Situated in the heart of Central Japan along the Pacific coast, Aichi Prefecture is home to Japan’s most iconic samurai heritage sites, industrial innovation, and scenic beauty. From the city streets of Nagoya to tranquil riverside towns and coastal pottery villages, Aichi offers a highly rewarding, and often overlooked, destination.
Why Visit Aichi?
Aichi is one of the country’s most accessible yet often overlooked travel destinations. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and cuisine, making it an excellent choice for international travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
Historically, Aichi is the birthplace of three of Japan’s most influential warlords—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Visitors can explore this legacy through iconic sites such as Nagoya Castle and Inuyama Castle, the latter being one of only five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure.
Food lovers will enjoy Aichi’s distinctive cuisine featuring bold flavors and a wide range of dishes, such as miso katsu, hitsumabushi (grilled eel), and tebasaki (Nagoya-style chicken wings).
The region's tea traditions, historic castles, riverside shrines, and coastal villages offer an exciting range of places to explore and engage travelers across interests and seasons. Best of all, Aichi is centrally located and easily accessible from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka via the Tokaido Shinkansen.
For travelers looking to discover Japan beyond the typical tourist trail, Aichi offers the best of Japan’s tradition and innovation in an easily accessible location.
Where to Go in Aichi
Whether you’re looking to connect with history or your artistic side, Aichi has exciting destinations across all seasons.
Here's are some of our favorite destinations in Aichi Prefecture to get you started planning your next trip:
1) Nagoya
Best for: Urban culture, history, shopping & food lovers
One of the largest cities in Japan, Nagoya offers both modern amenities and unique cultural experiences. Tour the iconic Nagoya Castle and explore the samurai era, then taste hits like hitsumabushi (grilled eel), miso katsu, and shopping in bustling Osu. Don’t miss the Toyota Commemorative Museum for a glimpse into Japan’s automotive ascent.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour: Nagoya's Highlights and Small Bites will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city (including Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu shopping district), but will also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more "Nagoya Meshi" on your own.
2) Inuyama
Best for: Castle fans, tea culture, serene riverfronts
Home to Inuyama Castle, Japan’s oldest surviving tenshu (castle keep), perched above the Kiso River. Nearby Urakuen Garden features the legendary Jo-an tea house, a National Treasure. Stroll the historic streets, take a river cruise, or soak in samurai-era ambiance.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle.
Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword, meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife, and stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food under the shadow of Japan's oldest original castle.
3) Nishio
Best for: Tea enthusiasts, nature lovers, traditional crafts
Nestled in western Aichi, Nishio is renowned for its matcha green tea, superior quality leaves, and scenic tea fields. Visit tea farms, sample fresh matcha sweets and experience tea production with local farmers.
Recommended Tour: Step away from the hustle of modern Japan and into a world where centuries-old traditions meet unparalleled craftsmanship on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Matcha, Confections, and Traditions in Nishio.
From crafting your own tea ceremony sweets to a behind the scenes look at the production of premium quality matcha, this tour will take you deeper into one of Japan’s most treasured traditions than ever before. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this is an opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few ever do.
4) Toyokawa
Best for: Spiritual seekers, onsen relaxation, photogenic backdrops
Visit Toyokawa Inari Shrine, twinned with Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari, this shrine is considered one of the “Big Three” Inari shrines in Japan. Sample the famous inari sushi or shop for fox masks in the nearby shopping and eating street.
5) Korankei
Best for: Autumn foliage, nature photography, tranquil hiking
Part of Asuke’s Aichi Forest Park, Korankei gorge is the region’s most iconic autumn destination. Thousands of maple trees turn into vibrant shades of reds and oranges and reflect in the Hozu River below. Enjoy an easy hike through tunnels of leaves and pause at charming shrines and traditional village houses along the way.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Korankei Gorge & Fox Shrines—A Photographer's Paradise is not only a photographer’s dream, taking you to some of Nagoya’s most photogenic spots, but also offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and timeless beauty.
Travel to the iconic Toyokawa Inari Shrine and capture the serene beauty of its one thousand stone foxes. Marvel at the natural beauty of Korankei Gorge, one of Japan’s top spots for autumn foliage, where the vibrant colors of over 4,000 maple trees reflect off the tranquil waters. Explore Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village, a picturesque open-air museum, where rural charms and traditional crafts await.
6) Tokoname
Best for: Ceramics lovers, portside charm, pottery trails
Famed for centuries of Tokoname-yaki pottery, Tokoname is a UNESCO ceramics town. Walk the Tokoname pottery trail past kiln sites and workshops. Visit INAX Museum and dine in cafes using ceramic tableware made on-site.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide through two towns famous for their artistic traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best time to visit Aichi?
Spring (March–May) is ideal for cherry blossoms, and autumn (October–November) brings vibrant foliage at Korankei and around the prefecture.
What is the weather like in Aichi?
The weather in Aichi Prefecture varies throughout the year, with four distinct seasons.
Spring (March to May) is generally mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C and blooming cherry blossoms in April.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C and frequent rainfall during the rainy season in June and early July.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity, with colorful foliage and average highs between 15°C and 25°C.
Winter (December to February) is relatively mild compared to northern Japan, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C and occasional light snowfall in inland areas.
Is English widely spoken in Aichi?
Urban areas like Nagoya and popular tourist destinations like Inuyama offer signboards and menus in English. Rural towns may be less accessible, so guided tours are helpful.
Are there any tours of Aichi
Yes, we at Snow Monkey Resorts are proud to offer 1-day tours lead by English-speaking guides throughout many destinations in Aichi and Central Japan.
How do I get to Aichi from Tokyo or Osaka?
Getting to Aichi Prefecture, particularly Nagoya, is easy and convenient from both Tokyo and Osaka via the Tokaido Shinkanse.
Nagoya serves as a regional hub for Aichi Prefecture. The Meitetsu train lines connect to Inuyama and Toyokawa; buses and local trains reach Nishio and Korankei. Ferries operate between Tokoname and Shodoshima.
We at Snow Monkey Resorts are proud to offer many day tours in Aichi departing from Nagoya, including Inuyama, Korankei, Nishio, and more!
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. We can also arrange for both custom tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions.
For more information, please check our standard charter rates or contact us for a custom trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
