Tokoname｜10 Best photo spots near Centrair (Nagoya Airport)
Tokoname City , home to Chubu Centrair International Airport, is a photogenic tourist destination known only to those in the know. It's packed with attractions, including Tokoname ware, which has flourished in Tokoname , and Rinku Beach, located across from the airport. In this article, we'll introduce 10 must-see photogenic spots.
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We promote tourism with the slogan "Happy Come On TOKONAME," which expresses our desire that "everyone who visits Tokoname City will be able to experience its various charms, feel happy and joyful, and go home with the power of happiness (happiness) that will give them energy for the next day."
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Table of Contents
- Just a 5-minute train ride from Centrair! What's Tokoname City got to offer?
- [Pottery Footpath] A giant beckoning cat, "Tokonyan," will welcome you!
- [Pottery Footpath] Meet your favorite beckoning cat! "Tokoname Maneki-neko Street"
- [Pottery Footpath] Experience history and culture at the traditional Japanese house, "Shipping Agent Takita House"
- [Pottery Footpath ] "Denden-zaka" where you can enjoy Tokoname ware, which is deeply rooted in daily life
- [Pottery Footpath] "Dokanzaka" is the perfect photo opportunity during sunset
- [Pottery Footpath] Japan's largest pottery kiln! Noborigama (Toei Kiln)
- [Pottery Footpath] Tokoname Milk Stand: A popular spot with a nostalgic atmosphere
- [Pottery Footpath]"nuu" - A hidden cafe renovated from an old house
- [Rinku Area] Giant Maneki-neko cats "Otafuku" and "Omusubi" at AEON Mall Tokoname
- [Rinku Area] Try taking some photogenic photos at Link del Mar and the RINKU Monument!
Just a 5-minute train ride from Centrair! What's Tokoname City got to offer?
Image provided by Central Japan International Airport Co., Ltd.
Chubu Centrair International Airport (Centrair) is one of Japan's major international airports. Located in the Chubu region, it serves as a convenient gateway for many travelers visiting Japan. Centrair is located in Tokoname City , on the west coast of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture .
Tokoname Station, the center of Tokoname tourism, is a 5-minute train ride from Centrair and 30 minutes from Nagoya Station, making it one of the most easily accessible areas in Aichi Prefecture. By car, it's 10 minutes to Centrair and 45 minutes to Nagoya Station.
Two must-see spots in the Tokoname area are the Pottery Footpath Area, which is filled with the charm and history of Tokoname ware, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, and the Rinku Area, which stretches out in front of Centrair.
In this article, we'll be revealing some of the best spots in Tokoname City where you can take some amazing photos! We'll be introducing 10 highly satisfying spots where you can take photos while sightseeing and learning about history.
" Pottery Footpath " where you can feel the history of Tokoname ware
Tokoname City has been known as a pottery production area since the end of the Heian period, and is famous as one of Japan's six ancient kilns.
Tokoname ware, which has been designated a Japan Heritage Site, is supported by Tokoname clay, which is ideal for making pottery. Tokoname clay firmes even at low temperatures and becomes impermeable to moisture when fired, so a variety of pottery items, such as teapots and beckoning cats, are still actively produced here.
The " Pottery Footpath " stretches out to the east of Tokoname Station, where you can encounter works of Tokoname ware, which has a long history, and learn about its history at your leisure. This popular tourist area, which represents Tokoname City, is visited by many travelers all year round.
This is a special area where you can enjoy an exciting stroll along a secret path, with workshops, cafes and galleries tucked away among the residential streets lined with old houses.
This is a must-visit spot for those who want to have a special encounter with beautiful scenery and pottery.
Rinku Area: Enjoy the sunset and airplanes together
The Rinku area, located across from Chubu Centrair International Airport, is a tourist area where you can enjoy a variety of energetic and free activities, such as watching planes take off and land over the coast, swimming in the sea, having a sauna, and having a barbecue.
Image provided by Central Japan International Airport Co., Ltd.
From Centrair, the main station in the Rinku area, Rinku Tokoname Station, is a 3-minute train ride or 10 minutes by car, making it easily accessible. It's a recommended spot to visit during your free time before boarding your flight.
At 630 meters long, this beach is one of the longest in the Tokai, and is surrounded by breakwaters, so the waves are calm. Although swimming seasons and times are limited, you can enjoy fireworks, barbecues, and other activities as you like.
From here, we will introduce the photogenic spots of the Pottery Footpath and the Rinku area in detail. This is a must-see for those who want to take special photos in the Tokoname area.
[Pottery Footpath] A giant beckoning cat, "Tokonyan," will welcome you!
Toko-nyan is the guardian cat of Tokoname. He appears above Tokoname Maneki-neko Street on the east side of Tokoname Station and is huge!
At 3.8m tall and 6.3m wide, this giant Toko-Nyan is the largest in Japan. Its head peeking out from the top of the wall can be seen from the road on the opposite bank of Tokoname Maneki-neko Street.
If you want to see Toko-Nyan up close, head to the bridge over Tokoname Maneki-neko Street.
The more you look at them, the more you'll grow to love their adorable appearance, so be sure to keep taking pictures.
[Pottery Footpath] Meet your favorite beckoning cat! "Tokoname Maneki-neko Street"
Along the road to Tokoname Maneki-neko Street, where you walk towards Tokoname-nyan, you will find unique features that are only found in Tokoname!
Tokoname Maneki-neko Street is a must-see walking path for cat and pottery lovers, with 39 lucky ceramic maneki-neko cats and 11 lifelike cats lined up.
The unique and individual beckoning cats are all so cute that just looking at them will make you smile. This is the perfect spot for a photogenic trip.
The 39 beckoning cats were lovingly crafted by 39 ceramic artists from Tokoname City, each with a different blessing. It's fun to search for the perfect one to wish for, such as safe travels, prosperity in industry, or safety in the home.
Take a photo with your favorite one and make it a memento of your trip.
[Pottery Footpath] Experience history and culture at the traditional Japanese house, "Shipping Agent Takita House"
The "Takita Family Shipping Wholesaler" is the residence of the Takita family, who ran a shipping business (a shipping company that owned shipping ships and transported goods) from the Edo to Meiji periods.
It has been designated as a tangible cultural property of Tokoname City, and the museum displays a model of a Japanese boat, a mujin lantern that uses rapeseed oil, and the history of the Takita family.
The building was constructed around 1850 and has been renovated and restored, giving the facility a historical atmosphere and a relaxed atmosphere.
The entrance fee for adults is 300 yen and you can spend a nostalgic moment sitting on the veranda, feeling the Japanese atmosphere, and learning about the history of the furniture and architecture unique to this era.
[Pottery Footpath ] "Denden-zaka" where you can enjoy Tokoname ware, which is deeply rooted in daily life
Saka is a slope located on the south side of the Takita family, a shipping wholesaler. There are various theories about the origin of the name, including that the hill on which the slope is located was called Dendenyama to let people know that a ship had arrived at the Saka.
Pottery is embedded in the walls of the slope, making this a spot where you can feel the warmth of Tokoname ware up close.
If you take a photo from the bottom of the hill, the winding road will come out beautifully, giving the photo a sense of depth.
Why not experience the charm of Tokoname ware, which is not only present on your dining table but also in the town of Tokoname ?
[Pottery Footpath] "Dokanzaka" is the perfect photo opportunity during sunset
Once you reach the top of Saka and continue walking to the right, you will arrive at the impressive Dokanzaka.
Embedded on both sides are clay pipes from the Meiji period and shochu bottles from the early Showa period. The path is paved with discarded rings used in firing the clay pipes to make it less slippery.
Dokanzaka has a clear, majestic atmosphere on a clear day, but we recommend visiting at sunset. Be sure to take photos of the mysterious Saka bathed in orange light .
[Pottery Footpath] Japan's largest pottery kiln! Noborigama (Toei Kiln)
Noborigama is a 10-minute walk from Tokoname Station, located on the south side of the Pottery Footpath. With eight firing chambers lined up on a 20-degree slope, it is one of the largest climbing kilns still standing in Japan.
It was built around 1887 and was in use for 87 years until 1974.
Its greatest feature is its impressive appearance with eight kilns and ten chimneys. The stately brick exterior is fantastical, making you feel as if you have entered the world of anime.
It has been designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and also plays a role in conveying the history of Japanese ceramics making.
You can walk around the climbing kiln and take a good look at and photograph the 10 chimneys from behind.
[Pottery Footpath] Tokoname Milk Stand: A popular spot with a nostalgic atmosphere
A small shed built on the site of a former clay pipe factory sells Tokoname Milk, a favorite among local elementary and junior high schools. 70% of the milk produced is used for school lunches, making it a popular milk known to everyone on the Chita Peninsula.
Its elegant flavor is both rich and refreshing. It's easy to drink even on a hot day, and has just the right amount of sweetness so you won't get tired of drinking it every day.
The secret to its excellent taste is said to be the speed at which the milk is pasteurized at 85 degrees on the day it is milked and shipped the next day.
Tokoname Milk Ice Cream, perfect for hot days, is also very popular, and is said to often sell out by mid-morning on holidays.
Photogenic ways to take photos for social media include holding up the products in the milk stand's shed or sitting on a bench.
Take a photo that captures a nostalgic atmosphere.
[Pottery Footpath]"nuu" - A hidden cafe renovated from an old house
Nuu is a hidden cafe renovated from an old Japanese house, located halfway up the Yakimono Sanpomichi ( Pottery Footpath ), about an 8-minute walk from Tokoname Station and a 3-minute walk from Tokonyan. The interior of the 100-year-old building was renovated by the owner himself, and is filled with the warmth of wood and a sense of history, making it a space where you can spend some relaxing time.
The first and second floors and the courtyard are cafe spaces, where you can enjoy a relaxing coffee break.
Nuu uses a shared kitchen to provide food, and on this day, Irisawaya was in charge. Set meals such as fried chicken and zucchini with tomato sauce and apple cake were served.
Both drinks are popular because they bring out the flavor of the ingredients, and the delicious taste spreads with every bite.The refreshing ginger ale is also popular.
Next to the cafe is a shop that was also renovated from a part of an old house. In addition to running kimono classes, the shop also sells handmade goods and colorful scraps that make great souvenirs.
Nuu is a restaurant where you can take beautiful photos that capture the atmosphere of Tokoname. The warm atmosphere will satisfy your stomach and your heart, and once you've visited, you'll definitely want to come back.
[Rinku Area] Giant Maneki-neko cats "Otafuku" and "Omusubi" at AEON Mall Tokoname
When touring the Rinku area, the base of operations is Rinku Tokoname Station. Right in front of the station is Aeon Mall Tokoname, and Rinku Beach is just a 20-minute walk from the station.
Aeon Mall Tokoname is dotted with unique beckoning cats both inside and outside the building. Among them, the one that shines the most golden is "Omusubi." It is popular as a beckoning cat for matchmaking, and is, of course, made of Tokoname ware.
A beckoning cat with its left paw raised is said to bring good fortune, while one with its right paw raised is said to bring good luck with money. The "Omusubi" is holding its left paw up. Touch the heart mark on its left paw and pray for a good relationship.
As you walk through Tokoname Noren Street with the rice ball in your right hand, you will come across a giant 6.5m tall maneki-neko cat called "Otafuku."
This is one of the largest beckoning cats in the world. It was named "Otafuku" with the hope that it would bring much good fortune to all who visit this area. Combined with the atmospheric streets of Tokoname Noren-gai, Otafuku is a special beckoning cat that will make you feel sacred just by looking at it. You're sure to be able to take some impressive photos.
Also, around Otafuku, there are rows of beckoning cats with various expressions, colors, and shapes! You can actually purchase them as souvenirs, so you can have fun finding your own beckoning cat.
[Rinku Area] Try taking some photogenic photos at Link del Mar and the RINKU Monument!
Rinku Beach is a 20-minute walk from Rinku Tokoname Station. Shirahama's artificial coastline offers a variety of ways to enjoy yourself, from watching planes take off and land, to swimming and running.
One of the most popular ways to spend time with tourists is having an authentic barbecue at Link del Mar. There are five sites with different themes, from casual outdoor spaces to private, relaxing spaces, so you can enjoy a barbecue to your heart's content.
After receiving an explanation of the dishes, you can cook whatever you want and when you want! The time you spend talking and cooking with your family and friends will surely be an unforgettable memory.
The course menu includes a variety of stylish dishes that go well with alcohol, such as "Herbal Salmon Wood Plank" and "Valencia Paella." All dishes are seasoned with the strong flavors that are unique to barbecue, making you want to drink more and more.
Of particular note is the paella, the perfect final dish. Created by a chef who has won a paella contest in Japan, this authentic dish will satisfy both your stomach and your heart.
Once you've had your fill, you can spend the time however you like, such as watching the sunset, taking a walk nearby, or taking photos.
The RIKU Monument, located about a five-minute walk from the shop, is also a great photo spot. The few minutes before the sun sinks below the horizon is a great time to take some truly photogenic shots!
With the yellow "RINKU" monument in the background, you can capture the sunset, the sea, and if you're lucky, even an airplane in your photo.
Why not create one-of-a-kind memories at Rinku Beach while admiring the ocean scenery, which changes with the seasons?
Cute, Beautiful, and Delicious! Discover the Photogenic Charms of Tokoname
The Tokoname area, where the history of Tokoname ware lives on, continues to serve as a key transportation hub supporting the Chubu region. The entire town is enveloped in a warm atmosphere thanks to the hospitality that is unique to Tokoname, making it a recommended spot not only for trips with friends and family, but also for solo travelers and leisurely historical exploration trips.
The hotel is also conveniently located just 30 minutes from Nagoya Station, making it the perfect place to stay. From Tokoname hotels where you can stay as if you were living in Tokoname, to convenient hotels integrated with the airport, you can choose from a variety of accommodations to suit your needs.
Why not take a trip to Tokoname next weekend and embark on a special trip to this photogenic and historic Tokoname?
We promote tourism with the slogan "Happy Come On TOKONAME," which expresses our desire that "everyone who visits Tokoname City will be able to experience its various charms, feel happy and joyful, and go home with the power of happiness (happiness) that will give them energy for the next day."
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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