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Tired of the Hustle and Bustle of Tokyo? Explore Aichi, Japan’s Hidden Gem! Tokyo is a lot of fun, but after a few days stuck amongst the skyscrapers and crowds of Shinjuku station, you’ll want to experience a side of Japan that’s more authentic, quieter, and still full of surprises.

Welcome to Aichi, a Muslim-friendly destination in the heart of Japan. Aichi is not just a stopover between Tokyo and Osaka but a destination that offers a different experience where samurai heritage is still alive, technology is thriving, and the hidden beauty of nature in early spring is waiting.

From Nagoya’s historic castle, a museum dedicated to learning the history of Toyota, and traditional markets to Mihama’s homemade senbei, it’s all here in the crowds of other big cities.

So, if you want a trip that is more memorable, more meaningful, and off the mainstream path, Aichi is a destination that must be on your bucket list! Read on for a four-day, three-night trip to Aichi!

First Day in Aichi: Tracing the Samurai Trail, Diving into Art, and Enjoying the Modern City in Nagoya

The first day in Aichi begins with a walk in the footsteps of the samurai: a visit to Nagoya Castle, a symbol of the Tokugawa clan’s glory dating back to 1615.

Inside, the restored Hommaru Palace transports you back to the samurai era with its distinctive architecture and magnificent gold paintings. You will be amazed by the beauty of each room.

Nagoya Castle

After delving into history, the journey continues to the Tamesaburo Memorial Museum and Furukawa Art Museum, where Japanese art and culture come alive through a collection of Japanese art and a tea experience amidst a tranquil garden.

The serene atmosphere is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, letting you immerse yourself in the harmony of nature and culture.

Each bite of Japanese sweets is delicate and rich in flavor, as they are selected according to the subtle seasonal changes. There is also a room where you can pray.

If you wish to pray, please inform the ticketing officer at the Furukawa Art Museum when you purchase the entrance ticket.

Enjoying the Japanese Style Garden (Inside Tamezaburo Memorial Museum)

Japanese Style Garden at Tamezaburo Memorial Museum

For lunch, Yamamotoya Ookute branch offer Nagoya’s Muslim-friendly miso-nikomi udon, made with handmade noodles and rich miso that has been fermented for three years.

Miso Nikomi Udon, Nagoya`s Speciality Cuisine, Yamamotoya Ookute Branch

In the afternoon, the Osu Shopping District is an ideal place to hunt for souvenirs and vintage goods and enjoy Japanese snacks. By night, Oasis 21 and Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER offer spectacular views of Nagoya city with futuristic architecture.

Osu Shopping District

Oasis 21 and Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

The first day’s trip concludes with an overnight stay at Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya, a modern hotel with vegetarian food offers.

The must-have menu for dinner is the Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizza, a pizza rich with cheese and very crispy, and the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a pasta that looks simple but very rich in flavor. It is conveniently located near major tourist attractions.

Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizza and Spaghetti Aglio e Olio at Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya

Day 2 in Aichi: Getting to Know Japan Better: Toyota Technology, Inuyama Splendor, and Traditional Flavors

The second day in Aichi started with a visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This place shows how innovation has evolved over time.

Automobile Pavilion

Did you know? Before becoming the world’s automotive giant, Toyota started in the textile industry. The museum has an interactive zone where visitors can try traditional textile machines, watch demonstrations of the manufacturing process, and enjoy information in various languages.

The museum provides halal-certified Japanese curry rice and Muslim-friendly facilities, including a prayer space with separate rooms for men and women. Each room also has Qibla direction markers, ensuring comfort for Muslim visitors.

Prayer Room at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

After the technology exploration, lunch at Kusumura Restaurant became a unique experience with creatively prepared tofu-based dishes, such as simmering soy milk called Yuba, which has a soft texture resembling sashimi.

Meat served in the muslim-friendly course are halal-certified, and the cooking utensils are specialized for Muslim-friendly dishes, so you don’t have to worry. In the menu book, they list all the halal-certified ingredients for their dishes.

Enjoying Muslim-friendly Full Course Menu at Kusumura

Simmered Yuba Seasoned with Sesame Oil at Kusumura

The journey continues to Inuyama Castle, home to the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan. Standing proudly atop a hill, it offers a charming view of the Kiso River.

Inuyama Castle

The Inuyama Castle is one of the Japanese National Treasures. Walking through its wooden hallways brings the sensation of being back in the samurai era. At the same time, at the top, the panoramic view of Inuyama City is breathtaking.

Not far from the castle, the Sanko Inari Shrine, with its red torii gate and heart-shaped ema or prayer plaques, attracts those seeking luck in love.It’s the perfect way to end the second day’s trip with a rich and memorable cultural experience.

Day 3 in Aichi: Exploring Aichi’s Natural and Culinary Beauty – From Mihama to Gamagori

On the third day, the trip starts from Mihama Town, a coastal region famous for its seafood, before continuing to explore Gamagori, a seaside town that offers beautiful scenery and unique cultural experiences.

The first destination is Ebisen Park — the perfect place to learn all about shrimp senbei, a savory and crunchy Japanese snack. Not only tasting, but visitors can also try making their own senbei with various flavors, making it an interactive and fun culinary experience.

Ebisen Park has 50 flavors of senbei handmade from quality ingredients in every part of Japan. Be warned that some products contain gelatin or mirin, and you can ask the staff to help you choose a safe variant.

Yeay! Finished making senbei and squid snacks!

Next, the trip continues to Gamagori Orange Park. Despite the name “Orange Park,” this place is not just about oranges—visitors can experience first-hand picking fresh strawberries from January to May or other seasonal fruits that change throughout the year.

Besides, there is a restaurant serving Gamagori’s signature Muslim-friendly seafood dishes.

Strawberry Picking

After enjoying the delights of local produce, the next destination is Takeshima Island, which is connected to the mainland by a 387-meter-long bridge, offering tranquil views of the sea and green trees as a stopover for migratory birds from Siberia.

At the top of the island stands Yaotomi Shrine, a place of worship for the goddess Benten, who is believed to bring good luck in love and life.

Takeshima

A day of exploration is capped off with a relaxing experience at Hiranoya Ryokan & Sauna, a traditional inn that blends in with nature. This place offers tranquility after a day of adventure with Japanese-inspired rooms, windows overlooking Mikawa Bay, and a sauna experience to harmonize the body and mind.

For dinner, Gamagori’s full-course seafood specialties are beautifully presented and Muslim-friendly, creating a warm atmosphere of Japanese home cooking.

Muslim-Friendly Menu

Not to forget, there is also a buffet breakfast with food content labeling to ensure convenience for Muslim travelers.

Hiranoya Inn and Sauna are suitable for honeymooners and families alike, with a traditional atmosphere that allows visitors to wear yukata and take pictures at various aesthetic corners.

Enjoying Hiranoya Architectures while Wearing Yukata

Day 4 in Aichi: From Historic Shrines to Canola Fields: The Perfect End to an Aichi Adventure

Day four of the trip begins with a visit to Toyokawa Inari (Myogon-ji Temple), one of Japan’s most famous temples known for worshipping the God of fertility, luck, and prosperity.

The rows of stone fox statues adorning the walkways create a mystical atmosphere, while the torii gates and lush shrine gardens offer plenty of aesthetic spots for photos.

Rows Of Stone Fox Statues

After enjoying the beauty of Toyokawa Inari, let’s take a break at Toyohashi Roadside Station. With a large car park here, you can shop for typical Toyohashi snacks that are very famous, namely Black Thunder.

There are also several restaurants here and the most interesting thing is that you can find fresh agricultural products around at low prices such as vegetables, fruits and flowers.

After a short break, the journey continues to the Toyohashi Mosque for a moment of worship. The mosque also serves as a Muslim community center, providing a madrassa for children and various social and cultural activities.

The Muslim community in Toyohashi, including the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Toyohashi, plays a vital role in the management and development of this mosque.

With Toyohashi Muslim Community

The journey continues to Irago Nanohana Garden, where bright yellow nanohana flowers bloom warmly and welcome the beginning of spring. Nanohana is the Japanese word for canola flower.

Here, you can write a postcard with a choice of pictures according to different wishes and put it in the Happiness Postbox, sending it to your loved ones with the belief that happiness will come to them according to the type of wish on the postcard you send.

In The Middle of Nanohana Flower beds

From the hill of this park, a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean stretches out, creating the perfect backdrop for a final photo as memories from Aichi Prefecture.

Only about a 10-minute drive away, a prayer room is located at the tourist information center at Irago Crystal Port Roadside Station, Tahara. Visiting Irago Nanohana Garden is the perfect way to enjoy nature before returning to Centrair.

It’s almost time for your Aichi adventure to come to an end! Before heading home, stop by the Flight of Dreams at Centrair Airport, where you can get a first-hand look at the majestic first Boeing 787 (ZA001) and try out the Luxury Flight Simulator (paid) to experience the thrill of flying a plane.

Explore the interactive Exhibition Area, learn about the mechanics of flight, and experience what it’s like to be in a real cockpit! In preparation for your return to your home country, Centrair Airport also provides a prayer room with convenient ablution facilities, ensuring a restful and memorable journey.

Flight of Dreams

Four days of exploring Aichi brings a wealth of experiences, historic castles, and majestic temples to stunning flower fields and technological innovations in aviation. The blend of tradition and modernity is felt around every corner, making Aichi more than just a destination but a place where culture, nature, and history meet perfectly.

Not only does Aichi offer beauty, but it is also friendly to Muslim travelers, with many halal food options and worship facilities.

With so many wonderful memories to make, Aichi is not just a stopover but a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime. It’s time to leave Aichi with a heart full of gratitude and bring home stories with so many unique experiences that have been passed.

Traveling in Aichi will leave you with stories to remember!

See You Aichi, The Prefecture of Love and Knowledge!