Tokai Region
A journey through Tokai colored by history, nature, and cuisine
Recommended Seasons to Travel in the Tokai Region
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (March–May)
- Recommendation: High (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at famous spots across the region, offering quintessentially Japanese scenery.
- Be aware that during Golden Week (late April–early May) crowds and prices increase.
🌿 Summer (June–August)
- Recommendation: Lower (⭐⭐)
- August sees heavy crowds and price hikes during the Obon holiday.
- However, Japan’s summer festivals and fireworks displays are spectacular.
- Combining indoor attractions such as museums and aquariums can help you enjoy your trip comfortably.
🍁 Autumn (September–November)
- Recommendation: Very High (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Brilliant autumn foliage can be seen throughout the region, and the pleasant climate makes it the best season to visit.
- October’s autumn festivals and food culture events are also popular.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- Recommendation: Moderate (⭐⭐⭐)
- Year-end and New Year holidays bring crowds and higher prices, but it’s an ideal time for snowy landscapes and winter sports.
- For visitors from Vietnam, experiencing snow is especially fresh and popular.
List of Tourist Attractions
Aichi Prefecture – Packed with Attractions Centered Around Nagoya!
Aichi Prefecture offers not only many historical spots such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Jingu, but also a rich food scene featuring Nagoya specialties like miso katsu, tebasaki (chicken wings), and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice).
Known as an industrial hub, it is also a center of car culture and manufacturing.
As the heart of the Tokai region, Aichi lets you enjoy both sightseeing and shopping to the fullest.
Main Tourist Attractions
- Nagoya Castle — A historic castle associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Atsuta Jingu Shrine — Enshrines the sacred Kusanagi Sword, one of Japan’s Three Imperial Regalia
- LEGOLAND Japan — A theme park popular with families
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium — Famous for dolphin shows and orca exhibits
Access from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Central Aichi
- Car: Approx. 60 min / Highway tolls around ¥2,000
- Taxi: Approx. 60 min / About ¥15,000–¥18,000
- Train (Meitetsu μ-SKY): Approx. 28 min / ¥1,250
- Airport Bus: Approx. 60 min / About ¥1,400 (to Nagoya Station)
Gifu Prefecture — A Beautiful Area Where Nature and History Harmonize
Gifu Prefecture is blessed with the majestic nature of the Japanese Alps and the historic charm of towns such as Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go. It offers mountain tourism, hot springs, World Heritage villages, and seasonal scenery, allowing visitors to experience both stunning landscapes and rich traditional culture throughout the year.
Main Tourist Attractions
- Shirakawa-go — A World Heritage Site famous for its gasshō-zukuri (thatched-roof) village
- Hida-Takayama — A historic city retaining Edo-period streetscapes
- Gero Onsen — One of Japan’s three most famous hot springs, popular for hot spring hopping
- Gujo Hachiman — A town known for its beautiful clear streams and the summer Gujo Odori dance
Access from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Central Gifu
- Car: Approx. 90 min / Highway tolls around ¥2,400
- Taxi: Approx. 100 min / About ¥25,000–¥30,000
- Train (Meitetsu + JR): Approx. 70 min / Around ¥1,800 (to Gifu Station)
- Highway Bus: Approx. 120 min / Around ¥2,000 (to Gifu Station)
Mie Prefecture — From Ise-Shima to the Land of Ninja!
Mie Prefecture offers not only historic sites such as Ise Jingu Shrine and the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, but also plenty of family-friendly attractions like the Toba Aquarium and Nagashima Spa Land.
It’s also famous for gourmet delights such as Matsusaka beef and Ise lobster, making it a relaxing area where sea and mountain nature harmoniously come together.
Main Tourist Attractions
- Ise Jingu — A shrine often called the spiritual home of the Japanese people
- Okage Yokocho — A food-strolling district recreating the atmosphere of the Edo period
- Nagashima Spa Land — A popular amusement park with plenty of thrill rides
- Toba Aquarium — One of Japan’s top aquariums where you can see dugongs
Access from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Central Mie
- Car: Approx. 120 min / Highway tolls around ¥3,500
- Train (Kintetsu Limited Express): Approx. 100 min / Around ¥3,000
- Highway Bus: Approx. 120 min / Around ¥2,000–¥2,500
- Ferry: Centrair – Tsu in about 45 min