Aichi Prefecture is located in the centre of Japan’s Honshu island. It is home to countless shops, astounding castles, and many sightseeing spots. Mother nature is a huge part of Aichi’s beauty where she has provided plenty of places for enjoying the outdoors.
Instagrammer NAMIKO, who travels all over Japan to visit tourist and sightseeing spots, is here today to showcase three unmissable places to visit when travelling to Aichi using photos she has posted.
Aichi Farm (Aichi Bokujo)
Running just a 10-minute stroll from Kurozasa Station is Aichi Farm which is home to various farm animals, a place where you can enjoy BBQ food, and more, making it a very popular spot for friends and families looking for a day out.
But the absolute must-see part of your trip here during summer are the sunflower beds which bloom from early July right up to early September. The best times to see them in full bloom are posted on the farm’s official website so be sure to check before packing your outdoor gear and heading out.
▼Aichi Farm (Aichi Bokujo)
Address: Minamiyama-977 Komenokichō, Nisshin, Aichi
Opening Hours: Dependent on the season, check the official website for details
No Fixed Holidays (Except New Year’s and Tuesdays when the horse riding club is running)
Official Website: http://www.aiboku.com/
Noma Lighthouse
Nomazaki Lighthouse, or Noma Lighthouse for short, can be found along the coast of a town called Mihama in Chita District. This town bears many sightseeing spots including the aquarium and art museum. The lighthouse can be reached by riding the Meitetsu Chita New Line to Noma Station. You then change onto the Mini Seibu Bus and get off at Noma Lighthouse (野間灯台).
It is the oldest lighthouse in all of Aichi Prefecture and is popular for its “kawaii” appearance. Wanderlust travellers will love basking in the radiant summer sun by the sea and sandy beach when they go to visit Noma Lighthouse.
▼Noma Lighthouse
Address: Iwanari-20-1 Onoura, Mihama, Chita District, Aichi
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/115/
Himakajima
Himakajima is an island in Mikawa Bay which can be reached in just an hour from Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture. Not only do you have sunny beaches, there’s also a temple, a park for children to play in, the island’s famous giant swing, and lots of other fun places to explore. It’s also known for its octopus and blowfish catches which can be eaten there.
There are plenty of spots for taking great photos too. Since it’s an island located off the coast, any photo you take will look picturesque.
▼Himakajima
Official Website: https://www.himaka.net/
If you’re seeking out even more travel recommendations and sightseeing spots around Japan for your bucket list then we highly encourage you to follow NAMIKO on Instagram.
Photos: NAMIKO
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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Japanese peaches, which are particularly juicy and sweet around this time. Peaches go well with red bean paste, cream and a variety of other flavours, which is why you will be seeing a lot of peachy desserts this summer. You just have to try them! Today, Instagrammer meme, who is a big fan of cute and stylish cafés, will be introducing you to peach parfaits that you absolutely must try in Aichi prefecture. BLUE STAR CAFE（ブルースターカフェ）／Nagakute
BLUE STAR CAFE has started selling a peach parfait. The peaches are so sweet and juicy that I was moved to tears. The parfait is made up of fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, peach sherbet and frozen peach. It is simple, delicious and very satisfying. ▼BLUE STAR CAFEAddress: 504 Tsukada, Nagakute, AichiTEL：0561 42 6878Official Website: https://bluestar-cafe.com/ Halleloo Garden（ハレルゥ ガーデン） I was just waiting and waiting for Halleloo Garden to release their peach parfait and I was far from disappointed. Just looking at the pretty pink peaches is enough to get your mouth watering. When you cut into the peach, it will explode with colourful popping boba. What a fun parfait.♡ The parfait is made up of a variety of fruits including melon, blueberries, grapefruit and apple. It also contains vanilla ice cream, custard, fresh cream, and dried fruit too. Be aware that the contents of this parfait will change according to the season. This peach parfait also comes with peach-flavoured black tea with boba. Add this to your parfait and notice the change in flavour as your parfait becomes a milk bubble tea! This was my first experience of popping boba. It was such a fun experience to bite into the boba and feel them explode, flooding my tastebuds with a delicious juicy flavour. Whether Halleloo Garden can serve this parfait seems to be dependent on whether they can receive peaches from their supplier, so I recommend phoning up the café before you turn up to if you want to try this. ▼Halleloo GardenAddress: Kami-222-1 Miyoshicho, Miyoshi, AichiTEL: 0561 56 1080Official Website: http://www.halleloo.jp/ merry café（メリーカフェ）／Toyoake merry café serves a beautiful peach parfait that looks just like a bouquet of flowers. The simple peach compote allows you to enjoy the natural deliciousness of the peaches. During this season, finding peaches that are highly sweet can be a bit of a hit or miss, however there is no doubt that they will be sweet when made into a compote. It was a delicious peach parfait. ♡ ▼merry caféAddress: 7-18 Komochimatsu Shindencho, Toyoake,TEL：0562-91-3230Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 15:00, 17:30 ー 22:00Official Facebook Page: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/merrycafe1218/ All these pink peach treats look so beautiful. This peachy season is the perfect time to wrap yourself in the wonderful fragrance of sweet peach. Please check out meme's Instagram which is full of information on cute cafés you can visit for delicious desserts. Author/ Photographer: meme -
Did you catch Toy Story 4 at the cinema yet? If you're in Japan this summer then you won't want to miss the official Toy Story 4-themed cafes opening in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya on July 20 and in Hokkaido on July 21 for a limited time. The film was released just last month but is only set to hit Japanese theatres on July 12. It serves as the fourth and final film in the Toy Story series, wrapping up the story that first warmed the hearts of the public when the first movie dropped back in 1995. The cafe will be a toy box of fun for all fans of the films, featuring a Toy Story inspired menu and decorations laced with trivia.
It costs ¥500 (before tax) per person to book a seat at the cafe. Customers who order from the menu will receive one of 13 possible stickers pictured above in the style of theatre tickets. Everyone who enters the cafe will also receive one of these 13 possible entry bands. <Woody & Bo Peep> Fateful Reunion Plate (¥1,890) Fans of Woody and Bo Peep should look at ordering the Fateful Reunion Plate, a chicken sandwich and vichyssoise set based on both characters' outfits. Find the sheep hidden amongst the dish! <Duke Caboom> High in the Sky! Stunt Burger (¥1,890) Duke Caboom's chicken burger is served with mint sauce and a heap of assorted vegetables. Fly high in the sky with the dish's delicious combination of flavours. <Buzz, Ducky & Bunny> Night Carnival Pasta (¥1,790) This meat pasta dish is topped with colourful vegetables. Keep the fun going at the moving carnival at night! <Gabby Gabby & The Bensons> Afternoon Tea Set (¥1,790) Paying tribute to Gabby Gabby and the dummies, the afternoon tea set comes with a tuna sandwich and a fruit and yogurt sandwich. To drink you can enjoy a decaff Earl Grey tea. <Jessie> Pomegranate Water (¥890 or w/coaster ¥1,790) Feel refreshed with Jessie's satisfyingly sour pomegranate water. <Slinky> Orange Yogurt Smoothie (¥890 or w/coaster ¥1,790) Or order Slinky's orange flavoured yogurt smoothie with kiwi sauce. Ordering from the food menu will also get each person a specially-made paper apron. There are lots of other items on the menu to look forward to as well. And don't miss out on the range of exclusive merchandise they have either. Acrylic Key Ring (13 Designs): ¥500 Each
A5 Folder (10 Designs): ¥350 Each
Mini Duralex Glass (5 Designs): ¥800 Each
The Toy Story hype doesn't seem to show any signs of stopping just yet. Be sure to visit the official Toy Story 4 cafe in Japan. ©Disney/Pixar© POOF-Slinky, LLC*All prices include tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and so designs are subject to change.Information
Toy Story 4 OH MY CAFÉ
Locations/Dates
Tokyo: OH MY CAFÉ TOKYO (Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku) / July 20 – September 16, 2019
Osaka: kawara CAFE&DINING Shinsaibashi / July 20 – September 16, 2019
Nagoya: kawara CAFE&KITCHEN Nagoya PARCO / July 20 – August 25, 2019
Hokkaido: Interlude Cafe / July 21 – September 16, 2019
Toy Story OH MY CAFE Official Website: https://toy.ohmycafe.jp/
Toy Story Official Website: https://toystory.disney.com/
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The Tokyo Ghoul:re cafes based on the popular manga series, which are running at the Ikebukuro and Nagoya branches of THE GUEST Café & Diner: they will now run until July 28 and 29 respectively. The Fukuoka and Sapporo cafes will continue to run until June 30. The cafes are serving up a menu of food, drinks and desserts inspired by the series as well as decor and decorations.
Kaneki's Mask Curry: ¥1,490 (Before Tax)
When you order Kaneki's Mask Curry it comes with a drink or sparkling non-alcoholic beverage of your choice served in a vessel inspired by Kaneki's mask. You'll look like Kaneki too when drinking out of it.Tsukiyama's Gourmet Roast Beef: ¥1,590 (Before Tax)
This roast beef dish is inspired by Tsukiyama, also known as the "Gourmet" in the series. The dish includes cheese that looks like an eyeball, pasta made to look like ears, and of course the meat.Quinque Rice Flour Dumpling Sweet Red Bean Soup: ¥1,390 (Before Tax)
The name of this dish says it all―dango made in the image of characters' Quinques. It also comeos with a bowl of strawberries, chestnuts and rice flour dumplings.Torso's Milk Tea: ¥790 (Before Tax)
Fans of the series will recall Karao Saeki a.k.a "Torso." He gets his name from being a ghoul serial killer as he decapitates and dismembers his victims, leaving only the torso. This beverage includes bloody red berry sauce which is best enjoyed when mixed into the milk teaCustomers at the cafe will receive the above-pictured lunch mat exclusive to the cafe. Those who order a drink will also receive one of 12 possible coasters chosen randomly. Several pieces of merchandise are also being sold. Tokyo Ghoul:re Slider Pouches: ¥900 Each (Before Tax)
Tokyo Ghoul:re Tapestries: ¥2,500 Each (Before Tax)
If you're in Japan this summer, don't miss this opportunity to visit the Tokyo Ghoul:re Cafe. ©️Sui Ishida / ShueishaInformation
Tokyo Ghoul:re Café List
THE GUEST Café & Diner (Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building Floor 7F)
Address: 1-28-2 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
Running: June 6, 2019 – July 28, 2019
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Food Last Orders 21:00 / Drinks 21:30)
*Merchandise shop open 10:00-21:00
THE GUEST Café & Diner (Nagoya PARCO West Building Floor 8F)
Address: 3-29-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Running: May 17, 2019 – July 29, 2019
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:30 (Food Last Orders 20:30 / Drinks 21:00)
*Merchandise shop open 10:00-21:00
THE GUEST Café & Diner (Fukuoka PARCO Main Building Floor 5F)
Address: 2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Running: May 31, 2019 – June 30, 2019
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:30 (Food & Drink Last Orders 20:00)
THE GUEST Café & Diner (Sapporo PARCO Floor 4F)
Address: Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Running: May 24, 2019 – June 30, 2019
Opening Hours:
[Weekdays & Sunday] 10:00-20:00 (Food Last Orders 19:00 / Drinks 19:30)
[Saturday] 10:00-20:30 (Food Last Orders 19:30 / Drinks 20:00)
Café Website: http://the-guest.com/
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Ghibli Park Phase 1 will open to the public on November 1 in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture at Moricoro Park within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Ahead of the exciting day, fans are getting their first glimpse at the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse area! For those looking to immerse themselves in the world of Ghibli, look no further. Phase 1 will see the opening of a theater, a shop, a cafe, and three unique exhibits.
Cinema Orion
The theater will screen ten short films that were previously only available to watch at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo.Trio of Special Exhibitions
The Famous Scenes Exhibition will invite guests to pretend to be a character in their favorite Ghibli films, stepping directly into recreated scenes. In addition, due to how often fans claim that food in Ghibli films looks exceptionally tasty, a special exhibition from the Ghibli Museum is also coming to Ghibli Park featuring these delectable-looking treats.The on-site store and cafe will also be selling original products only available at the park. A new trailer has been released for the park as well, showing what fans can look forward to in November. Tickets for Ghibli Park will go on sale on the 10th of each month and are reservation-only, with a date and time assigned for each area. Lottery sales for December admission will run from September 10 until September 21 at 23:59. © Studio Ghibli Information
Ghibli Park
Phase 1 Opening: November 1, 2022
Address: Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (1533 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi)
Official Website: https://ghibli-park.jp/
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu inspired music lovers around the world in April when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on Earth. The second half of the singer’s 10th anniversary nationwide tour 31-show has begun, gaining even more momentum following the announcement of a solo concert at Nippon Budokan in October. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. As with past concert locations, a new collaboration has been announced ahead of Kyary’s June 19 performance in Aichi Prefecture.
Since its opening in 1916, Myokoen has been providing high-quality tea leaves to tea lovers around Japan. The store is known for its hojicha, or roasted green tea, which is made by roasting the leaves over a gentle flame. With a particular focus on aroma, taste, and color, this secret blend of tea leaves is selected by tea masters from all over the country. Kyary’s collaboration with Myokoen draws inspiration from the singer’s 6th single Invader Invader (2013), in which a fashionable alien played by Kyary seeks to take over the world. The tea shop’s logo has been transformed with a bit of pop flare. Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project 'Invader Hojicha': ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
The special product released for the new collaboration is the Myokoen and LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Invader Hojicha. The recipe for the tea has remained unchanged for over six decades and this blend focuses on the golden color of fresh green tea after it has been roasted. This release features new packaging, and those interested can purchase a package at all Myokoen shops and on the company’s online store. Limited quantities will also be sold at the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater’s Main Hall starting at 2:00 on June 19, 2022.Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project T-shirt: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only!Information
Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project ‘Invader Hojicha’
Running: June 13 – July 31, 2022 *While supplies last.
Where to Buy: Myokoen Stores, Myokoen Online Shop
Online Shop: https://www.myokoen-shop.com
Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project T-Shirt
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online Shop:
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/ -
Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture will be taken over by NAKED projection mapping and events with a spring theme from March 22 until April 3, 2022.
NAKED Tsukubai - Spring Ver.
NAKED Distanced Lanterns - Spring Ver.
Projection-Mapping 'Sakura Pilgrimage' *Spring Exclusive
'Sando Illumination - Rim of Light' Spring Ver.
NAKED Flower Fortune Telling - Spring Ver.
The Tokyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE is being transformed as spring approaches, and popular NAKED attractions are being reimagined with cherry blossoms in mind. The popular NAKED Tsukubai, in which guests have their hands purified with art, will show cherry blossoms blooming. The NAKED Distanced Lanterns, made to encourage social distancing, will also feature a sakura theme. Visitors can also participate in Flower Fortune Telling, which has been very popular across social media. Why not come see the temple illuminated with cherry blossoms?Information
Toyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE
Locataion: Toyokawa Inari
Running: March 22 – April 3, 2022
Tickets:
Ticket Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/toyokawa-yorumo-de/
Supporters Club: https://yorumo-de.com/ticket
Official Site: https://event.naked.works/yoru-mo-de/ -
Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture is one of the most beloved historical spots in Japan. The fourth-largest castle in the country and the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the spot was illuminated by an impressive projection mapping event in early January. Now, thanks to a new video of the show, people around the world can experience it for themselves! During the event, incredible images of the city’s cultural assets and artworks were shone on the gate, including those by Reizi Tamechika. The region’s popular Mikawa Fireworks made appearances as well, along with more modern digital art. The 16.4-meter wide and 11-meter high gate to the castle was also covered in brilliant lights! Video Recording of Event
In 1959, Okazaki Castle’s tower was reconstructed, and in 2006, the location was selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan. Each floor inside the castle has a different theme, and the location’s history is introduced through a collection of exhibits and a diorama theater. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation room on the 5th floor The creators of the event hope that visitors and viewers from around the world can experience Japanese culture, art, and tradition through digital entertainment. Information
Okazaki Castle Main Gate Projection Mapping
Dates: January 8 – January 10
Address: Okazaki Castle in Okazaki Park (561-1 Kosei-cho, Okazaki City)
Official Site: https://www.hitohata.jp
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The Aichi Prefectural Government announced that part of the Studio Ghibli theme park will open on November 1 in the city of Nagakute. During the announcement, the first video and key visual of the park was released, both created by Studio Ghibli. The tourism video highlights the appeal of Aichi Prefecture and features local tourist spots, encouraging those visiting the theme park to also spend some time touring the prefecture.
Three areas of the Ghibli Park will open on November 1 of this year: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, the Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. Two additional areas–Mononoke’s Village and the Valley of the Witches–are scheduled to open in November 2023. Ghibli no Daisoko (Ghibli's Grand Warehouse)
Three times the size of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse will be an indoor area featuring shops, restaurants, ongoing exhibitions, and a small theater. An interactive area featuring oversized objects will allow visitors to feel as though they’ve stepped into Arrietty’s world, while another part of the space will recreate the sky garden from Laputa: Castle in the Sky. The Warehouse will also have a My Neighbor Totoro-inspired playground complete with Catbus.Seishun no Oka (Hill of Youth)
Serving as the entrance to the park, the Hill of Youth features a yellow observation tower which will double as the main gate. The area will showcase the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart, featuring curiosities from films like Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle. The Hill of Youth will also feature a mini version of the Cat Bureau from the movie The Cat Returns.Dondoko Mori (Dondoko Forest)
Dondoko Forest will feature Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro. A completely immersive experience, guests will notice that much of the local nature is intact–Miyazaki himself asked that no trees were to be cut down in the building of the park. Which Ghibli film would you like to see brought to life at Ghibli Park? © Studio GhibliInformation
Ghibli Park
Opening Date: November 1, 2022
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Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture has a fascinating history, known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu and once the fourth largest castle in Japan. Now, a new projection-mapping event by the digital artist group Hitohata will cover the main gate of the structure in incredible lights from November 12 to November 14. During the event, incredible images of the city’s cultural assets and artworks will be brilliantly shone on the gate, including those by Reizi Tamechika. The region’s popular Mikawa Fireworks will proudly make appearances as well, along with more modern digital art.
At the same time, the Sakurajo Bridge x FORUM 8 Central Rally 2021, also produced by Hitohata, will be held at the nearby Sakurajo Bridge. Information
Okazaki Castle Main Gate Projection Mapping
Running: November 12 – November 14, 2021
Hours: 18:00-21:00
Address: Okazaki Castle in Okazaki Park (561-1 Kosei-cho, Okazaki City)
Admission: Free, no reservations required
Official Site: https://www.hitohata.jp