Things to do in Tokai, Chubu: The Best Historic Sites

March 25, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

Discover the best top things to do in Tokai, Japan including Inuyama Castle, Nakasendo Magome-juku, Kiunkaku, Satta-toge Pass, Magose-toge Pass, Kazurayama Castle Ruins, Izawanomiya, Naegi Castle Ruins, Nagoya Castle Hommarugoten, Shirakawago.
Restaurants in Tokai

1. Inuyama Castle

65-2 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama 484-0082 Aichi Prefecture +81 568-61-1711 http://inuyama-castle.jp/
Excellent
50%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,034 reviews

Inuyama Castle

Reviewed By 661vincet - Makati, Philippines

We visited Inuyama Castle last year. While it is currently undergoing renovations (for the next few months it seems), I decided to share our experiences for readers thinking about adding it to their future trips. And, yes, Inuyama Castle, one of the few original Japanese castles designated as a National Treasure, is definitely worth the visit! It is quite a lovely sight up on the hill. Entering the main keep of wood and stone was a memorable experience that provided insights on the castle's function in Japan's past. The climb around the keep's floors, and up to the very top provided a great view of the castle compound, Kiso River, the city and the mountains in the distance. With the assistance provided by the wonderful local volunteer guides (English was available during our visit, check for their availability at the ticket gate) we certainly got to appreciate this castle all the more.

2. Nakasendo Magome-juku

Magome, Nakatsugawa 508-0502 Gifu Prefecture +81 573-69-2336 http://www.kiso-magome.com/migarunatabi.html
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 660 reviews

Nakasendo Magome-juku

This historic footpath through the Kiso Valley connects the villages of Tsumago and Magome. The partially paved trail is approximately 8 kilometers in length and passes by several historic and natural wonders.

Reviewed By bearykim - Singapore, Singapore

a short 7-8km walk took us 4 hours as my group were crazily taking photos along the trail.. overall an easy and charming walk.. you will come across a charming tea house who serves u free green tea .. a donation box is availsble which helps to upkeep the place..

3. Kiunkaku

4-2 Showacho, Atami 413-0022 Shizuoka Prefecture +81 557-86-3101 http://www.ataminews.gr.jp/spot/114/
Excellent
46%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Kiunkaku

Reviewed By BackPacker790011

In general, Atami gets a lot of bad press for nothing to see (apart from the Sex Museum). Kiunkaku, however, is definitely worth checking out. The original two buildings date from the Taisho Period when Japanese were mixing Western elements into their traditional design. The result is fascinating architectural features, including large fireplaces with stone Buddhist carvings for the mantels, etc. The original buildings were later purchased along with a large plot of land then "wings" added to form a giant square enclosure surrounding a beautiful Japanese garden. The entire complex was run as a Japanese Inn for the wealthy and almost every famous author in modern Japan has stayed there - which is why they couldn't tear it down when the most recent owners wanted to get out of the hotel business. A group of concerned citizens banded together and fought the wrecking ball, forcing the city to buy the entire facility. Although they left it to crumble, someone at City Hall finally realized that the place could be a tourist draw and Kiunkaku was renovated. The city built a glass "salon" that extends into the Japanese garden, providing an amazing backdrop for concerts, many of which are free. There is also an art gallery with rotating exhibitions of local artists, as well as a "workshop" space for handicraft hounds. (The last session I attended was for pressing dried flowers.) I live in the area and definitely this is one of the more interesting places to spend some hours in Atami!

4. Satta-toge Pass

Yuinishikurasawa, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka 421-3101 Shizuoka Prefecture +81 54-221-1021 http://www.city.shizuoka.lg.jp/000_001369.html
Excellent
47%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Satta-toge Pass

Reviewed By Tokugawa_Ieyasu - Fujieda, Japan

The Satta-toge Pass should have been one of the roughest spot on the Tokai-do in the past. We can see many cyclists and hikers walking along the ancient road, but it looks very tough. At the peak of the Satta-toge, the great view of the Mt. Fuji and Suruga Gulf would be brought to you if the weather could be fine.

5. Magose-toge Pass

Owase 519-3601 Mie Prefecture http://kumadoco.net/kodo/course/06/index.html
Excellent
63%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Magose-toge Pass

6. Kazurayama Castle Ruins

Kazurayama, Susono 410-1103 Shizuoka Prefecture http://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp/shizuoka/detail/22220af2172068523
Excellent
29%
Good
71%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Kazurayama Castle Ruins

7. Izawanomiya

374, Isobecho-Kaminogo, Shima 517-0208 Mie Prefecture +81 599-55-0038 http://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/naiku/izawa.html
Excellent
47%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Izawanomiya

8. Naegi Castle Ruins

2799-2-1 Naegi, Nakatsugawa 508-0101 Gifu Prefecture +81 573-66-8181 http://www.city.nakatsugawa.gifu.jp/kankou/spot/2018/03/100-432m-360-93017001630122715-320.html
Excellent
52%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Naegi Castle Ruins

A short distance from Nakatsugawa Station stands the ruins of Naegi Castle constructed 400 years ago and once home to the prominent Toyama Family. At the top of the complex,visitors can find a wellplaced observation tower,which offers an astounding view of the Nakatsugawa landscape as well as Kiso River.

9. Nagoya Castle Hommarugoten

1-1 Hommaru, Naka, Nagoya 460-0031 Aichi Prefecture +81 52-231-1700 http://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/guide/honmarugoten/
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 354 reviews

Nagoya Castle Hommarugoten

Reviewed By paddy_snaps_travel

Just the effort that goes into keeping alive the look and feel of hundreds of year old lifestyle is amazing. Definitely worth spending time enjoying art and architecture of past

10. Shirakawago

517 Hatogaya, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun 501-5629 Gifu Prefecture +81 5769-6-1311 http://shirakawa-go.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 200 reviews

Shirakawago

Reviewed By docajc

Joined a day tour to Shirakawago and Takayama from Nagoya. It snowed the day before we arrived, so there was a bit of snow over the rooftops of the houses. Not the same as the snow covered roofs we see on pictures, but nevertheless beautiful. We arrived around 3:30pm in the afternoon so most of the tour groups were set to go home. Take note however, that when arriving this late, you might not be able to take the shuttle up to the main observation point as the shuttle service ends at 4pm. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to walk uphill to the observatory but it was worth it as the view from the top was breathtaking. The walk downhill was obviously easier and faster. By 5pm, it starts to get quite dark so there was not much to see anymore. And since it was winter, most shops have already started to close. On the plus side, we got to see the sun set over the horizon, and that view is again a beauty. I would definitely visit again and maybe book an overnight stay early on in order to enjoy the village more.

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