kakukyu Hatcho Miso (Hatcho Miso no Sato)
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    4.0
    108 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Okazakishi Hacchouchou Oukandori 69
    Hatcho Miso no Sato in Hatcho Town, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, is owned by the Hatcho miso producer Kakukyu who have been making this kind of fermented soybean paste since the early Edo period. The black walled main building resembling a church and the storehouse built in 1927 have been designated as registered tangible cultural properties of Japan. In the old Meiji period storehouse now refurbished as an historical museum, visitors can see reproductions of how miso used to be made and the tools that were used. Visitors can also take a tour of the Hatcho Miso factory with guided tours available on weekends and national holidays. There is also a shop, an area to sample the miso, and a restaurant on site.

    The tour is free, but you have to register yourself at the reception counter inside the souvenir shop. You will find it located on your left once you enter the shop. You will be given a piece of...

  • Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art
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    4.5
    108 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Higashi-ku Aoi 1-19-30
    The art museum is directly connected to Exit 1 of Shinsakaemachi Station. On display are the pieces of art collected by the late Yamazaki Teruyuki, former president of the Yamazaki Mazak Corporation. The collection focusses on French art from the 18th to 20th centuries. Along with paintings are art nouveau works by artists such as Emile Galle including glass pieces and furniture. Relax and enjoy French fine art in the exhibition halls decorated with chandeliers and other adornments giving them the feeling of classical salons.

    The receptionist had peremptory manners and it made me unpleasant. Its not busy at all even at weekend.

  • Daijuji Temple
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    4.0
    89 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aichi Pref. Okazakishi Kamodachou Hiromoto 5-1
    Daijuji Temple is a Jodo sect temple in Kamoda Town, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. It is a family temple of the Tokugawa Shogun family and their ancestors, the Matsudaira family. Matsudaira Chikatada founded the temple in 1475 as a temple for the war dead. The tombs of eight generations of the Matsudaira family and life-sized mortuary tablets of successive Tokugawa Shogun rest here. The temple is also famous as the place where Ieyasu, who lost the Battle of Okehazama, vowed to stage his comeback. In the temple grounds are many treasures including Important Cultural Properties such as the splendid Tahoto pagodas (a “multi-treasure” pagoda) established by Ieyasu’s grandfather, Kiyoyasu Matsudaira, and the screen paintings by Reizei Tamechika.

    テレビで、絶対絶命の若き家康公を 助けた住職のお寺と言ってていたので、 気になって行ってみました。 遠くに小さく岡崎城が見えるこの寺まで来て、動けなくなって寺に駆け込んだ ところ、自害を諫められ、岡崎城奪取に成功したらしい。 その後の徳川家の庇護のもと 発展してるだろうとは思っていたものの、、 カーナビでは、幹線道路の交差点を曲がったところ。街中も街中。 ところが!交差点を曲がったら石畳。 立...

  • Nagoya City Science Museum
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Naka-ku Sakae 2-17-1 Forest of art and science/In Shirakawa park
    This is a comprehensive science museum located in Nagoya City. The building is characteristic for its unique external appearance which seems to be embracing a giant sphere. The museum is largely composed of three main buildings, the Life Science Building, which features exhibits about the human body and life on earth, the Astronomy Building, which features astronomy and the mysteries of space, and the Science and Technology Building featuring exhibits related to science and physics. The sphere is actually the Brother Earth planetarium, the world’s largest which projects a large starry sky on the dome. There are also large exhibits popular with both children and adults such as a room with a temperature of -30 degrees Celsius where visitors can experience an aurora and a corner to experience an artificial tornado.

Aichi Areas

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Aichi is a prefecture of great natural beauty with Nagoya city at its heart, a busy hub home to a labyrinth of underground shops and the 17th-century Nagoya Castle. Castles are easy to find in this history-rich prefecture, but the highlight for history buffs has to be the Museum Meiji-mura, where preserved buildings from the turn of the 20th century are displayed in all their grandeur in an outdoor museum.

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