Aichi Prefecture lies in the middle of Japan and has long developed as an important hub for transport.

Its prefectural capital is Nagoya City.

It’s a slightly “deep”, fascinating place where the energy of a big city meets long-standing culture and artisans’ skills.

The symbol of Nagoya is Nagoya Castle, known for its golden shachihoko ornaments.

In spring the cherry blossoms are beautiful, and in autumn the coloured leaves are stunning, so taking a slow walk around the moat that encircles the castle is also recommended.

In areas like Sakae and the Ōsu Shopping Street, where many young people gather, old shops and new cafés stand side by side, creating a unique atmosphere you can enjoy.

Nagoya’s food culture is also distinctive.

Dishes like miso katsu, hitsumabushi and tebasaki have rich flavours that can be truly addictive.

In particular, miso nikomi udon made with Hacchō miso is perfect for the cold season.

It warms your whole body through.

At the long-established restaurant Yamamotoya Honten, you can enjoy piping-hot udon simmered in an earthenware pot.

Seto City is one of Japan’s leading centres of ceramics production.

The word “setomono” (Seto ware) comes from the name of this town.

At the Seto Hongyōgama kiln, you can watch artisans at work and try a hands-on pottery experience.

In this quiet town near the mountains, the time you spend making your own small piece of pottery becomes a lasting travel memory.

In Inuyama City, you’ll find Inuyama Castle, one of the old wooden castles that still remain today.

From the top of the gently rising hill, you can look out over the Kiso River and the townscape.

The view is especially beautiful at dusk.

In the castle town, old-house cafés and kimono rentals make you feel as if you’ve slipped back into the Edo period.

Toyota City is famous as a city of cars.

At the Toyota Kaikan and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya, you can experience the spirit behind Japanese manufacturing.

For people who love cars, it’s a very special place.

Nagoya at night has a charm that’s quite different from the daytime.

Around Hisaya-Ōdori, where the TV Tower (CHUBU Electric MIRAI TOWER) is lit up, and in Nishiki 3-chome, famous for its neon lights, the streets are lively and bustling.

In winter, the tree-lined paths of Hisaya Ōdori Park are decorated with illuminations, wrapping the area in a stylish, urban atmosphere.

A short trip away, you can also enjoy the night view and the lit-up Ferris wheel at Nagoya Port Garden Pier.

Taking in the night scenery while feeling the sea breeze at the port is romantic and somehow nostalgic.

Aichi Prefecture is extremely convenient to get around.

By Shinkansen, it takes about an hour and a half from Tokyo and around 50 minutes from Osaka.

Within the city, the subway and Meitetsu lines make it easy to reach places like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama, and Seto.

Historic castles, artisans’ skills, Nagoya’s gourmet food, and modern night views.

Aichi is a deeply fascinating place where the old and the new exist side by side.

I hope you’ll come and experience “deep Aichi” for yourself with all five senses at least once.