The Tokai area extends from the inland area of central Honshu to the Pacific Ocean side, and consists of four prefectures, Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka, and Mie (Aichi, Gifu, and Mie are sometimes referred to as "three prefectures").
The climate in this area is hot and rainy in summer and dry with little rainfall in winter, as Aichi Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, Gifu and Shizuoka prefectures are characterized by large topographical changes, with an average temperature difference of about 5°C between the highlands and lowlands.
Each prefecture has its own unique characteristics. Aichi Prefecture is known for the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation, and is famous as the area that has led the development of Japan's automobile industry. Gifu Prefecture is rich in tourism resources such as Shirakawa-go, Senbon Matsubara, and Gero Onsen, and is well known for its natural environment.
Shizuoka Prefecture offers spectacular scenery such as the beautiful coastline of the Izu Peninsula and Mt. Fuji. Furthermore, it is nationally famous for its tea production, and the Shizuoka tea brand is highly acclaimed.
Let us introduce the main attractions in each prefecture. Aichi Prefecture is home to the Nagoya TV Tower. This is Japan's first centralized radio tower, which rises above the city of Nagoya, and was completed in 1954, four years earlier than the Tokyo Tower.
The Nagoya TV Tower features an outdoor observatory located 100 meters above the ground, which offers a different sense of openness from its indoor counterpart and allows visitors to fully enjoy the city of Nagoya and the surrounding scenery. In summer, visitors can enjoy a beer garden, making it a popular spot for many people.
Gifu Prefecture is home to Gifu Castle. The name "Gifu Castle" is derived from the fact that Nobunaga Oda took Inabayama Castle, which was the residence of Tatsuoki Saito, in a battle against him, and renamed it "Gifu Castle. The present castle was restored in 1956 and has a modern exhibition hall and observation deck.
On certain days in spring and summer every year, the observation room inside the castle is open until late at night, offering a panoramic view of Gifu City, and the entire castle is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Shizuoka Prefecture is home to Omuroyama, a 580-meter-high mountain located in Ito City that is a national natural treasure. Omuro erupted in ancient times and the mountain was formed about 4,000 years ago. Here, visitors can enjoy seasonal wildflowers and flowers, and views of Mt.
Visitors can also enjoy activities such as a ropeway for sightseeing and archery, and the spot is crowded with many tourists on weekends. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and natural attractions in the Tokai area.
Located on the border between Owari and Mino provinces, this flat mountain castle was built on a hill about 88 meters high on the south bank of the Kiso River. It is also known as "Hakutei Castle. Only the castle tower is extant. It is one of the "12 existing castle towers" built before the Edo period,It is one of the five castles whose keep was designated a National Treasure (the others are Hime...»
Nagashima Spa Land, located in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, is one of western Japan’s leading amusement parks, renowned for its impressive collection of thrilling roller coasters and high-adrenaline attractions. Often described as the western counterpart to Fuji-Q Highland in eastern Japan, the park attracts visitors from the Tokai and Kansai regions throughout the year. As of January 2023, it fea...»
A Historic Hot Spring Resort Surrounded by Mountains Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts, renowned for its long history and high-quality mineral waters. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), it was recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs, alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen. At that time, it was known as Yushima, after its original hot spring name. ...»
Akame 48 Waterfalls, located in Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, is a scenic gorge renowned for its clear streams, beautiful waterfalls, and lush natural surroundings. The gorge stretches for approximately 4.2 kilometers, offering visitors a refreshing escape into the Japanese countryside. A network of walking trails follows the stream through the gorge, connecting a variety of waterfalls and allowin...»
A Timeless Japanese Landscape Preserved in the Mountains Shirakawa-go is a historic settlement nestled in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its remarkable collection of traditional gassho-style houses, many of which were built between the late Edo period (1603–1868) and the late Meiji period (1868–1912). Surrounded by mountains and stretching along the Shogawa River, the vil...»
A Mountain Castle with a Rich Samurai History Gifu Castle was a mountain fortress located on Mount Kinka, which rises 329 meters above sea level in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), making it an important landmark in Japan's medieval history. The castle is particularly associated with the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga, who moved his base from Mo...»
Hida Takayama is renowned for its beautifully preserved historic streets, where the atmosphere of old Japan remains alive. Among its most popular attractions is the Old Townscape, a district that preserves the appearance of the Edo period (1603–1868) and attracts visitors from around the world. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese gov...»
It is said to be one of the three major hot springs in Japan and one of the largest in the country. Surrounded by the mountains of Hakone and Izu, the hot spring resort area stretches from Atami Station to the seaside, lined with inns and hotels. Hotels are also scattered along the mountainside, where visitors can enjoy the view of the ocean and the night scenery of Atami, as well as the hot spri...»
Magome-juku is a historic post town that flourished as the 43rd station along the Nakasendo, one of the Five Routes of the Edo period (1603–1868). Traditional teahouses, souvenir shops, and general stores line the sloping cobblestone streets, evoking the atmosphere of the days when travelers journeyed on foot between Edo, present-day Tokyo, and Kyoto. Visitors can stroll along the stone-paved slo...»
Mokumoku Farm in Iga is an interactive farm park where visitors can enjoy rural life, experience agriculture, and learn traditional food-making techniques while connecting with nature. The grounds feature restaurants, gardens, accommodation, and a natural hot spring, making it an enjoyable destination for a full day of activities. Visitors can also watch entertaining performances featuring miniatu...»
Shima Spain Village: Parque España is a theme park inspired by Spain, where visitors can discover Spanish culture through exciting attractions, distinctive restaurants, and shops. The park is divided into four themed areas: Ciudad (the Spanish city), Tierra (the Spanish countryside), Mar (the Spanish sea), and Fiesta (Spanish festivals). Each area offers a different atmosphere, inviting guests to ...»
Okage Yokocho is a popular sightseeing area located in the heart of Oharai-machi, the traditional approach to Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine. The district recreates the atmosphere of Ise during the Meiji period (1868–1912), offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese town life. Its name reflects both the gratitude of the famous Ise confectionery maker Akafuku, which has continued its business at...»
Toba Aquarium, located in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest aquariums. The indoor facility measures approximately 240 meters in length, with about 1.5 kilometers of visitor pathways. It is divided into 12 zones designed around different natural habitats and is home to approximately 1,200 species of marine and other aquatic life. Highlights include lively sea lion performances a...»
A Beautiful Mountain Castle Overlooking a Historic Town Gujo Hachiman Castle stands near the summit of Mount Hachiman, at an elevation of approximately 130 meters, northeast of central Gujo City in Gifu Prefecture. Overlooking the historic castle town below, the castle rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape, earning a reputation as a castle in the sky. The present castle keep was rec...»
Shima Mediterranean Village is a resort complex that recreates the charm of Mediterranean towns across an expansive site of approximately 33,000 square meters, roughly the size of two Tokyo Domes. Its colorful streets and distinctive architecture evoke the landscapes and townscapes of Andalusia and Castile in Spain, as well as Sardinia in Italy. The resort has expanded to include themed areas ins...»
Tsukechi Gorge, located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, is a beautiful gorge near the headwaters of the Tsukechi River, a tributary of the Kiso River. Thanks to its exceptionally clear water, the river is also known as the “Blue River.” Flowing from the southern foothills of Mount Ontake, the Tsukechi River features numerous waterfalls of various sizes, including Fudo Falls and Takadaru Fall...»
Ise Jingu Geku, also known as the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, is dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, the deity who protects food, clothing, shelter, and various industries. Founded in 478, the shrine stands in an expansive sacred forest at the foot of Mount Takakura, where towering cedar trees line the grounds and chickens can often be seen wandering along the paths....»
Ise Ninja Kingdom is a historical theme park centered around a full-scale recreation of Azuchi Castle, the magnificent stronghold built by the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. The park features streets inspired by Japan's Sengoku period (1467–1615), where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone era through historical dramas, ninja action shows, and interactive attractions. With its ninja-themed...»
Yoro Falls is a magnificent waterfall measuring approximately 30 meters in height and 4 meters in width. Its crystal-clear waters plunge over rugged rocks, creating a powerful and impressive natural spectacle. The waterfall has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and is associated with the legendary tale of a devoted son whose filial piety transformed the water into sake. The water...»
Onigajo is a spectacular coastal landscape in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, designated as both a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument of Japan. Along the rugged coastline facing the Pacific Ocean's Kumano Sea, countless sea caves and unusual rock formations have been carved by powerful waves and shaped by geological uplift. Stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers, these dramatic formations...»
Fuji and the Shiba River gush out from the bedrock of a precipitous cliff and form a waterfall. It is called "Shiraito Falls" because the cascading water is so thin and white that it looks as if it is dripping with silk thread. This waterfall is 200 meters wide and 20 meters high. The entire surface of the curved cliff is covered with waterfalls of various sizes, which flow down beautifully like...»
The Air Park is the only museum-style facility operated by the Air Self-Defense Force in Japan where visitors can see, touch, and enjoy real fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, training aircraft, and helicopters that were actually in use. This is the only museum-style facility in Japan operated by the Air Self-Defense Force where visitors can see, touch, and enjoy. There is a factory corner wh...»
This is an all-weather theme park where you can play with birds in a vast 9,000 square meter greenhouse where beautiful flowers bloom. Visitors can not only see birds in cages as in a regular zoo, but also interact directly with parakeets, owls, penguins, and other birds flying around freely in the greenhouse. In addition, the greenhouse is surrounded by tropical plants such as water lilies, gia...»
Shuzenji Onsen is the oldest hot spring resort on the Izu Peninsula, located along a valley, and has been loved by many people since ancient times. It has been selected as one of the 100 best hot springs in Japan. Surrounded by mountains, this scenic area is lined with hot spring hotels and restaurants along the Shuzenji River (commonly known as Katsura River), which flows through the center of t...»
This is an elegant walking path along the Katsura River in the center of the Shuzenji hot spring resort area. Walking along the path leading from Tokko no Yu, the symbol of Shuzenji Onsen, you will find a nostalgic tea house, an atmospheric red bridge over the Katsura River, and a fire watchtower. The path through the bamboo grove is only about 100 meters from there, but it is a world of tranqui...»
Fuji Safari Park is one of the largest safari parks in Japan, where 900 animals of about 60 species from all over the world live freely and spontaneously in a rich natural environment at the foot of Mt. The vast Safari Zone is home to lions, elephants, Amur tigers, cheetahs, and other animals, and is characterized by its overwhelming size and variety of animals compared to other safari parks. Vi...»
This large-scale open-air museum on a beautiful hillside of one million square meters preserves and exhibits buildings from the Meiji period (1868-1912). Opened in 1965, 67 historical buildings from the Meiji period, including 11 nationally important cultural properties, have been relocated and restored. In this village, visitors can not only tour the buildings, but also actually ride on an SL t...»
The shrine is located in the lush green forest of Atsuta, surrounded by camphor trees that are more than 1,000 years old. Known as "Atsuta-san" since ancient times, the shrine is well known to the people and attracts about 7 million worshippers a year. The shrine was founded in 113 B.C. The Kusanagi Sword, one of the three sacred weapons, is enshrined here, and the shrine has long been revered b...»
Nagoya Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first barbarian general of the Edo shogunate, with a total of more than 5 million construction workers, and was well known throughout Japan. Built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as his final effort to unify the country, Nagoya Castle, with its glittering golden orchids, prospered as the stronghold of the Owari Domain, the first of the three Tokugawa fam...»
At one of the largest aquariums in Japan, you will be welcomed by 50,000 marine creatures of about 500 species, including killer whales, emperor penguins, sea turtles, and tropical fish. It is also the only two places in Japan where you can meet killer whales and emperor penguins! South Pavilion] Journey to Antarctica The South Pavilion recreates the waters from Japan to Antarctica and introduc...»
The Nagoya City Science Museum is a comprehensive science museum equipped with one of the world's largest planetarium domes with an inner diameter of 35 meters, where you can enjoy learning about science. The exterior design emphasizes the spherical shape of the dome, the planetarium, and instantly catches the eye. In addition, there are four large exhibits rich in entertainment value, including...»
This is a forest of maple trees planted by the monk Sanei Hon Shu of Kozakuji Temple in the early Edo period (1603-1868) with the wish to make the beautiful nature even more beautiful. In November, approximately 4,000 maple trees turn yellow and red, creating a spectacular scene. The temple is also illuminated at night to create a fantastic atmosphere. In addition to the autumn leaves, Korankei ...»
The shrine was built in 1617 to worship Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first barbarian general of the Edo shogunate. The shrine is located on the southern slope of Kunouzan facing Suruga Bay and is reached by 1159 winding stone steps. Today, it is also accessible by a ropeway from the north. During the Edo period, the shrine and buildings were periodically repainted with lacquer. Beauty and history inter...»
Nihon-daira is one of the most scenic spots designated as a national place of scenic beauty and was selected as the first place in the competition of the 100 best sightseeing spots in Japan. Its name is derived from the deity Nihon Buson. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula, and the city of Shimizu can be seen from the 307-meter-high summit, and the view is truly spectacular. Fuji over the plum ...»
The Yume Suspension Bridge is a symbol of the Sunmata Gorge and spans the Oma Dam Lake, spanning approximately 90 meters long and 8 meters high. Visitors can walk on the beautiful emerald green surface of the lake. The walking part is made of simple planks, so it can sway a bit, which is a thrilling experience. The bridge is famous for its fantastic beauty and was listed in the "Top 10 Walking S...»
Fuji as the deity. It is the main shrine of more than 1,300 Sengen Shrines, including both subordinate and subordinate shrines. Fuji as its deity. It is famous as the center of Mt. Fuji. The grounds of the shrine are vast, with the main shrine grounds alone covering approximately 17,000 square meters, and the area above the 8th station of Mt. The main shrine is located at the southern foot of Mt...»