The ULTIMATE Aichi travel guide: Top attractions, Best things to do, eat & MORE

Japan is one of the countries with many Prefectures and cities that attract tourists to visit every year, one of which is Aichi prefecture. If you are planning to travel to Aichi but do not know where to go, what to do, what to eat and which hotel to stay at, please refer to the article below from Living Nomads in this article: The ULTIMATE Aichi travel guide: Top attractions, Best things to do, eat & MORE!

Aichi travel guide: Where is Aichi?

Aichi is a prefecture located in the center of Japan. When traveling in Aichi, you can easily travel to Ise Bay or Mikawa Bay (South), Shizuoka Prefecture (East), Nagano Prefecture (Northeast), Gifu Prefecture (Northern Prefecture) and Mie Prefecture (West) in just a few hours. The administrative center of Aichi is Nagoya City – the third largest city in Japan and the venue for the World Cosplay Summit every year.

Aichi is a place that can easily satisfy all travel enthusiasts. The beauty of Aichi lies not only in the hustle and bustle of Nagoya city, but also in the peninsulas stretching out to the sea, the rivers winding through the vast fields and the majestic and imposing mountain ranges. If you have to use words to describe the beauty of Aichi, it is impossible. Because you can only feel that eye-catching beauty when you set foot here.

What to prepare when traveling to Aichi?

A quality trip to Aichi is a trip where you have carefully prepared everything in advance. If you plan to travel to Aichi this year, please note the following:

1. Passport: This is a very important document when you come to Aichi (Japan). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages for entry or exit stamps.

2. Visa: An indispensable “passport” for your trip. You can apply for a Japanese tourist visa yourself or ask for support services. If you apply for a visa yourself, please refer to the article below from Living Nomads to make the application process smooth. If you need support from a third party, you can consider the Japanese visa service on Klook.

3. Prepare a detailed travel itinerary: This is a very important step when you travel to Aichi. Planning your trip, you can easily visit all the places that need to be checked in on the trip. In particular, when applying for a Japanese visa, the tour schedule in Aichi contributes to making your application more trustworthy.

4. Book necessary services in advance: Including air tickets, hotel rooms or sightseeing and entertainment places in Aichi. In particular, your trip will become more economical when you apply attractive Klook discount codes.

5. Digital immigration form: To enter the country smoothly at the airport, you need to fill out the digital immigration form on Visit Japan Web 72 hours in advance.

6. Travel insurance: This is very necessary every time you go abroad. The purpose of buying travel insurance for your trip is to prevent bad situations that may occur such as flight delays, lost luggage, etc. Prepare travel insurance in advance so that you can travel in Aichi with more peace of mind!

7. Currency and payment methods in Aichi: You can pay in cash or by bank cards when traveling in Aichi. For cash, you need to exchange money in advance at the airport or at reputable addresses into JPY (Japanese Yen). If you want to use a bank card, you should bring international bank cards such as VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, etc.

8. Necessary electronic cards and applications: When traveling to Aichi or any city in Japan, you should prepare a few types of electronic payment cards or applications as follows to make your trip more convenient:

• Suica card: To pay for convenience stores, subway tickets, buses, etc.
• Taxigo or Uber: To call a taxi
• Flush: Application to find toilets in Japan
• Mymizu: Application to find places to refill water bottles
• Navitime: To look up train routes
• Tabelog or Yelp: Find good places to eat

9. SIM card: Will help you easily access applications as well as make payments when traveling to Aichi. You can consider a physical phone SIM or eSIM. Each type of Japan travel SIM has different advantages, but one thing they have in common is that they help you have a more convenient and easier journey.

10. Other necessary items: Tissues, hand sanitizer, power adapter, spare battery, etc. will be the necessary items you should prepare in your luggage. Depending on your personal needs, you should prepare additional items needed for the trip. Be fully prepared for the trip, okay!

How to get to Aichi?

After landing at the airport, you can consider choosing many different means of transport to continue your journey to explore Aichi. Typically, the Meitetsu express train will take you to Nagoya city quickly. In addition, the most suitable means of transport for most tourists today is the Klook airport shuttle. Cheap fares, new cars, friendly drivers, … will be factors that contribute to making your journey much more interesting.

Means of transport in Aichi

Some popular means of transport in Aichi Prefecture that you can consider for your upcoming trip are:

Meguru bus: This is a bus route connecting Nagoya station with many attractive tourist attractions in Nagoya city. This bus route is also known as the city sightseeing bus route. There is a bus every 20 – 40 minutes on weekends and every 30 – 60 minutes on weekdays (Buses do not operate on Mondays). The Meguru bus fare is 210 JPY (~37,000 VND)/way or 500 JPY (~90,000 VND)/day.

City bus: This is a route bus that travels throughout the areas of Nagoya city. Most of the main bus stops for city buses are located at Nagoya Station or Sakae (Oasis 21 Station). The listed bus fare for all routes is 210 JPY (~37,000 VND)/way. You can pay for the bus ticket with IC cards.

Subway: This is one of the most popular means of transportation because of its convenience. Currently, the subway has six main lines: Higashiyama, Mejio, Tsurumai, Sakuradori and Kamiida. The subway goes through most of the famous tourist spots in Aichi Prefecture. The subway fare is from 210 JPY (~37,000 VND)/station in one area or 340 JPY (~60,000 VND)/station for five other areas. You can pay for the subway ticket with popular IC cards in Japan (Suica card is one of them).

Train: If you want to visit other cities, the train is the most ideal means of transport. There are three main railway lines in Nagoya: JR is the train line connecting Nagoya with cities such as Kanayama, Tsurumai, Ozone…; Nagoya Railway (Meitetsu) is the line connecting Aichi and Gifu; Kintetsu Railway is the route to Mie and the Kansai region. This will be the means to take you around Aichi at a very affordable price.

Suica IC Card

Car rental: If you have an international driver’s license, you should consider car rental. Many tourists consider car rental as a stable transportation option in the areas of Aichi prefecture. With car rental, you can go anywhere, freely have a meaningful trip according to your own preferences. In addition, you can consider choosing the Exclusive Private Car Rental Day Tour in Nagoya, Shirakawa-go, Takayama & Kanazawa.

The best time to travel to Aichi

The most ideal time to travel to Aichi is spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). Spring in Aichi is the time when cherry blossoms bloom everywhere. Coming to areas in Aichi prefecture at this time, you can easily take virtual check-in photos with the cherry blossoms falling gently, on your hair or gently landing on your shoulders.

Autumn in Aichi is one of the times that any tourist is fascinated by. Every corner in Aichi at this time is filled with brilliant red and yellow leaves. The most beautiful place for you to enjoy the autumn scenery of Aichi is Korankei Valley. In addition, winter is also the right time to come to Aichi, specifically Nagoya, if you equip yourself with enough warm thick coats to walk around the streets.

Suggestions for famous tourist attractions when traveling to Aichi

Aichi travel itinerary will become much more memorable and attractive when you check-in at the following locations:

Atsuta-jingu Shrine (Atsuta Jingu Shrine)

• Location: 1 Chome-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585, Japan

Atsuta Jingu is a quiet shrine in the vast grounds of Atsuta no Mori forest. Not only is it a famous spiritual place for Japanese people from all regions and tourists from all over the world, Atsuta Jingu is also the place where the Kusanagi sword (Kusanagi no Tsurugi) is kept – one of the three sacred treasures in Shinto religion. Before 1893, the shrine was built in the Owari-zukuri style. It was later rebuilt in the Shinmei-zukuri style.

Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium

• Location: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033, Japan
• Hours: 09:00 – 17:30
• Admission fee: From only 2,030 JPY (~351,885 VND)/person

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is a vast ocean world for you to better understand and appreciate marine life. The aquarium is home to more than 500 species of marine life, including killer whales, beluga whales, penguins and many other marine animals. The aquarium’s sightseeing area is divided into two main themes.

• Theme 1: Antarctica Excursion is located in the south of the building, taking you on a journey to explore the mysterious Antarctic with Japan’s Fuji icebreaker.
• Theme 2: 3.5 billion years ago – Creatures returning to the sea, is where you meet bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales and many marine animals that used to live on land.

In addition, the aquarium also has many dolphin shows at the largest lake in Japan with a capacity of up to 3,000 people. Some of the special performances that you should not miss when visiting this place are: Blue Echo – Dolphin Dance; Killer whale training; Beluga whale training;…

Inuyama Castle

• Location: Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082, Japan
• Hours of operation: 09:00 – 17:00
• Ticket price: Only from 550 JPY (~ 96,000 VND)/ adult – 110 JPY (~ 20,000 VND)/ child

In the 15th and 16th centuries, armed conflicts continuously took place in Japan. At that time, Inuyama Castle was built. The castle is the “gatekeeper of time”, witnessing many battles that decided the decline and prosperity of a country.

Today, Inuyama Castle has become a very popular historical site for tourists. Not only can you learn about the majestic and famous lords of the past, visitors to the castle also have the opportunity to learn about the period when Japan was formed.

Nagoya Castle

• Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:30
• Ticket price: Only from 500 JPY (~87,000 VND)/person

Nagoya Castle was built in 1610 (Keicho 15th year). After being heavily damaged by war, the castle was restored with a small tower (about 24m) and a large five-story tower (about 48m) with a pair of golden glass fish on the roof in 1959. Today, Nagoya Castle is known as one of the most famous castles in Japan, recognized as a Special National Historic Site in 1952.

Suggestions for famous places to visit when traveling to Aichi

In addition to attractive tourist attractions, below are famous places to visit in Aichi that you should not miss:

Legoland Japan (Legoland Japan Theme Park)

• Location: LEGOLAND Japan Limited, 1 Kinjoufutou, 2 Chome-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605, Japan
• Operating hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00 / Saturday, Sunday and other holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
• Ticket price: From only 4,000 JPY (~710,379 VND)/person

Legoland Japan in Aichi is one of the largest theme parks in Japan, helping you enjoy unlimited fun with more than 40 exciting entertainment games. In particular, Legoland Japan Aichi is a place loved by many children. Every corner of the lego theme park is a giant lego model, assembled with great care and meticulousness. If you are preparing to go to Aichi and bring children with you, this will be a place you must add to your travel itinerary.

Osu Shotengai Shopping Street

• Location: 3 Chome Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan

Osu Shotengai Shopping Street is one of the largest shopping areas in Aichi Prefecture. Osu Shotengai gathers more than 1,200 stores from famous Japanese brands to major brands in the world. In addition, this area also gathers a variety of stores such as restaurants, cafes, second-hand clothing stores, home appliance stores, etc.

In addition, this place is also the venue for many other unique festivals of Aichi Prefecture such as: Osu Summer Festival (August); Osu Daido-chonin Festival (October); Osu Setsubun Takarabune Gyoretsu Festival (February);…

Ghibli Park (Ghibli Theme Park)

• Location: Japan, 〒480-1342 Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama, 乙１５３３−１
• Hours of operation: 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed every Tuesday)
• Admission fee: From only 7,300 JPY (~1,265,000 VND)/person

If you are a loyal fan of Studio Ghibli’s cinematic works, you should definitely not miss Ghibli Park. Ghibli Park is a paradise for fans to live every moment with famous animated films such as My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away,…

In addition, Studio Ghibli fans can also satisfy all their emotions with attractive entertainment games, from thrilling games to light entertainment games. Both adults and children will love this theme park.

Ideal Aichi hotels for your trip

If you are someone who likes both the hustle and bustle and a little relaxation during your trip, Nagoya hotels will be the ideal choice. In particular, booking a hotel in the center of Nagoya, you can easily visit famous tourist attractions of Aichi Prefecture.

In addition, you can consider booking a hotel in Nishiki District if you want to explore traditional shops or delicious local dishes, Sakae District if you love Aichi’s nightlife, …

There are too many choices and you don’t know where to stay? Let Living Nomads suggest the typical Aichi hotels below:

Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya, Chubu International Airport

• Address: 4 Chome-10-5 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi 479-0881, Japan
• Room price per night from: 2,351,584 VND

A huge plus for Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya is that it is very close to Chubu Centrair International Airport. From the hotel, it only takes about 10 minutes to get to the airport, very convenient and fast. In addition, the hotel is also very close to train stations for you to easily move to the center of Nagoya. Typically, Rinku – Tokoname station (2.19km), Tokoname station (3.55km), Taya station (4.02km), …

In addition, the quality of service and full facilities are also one of the factors that make the hotel often the priority choice of many tourists. (klook, agoda)

Hotel MyStays Nagoya – Sakae

• Address: 2 Chome-23-22 Higashisakura, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0005, Japan
• Room price per night from: 1,077,727 VND

If we have to mention one of the hotels closest to the center of Nagoya, it is Hotel MyStays Nagoya – Sakae. Not only located in Sakae district – famous for its attractive nightlife activities, the hotel is also very close to famous tourist attractions such as: Osu Shotengai Shopping Street; Aichi Art Center; Osu Kannon Temple;… In particular, the hotel’s location is also very close to subway stations, making it easy for you to travel anywhere in the city. (klook, agoda)

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Taiko dori Side: a 3-star hotel with room rates from $57/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Richmond Hotel Nagoya Nayabashi: a 3-star hotel with room rates from $34/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier: a 3-star hotel with room rates from $97/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel: a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $122/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi  a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $55/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Red Planet Nagoya Nishiki: a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $34/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Dormy Inn Premium Nagoya Sakae: a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $84/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Nagoya hotels on on Agoda.com.

Must-try dishes when traveling to Aichi

If you are traveling to Aichi for the first time, the list of local dishes below is what you should not miss on your trip.

Miso Nikomi Udon

One of the specialties of Nagoya (Aichi) with soup made from umami fish, seasoned with a little soy sauce, sake and red miso. With a unique combination, Miso Nikomi Udon has successfully conquered many diners with extremely “difficult” stomachs. Some restaurants serving this fragrant udon dish are: Kawaiya, Yamamotoya, Takara,…

Hitsumabushi Grilled Eel Rice

Not only Aichi cuisine, when talking about Japanese cuisine, you should definitely not miss grilled eel rice. Soft white rice combined with eel meat grilled on a charcoal stove, served with wasabi, seaweed and fragrant dashi sauce is an irresistible flavor that will make you remember forever. Restaurants in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture that have this famous grilled eel rice dish are: Hitsumabushi Hanaoka, Hitsumabushi Ichiyo, Unagi restaurant Hirudake Unagiya,…

Fried pork covered with Miso Katsu sauce

Have you ever enjoyed a dish with a crispy, flavorful outer layer, and a soft, juicy meat inside? Those descriptive words are used to describe Aichi’s fried pork covered with Miso Katsu sauce. The pork is marinated with fragrant flavors, deep-fried in the perfect temperature, served with a sauce made from red miso with some raw vegetables, making your mouth explode with taste. Some restaurants that have fried pork covered in sauce that are very popular with tourists are: Misokatsu Yabaton Yabachō Honten, Yabaton, Mikawaya,…

So are you ready to fly to Aichi with Living Nomads? With the above information, We believe that you will have an extremely interesting dream trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in Nagoya and from Nagoya you can refer to

• A Day in Shirakawa Village and Takayama
• Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Nagoya
• Nagoya Private Car Charter
• Nagoya City Walking Tour with 1-Day Subway Pass
• Central Japan International Airport to Nagoya City Railway Ticket (One Way/Round Trip)
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Japan travel guide and top things to do in Japan: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Check it out here.