[Aichi] 30 minutes from Nagoya! 8 must-see tourist spots in Tokoname, the city of beckoning cats and pottery

• Table of Contents
• Introduction What kind of place is Tokoname City?
• 1. Pottery Walk
• 2. Tokoname Maneki-neko Street
• 3. Tokonyan, the town's symbolic watchful cat
• 4. Tokoname City Exhibition and Workshop Hall
• 5. Farm Ichigoro
• 6. INAX Live Museum
• 7. Chubu Centrair International Airport
• 8. Rinku Beach
• Conclusion: To Tokoname, where tradition and playfulness coexist

Introduction What kind of place is Tokoname City?

Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, is located on the west coast of the Chita Peninsula.

Tokoname Station, the center of the city, is about 30 minutes by train from Meitetsu Nagoya Station and only 5 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport. This is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, with a history of over 1,000 years, and is a town famous for its pottery.

Stepping into town, you'll see countless clay pipes and brick chimneys that once fired tiles, and the breath of artisans still lingers. Tokoname's greatest charm is its unique landscape. The village, spread across the hills, is lined with walls and slopes made from recycled pottery, making the entire town seem like a museum. Modern galleries and hidden cafes renovated from old houses blend into the maze-like back alleys, where tradition and new sensibilities coexist comfortably.

It also serves as the gateway to Chubu Centrair International Airport, and boasts the highest production of "beckoning cats" in Japan, which bring good fortune to the world. It has an atmosphere backed by a long history and an open atmosphere that warmly welcomes travelers.

Here are six must-see tourist spots in Tokoname, a city filled with mysterious charm.

1. Pottery Walk

A nostalgic landscape created by Tokoname's iconic "Dokanzaka" and chimneys

The highlight of a walk around Tokoname is Dokanzaka Hill. On both sides of this slope are densely packed clay pipes that supported the town from the Meiji to Showa periods, as well as bottles used to store shochu.
This is not just decoration, but the wisdom of our ancestors, who reused waste materials from the production process to reinforce the soil of the slope so that it would not collapse. The dark brown color of the pottery, when illuminated by the setting sun, is breathtakingly beautiful.

If you look up at the sky, you will see brick chimneys peeking out from all over the place, reminding you of the time when this town was stained black with pottery smoke. Although the chimneys no longer serve their purpose, their quiet appearance, entangled with ivy, is a sight unique to Tokoname.

Every time you turn down a maze of narrow alleys, you'll come across earthen walls that exude a sense of history, as well as the remains of former kilns. If you stroll along the trail slowly with a camera in hand, you're sure to be enveloped in a nostalgic, warm feeling.

[Spot details]
Name: Ceramics Walking Path Location: Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture Recommended starting point: We recommend picking up a walking path map at the Tokoname Tourist Information Center (Ceramics Hall) at the entrance to the walking path before starting!

User Guide (MATCHA): Access, opening hours, and nearby spots of Yakimono Sanpomichi - Japanese Tourism Media MATCHA

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2. Tokoname Maneki-neko Street

Unique beckoning cats welcome you! The photogenic "Tokoname Maneki-neko Street"

Along the road leading from Tokoname Station to the city center, you will find the unique Tokoname Maneki-neko Street, which is unique to a town of pottery.
The first thing that catches your eye are the 39 "Goryaku Maneki-neko" (beckoning cats) lined up on the concrete wall. Each one was created by potters with ties to Tokoname, with a different wish in mind, such as "good fortune," "good health," or "good relationships." The cats' expressions are surprisingly unique, so one of the joys of this street is walking around looking for the one that best suits your wish.

There are also 11 lifelike cat sculptures hidden along the line, making it a photogenic spot that visitors will never tire of.

[Spot details]
Name: Tokoname Maneki-neko Street Address: Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

User Guide (MATCHA): Tokoname Maneki-neko Street: Access, Opening Hours, and Nearby Spots - MATCHA, the Japanese Tourism Media

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3. Tokonyan, the town's symbolic watchful cat

"Tokonyan" is a giant guardian deity and symbol of Tokoname.
If you continue walking along Tokoname Maneki Neko Street, you will suddenly come across Tokonyan , the town's symbolic watchful cat.
With an overwhelming scale of 3.8 meters in height and 6.3 meters in width, its gigantic face pops out as if looking down at the road. Its humorous and powerful appearance makes it known as one of the largest maneki-neko in Japan, and it is now a popular photo spot visited by tourists from all over the world.

The adjacent bridge is a particularly recommended photo spot, as you can take impressive commemorative photos at eye level with Tokonyan.
At dusk, you can enjoy the mystical and divine appearance of the statue against the golden Tokoname cityscape. Why not come and see it as it quietly and warmly watches over the city of Tokoname?

[Spot details]
Name: Tokonyan Location: Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture Tokonyan's location: Near the entrance to the walking path, clearly visible from Kitayama Bridge!

User Guide (MATCHA): Access, opening hours, and nearby spots for Tokonyan, the guardian cat - MATCHA, the Japanese tourism media

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4. Tokoname City Exhibition and Workshop Hall

Create a memorable memory of Tokoname! Paint a beckoning cat (take it home on the day)
While sightseeing along the Pottery Walk, we also recommend trying your hand at making your own original, one-of-a-kind beckoning cat.
This is a popular activity that allows you to freely paint an authentic beckoning cat, unique to Tokoname, a pottery production area.

Paint it with a pen, bake it in the oven for about 25 minutes, then let it cool and it's ready. Travelers can take it home the same day, making it the perfect keepsake for your trip.

You can choose from a traditional calico cat look or a modern design, and we also recommend writing your wish on the back.
Why not take a commemorative photo with your completed beckoning cat together with the town's symbol, Tokonyan?

[Spot details]
Name: Tokoname City Exhibition and Workshop Hall Address: 6-145 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

Klook sales page

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5. Farm Ichigoro

A blissful moment enveloped in sweet aromas
Farm Ichigoro is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Tokoname IC.

This tourist farm boasts incredibly sweet and juicy strawberries. Its most popular activity is the 45-minute "Multi-Variety Tasting Course" ! This course allows you to compare and taste several varieties of strawberries that are at their most delicious at the time of year, such as "Akihime" and "Benihoppe." Being able to directly experience the differences in sweetness, sourness, and aroma that vary depending on the variety is a real pleasure that can only be found at a farm directly managed. The strawberries are grown on elevated beds, so you can pick them in a comfortable standing position. The walkways are also spacious, making it easy to enter the farm with a stroller. The attached direct sales store also sells fresh strawberries picked that morning (while supplies last).

[Spot details]
Name: Farm Ichigoro Address: 1-330 Hongocho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
Opening period: January to May

Klook sales page

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6. INAX Live Museum

Experience the art of clay and pottery at the INAX Live Museum: a world of architectural beauty enjoyed with all five senses

Located a short distance from Tokoname City, the INAX Live Museum is more than just a museum. It is a highly creative museum where you can experience the possibilities of clay and pottery with all five senses.

The biggest attraction is the World Tile Museum , which displays thousands of tiles collected from all over the world, dating from pre-Christian times to modern times. The vibrantly colored and artistic space is a sight to behold, with intricate geometric ceilings reminiscent of Islamic mosques and elegant painted tiles from the Victorian era. Anyone with an interest in architecture or interior design will be captivated by the beauty and forget about time.

The museum also preserves a huge clay pipe kiln and chimney that was used during the Taisho era , allowing you to get a firsthand feel for the vibrant industry of the past.

In addition, there are plenty of hands-on activities available here, including making glowing mud balls that both children and adults can enjoy, and creating original goods using mosaic tiles, allowing you to enjoy the fun of making your own unique creations.

See, touch, and create. This is the most beautiful and enjoyable spot to experience Tokoname's deep history.

[Spot details]
Name: INAX Live Museum Address: 1-130 Okueicho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-8586

User Guide (MATCHA): INAX Live Museum Access, Opening Hours, and Nearby Spots - Japanese Tourism Media MATCHA

Klook sales page

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7. Chubu Centrair International Airport

Entertainment beyond the airport! Enjoy Chubu Centrair International Airport

The reason why Centrair continues to attract travelers from all over the world is its extensive amusement facilities.
The first place you should visit is the commercial complex "FLIGHT OF DREAMS."
Inside the museum, the first Boeing 787 is on display at surprisingly close range, and visitors can enjoy dining and shopping beneath its enormous wings, creating an exciting space that is sure to excite anyone, even those who aren't aviation fans.

And the perfect place to soothe your travel fatigue is Japan's first panoramic bath, "Fu-no-yu." You can even watch planes taking off and landing on the runway while soaking in the bathtub. The sun sets over Ise Bay, and the planes take off with the orange-hued runway as a backdrop... You can only experience the luxury of enjoying such an extraordinary view while naked here.

Furthermore, the 300-meter-long sky deck is one of the best observation spots in Japan, where you can feel the sea breeze and hear the powerful engine sounds. There is also a great gourmet area, with a wide selection of restaurants where you can enjoy Nagoya cuisine and Tokoname's local sake.

Even if you don't have plans to fly, it's worth taking the time to visit Centrair.

[Spot details]
Name: Chubu Centrair International Airport (Centrair)
Address: 1-1 Centrair, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

User Guide (MATCHA): Access, opening hours, and nearby attractions of FLIGHT OF DREAMS - MATCHA, the Japanese tourism media

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8. Rinku Beach

Sky, sea, and airplanes. Rinku Beach: an urban resort with a great sense of openness

Rinku Beach , located close to the city center of Tokoname, is one of the largest artificial beaches in the Tokai region. With its white sand and blue sea, this place is crowded with many beachgoers in the summer, but it is also a popular walking course visited by many people throughout the year.

The biggest attraction of this beach is that it is the "beach where you can get the closest view of airplanes in the world." Chubu Centrair International Airport is located on the opposite shore, and you can enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of planes taking off powerfully into the blue sky and gliding over the sea.

It's a particularly great location to enjoy the magical magic hour at dusk, when the entire area is bathed in a golden hue and the runway lights begin to glow. The contrast between the sea, which changes its appearance every moment, and the planes coming and going one after another is a luxurious sight that can only be seen in Tokoname.

In addition, along the beach there is a huge "RINKU" monument that is perfect for social media posts, as well as BBQ facilities where you can enjoy yourself without bringing anything. This is an artistic coastline where you can fully enjoy a resort atmosphere, even though it is located very close to the city.

[Spot details]
Name: Rinku Beach Location: Rinkucho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

User Guide (MATCHA) : Access, Opening Hours, and Nearby Spots at Rinku Beach - MATCHA, the Japanese Tourism Media

Google Map

Conclusion: To Tokoname, where tradition and playfulness coexist

Tokoname City, home to Chubu Centrair International Airport, is a mysterious and fascinating place where the atmosphere of historic pottery coexists with the open-minded entertainment of a city with an airport.

Gaze up at old chimneys in narrow backstreets, or watch planes while feeling the sea breeze. Spending time in Tokoname will help you forget your hectic daily life and provide you with the true joy of travel: new discoveries and peace of mind.

Be sure to stop by Tokoname, whether it's a day trip from Nagoya or the start or end of your trip. The traditions that artisans have continued to preserve and the adorable beckoning cats are waiting to welcome you.

[Access Information]

A convenient free shuttle bus called "Tokoname Shuttle" is now operating between Chubu Centrair International Airport and the city! You can easily travel directly from the airport to explore Tokoname city.

Details (Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture official tourism website): The free shuttle bus "Tokoname Shuttle" is operating between the airport island and the city! User Guide (MATCHA) : [Free] The shuttle bus "TOKONAME SHUTTLE" is now operating between the airport island and the city.