Aichi Prefecture is anchored by Nagoya — Japan’s fourth-largest city and the industrial and cultural capital of the Chubu region. The prefecture also contains Inuyama (one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castles), the Chita Peninsula coastal onsen, and Meiji Mura open-air architecture museum.

Best Areas to Stay

Nagoya Station Area

The main Shinkansen stop with direct connections to Tokyo (1h40min), Kyoto (35min), and Osaka (50min). Towers and hotels surround the station. Best for: business travellers, day-trippers to other cities, maximum transport convenience.

Sakae — Nagoya’s Downtown

The nightlife, restaurant, and shopping heart of Nagoya. The Oasis 21 glass canopy plaza and the Nagoya TV Tower are here. Walking distance to Noritake Garden and Nagoya City Art Museum. Best for: leisure visitors wanting an urban, food-focused stay.

Inuyama — Castle Town

A historic small city on the Kiso River with Japan’s oldest (arguably) original castle — Inuyama-jo perched on a bluff above the river. Traditional machiya inns and cormorant fishing on the river in summer. Best for: history travellers, those wanting small-town Japan.

Nagoya Luxury Hotels (¥25,000+/night)

Marriott Associa Nagoya ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A soaring tower directly connected to Nagoya Station. Upper floor rooms have clear views toward Nagoya Castle and the Nobi Plain. Multiple restaurants and an excellent executive lounge. The most convenient luxury option in the city.

Westin Nagoya Castle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Adjacent to Nagoya Castle — rooms on the castle-facing side have extraordinary views of the gold shachi (dolphin) roof ornaments and the castle tower against the city. Excellent Japanese and Western dining. Special access to castle early morning before public opening.

Mid-Range Nagoya Hotels (¥8,000–¥25,000/night)

Dormy Inn Nagoya

Top-floor natural hot spring bath, free late-night ramen, and reliable room quality — the Dormy Inn formula works well in Nagoya. Centrally located near Fushimi Station. ¥10,000–¥16,000/night.

Vessel Inn Nagoya Nishiki

A well-reviewed business hotel in central Nagoya with a top-floor natural hot spring facility. Close to Sakae’s restaurants and the Nishiki shopping area. Good value.

Inuyama Ryokan & Guesthouses

Ukai-ya Inuyama

A riverside ryokan in Inuyama with direct views of the cormorant fishing (ukai) performed on the Kiso River from June to October. Traditional tatami rooms, kaiseki dinner using Kiso River sweetfish and seasonal vegetables. The only ryokan with this front-row view of the ukai ceremony. ¥22,000–¥40,000/pp.

Kannan-so

A classically styled ryokan in the quiet townhouse district below Inuyama Castle. Small garden, hinoki cypress bath, and a thoughtful menu incorporating local Aichi vegetables and fresh river fish. ¥18,000–¥28,000/pp.

Chita Peninsula Onsen

Himakajima Island Ryokan

Himakajima — Japan’s “octopus island” — is a 50-minute ferry from the Chita Peninsula. Small family ryokan serve fresh tako (octopus) in every conceivable form. A very authentic and underrated Aichi experience. ¥15,000–¥25,000/pp.

Practical Tips

  • Nagoya access: Shinkansen to Nagoya from Tokyo (1h40min ¥11,090), Kyoto (35min ¥6,460), Osaka (50min ¥6,680). Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) is 30 min from Nagoya by Meitetsu Line.
  • Aichi food specialties: Hitsumabushi (chopped eel rice eaten three ways), miso katsu (pork cutlet with red miso sauce), and kishimen flat noodles. All are inexpensive and excellent in Nagoya.
  • Nagoya Castle area: The Hommaru Palace restoration — Japan’s most expensive postwar restoration project — was completed in 2022. Stay near the castle to maximise morning access.
  • Inuyama day trip vs. overnight: Inuyama is 30 minutes from Nagoya by Meitetsu Line and can be done as a day trip. However, overnight in Inuyama lets you experience the castle illuminated at night and the quiet medieval street atmosphere after the day-visitors leave.