Why Aichi Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

English

I live in Aichi about 20 years now, and I think Living in Aichi is the best.
Aichi strikes the perfect balance — less crowded than Tokyo, less intense than Osaka, and more convenient than the countryside.

Usually, people who come to Japan travel Tokyo and Osaka, but not Nagoya sadly, its called Nagoya-skipping. Many tourists end up skipping Nagoya, heading straight from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka.

BUT Nagoya, Aichi has a lot of interesting places you should see!

1. Nagoya Castle(名古屋城)

Why go: One of Japan’s most famous castles, known for its golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish).
Highlights: Reconstructed main keep, beautiful gardens, and samurai performances.
Good for: History lovers, first-time visitors.

周辺情報 | 観覧ガイド | 名古屋城公式ウェブサイト
名古屋城の公式ホームページです。城内の見所・料金・駐車場のご案内などをしております

You should also see around the Nagoya Castle!

Kinshachi Yokocho is a lively shopping and dining street located right next to the main gate of Nagoya Castle. It’s the perfect place to explore local Nagoya cuisine and traditional culture after visiting the castle.

(Easily accessible by subway: 1-minute walk from Shiyakusho Station (Exit 7))

Nagoya’s Famous Foods
Try local specialties like miso katsu (fried pork cutlet with red miso sauce), hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), tenmusu (tempura rice balls), and more.

Two Distinct Zones
Yoshinao Zone (by the main gate): Traditional atmosphere with long-established restaurants.
Muneharu Zone (by the east gate): Trendier and more modern, with casual eats and sweets.

Souvenirs & Snacks
Pick up unique Nagoya gifts, crafts, and locally made products.
Typically open from around 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but varies by shop

3. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology(トヨタ産業技術記念館)

Why go: Discover Toyota’s journey from textile machines to global carmaker.
Highlights: Interactive machines, robotics demos, bilingual displays.
Good for: Tech fans, families, educational tourism.

トヨタ博物館 | 世界のクルマの進化と文化をたどる博物館
トヨタ博物館は世界のクルマの進化と文化をたどる博物館です。19世紀から現在までの日米欧の代表的な車両約150台、クルマにまつわる文化資料約4,000点をご紹介。

Mizkan Museum (MIM), Handa City(MIM - ミツカンミュージアム)

Why go: An interactive vinegar and food culture museum by Mizkan.
Highlights: Edo-period canals, hands-on exhibits, food-themed fun.
Good for: Families, food lovers, off-the-beaten-path explorers.

MIM MIZKAN MUSEUM(ミツカンミュージアム)
MIZKAN MUSEUM(ミツカンミュージアム)は、ミツカンの酢づくりの歴史やものづくりへのこだわり、食文化の魅力などにふれ、楽しみ、学べる体験型博物館です。

It’s located in Handa City, Aichi along the Handa Canal, on the site of their former vinegar factory.
It’s interactive: exhibits where you can smell, touch, see traditional and modern vinegar tools.There are pretty fun zones/rooms, such as “Room of Earth,” “Park of Light,” etc., which are designed to make food culture more engaging especially for families and children.

adults : ¥700 for the guided/full course
kids :¥0

It’s very cheap right? And after the full course, you can taste a cup of vinegar juice!

You should make a reservation ahead of time, and you should download the “MIM”APP before you visit the museum.
You can take a Funny Pics with this APP and your museum experience will be perfect:)

My daughter had a lot of fun here during her summer vacation.
We took a lot of pictures, played some games, learned about Mizkan and vinegar.

I really recommend you buy a Ponzu (citrus-based soy sauce) after the full course.
You can make your own Ponzu label (own pic’s).

Souri Greenery & Flowers Interaction Park(佐布里緑と花のふれあい公園)

omama
omama

This place is my FAVORITE!

Why go:Stunning natural park in Japan, offering a peaceful escape into lush greenery and colorful blooms.
Highlights:Seasonal Flower Displays, plum blossoms in early spring and sunflowers in summer.
Floral Gardens: Beautifully designed gardens showcase a variety of plants, from roses and lilies to azaleas, making it a great spot for nature photography and leisurely walks.Interactive Floral Experience: The park is dedicated to fostering interaction between visitors and flowers. You can learn about different species and gardening techniques, making it an educational experience.
Good for:Nature Lovers, Families, Photographers, Anyone Seeking Peace and Relaxation

And It’s All FREE to come and visit this park!

If you are a family, You should visit the “Play Park” in this park.

About Play Park

The “Play Park” called Souri PlayPark (そうりプレーパーク) is an adventure‑play area within the park, where children can play freely in nature, without the usual strict prohibition rules of typical playgrounds.

Why it’s worth visiting Play Park

  • It offers children a chance to explore, create, and take risks in a supported environment, which is different from standard playgrounds.
  • It can be very engaging for families looking for active outdoor play, especially in a natural setting rather than just grass + swing set.
  • Because it is in the larger beautiful setting of the Souri Park (with plum trees, green spaces, nature) you can combine the free play experience with a restful nature walk or flower viewing.
  • For parents and guardians, the presence of play‑leaders and a dedicated zone means you can relax a bit knowing there is some supervision—but the emphasis remains on child responsibility, which can encourage growth.

Practical details & tips

Safety: Though supervised, children play at their own risk; be ready for more “rough” play than standard playgrounds (e.g., climbing, ropes, mud).

The address: The play park is within the Souri Greenery & Flowers Interaction Park, at 〒478‑0018 愛知県知多市佐布里台3丁目101番地. Aichi Now+1

Access: By train: from 名鉄常滑線 “朝倉駅” → then bus (知多バス) to “梅の館口” stop, about 5 minutes on foot. By car: “朝倉IC” or “阿久比IC” ~15 minutes. Matcha+1

Time & days: Runs on weekends and holidays (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays). Typical hours are around 10:00 to 16:00. chita-ichi.com+1

What to bring: Since “injuries and lunch are your own” (けがと弁当は自分持ち), bring a lunch/snack, ensure kids are dressed for active play (maybe clothes that can get muddy). Also suitable shoes for natural terrain.

そうりプレーパーク | 知多半島情報交換市場
知多市情報交換市場プラスは愛知県知多市の地域情報サイトです

My Experience at Play Park

In winter, families can enjoy a bonfire experience at the PlayPark, roasting sweet potatoes, marshmallows, sausages, and even making French fries. It’s a good idea to bring food, newspaper, and chopsticks! Many families also bring rice balls for lunch. Kids can also pick a mandarin orange to eat as a snack on the spot.

In spring and autumn, the focus is mainly on playing with the natural materials available in the PlayPark. Children can collect chestnuts, which they can take home to make chestnut rice or chestnut sweets. They can also pick a persimmon (just one) and eat it right away! Experiences like these are truly unique and hard to find elsewhere.

Summer is not recommended because it’s too hot.

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