30 minutes from Nagoya! How to get to Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, a town with 1000 years of history and good fortune

• Table of Contents
• What kind of place is Tokoname City?
• Great access from the airport! 5 recommended accommodations in Tokoname City!
• Flexible transportation options! How to get to Tokoname
• 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tokoname City
• Traditional culture that can only be experienced in Tokoname

What kind of place is Tokoname City?

About Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

Tokoname City is located on the west coast of the central Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture. It is conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from Chubu Centrair International Airport, the gateway to the sky, and just two train stops away, or 30 minutes by express train from Nagoya. It is a charming city that has developed a unique culture and the atmosphere of a port town.

Meitetsu Tokoname Station is two stations away from Chubu Centrair International Airport and 30 minutes from Nagoya Station by express train.

Tokoname City is known as the birthplace of Tokoname ware, one of the six ancient kilns of Japan, and has been a thriving pottery manufacturing area since ancient times. In recent years, the opening of the Aichi Sky Expo, an international exhibition center in Aichi Prefecture, has led to an increase in tourists from both within Japan and overseas.

Tokoname City is a city with an international airport, but it also has streets that retain the atmosphere of the Showa era and is dotted with spots that are perfect for social media. It is a Japanese tourist destination with good old traditions, and transportation to each tourist spot is smooth.

The charm of Tokoname ware, where tradition and innovation in pottery live on

When talking about Tokoname City, it is essential to mention "Tokoname ware." Tokoname ware is a historic pottery that dates back to the end of the Heian period, and is characterized by a simple yet powerful atmosphere. Many of the pottery pieces are rooted in daily life, such as teapots and vases, and are also excellent in functional beauty.

Even today, the tradition is passed down by many potters and craftsmen, and new works incorporating modern designs and colors are being produced every day. As we will introduce later in the article, some tourist spots also have facilities where you can experience pottery making, so you can not only see but also touch and enjoy it. Being able to experience traditional Japanese art so close to Chubu Centrair International Airport is a big attraction.

A town of unique beckoning cats

Also, did you know that Tokoname City is famous as the "town of beckoning cats"? It is the number one city in Japan in terms of the production of beckoning cats. There are beckoning cats of various sizes placed all over the city, and the most famous is the giant beckoning cat "Tokonyan," which is 3.8 meters tall and 6.3 meters wide .

The giant beckoning cat "Tokonyan" has a strong presence and is a popular photo spot.

"Tokonyan" is located on the "Ceramics Walk" which retains the image of the pottery industry that flourished in the early Showa period, and is very popular for its appearance that makes it a great photo spot for social media. On the Ceramic Walk, you can also enjoy unique scenery such as brick chimneys, kilns, and clay pipe slopes.
In fact, this beckoning cat culture has developed in conjunction with Tokoname ware techniques, and the beckoning cats carefully crafted one by one by local craftsmen are popular souvenirs and are loved as symbols of good fortune for visitors. If you come to Tokoname, be sure to buy some beckoning cat-related souvenirs.

Great access from the airport! 5 recommended accommodations in Tokoname City!

Tokoname City has a variety of accommodations that are convenient for both sightseeing and business travelers. There are 4,300 rooms in the city, and the city offers a relaxing stay.

Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport

Located within walking distance of Centrair Access Plaza, this hotel is the Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport, managed by the world-renowned hotel brand Marriott International. In addition to being conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Centrair Access Plaza, the hotel also operates a free shuttle bus, so you can use it with peace of mind even if you have large luggage.

All 319 rooms, including suites, are spacious, measuring over 25㎡, and all have bathtubs. The rooms are equipped with Four Comfort™ Beds and are fully equipped with functional facilities such as side tables with USB ports and work desks, making them suitable for a wide range of needs, from business to sightseeing. Guests staying at the hotel can also use the fitness center 24 hours a day. The interior is dotted with motifs unique to the area, such as Tokoname ware, beckoning cats, and airports, so it's fun to look for them.

A comfortable, spacious bed and a room with a great view of the ocean (Premium King)

Click here to make a reservation at Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport

Toyoko Inn Chubu Centrair International Airport

For those who value cost-effectiveness, the Toyoko Inn Chubu Centrair International Airport I and II is perfect. Conveniently located just a seven-minute walk from the Chubu Centrair International Airport terminal, it is a convenient hotel for business trips and travel.

The hotel is equipped with facilities such as a coin laundry, vending machines, and a business counter, making your stay comfortable. Breakfast is served buffet style, so you can have a hearty meal even before an early morning flight.

There are three types of rooms: single (14㎡), double (15㎡), and twin (18㎡). All rooms have a unified layout, allowing for a smooth stay from check-in to going to bed. Wi-Fi and an air purifier with humidifier are all necessary and sufficient. The breakfast area is spacious and not too crowded.

Click here to make a reservation at Toyoko Inn Chubu Centrair International Airport

Chubu Centrair International Airport Hotel

The Chubu Centrair Hotel boasts overwhelming convenience as an "airport-integrated hotel." It is only 100 meters from the ticket gates of Meitetsu Chubu Centrair International Airport Station and a 2-minute walk from the airport check-in counter, minimizing the stress of traveling.

There are a total of 381 guest rooms. In addition to standard single/double rooms (16-20 m2), there are a variety of room types available, such as superior twin rooms (25-30 m2) with a modern Japanese feel, so you can choose a room that suits your travel style and the people you're traveling with.
There are also rooms with a "runway view" where you can enjoy watching planes take off and land up close, making it very popular with aviation enthusiasts and families. Depending on the accommodation plan, you can choose to have breakfast included, and it can be used for a wide range of purposes, from business to leisure, so you can enjoy the convenience of an airport and the relaxation of a hotel.

The unique hotel lounge is spacious.

Click here to make a reservation at Chubu Centrair Hotel

Spring Sunny Hotel Nagoya Tokoname Station

This is the Spring Sunny Hotel Nagoya Tokoname Ekimae, located just outside the west exit of Tokoname Station, two stations away from the airport. It is also two train stops and about five minutes away from Chubu Centrair International Airport Station, making it a popular choice for airport users.

All guest rooms are spacious, measuring over 23㎡, and include a wide range of rooms, including twin and double rooms, Japanese-Western style family rooms, and Japanese twin rooms. All rooms are equipped with a bathroom with a bathtub, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long journey.

One thing to note about this hotel is the artificial hot spring "Mekiyu" located on the first basement floor. This large bath is open from 5am, so you can enjoy it at the beginning or end of your trip. Breakfast is a buffet, and you can enjoy a wide variety of homemade dishes made with ingredients procured that day in buffet style.

Click here to make a reservation at Spring Sunny Hotel Nagoya Tokoname Station

Hills house second

"I want to stay as if I'm at home while traveling." If that sounds like you, we recommend "Hills house second." This is also close to Meitetsu Tokoname Station, just a four-minute walk away. This is a secluded guesthouse with four rooms, carefully renovated from an old house that is over 150 years old.

Each of the South, North, East, and Japanese rooms (approximately 10-25㎡) has a different layout and design, and can accommodate 2-3 guests per room, for a total of 11 guests. The rooms combine tatami mats and flooring, creating a nostalgic yet modern atmosphere, making them ideal for long-term stays.

For breakfast, a Japanese and Western plate is served using vegetables grown by the owner, and has received rave reviews from travelers stating that it is delicious.

It is located close to the aforementioned "Tokonyan."

Click here to make a reservation for Hills House Second

Flexible transportation options! How to get to Tokoname

Tokoname city is very convenient to access, and there are various means of transportation available. You can choose the one that best suits your travel style.

[From Chubu Centrair International Airport]

It's only a 10-minute drive away, or just two stops from Tokoname Station on the Nagoya Railroad Airport Line, making it an ideal location for travelers who travel by plane to get to before or after their flight.

Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Fare: Adults 330 yen

[From Nagoya Station]

If you take a direct train from the Nagoya Railroad Meitetsu Line, you can arrive in about 30 to 40 minutes. It would be easy to plan a visit to combine it with sightseeing in Nagoya.

Boarding Station: Meitetsu Nagoya Station (approximately 7 minutes walk from JR Nagoya Station)

Line: Meitetsu Tokoname Line (direct connection to Meitetsu Airport Line)

Journey time: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes (varies depending on the type of train)

Fare: Adults 750 yen

Points to note:

→ Limited Express, Rapid Express, Express, Semi-Express, and Local: Stop at Tokoname Station.

→ μSky (all special cars, reserved seats): * Does not stop at Tokoname Station depending on the time of day .

[From Tokyo and Osaka]

The most common route to visit is to first travel by Shinkansen to Nagoya and then transfer to the Meitetsu Line (Nagoya Railroad).

If you are considering travel from the airport, there is also a convenient free bus service called "TOKONAME SHUTTLE." It makes it easy to travel from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Yakimono Sanpomichi and hotels, and allows you to sightsee empty-handed, so please give it a try. For more information, please see this article.

By renting a car, you can also visit the surrounding tourist sites and plan your trip freely. One of the attractions of Tokoname City is that travelers can choose their means of transportation according to their purpose.

5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tokoname City

"Ceramics Walk"

The "Yakimono Sanpo-michi" is located a 5-minute walk from Tokoname Station. It is a spot where you can stroll along the narrow streets lined with kilns and workshops while enjoying the quaint townscape. In addition to being able to see a wide range of pottery, from traditional to modern works, there are also many photo spots, such as the famous giant climbing kiln and clay pipe slope.

Tokoname Pottery Footpath

479-0836 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

The Tokoname Pottery Footpath refers to the area where the ceramic industry was at its most prosperous in the early Showa period. Chimneys, kilns, and factories still dot the area, quietly conveying the state of those days. Today, many artists still have studios here. The area has wonderful galleries, cafes, pottery shops, and miscellaneous goods stores. The starting point for the walk is the Tokoname City Ceramic Hall, which is a 5-minute walk from Tokoname Station. Enjoy strolling through the maze-like alleyways with the pamphlet you got here in hand. There are also sightseeing guided tours that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Tokoname. Please take advantage of these excursions.

"INAX Live Museum"

Next, we will introduce the "INAX Live Museum." Located about 10 minutes by car from Chubu Centrair International Airport, this is a complex where you can enjoy experiences in pottery and tile making. The exhibition area, with its colorful tile walls, is especially Instagram-worthy. It is a recommended spot for families, and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people from children to adults.

INAX MUSEUMS

479-8586 1-130 Okueicho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

INAX MUSEUMS is a museum of clay and pottery located in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, the town of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. ​We offer dynamic activities that allow visitors to enjoy, learn, and play using all five senses. It consists of 6 museums: ``Kiln Plaza'', ``Tile Museum Tile Museum' ', ``Architectural Terracotta Museum Museum' ', ``Clay Works'', ``Tiling Workshop LIXIL Ceramics Lab''. We are developing activities that convey culture, beauty, and fun.

"Rinku Beach"

For those who want to relax by the sea, we recommend Rinku Beach. It's only a 15-minute walk from Rinku Tokoname Station, and you're sure to be struck by the beautiful coastline as the sun sets. There are plenty of barbecue facilities and cafes, and it's a popular spot crowded with beachgoers in the summer.

Click here for the official website of Rinku Beach Tokoname

"AEON Mall Tokoname"

If you want to enjoy shopping and gourmet food, you can't miss AEON Mall Tokoname. It is directly connected to Rinku Tokoname Station, so you don't need an umbrella even on rainy days. There are about 180 shops lined up, with a wide lineup from fashion to local gourmet food. There is also a theme park and hot spring facilities on the premises that children can enjoy, so it is a facility where you can play all day.

Although it is a shopping mall, it also has a wide selection of local gourmet food and souvenirs, so it is recommended as a place to stop by before or after your flight. Please also refer to the introduction article for AEON Mall Tokoname .

Aeon Mall Tokoname

479-0882 2-20-3 Rinku-cho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

AEON Mall Tokoname is an entertainment mall with specialty stores and amusements. We look forward to your visit.

"Sawada Sake Brewery" & "Morita Aji no Yakata"

The last place we will introduce is Sawada Sake Brewery and Morita Aji no Yakata , where you can feel the history and tradition. Located about a 10-minute drive from Tokoname Station, you can tour the sake brewery and learn about the history of soy sauce making. There is also a tasting corner, and we recommend buying some local sake and traditional seasonings that are unique to Tokoname as souvenirs.

Sawada Shuzo (Sake Brewery)

479-0818 4-10 Kobacho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

Sawada Shuzo is a historic sake brewery founded in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture in 1848, at the end of the Edo period. Tokoname City is also known for its Tokoname ware. The brewery's representative brand is ""Hakurou."" The name of the brewery reflects the ""carefully polished white color of rice'' alongside ""a wish for the health and longevity of its customers'' and ""pursuing an expertise in sake brewing.'' The Chita Peninsula, where Tokoname is located, is a region with a thriving culture of brewing products such as seafood, agricultural and livestock products, as well as sake, miso, vinegar, and tamari soy sauce. To support the local rich food culture, Sawada Shuzo continues to produce rich, flavorful sake using local rice, spring water, and traditional wooden tools for everything from ordinary sake to daiginjo. The brewery believes that old yet traditional methods are the best way to bring out the deliciousness of rice and avoid any unpleasant tastes. Since the company's founding, the brewing water that is indispensable for sake brewing has been sourced from a spring up on a hill two kilometers away from the brewery. The water has been brought to a well in the sake brewery through a private tap. As a local sake brewery originating from the fermented food culture of the Chita Peninsula, they believe in creating sake that complements food while being in harmony with nature. Be sure to take a tour of the sake brewery. You can enjoy tastings and experience how sake is made through great care and attention to ingredients, manufacturing methods, and tools. To make Tokoname's local ""Hakurou"" sake more delicious and enjoyable, the brewery has created four types of sake vessels in collaboration with potters. On the tour, you can enjoy pairing sake with different flavors and sake vessels that bring out the individuality of each fermented rice beverage.

Traditional culture that can only be experienced in Tokoname

What did you think?

Tokoname City is not just a place to enjoy sightseeing, but a place where visitors can actually "experience". The charming townscape can also be said to be a "cultural heritage" created by Tokoname's climate and people's hands. By visiting, you can experience the spirit of craftsmanship and traditional Japanese culture, an experience that is hard to find in other tourist destinations.

Tokoname City is easily accessible from the airport. If you're traveling to Aichi or Centrair, be sure to stop by.

Other tourist information for Tokoname can be found here.