Spend a 2Day Trip in Okazaki a Hidden Gem in Aichi

Okazaki, a city in Aichi Prefecture, is a hidden gem that offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences, making it an ideal destination for a 2-day trip from Nagoya. Located just 30 minutes from Nagoya, Okazaki provides convenient transportation and a wealth of activities to enjoy.

Getting to Okazaki

To reach Okazaki, you have several convenient options:

• From Nagoya Station: Take the JR Tokaido Main Line, which takes about 30 minutes and trains run every 15 minutes.
• From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line for another 30 minutes.
• From Tokyo Station: Take the shinkansen to Toyohashi Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line for about 20 minutes.
• From Chubu Centrair International Airport: Take the Meitetsu Airport Line towards Nagoya, change trains at Kanayama, and then take the train heading towards Toyohashi to Higashi-Okazaki Station, which takes about an hour.

Must-Visit Attractions

Okazaki Castle and Okazaki Park

Okazaki Castle is a must-visit attraction, especially for history buffs. The castle grounds also include Okazaki Park, which is famous for its beautiful wisteria festival in the spring and a spectacular fireworks display in the summer. The park is open 24 hours and hosts various events throughout the year, including the "Ieyasu Procession" where hundreds of people dress as samurai and warriors on horseback.

The Ieyasu and Mikawa Bushi Museum

Located within the castle grounds, this museum is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Mikawa Bushi, a group of warriors who served in the region. The museum offers insights into the history of these figures and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entry fee of 360 yen for adults and 200 yen for children.

Daiju-ji Temple

Daiju-ji Temple is another significant historical site, particularly important to the Tokugawa family. The temple houses mortuary tablets for each successive family head and shogun, with the tablet for Tokugawa Ieyasu being 159 cm tall. The temple is accessible by taking a Meitetsu bus from Higashi-Okazaki Station.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Kuragari Gorge

Located on the eastern outskirts of Okazaki, Kuragari Gorge offers a serene natural setting perfect for walking, barbecuing, trout fishing, and camping. The gorge is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the leaves turn red.

Mt. Tokkawa

For those who enjoy hiking, Mt. Tokkawa provides a trail that leads to the top, offering a fantastic view of the surrounding area. In the summer, you might be lucky enough to spot the Genji fireflies near the streams.

Local Cuisine and Specialties

Hatcho Miso

Okazaki is famous for its hatcho miso, a type of miso made traditionally in the area. You can visit local producers and even take a tour of the miso storehouse, which includes lunch made with hatcho miso and other local specialties.

Seasonal Activities

In the spring, Okazaki is renowned for its cherry blossoms and wisteria. Summer activities include catching sweetfish (ayu) in the rivers and unlimited grape picking at local farms.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

• Cherry Blossoms: Okazaki Park is a prime spot for viewing cherry blossoms.
• Wisteria Festival: The park also hosts a wisteria festival, covering approximately 1,300 square meters with beautiful pink petals.

Summer

• Fireworks Festival: Enjoy the Okazaki Fireworks Festival with the impressive Okazaki Castle in the background.
• Sweetfish Catching: Catch and grill sweetfish at the riverside.
• Grape Picking: Visit grape farms for unlimited grape picking.

Practical Tips

• Transportation: Use the Meitetsu trains for sightseeing, as they are more convenient than JR trains.
• Accommodation: Higashi-Okazaki Station and its surrounding area have undergone redevelopment, including new hotels, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
• Tickets: Consider purchasing a combined ticket for Okazaki Castle and the Ieyasu and Mikawa Bushi Museum for a discount.

By following this guide, you can make the most of your 2-day trip to Okazaki, experiencing its rich history, natural beauty, and unique local culture.