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As the number of foreign tourists increases, Aichi Prefecture is gaining attention as one of the regions where you can experience the true charm of Japan. Compared to popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Aichi Prefecture still retains many hidden charms, and is home to Japan's history, culture, technology, cuisine, and nature, making it a valuable travel destination for foreign tourists. In this article, we'll introduce all the recommended sightseeing spots, experiences, convenient services, and accommodation information for foreign tourists visiting Aichi Prefecture. We'll provide detailed explanations from both a tourist's perspective and the local attractions, providing a thorough guide so that even first-time visitors can enjoy the prefecture 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, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo and 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka. With Nagoya, the largest city in the Chubu region at its center, the prefecture is a fusion of industrial development, historical buildings, local cuisine, and natural beauty.

Access from Chubu Centrair International Airport

Chubu Centrair International Airport (commonly known as Centrair), the gateway to Aichi Prefecture, serves both international and domestic flights, allowing for smooth access from all over the world. From the airport to Nagoya city, it takes about 30 minutes on the Meitetsu Airport Line "MuSky." The trains have signs in English, so foreigners can use them with ease.

Access by rail and highway

Nagoya Station is a huge terminal station with access to the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, and subway lines. Using the Shinkansen, you can travel to Tokyo and Osaka in a short time. There is also a well-developed railway network within the city and surrounding areas, and by using JR Central, Meitetsu, and the subway, you can efficiently travel around tourist spots.

Aichi's most famous tourist spot

Nagoya Castle: A majestic symbol crowned with a golden shachihoko

Japanese castles hold a special place in the hearts of foreign tourists. Nagoya Castle is a historic castle built in 1609, with its iconic golden shachihoko (golden shachihoko) and beautiful castle tower. Information boards are available in English, Chinese, and Korean, and tour guides for foreigners are also available. The elaborate decorations of the Honmaru Palace, which was recently restored, are also a highlight.

Atsuta Shrine: Experience ancient Japanese myths and legends

Atsuta Shrine, which enshrines the Kusanagi sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures, is a precious place where you can experience the world of Japanese mythology. For foreign tourists, it is a great spot to experience Shinto and Japanese religious culture. Be sure to take a stroll through the Japanese garden and check out the traditional Shinto rituals that are occasionally held. Signs within the shrine are in multiple languages, and the explanations are thorough. It is a popular spot for foreign worshippers.

Nagoya: A city where tradition and modernity intersect

Osu Shopping Street: A shopping district that combines retro and pop styles

Osu Shopping Street, a popular shopping district with over 400 years of history, is visited by a wide range of tourists, from young people to foreigners. It's an interesting spot with a mix of Japanese culture and modern subculture, with secondhand clothing stores, food stalls, and game centers. Food tours are also recommended, with easy access to skewered cutlets, takoyaki, and matcha sweets.

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

Sakae, a bustling shopping district in Nagoya City, is popular with foreigners as a place to enjoy the nightlife. The night view from the TV tower and Oasis 21 is a must-see. There are also many duty-free shops, restaurants, and information centers in the Sakae area that offer foreign language support, and the number of places where English is spoken is also increasing.

A fusion of traditional crafts and industrial tourism

Seto City: Japan's leading ceramics town

Seto City, where the name "Setomono" (seto ware) originates, is a city where Japanese pottery culture remains strong. There are many workshops where you can experience pottery, and there are facilities that provide English support, so even foreigners can easily try it. You can make your own unique piece as a memento of your trip to Japan.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: An exhibition that combines cutting-edge and traditional technology

This museum, where you can experience the roots of Toyota Motor Corporation, a pride of Aichi Prefecture, also offers guided tours in English. There are also demonstrations of machinery, allowing you to intuitively understand how technology works. It is especially recommended for foreigners who are interested in industry and manufacturing.

Experience the charm of Aichi through its food culture

Miso cutlet: its rich flavor is highly rated overseas

Nagoya's specialty, "Miso Katsu," is a dish of pork cutlet covered in a rich sauce made with red miso. It is especially popular with foreigners, and is a dish that gets them excited. Famous restaurants such as Yabaton Honten have English menus, so you can order with ease.

Hitsumabushi: A gourmet experience with three delicious dishes in one meal

Hitsumabushi, an eel dish, is characterized by its variety of ways of eating. Foreigners also enjoy the different ways of eating it as entertainment. Many restaurants have photo guides for tourists on how to eat it, and it is a symbol of a gourmet experience that incorporates Japanese culture.

Enjoy experiencing culture, history, and nature

Meiji Village: Travel back in time to the real Meiji era

The Museum Meiji Mura in Inuyama City is an experiential facility that recreates the architecture and lifestyle of Japan's Meiji era. You can ride a tram, tour an old house, and even try on traditional Japanese clothing. It's a valuable facility where you can experience Japan's modernization. Multilingual pamphlets are available at various locations, making it a great choice for foreign tourists interested in history.

Korankei: Enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves and nature

Korankei in Toyota City is one of Japan's most famous places to see autumn leaves. In autumn, the entire area is dyed red and yellow, creating a fantastical landscape. It is a place where you can experience nature throughout the four seasons, and each season has its own charm, making it a popular photogenic spot even among foreigners.

Accommodation and foreigner-friendly services

Ryokan and hotels popular with foreigners

Nagoya city has a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with English-speaking staff to affordable hostels. Ryokan inns that combine Western and Japanese styles are particularly popular, and those that offer Japanese-style rooms and hot springs are also highly rated.

Tourist information offices and tourist centers

There are foreign tourist information centers in the Nagoya Station, Sakae, and Osu areas, with staff on-site who can assist you in English, Chinese, and Korean. They offer a wide range of services, including tourist maps, access information, and Wi-Fi spot information, making them a safe base for sightseeing in Aichi.

Convenient transportation IC cards and discount passes

Manaca card: convenient for city transportation

The "manaca" IC card is a convenient way to travel within Nagoya city and can be used on subways and buses. There is an English guide page, so foreigners can easily use it. It is also very convenient as it can be used at convenience stores and restaurants.

Sightsee efficiently with the Meitetsu and Kintetsu Free Pass

Meitetsu and Kintetsu offer tourist passes. For example, the Meitetsu Nagoya Omotenashi Ticket not only covers travel within Nagoya city, but also includes discounts on food, drink, and tourist facilities, making it a great value option for foreign tourists.

Enjoy seasonal events in Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya Festival: A fusion of traditional culture and modernity

The Nagoya Festival, held every autumn, features a procession of local heroes and traditional performing arts, attracting many foreign tourists. It's a rare opportunity to experience Japanese festival culture firsthand. The official website is available in multiple languages, and you can check it out in advance.

Inuyama Castle Town's Hinamatsuri: A charming spring event

In the spring, the Castle Town Doll Festival is held around Inuyama Castle, where Hina dolls are displayed, creating a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere throughout the town. It is photogenic and has a great sense of history and culture, making it popular with foreign tourists.

summary

Aichi Prefecture is one of the few regions where foreign tourists can experience the diverse charms of Japan all at once. From urban sightseeing in Nagoya City to industrial tourist destinations like Seto and Toyota, and even Inuyama and Korankei, rich in history and nature, there is a wealth of attractions to see. Transportation networks and accommodations are also becoming more and more internationally accommodating, so even first-time visitors can visit with peace of mind. There are also plenty of cultural experiences, including gourmet experiences like misokatsu and hitsumabushi, as well as pottery and festivals. Aichi Prefecture is likely to gain even more attention as a secondary tourist destination in Japan. For foreign tourists, it's a must-visit destination, offering more than just sightseeing, but a journey that allows for a deeper connection to Japan.

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