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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Okazaki sharing quite a few of those!
Step into a vibrant world filled with cultural richness, historical tapestry, and scenic beauty, as you discover the hidden gems of Okazaki, where every experience is a kaleidoscope of wonder, excitement, and adventure.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Okazaki:
1. Okazaki Castle
Okazaki Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture. Originally built in 1455, it has been restored several times since then.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds and climb to the top of the castle tower for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area.
The castle also houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the castle and the surrounding region.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss viewing the cherry blossoms in the springtime, which is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs to climb in the castle. It’s also recommended to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
2. Higashi Park
Higashi Park is a spacious public park located in the heart of Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at the park, including jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The park also features a large pond, a Japanese garden, and a playground area for children.
Don’t miss: The park is best known for its stunning cherry blossom trees, which attract visitors from all over Japan during the springtime.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of seasonal events and festivals at the park throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the park is during the cherry blossom season, which usually starts in late March and lasts until early April.
3. The birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Okazaki is a city located in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan.
It is a historically rich city that is known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
What to see or do: There are various attractions in Okazaki that pay homage to the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, such as the Okazaki Castle and the Tokugawa Museum.
The Okazaki Castle is a partially reconstructed castle and houses a museum that displays the history of the Tokugawa shogunate. The Tokugawa Museum showcases intricate artworks and artifacts that were used by Tokugawa Ieyasu and his descendants.
Don’t miss: If you are in Okazaki, do not miss out on the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, which showcases the history and significance of ninjas in Japanese culture.
The museum also has demonstrations and activities to engage visitors, such as shuriken throwing and ninja costume rental.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to try the traditional food of Okazaki, such as the tebasaki chicken wings, which are celebrated all over Japan.
Another insider tip is to visit Okazaki during the Honen Matsuri festival, held on March 15th every year, to witness a traditional fertility festival dating back to over 1,000 years ago.
4. Okazaki City Museum
The Okazaki City Museum is a history museum located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum has various exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Okazaki City, including displays of artifacts and documents related to the city’s development.
Visitors can learn about the city’s traditional industries, such as sericulture and sake brewing, as well as its role in Japanese history, particularly during the Edo period.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular exhibits is the replica of Okazaki Castle, the former residence of the famous daimyo Tokugawa Ieyasu, which was located in the city.
Visitors can climb to the top of the castle tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in Okazaki Park, which is also home to Okazaki Castle and the Hiroshige Museum of Art.
5. Yatsuhiro Shrine
Yatsuhiro Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the beautiful wooden structure of the shrine, which is surrounded by a peaceful forest. The grounds also feature a large pond and stone lanterns, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The shrine’s annual festival held in early October, which features a traditional dance performance and a parade of portable shrines.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the shrine grounds are quite expansive and hilly.
Also, be sure to try the local specialty of miso-katsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet served with a thick miso sauce, found at nearby restaurants.
6. Okazaki City Library
A modern and innovative public library located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy browsing a vast collection of books and media, as well as participate in various events and workshops held at the library.
The architecture of the building is also worth admiring.
Don’t miss: The children’s section, which features a treehouse-inspired reading space and interactive exhibits. The rooftop garden, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can borrow books and media with a free library card, which can easily be obtained by presenting a form of identification at the reception desk.
The library is conveniently located near Okazaki Castle and other popular tourist attractions.
7. Miyukihama Beach
Miyukihama Beach is a picturesque and secluded beach located in Okazaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing in the crystal-clear waters at Miyukihama Beach. The soft sands and calm waves make it an ideal beach for families with children.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, it is definitely worth waking up early for.
Insider travel tips: Miyukihama Beach tends to get crowded during weekends and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
8. Okehazama Battlefield
Historical site commemorating the Battle of Okehazama, one of the most crucial battles in Japanese history.
What to see or do: – Explore the 12-acre battlefield with exhibits showcasing the tactics and weaponry used during the battle.
Don’t miss: – The reenactment of the battle that takes place every year on June 12th.
Insider Travel Tips: – Okehazama Battlefield is easily accessible by train from Nagoya Station.
9. Okazaki Park
Okazaki Park is a large park located in the heart of Nagoya, Japan.
What to see or do: The park is home to several attractions, including the Nagoya City Art Museum, the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the iconic Nagoya Castle.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park’s peaceful gardens, which are particularly spectacular during cherry blossom season. There are also several cafes and restaurants within the park, offering a selection of Japanese and international cuisine.
Don’t miss: Nagoya Castle, the centerpiece of the park, is a must-see attraction. The castle was built in the early 17th century and is one of Japan’s most impressive and well-preserved castles.
Visitors can explore the castle’s historic rooms and enjoy panoramic views of Nagoya from the top of the keep.
Insider travel tips: The park can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the park’s many paths and trails.
There are also several events and festivals held in the park throughout the year, including the Nagoya Castle Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festival.
10. Dainen-ji Temple
Dainen-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Okazaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visit the temple’s main hall, which houses a statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Explore the temple grounds and gardens, and take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The beautiful view of the surrounding nature from the temple’s observation deck.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the autumn season to see the beautiful fall foliage.
11. Fujikawa Maru Memorial
Fujikawa Maru Memorial is a historical WW2 museum located in Okazaki, Japan. The museum commemorates the Fujikawa Maru, a sunken Japanese cargo ship.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the ship’s role in transporting military cargo and its tragic sinking during the Battle of Palau. The exhibit includes artifacts recovered from the ship, such as ammunition, guns, and personal items left by crew members.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the reconstructed cabin of the ship’s captain, which gives visitors a sense of what life was like onboard the Fujikawa Maru.
Insider travel tips: Visitors are advised to schedule their visit outside peak hours to avoid large crowds. Guided tours are available in English, but advance booking is recommended.
Additionally, visitors should be aware that photography is not allowed inside the museum.
12. Sanseiji Temple
Sanseiji Temple is a Buddhist temple nestled in the hills of Okazaki, Japan, that dates back to the 9th century.
What to see or do: Visitors to Sanseiji Temple can explore the serene grounds and view the ancient temple buildings, including the main hall, pagoda, and bell tower.
The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning three-tiered pagoda, which dates back to the 1300s and is one of the oldest wooden structures in Aichi Prefecture.
The pagoda is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the grounds can be rocky and uneven.
13. Aichi Greenery Center
A lush botanical garden and greenhouse complex in Okazaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the various themed gardens featuring a diverse range of plants and flowers, including a rose garden and a Japanese garden with a tea house.
Take a stroll through the massive greenhouse filled with tropical plants, cacti and succulents.
Don’t miss: The Butterfly House, where you can get up close to numerous species of butterflies fluttering around you.
Insider travel tips: Check the calendar for special events and seasonal displays, such as the winter illumination. Bring comfortable shoes and water, as the gardens are quite large and require a fair amount of walking.
14. Okazaki Children’s Museum of Art
The Okazaki Children’s Museum of Art (OCMA) is a museum dedicated to fostering creativity and imagination through various forms of art for children.
What to see or do: OCMA features various art exhibits and workshops for children to participate in.
The museum also has a library filled with books on art-related topics and a hands-on exhibit where children can create their own artwork.
Don’t miss: One of the main attractions is the “Kids Park,” which is an outdoor playground with various art installations where children can play and explore.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed every Monday and during the year-end and New Year’s holidays.
15. Okazaki Kyodokan Museum
The Okazaki Kyodokan Museum is a history museum located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the cultural and natural history of Okazaki City through exhibits and displays.
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including dioramas, models, and multimedia presentations, as well as artifacts from the region’s rich history.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the exhibit on Okazaki Castle, which was built in the 16th century and played a significant role in Japanese history.
Visitors can also see reconstructions of historical buildings, including a traditional Japanese house and a samurai barracks.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located just a short walk from Higashi-Okazaki Station on the Meitetsu Line.