In the Okada district, which flourished as a famous production place for Chita Cotton since the Edo period, charming scenery remains to this day, including storehouses and black wooden fences from the Edo to the Meiji periods. Walking along this kind of retro townscape, you're bound to encounter simply lovely photo spots. Whether its traditional handweaving experiences or shopping at stores with cute Chita Cotton items that make for delightful souvenirs, there's lots of ways to enjoy the area.
The Okada district, where a nostalgic atmosphere lingers in the air, flourished as the center of Chita Cotton from the Edo period to the mid-1900s. Along the gently curving road, vestiges of the prosperity in those days still remain in the townscape's black walls and fences, houses with Namako walls covered with a white grid pattern, storehouses, and so on. While enjoying a stroll along the retro townscape, spend a relaxing time with experiences such as weaving Chita Cotton to create an original coaster.
You can experience traditional thread spinning in the Okada area the way it was done around 400 years ago. This area is known as one of the representative production areas for cotton fabric in Japan, and Chita's cloth is famous for its pleasant feel and beauty. Try spinning thread and weaving cloth using the same methods as in the past.
Since the Edo period, Chita Cotton has been spun on a spinning wheel and woven on a handloom. Densho Chita Momen Tsumonoki is a place where you can experience the fun of handweaving in a cotton storehouse in Okada, an area which prospered from the Chita Cotton industry.
Using a spinning wheel, visitors can try their hand at spinning yarn using traditional methods from long ago. You can also weave your own original item.
Enjoy a valuable experience that can only be found in Chita. Products are also available for purchase.
The Teori-no-Sato Momengura Chita building was built as a cotton storehouse for Takeuchi Toraou Shoten from the late Meiji period to the early Taisho period. The Okada Machinami Preservative Association was formed in 1994, and in 1995 the cotton storehouse became Teori-no-Sato Momengura Chita for the purpose of passing down cotton and weaving traditions to the next generation.
You can experience weaving Chita Cotton and making handmade items such as coasters and mats.
Official Site: http://momengura.cside.ne.jp/
At Jiunji Temple is Kannondo, the oldest building in the Okada district. The Ichigan Idaki Jizo is enshrined in front of Kannondo, and it is said that if you hug this Jizo statue one of your wishes will come true.
A Chita Cotton specialty store where you can enjoy the wonders of Chita Cotton, which has been spun in the Chita district for 400 years. Various cotton items are offered here, such as Japanese hand towels or scarves in wonderful designs.
Official Site: https://shirushi-zome.jp/antennashop/
A store where you can buy okaki, different kinds of crackers made from rice. At this store, in addition to Okada's famous “Okada Katsudon” pork cutlet rice bowl topped with fried eggs and a salty-sweet sauce, you can also taste mitarashi dango and other foods.
Official Site: http://www.tatushin.co.jp/
A long-standing traditional restaurant and inn on a hill with 130 years of history. Enjoy an elegant atmosphere and fine cuisine while gazing at the cherry blossoms in spring or the colored leaves in autumn.
Official Site: http://masuiso.jimdo.com
A Japanese restaurant in a renovated old house built more than 100 years ago. Dine on truly delicious Japanese cuisine made with specially selected rice and seaweed and relax to your heart's content in an old Japanese-style house.
Official Site: http://www.tatushin.co.jp/hanjyoutei.html
A renovated café in an old Japanese-style house that stands quietly in the middle of the neighborhood. Sofa seats and seats with low tables are available.
Official Site: https://www.facebook.com/cafe.novatann
Meitetsu Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Tokoname Line) → Asakura Station → Chita Bus (Okada Line) and alight at Daimon-mae
Approx. 10 min. from Agui IC on the Chitahanto Road
Approx. 10 min. from Nagaura IC on the Nishi-Chita-Sangyo Bypass
Central Japan International Airport Station (Meitetsu) → Asakura Station → Chita Bus (Okada Line) and alight at Daimon-mae
Approx. 10 min. from Agui IC on the Chitahanto Road
Known as the one of the prefecture's best places for Japanese plum, around 6,000 plum trees of 25 varieties are planted around Souri Pond, a reservoir for water that supports the industry of the Chita Peninsula. Held from mid-February to mid-March, the Plum Festival bustles with many people from in and around the city looking to admire the peaceful spring scenery. You can also enjoy wisteria in early summer, colored leaves in autumn, and bird watching in winter.
In the early Meiji period, Wanibe Kamezo cultivated Souri Ume, a variety of Japanese plum unique to the Souri area, by grafting it on a peach rootstock. Characterized by its strong acidity and thick flesh, Souri Ume is suitable for umeboshi (pickled plums) and umeshu (plum liqueur). Souri Ume is a City-Designated Natural Monument.
Official Site: https://www.sourifureai.com/
In the Souri area, famous as a hometown of Japanese plum, is a pilgrimage route to five temples. These are temples that the great religious figure Kobo Daishi stopped by more than 200 years ago, and are loved by large numbers of people even now. Collect stamps in a "shuincho" made of Chita Cotton as a memento of your trip.
One of the Souri Five Temples. Built by order of Emperor Go-Toba, the temple first opened in 1184. During the Oei era (1394-1428), the temple hall was restored. Furthermore, it is said that the temple was completely destroyed by fire in a turbulent time of war and afterwards was rebuilt in its current form. At the beginning of the Heisei era, paintings of dragons and nature themes were drawn on the ceiling and sliding doors of the main temple building, decorating the interior with gorgeous colors. (Translated from the original Japanese written by Dr. Kato, Anjo City)
One of the Souri Five Temples. Since ancient times, the temple has been well-known as "Souri's Prayer Hall" on the city outskirts where many villagers come to pray. The principal object of worship, the Eleven-Headed Guanyin (a City-Designated Cultural Property), is said to have been made during the Fujiwara period. At this one temple it is possible to ask for multiple divine favors from the Eleven-Headed Kannon, Kobo Daishi, and Fudo Myoo in the main temple building and at the Yakushido Temple, Tenjinsha Shrine, and Hakusansha Shrine within the precincts.
One of the Souri Five Temples. Climb the 40 stone steps and you'll see the statue of Kobo Daishi enshrined as the principal object of worship.
Within the precincts of Shoboin Temple is a building on a terrace. According to temple legend, inside the Nyoiji temple complex in the Senzobo dwelling there was a place that sold amulets, but due to the Meiji Restoration's abolishment of Buddhism, the Senzobo dwelling was abandoned. Afterwards, a building was constructed within the Shoboin Temple grounds and the statue of Daishi was transferred. The origin of Tanjodo Temple is said to be connected to the history of Zentsuji, temple number 75 along the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
One of the Souri Five Temples. Nyoiji Temple, an ancient temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism which had a temple complex with nine dwellings for monks, was established in the first year of the Genryaku era (1184). The temple was restored during the Oei era (1394-1428).
As the principal object of prayers for rainy weather, the Jizo statue is believed to grant many miracles and has been revered by farmers who treasure the rain.
One of the Souri Five Temples. It is said that the bamboo grove on the mountain behind the temple sprouted from a walking stick that Kobo Daishi left in the ground. This bamboo used to be cut, polished with sand, and prayed over to become "Chufu Jobashi," well-known chopsticks for warding off paralysis from stokes, but these days the grove is changing from bamboo to Nandina domestica, also called heavenly bamboo.
At Ume-no-Yakata within Midori-to-Hana-no-Fureai Park is an array of various souvenirs that represent Chita City. Plum sake is also sold here.
Official Site: https://www.sourifureai.com/
There are craft workshops where you can take crafting courses using materials from within the park. Depending on the season, you can make items related to traditional events.
Official Site: https://www.sourifureai.com/
At Midori-to-Hana-no-Fureai Park's Fureai-Kan, a morning market is held on certain days, and you can purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, pickles, and more.
A Japanese restaurant where you can sit in chairs and dine. You can also enjoy colorful, multicourse kaiseki cuisine in private rooms.
Official Site: http://umegokoro.net/
A park restaurant within the Souri Pond plum grove. You can taste plum soy milk pasta and other dishes made with plum.
Official Site: https://www.sourifureai.com/
Meitetsu Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Tokoname Line) → Asakura Station → Chita Bus (Bound for Souri) and alight at Ume-no-Yakata-guchi
Approx. 15 min. from Agui IC on the Chitahanto Road
Approx. 15 min. from Asakura IC on the Nishi-Chita-Sangyo Bypass
Central Japan International Airport Station (Meitetsu) → Asakura Station → Chita Bus (Bound for Souri) and alight at Ume-no-Yakata-guchi
Approx. 15 min. from Agui IC on the Chitahanto Road
Shinmaiko, which has prospered as a place for villas since the Meiji period, is a seaside resort area bringing together white sand beaches, blue ocean waves, and green grass. In particular, Shinmaiko Marine Park with its trademark two windmills is popular for being the closest beach to Nagoya! In addition to the many marine sports competitions and events that are held from spring through summer, a full range of activities such as fishing and picnicking are also possible.
Opened in 1997 as the closest beach to Nagoya, Shinmaiko Marine Park became a major leisure spot where you can easily enjoy marine sports, picnics, and more. Many people come to use the permanent, free of charge beach volleyball court, the multipurpose lawn, and the 740-meter-long fishing area (free of charge) throughout the year.
Official Site: http://www.marine-park.jp/
Shinmaiko Marine Park in the Shinmaiko area is a place where marine sports and events are frequently held. Here you can enjoy SUP, windsurfing, and fishing. In addition, gliding over the water with the recently popular wing foil is also okay. The dog run is recommended to help your dog exercise more and relieve stress.
Shinmaiko Shore is only a three-minute walk from Shin Maiko Station.
Around sunset, you can see the two wind turbines and the beach dyed red by the setting sun.
An approximately 200-meter-long path through a bamboo grove. Feel soothed by the sound of the wind rustling the bamboo leaves and the scent of bamboo. You'll want to take photos of this recommended photo spot.
Official Site: https://goo.gl/maps/ENvjNj3nEypkmeQ27
At the Shinmaiko Shore where two wind turbines are visible, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding or wind surfing. Beginners can also receive lectures from the basics on up. Since all the necessary items are available as rentals, you can join these experiences without hesitation.
Official Site: http://airborn.co.jp/
At the Shinmaiko Shore where two wind turbines are visable, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding or wind surfing. Beginners can also receive lectures from the basics on up. Since all the necessary items are available as rentals, you can join these experiences without hesitation.
Official Site: https://windspace.jp/
A restaurant that serves chanko, a dish originally started by sumo wrestlers. Chanko is a type of hot pot regularly eaten at sumo stables. Savor this lightly seasoned, chicken-based chanko.
Official Site: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfN3L8Lgbv7XkrWKPecBq_g
A restaurant specializing in Chita Beef hamburgers. In a space filled with a seaside resort feel, you can enjoy Chita Beef hamburgers made with local beef and locally grown vegetables. While looking out at the ocean, satisfy your hunger with a hamburger that stands out from the rest.
Official Site: https://peninsulaburger.com/
The big yellow sign serves as a landmark. Their famous curry udon noodles have a slight sweetness hidden within the spiciness and are deliciously addictive. The katsu curry udon topped with deep-fried pork cutlet is also popular.
Meitetsu Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Tokoname Line) → Shin Maiko Station → Walk approx. 10 min.
Approx. 3 min. from Hinaga IC on the Nishi-Chita-Sangyo Bypass
Central Japan International Airport Station (Meitetsu) → Shin Maiko Station → Walk approx. 10 min.
Approx. 3 min. from Shin Maiko Station intersection on National Route 155.
