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Although Aichi Prefecture is not as well known as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, it is a compact area packed with Japanese history, culture, technology, gourmet food, and nature. With Nagoya, the largest city in the Chubu region, at its center, Aichi offers a wide range of attractions, from castles and shrines to industrial tourism, local gourmet food, and seasonal nature, making it an area where foreign tourists can easily experience the "true charm of Japan."

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What you'll learn in this article:

• Basic access to Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya
• Popular tourist spots and attractions for foreign tourists
• Aichi's must-eat gourmet food, including miso cutlet and hitsumabushi
• Enjoy hands-on experiences such as pottery making and industrial tourism
• Accommodations for foreigners, tourist information, transportation IC cards, discount passes
• How to enjoy seasonal events and festivals

We've put together some practical information from both a tourist's perspective and the local attractions so that even first-time visitors to Aichi can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Basic information and access to Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of Japan, and is easily accessible from major cities in Japan, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo and 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka. Centered around Nagoya, the largest city in the Chubu region, the prefecture is a fusion of industrial development, historical buildings, local cuisine, and natural beauty, allowing you to enjoy both urban sightseeing and local experiences.

How to get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya City

Chubu Centrair International Airport (commonly known as Centrair) is the gateway to Aichi Prefecture. It serves both international and domestic flights, allowing for smooth access from all over the world.

• Travel to Nagoya city : Approximately 30 minutes on the Meitetsu Airport Line "μSky"
• Consideration for foreigners : English signs are available on the trains and in the stations, making it easy to use even for first-time visitors to Japan.

Access by Shinkansen, conventional trains and expressways

Nagoya Station is a huge terminal station served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, and subway lines.

• Shinkansen : Short travel time from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka
• Getting around the city and surrounding areas : The city has a well-developed railway network, including JR Central, Meitetsu, and the subway, allowing you to travel around tourist spots efficiently.

If you travel mainly by train, you can easily access sightseeing spots in Nagoya city as well as surrounding areas such as Seto, Inuyama, and Toyota.

Aichi's most famous tourist spot

Aichi Prefecture is dotted with spots where you can experience Japanese history and faith. Many of these places are multilingual so that foreign tourists can easily understand them.

Nagoya Castle: The golden shachihoko (shachi fish) is the symbol of Nagoya

Nagoya Castle is a historic castle built in 1609 and is a representative tourist spot in Nagoya.

• Highlights : The shining golden shachihoko (golden carp) atop the castle tower and the imposing castle walls
• Multilingual support : There are information signs in English, Chinese, and Korean within the venue, and tour guides for foreigners are also available.
• Honmaru Palace : Recently restored, the Honmaru Palace offers a close-up look at the intricate decorations and traditional Japanese architectural beauty.

This is a must-see spot for foreign tourists who want to experience Japanese castle culture.

Atsuta Shrine: A sacred place where you can experience Japanese mythology and Shinto culture

Atsuta Shrine is one of the most historic shrines in Japan, and enshrines the Kusanagi sword, one of the three sacred treasures.

• What you can experience : Experience ancient Japanese mythology and the worldview of Shinto
• Attractions of the temple grounds : Stroll through the tranquil Japanese gardens and watch traditional Shinto rituals that are occasionally held
• Multilingual support : Signs within the shrine are multilingual and provide detailed explanations, making it highly rated by foreign visitors.

This is a recommended spot for travelers who want to experience religious culture and a spiritual atmosphere.

A stroll through Nagoya, a city where tradition and modernity intersect

Nagoya City is home to a diverse range of streets, from historic shopping districts to modern entertainment districts. We will introduce areas that are popular with foreign tourists who want to enjoy shopping, eating out, and the nightlife.

Osu Shopping Street: A shopping area where retro and subculture blend together

Osu Shopping Street, which has a history of over 400 years, is a popular area visited by a wide range of people, from young people to foreigners.

• Town atmosphere : A unique atmosphere where traditional shops coexist with second-hand clothing stores, game centers, and subculture shops
• Eating on the go : Enjoy local Japanese food such as kushikatsu, takoyaki, and matcha sweets

It's the perfect place for a stroll, as it's a spot where you can experience both traditional Japanese culture and modern pop culture at the same time.

Sakae Area: A bustling downtown area where you can enjoy shopping and night views

Sakae, the central entertainment district of Nagoya City, is a popular area for foreigners looking to enjoy shopping and nightlife.

• Night view spot : The night view from the TV tower and Oasis 21 is a must-see
• Shopping and Dining : There are many duty-free shops and restaurants in the area that offer services in foreign languages, and the number of places where English is spoken is also increasing.

You can enjoy different charms depending on the time of day, such as shopping during the day and enjoying the illuminated cityscape at night.

Discover Aichi's manufacturing industry through traditional crafts and industrial tourism

Aichi Prefecture is a center of manufacturing, including the automotive industry, and is full of places where you can learn both traditional crafts and cutting-edge technology.

Seto City: Experience pottery making in Japan's leading ceramics town

Seto City, where the word "Setomono" (seto ware) originates, is a town of ceramics where Japan's pottery culture remains strong.

• Experience : There are many workshops where you can try pottery making, and some facilities offer English-speaking courses, so even foreigners can easily try it out.
• Travel Memories : Create your own unique piece to take home as a memento of your trip to Japan.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: Experience the roots of a global manufacturer

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, where you can learn about the roots of Toyota Motor Corporation, Aichi Prefecture's pride, is a prime spot for industrial tourism.

• Exhibit contents : A clear introduction to the history and technology that evolved from textile machinery to automobiles, with actual exhibits
• Demonstrations : You can see the machines in action and get an intuitive understanding of how the technology works.
• Multilingual support : Guided tours in English are also available, and are especially recommended for foreigners interested in industry and manufacturing.

Experience the charm of Aichi and Nagoya through its food culture

Aichi Prefecture is known as an area rich in unique "Nagoya cuisine." The rich flavors and unique eating styles make for a memorable experience for foreign tourists.

Miso cutlet: an addictive dish with a rich red miso sauce

Nagoya's specialty, "Miso Katsu," is a dish of pork cutlet covered in a rich sauce made with red miso.

• Foreigners' reviews : The rich flavor is highly rated overseas, and it's a dish that gets you excited.
• Ease of ordering : Famous restaurants such as Yabatan Honten have English menus, so even first-time customers can order with confidence.

Hitsumabushi: An eel dish that can be enjoyed three times in one meal

The eel dish "Hitsumabushi" is unique in that the same dish can be enjoyed in three different ways.

• How to enjoy : There are many ways to enjoy it, such as eating it as is, topping it with condiments, or making it into a tea-soaked dish.
• Why it's popular with foreigners : The way you eat it is itself a form of entertainment, and many stores offer guides with photos on how to eat it.

This is a typical gourmet experience where you can experience both Japanese food culture and the proper etiquette for eating.

Fun cultural, historical and natural spots to experience

By not only seeing but also experiencing, you will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. Aichi Prefecture is full of spots where you can experience historical cityscapes and nature.

Meiji Mura Museum: Travel back in time to the Meiji era

The Museum Meiji Mura in Inuyama City is an experiential facility that recreates the architecture and lifestyle of Japan's Meiji period.

• Experiences : A variety of experiences are available, including riding a tram, touring an old house, and wearing traditional Japanese clothing.
• What you will learn : You can get a real feel for the history of Japan's modernization through the buildings and exhibits.
• Services for foreigners : Multilingual pamphlets are available at various locations, making this a particularly good option for foreign tourists interested in history.

Korankei: Enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons and autumn leaves

Korankei in Toyota City is known as one of Japan's best places to see autumn leaves.

• The charm of autumn : In autumn, the entire area turns red and yellow, creating a fantastical landscape.
• The changing faces of the seasons : You can feel nature all year round, from the fresh greenery of spring, the cool valleys of summer, and the tranquil scenery of winter.
• Photogenic spot : This is a popular photo spot among foreigners, and is perfect for those who want to take beautiful landscape photos.

Foreigner-friendly accommodation and support services

Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture has a wide range of accommodations and tourist information centers where foreign tourists can stay with peace of mind.

Inns and hotels popular with foreigners

Nagoya city has a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with English-speaking staff to affordable hostels.

• Characteristics : A popular ryokan style that mixes Western and Japanese styles
• What you can experience : There are facilities where you can stay in a Japanese-style room and enjoy hot springs, and they are highly rated as a "quintessentially Japanese stay experience."

Utilizing tourist information centers and tourist centers

There are tourist information centers for foreigners at Nagoya Station, Sakae, and the Osu area.

• Supported languages : Resident staff speak English, Chinese, and Korean
• Services provided : Tourist maps, access information, Wi-Fi spot guides, etc. are available free of charge

If you are visiting Aichi for the first time, it is a good idea to start your sightseeing by gathering information at the information center.

Convenient transportation IC cards and discount free passes

To efficiently enjoy sightseeing in Aichi and Nagoya, we recommend making good use of IC cards and free passes.

Manaca Card: Convenient for travelling within Nagoya city

"manaca" is an IC card that can be used on subways and buses within Nagoya City.

• Range of use : Can be used on a wide range of city transportation, including subways and buses
• Information for foreigners : There is an English guide page and it is easy to understand how to use it.
• Electronic money function : Can be used at convenience stores and restaurants, making payments smoother.

Save money on sightseeing with the Meitetsu and Kintetsu Free Pass

Meitetsu and Kintetsu offer free passes for tourists.

• Example: Meitetsu Nagoya Hospitality Ticket
  • Can be used to travel within Nagoya city
  • Includes discounts on food, drink and attractions
  • A cost-effective option for foreign tourists

If you plan to visit multiple spots by train, checking the pass contents in advance will help you save on transportation costs.

Enjoy seasonal events and festivals

Aichi Prefecture hosts events and festivals throughout the seasons that allow you to experience traditional Japanese culture. If you time your trip to participate in one of these events, you'll have a deeper experience.

Nagoya Festival: An Autumn Event Combining Traditional Culture and Modernity

The Nagoya Festival, held every autumn, is a large-scale festival that represents Nagoya.

• Main attractions : Parade of local heroes (dressed as historical figures) and traditional performing arts
• Foreign tourists : Many foreigners visit, offering a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese festival culture up close.
• Information gathering : The official website is multilingual, so you can check the schedule and details in advance.

Inuyama Castle Town's Hinamatsuri: A charming spring event

In the spring, the Castle Town Doll Festival is held around Inuyama Castle.

• Atmosphere : Hina dolls are displayed all over town, creating a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere.
• Attractions : Many photogenic spots, where you can experience history and culture at the same time
• Reviews from foreigners : It has a good reputation as a quintessentially Japanese spring landscape, and is a popular spot for photography.

Summary: Experience the diverse charms of Japan all in one place in Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture is a valuable region where foreign tourists can experience the diverse charms of Japan all at once.

• Historical and religious sites such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine
• Walking, shopping and nightlife in Osu Shopping Street and Sakae area
• Pottery experience in Seto City and industrial tourism at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
• Unique Nagoya delicacies such as miso cutlet and hitsumabushi
• Cultural and natural experiences at Meiji Village and Korankei
• Accommodations and tourist information centers that cater to foreigners, and convenient transportation using IC cards and free passes
• Seasonal events such as the Nagoya Festival and the Inuyama Castle Town Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)

Transportation networks and accommodation facilities are becoming increasingly international-friendly, so even first-time visitors to Japan or Aichi can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Aichi Prefecture is a recommended destination for foreign tourists who want to experience Japan on a deeper level, as a "second travel destination" after Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

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