Aichi

PrefectureJapan, Asia

Aichi is a STATE in Japan, Asia.

Aichi Prefecture, located in the heart of Japan's Chubu region, is a captivating blend of industrial innovation and traditional culture. Home to Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city, Aichi serves as the nation's manufacturing powerhouse while preserving rich samurai heritage and culinary traditions. Travelers flock to Nagoya Castle with its magnificent golden shachihoko roof ornaments, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology showcasing Japan's automotive excellence, and the historic Inuyama Castle overlooking the Kiso River. Don't miss the spectacular Nagoya Festival in October featuring samurai parades, or the tranquil beauty of Meiji Mura's preserved historical buildings. Aichi's culinary scene is legendary - try hitsumabushi (grilled eel), miso katsu (pork cutlet with red miso), and tebasaki (Nagoya-style chicken wings). From the futuristic SCMAGLEV and Railway Park to the spiritual atmosphere of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Aichi offers a perfect balance of modernity and tradition that reveals Japan's soul beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.

Best time to visit Aichi

Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and mild weather; Autumn (October-November) for fall foliage, comfortable temperatures, and the Nagoya Festival. Avoid late June to mid-July (rainy season) and August (hot, humid). Winter (December-February) offers fewer crowds and illuminations but colder weather.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Rain
Temperature
18°
Feels like
18°
Humidity
90%
Wind
12 km/h
Precipitation
0.8 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 15-25°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Medium
Prices
Medium

Nagoya Matsuri; autumn colors begin.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

NGO

Chubu Centrair International Airport

International

35 km away

NKM

Nagoya Airfield (Komaki)

Domestic

10 km away

Getting around

"Nagoya's subway system is efficient with English signage. The Meitetsu and JR lines connect Aichi's cities. Purchase a Manaca or TOICA IC card for seamless travel. Taxis are plentiful but expensive. Bicycle rentals are popular in Nagoya. For regional exploration, rent a car (international license required) to visit rural areas. Key transit hubs: Nagoya Station (world's largest station by floor area), Centrair Airport (connected by train). Popular apps: Japan Travel by Navitime, Google Maps, Japan Official Travel App."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities, cafes, and hotels. Free Wi-Fi spots in Nagoya.

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $10

Calling code

+81

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall. Scams are rare but be cautious in tourist-heavy areas.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall. Scams are rare but be cautious in tourist-heavy areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Aichi is extremely safe with low crime rates. Nagoya's main areas like Sakae, Osu, and Kanayama are safe day and night. Exercise normal precautions in entertainment districts. Common scams are rare but beware of overpriced drinks in some nightlife areas. Natural disaster awareness is important - familiarize yourself with earthquake and tsunami evacuation routes. Theft is uncommon but secure valuables in crowded areas like Nagoya Station. Police boxes (koban) are widely available for assistance. Women generally feel safe traveling alone, including on public transportation at night."

Entry and health

Health information

"Aichi has excellent medical facilities, particularly in Nagoya with internationally accredited hospitals like Nagoya University Hospital and Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Tap water is safe to drink. Japan's national health insurance doesn't cover tourists, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Common health concerns include seasonal allergies (particularly cedar pollen in spring) and heatstroke in humid summers. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available, but bring prescription medications with original packaging and doctor's notes. Emergency rooms can be expensive without insurance."

Culture

Local customs

"Remove shoes when entering traditional accommodations, temples, and some restaurants. Bowing is common for greetings. Tipping is not practiced and can cause confusion. Speak quietly on public transportation. Present business cards with both hands. At shrines and temples, wash hands at chozuya before entering. Don't eat while walking in city centers. In public baths (onsen), wash thoroughly before entering and no swimsuits allowed. Try local customs like participating in tea ceremonies or wearing yukata at ryokans."
Japanese

Costs and practicals

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY) · ¥

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$8-15 | a cheap local meal costs around $8-15

Hotels

$50-100 | budget hotels range $50-100/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Nagoya is more affordable than Tokyo. Street food and convenience stores offer budget options.

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

7,500,000

Area

5,172.92 km²

Government

Prefectural government with elected governor and assembly

ISO code

JP-01

Type

Prefecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Aichi-ken, Prefeitura de Aichi, 愛知縣, 爱知县, 아이치현, Aichi Prefecture, Prefektur Aichi, あいちけん, JP-23, Préfecture d'Aichi, Aicsi prefektúra, prefektura Aiči, Aichi, Префектура Айті, 230006, Prefectura de Aichi, Айти, 愛知県, Präfektur Aichi, Prefettura di Aichi, Prefektura Aichi, Cusima, Tsushima, Tsushima cho, Tsushima chō, jin dao, Цусима, 津島

Major HubHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingCulinaryCulturalNature