[Aichi] Recommended for your autumn trip to Aichi! Enjoy Toyokawa Inari Shrine and the 30th Shimotsuki Flame Dance!

Aichi Prefecture, located in the Chubu region of Japan, is an attractive tourist destination with a perfect balance of history, culture, nature, and delicious food. This time, we will introduce some must-see spots on your autumn trip to Aichi that even first-time visitors can enjoy to the fullest.

Savor the seasonal flavors of Aichi | "Mikan Picking" at Gamagori Orange Park

Start your trip by experiencing mandarin orange picking at Gamagori Orange Park. In the orchard, you can pick mandarins with your own hands and taste the sweet, juicy fruit on the spot. The experience of enjoying fresh, seasonal fruit in nature is the perfect addition to your autumn trip to Aichi.

"All-You-Can-Eat Mandarin Orange Picking" is an experiential event where you can fully enjoy the seasonal flavors of sweet, juicy mandarins that are packed with vitamins. Freshly picked mandarins have an exceptional aroma and flavor, and the moment you put one in your mouth, the fresh sweetness spreads throughout your mouth, bringing a smile to your face.

The park also sells fruit-based sweets and juices, making it a great place for families and couples to enjoy.

Make a reservation here!

Experience history and culture at one of Japan's three major Inari shrines | Toyokawa Inari (Myogonji Temple)

Toyokawa Inari (Myogon-ji Temple) is a Soto Zen temple that is counted among Japan's three major Inari shrines (Fushimi Inari, Kasama Inari, and Toyokawa Inari), and its official name is "Enpukuzan Myogon-ji Temple." Founded in 1441 (the first year of the Kakitsu era) by Zen master Tokai Giei during the early Muromachi period, it has since attracted a wide range of worshippers, from local residents to feudal lords and literary figures. Historically, there are records of famous Sengoku warlords, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, visiting the temple, and during the Edo period, it was also deeply revered by literary figures such as Watanabe Kazan. For these reasons, Toyokawa Inari is a renowned temple of great historical and cultural value that is carefully preserved to this day.

The grounds are filled with sights, such as the approach lined with vermilion torii gates, the main hall, and the Inarizuka mound, and you can stroll around freely, taking photos and enjoying the unique atmosphere of a shrine. In addition to praying, we also recommend spending some relaxing time walking around the grounds.

Particularly impressive is the Reikozuka, where more than 1,000 stone fox statues of various sizes are lined up. Toyokawa Dakinishinten is enshrined here astride a white fox, and foxes are considered messengers of the gods and symbols of faith. For this reason, worshippers have a custom of donating stone fox statues, and so many fox statues are lined up at the Reikozuka today. This is a spot where you can feel the depth of faith and history as you walk around the grounds.

You can also enjoy local cuisine in the temple town of Toyokawa Inari. One of the most famous is Toyokawa Inari Sushi, a local dish made of sweet and spicy fried tofu stuffed with vinegared rice, which has been loved by worshippers and tourists for many years.

When you visit Toyokawa Inari, not only will you experience history and culture, but you can also enjoy the local pleasures of traveling while tasting the delicious inari sushi of the temple town.

Coloring the Autumn Night Sky | The 30th Shimotsuki Flame Dance - Mikawa Hand-Held Fireworks

At night, enjoy the spectacular spectacle of Mikawa Tezutsu Fireworks at the 30th Shimotsuki Honoo no Mai Festival in Toyohashi City. The sight of the fireworks lit all at once, carried by people on their shoulders, and the flames and sparks shooting up into the night sky is a sight to behold. The experience of seeing the fantastic flickering flames and feeling the heat is an experience that is hard to put into words. Another unique pleasure of this festival is being able to enjoy the view while sampling local cuisine from the food stalls and street vendors.

The history of Mikawa hand-held fireworks dates back over 450 years, and is said to have originated at Yoshida Shrine in Toyohashi City. Records remain of the lord of Yoshida Castle setting off fireworks at a festival in 1560 (the third year of the Eiroku era), and the fireworks were originally a religious ritual based on smoke signals used to communicate information. They were later passed down as an event to pray for good harvests and good health, and developed into a culture representative of the region. During the Edo period, they spread to rural areas, and became established as an "experiential fireworks" event, with villagers mixing the gunpowder themselves and setting them off. They were also sacred rituals linked to offerings to shrines, warding off disasters, and praying for good harvests.

During the Meiji period, the festival was joined by portable shrines, large fireworks, and rope fires, resulting in the spectacular performances we see today. After the war, it fell into decline for a time, but was revived thanks to the passion and preservation efforts of the local community. Today, it is performed at large-scale events such as the "Festival of Fire - Shimotsuki Flame Dance," and has become a symbol of eastern Mikawa, attracting visitors from all over the country.

The appeal of hand-held fireworks lies not only in the roaring sound and the powerful pillars of fire. It also lies in the prayers and spirituality that have been passed down through the generations, and the "dialogue between people and fire." The moment when you are showered with sparks and feel the heat on your skin will be an unforgettable experience that will remain etched in your mind. They are truly a "living cultural heritage" that we can be proud of around the world.

Safety is taken into consideration, and only experienced carriers participate. The hand tubes, made from moso bamboo, are designed to be sturdy and ensure that the flames shoot upwards safely. The seats are also spaced far enough apart so that spectators can enjoy the thrilling action up close while still feeling safe.

The festival of flames shining against the autumn night sky is a special experience unique to Aichi that can be enjoyed by families, friends, and couples.

Make a reservation here!

Oranges, Inari Shrine, and Fireworks...A Look Back at Autumn in Aichi

An autumn trip to Aichi Prefecture will add depth and a special feeling to your trip by enjoying the clear autumn air, savoring the blessings of nature while enjoying mandarin orange picking, and experiencing history and culture at Toyokawa Inari Shrine. And at night, you can experience the power and heat of the flames up close at Shimotsuki Honoo no Mai, which is sure to be an unforgettable memory.

Aichi's autumn trip is perfect for families, friends, couples, and even solo travelers. History, nature, culture, and delicious food... this is the season to enjoy it all, so be sure to visit. A special trip that will satisfy both your body and mind and create memorable memories awaits you.