Tokai region basically indicates 4 prefectures including Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Shizuoka. Nagoya city and Gifu that is known as the famous movie 「KIMINONAWA」, Ise Shrine and Mount Fuji, there are famous and popular sightseeing places among foreign travelers. In addition to sightseeing spots, there held some local festivals. Please check and enjoy it. Today we are going to introduce the events that will be held in Jan. 2018 in Tokai region.
Traditional Festivals
１.＜Aichi＞New Year’s visit to Toyokawa Inari (Myogonji) – Jan.1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Source: flickr
Toyokawainari is one of the 3 major Inari shrine. It is officially called “Myogonji”. Since the tutelary god enshrined in the shrine is famous, it is typically known as “Toyokawa Inari”. Within the grounds that the shrine is standing on, there are some beautiful architectures standing in a row. In addition, the garden of scenic beauties that government-designated is also famous.
Toyokawa Inari is known as that there is a god who give people good luck for business, there are also good luck for domestic safety, traffic safety, success for business and study. Not only business persons, but also general people often visit there and pray for that. It would be about 1,150,000 people in every year. There are a hundred of Kyara (eaglewood), and also Toyokawakakujihokan where the historical treasure of Toyokawa Inari is displayed are worth to check. But unfortunately, Jihokan is currently closed.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Access & Address
・Place
Toyokawa Inari (Myogonji)
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
5 min walk from JR Ida Line 「Toyokawa Station」
5 min walk from Meitetsu Toyokawa Line 「Toyokawa Inari Station」
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 25 min walk and Ida Line train from Tokaido・Sanyo Shinkansen Toyokawa Station.
・Address : 1, Toyokawa-cho, Toyokawa-shi, Aichi
・Map
Price & Reservation
Entrance Free.
No need to reserve.
Official Website
2.＜Shizuoka＞New Year’s visit to Mount Fuji Hongusengentaisha – Jan. 1st ～3rd in 2018
Source: flickr
Mount Fuji Hongusengen Taisha is peripheral assets of the world heritage Mount Fuji, and also the grand head shrine of over 1300 of Sengen Shrine scattered all over Japan. They enshrine Mount Fuji as a god. On New Year’s Day, as many as about 100,000 of people visit this shrine, and amount of visitors would be 300,000 during Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in every years. On New Year’s Day, Saitan Festival and Ujiko Anzen Kigan Festival will be held and 「Urayasunomai」 will be contributed to the shrine. And on 2nd in Jan, Onikku Festival and Motitsuki Tournament will be also held. After that, the Oshiruko (Japanese traditional sweet soup). There is also the drum show, the shrine is so lively. We can see colorful and beautiful 「Wakutamaike」 that is Nationally designated special natural monument. In May, Yabusame Festival and Fujimiya Festival will be also held in November.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
【Jan. 1st】 Saitan Festival, Ujiko Anzen Kigan Festival
【Jan. 2nd】 Onikku Festival, Mochitsuki Tournament
Access & Address
・Place
Mount Fuji Hongusengen Taisha
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
About 10 min walk from JR Minobu Line 「Fujinomiya Station」
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 1 and half hours from Shizuoka Station by Tokaido Main Line･Minobi line
・Address 1-1, Miya-cho, Fujinomiya-shi, Shizuoka
・Map
Price & Reservation
Free
No need to reserve.
Official Website
http://www.fuji-hongu.or.jp/sengen/
3.＜Gifu＞ New Year’s visit to Tanigumisan Gongenji – Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Source: flickr
Known as 「Tanigumi-san」, Tanigumisan Gongenji is an old and historical temple that has over 1,200 years history and as many as 750,000 of visitor in the each years. It is also known as good place for Japanese Cherry Blossom and Autumn Leaves, and has a good for Kechigan・Mangan. During the Sanganichi (between 1st and 3rd in Jan), about 150,000 of people visit shrine for New Year’s visit and so crowded. There are lots of shopping mall and even stalls will be standing in a row, that allow young people and family enjoy shopping. The business hours of the shrine for New Year’s visit is Dec. 31st 23:00 pm ～ Jan. 1st 17:00 pm. It will be 8:00 am ～ 16:30 pm after Jan. 2nd. 「Kaidan Meguri」 is very popular and said that if we could touch it, our wishes will be came true. It takes 100 yen for each time.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
New Year’s Visit hours
Dec.31st 23:00pm ~ Jan.1st 17:00pm
After Jan. 2nd, it will be 8:00am ～ 16:30pm
Access & Address
・Place
Tanigumisan Gongenji
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
Just nearby 「Tanigumisan」 bus stop by Ibikawa-cho Community Bus via 「Tanigumiguchi Station」 on Tarumi Rail Line.
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 1 hour by Meitetsu Kintetsu Bus and Tarumi Rail Line from JR Tokaido Main Line Ogaki Station.
・Address: 23, Tanigumitokuzumi, Ibikikawa-cho, Gifu
・Map
Price & Reservation
100 yen for Kaidan Meguri per person
No need to reserve
Official Website
4.＜Mie＞ New Year’s Visit to – Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Source: 4travel
Isejingu is the huge shrine located in Ise city, Mie. 「Isejingu」 is the name this shrine is commonly known by, but it officially just 「Jingu」. It is also called 「Ise-no-Jingu」 to distinguish Isejingu from another Jingu shrine and also friendly called 「Oisesan」, 「Ojingusan」. It is kind of the Hometown of Japanese Hearts. It has 2,000 years history and consist of 125 shrines in both inside and outside of the jingo.
Isejingu allow us visit even at night during the last day of the year and until 5th of January. There will be big and small Kagaribi (flaming torch) from the last day of the year, and Kagura will be played in whole night in Kaguraden, and the amulet will be given. There are also Amazake and Hot Tea Service in the shrine.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Any time will be OK to visit.
Access & Address
・Place
Isejingu (Naigu)
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
Just near by 「Naigumae」 Bus Stop from Kintetsu 「Ujiyamada Station」
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 2 hours by bus and walk from Nagoya Station on Mie Express.
・Address 1, Ujitachi-cho, Ise-shi, Mie
・Map
Price & Reservation
Free & No need to reserve
Official Website
Event for Traditional Culture and History
5.＜Aichi＞ Nagoya Castle Opening – Jan. 1st in 2018
Source: 名古屋市
Nagoya Castle is huge castle that has been built in 1619. This castle has Kinshachi(the golden grampus) on it’s tower. This castle will be open to general people for New Year. Owaribanzai and Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai will attend this ceremony welcome visitors. There are the ornaments of Japanese Zodiac present in order of arrival. Nagoya Castle had been attacked by air strike and almost all architecture had been destroyed. But the Sumiyagura at northwest, southwest, southeast have been still remained these original shapes. The stone wall and Karabori, Sotobori surround the Centre of castle has been re-built, and part of Ninomaru Park has been still remained.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st in 2018
Open: 9:00
Access & Address
・Place
Nagoya Castle
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
About 5 min walk from 7th exit of 「Shiyakusho Station」 on Subway Meijo Line.
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 22 min by bus from Nagoya Station.
・Address: 1-1, Honmaru , Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
・Map
Price & Reservation
Free ※but sightseeing inside of the castle needs entrance fee.
No need to reserve.
Official Website
http://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/
6.＜Aichi＞ Meiji Village New Spring Event – Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Source: Meijimura official site
Meiji Village is outdoors museum and the theme park that has a concept of Meiji era and located in Inugami-shi, Nagoya. Meiji era is the time when Japan decided the opening of a country to the world and a various information from overseas got into Japan. It is between 1868 and about 1912 in western calendar. Here is displays of some old architectures and collect the historical documents to contribute the improvement of social culture. In New Year’s Day of Meiji Village, there are many New Spring events. We can experience good-old play on 「Japanese Plays Experience」, and can good luck by Mochistuki for cerebration of New Year. Monmatsu (The New Year’s decorative pine trees) from all over Japan, Shimenawa (twist rope) will be displayed at each part of the village. There are over 60 architectures including 16 Important Cultural Property in the village. We can sightseeing these historical architectures as an “alive village”. Kyoto City Train and Steam Train would be also worth to see. We can even have a wedding party at the church in the Meiji Village. In addition, we can enjoy having Sukiyaki at some restaurants. Why don’t you try the guide tour out there.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st ～ 3rd in 2018
Japanese Traditional Plays Experience /1st ～3rd 10:30～15:00
Mochitsuki (pound steamed rice to make rice cake) / 2nd ～ 3rd 13:00～
Access & Address
・Place
Meiji Village Museum
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
About 20 min by bus to 「Meijimura」 from Meitetsu Inuyama Line 「Inuyama Station」East Exit.
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 1 hour and 3 min by bus from Nagoya Station.
・Address 1, Uchiyama, Inuyama-shi, Aichi
・Map
Price & Reservation
Entrance Fee
Adult: 1,700 yen / University Students and Seniors: 1,300 yen / High School Students: 1,000 yen / Junior High School Students and Elementally School Students: 600 yen / there are another price system.
No need to reserve.
Official Website
7.＜Shizuoka＞ Hina no Tsurushi Kazari Festival – Jan. 20th ～ Mar. 31st in 2018
Source: るるぶ
Inatori Onsen, there are modern-style Ryokans standing in a low centering on Inatoriko. 「Hina no Tsurushi Kazari」 is the traditional events here. It is the customs of decorating both side of doll-displaying stand with dolls hanging from a thin rope during the Girl’s Festival. It has as old as 150 years history. It is to pray for children’s happiness and has been passed down from ancient to their children. We can see this 「Hina no Tsurushi Kazari」 at each 4 cultural halls including Inatori cultural Park Hina Hall. In addition, we can experience the producing experience in Inatori cultural Park Hina Hall. Why don’t you try that for good memory of your trip?
This is the festival that allow you to feel early spring with rare concept of 「Hina no Tsurushi Kazari」 in Japan. Each doll’s decollation is hand-made by sewing very carefully that make us feel the cozy warmth. There are 40 kinds of doll’s decollations.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 20th (Sat)* ～ Mar. 31st (Sat) in 2018*
Access & Address
・Place
Around Inatori Onsen Hina Hall（Mukaian , Culture Park, Futatsubori Orange Park, Naburatoto, Hatiman Shrine）
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
About 4 min by car from Izu Express Izu Inatori Station.
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 1 and half hours by bus and train from Mishima Station.
・Address: Inatori, Izu-cho, Kamogun-Higashi, Shizuoka
・Map
Price & Reservation
Some need to pay.
No need to reserve.
Official Website
none
Modern Art Event
8.＜Gifu＞Gasshozukuri – Light-up of Village in winter season of Shirakawago – Jan. 21st and 28th in 2018
Shirakawago indicates the area of southwest of Gifu, the upper stream of Sho River. The Gasshozukuri is the method of building house. The house built by Gasshozukuri is the house that has a huge thatched roof. There are lot of these house in this area. Shirakawago Gasshozukuri was designated as The World Heritage in 1995 and became the popular sightseeing spot. In the cold winter season, these house will be illuminated and allow us to see dreamy scenery. On the date of illumination, the extra buses run from Terao parking area between 12:00 pm ～ 20:30 pm. It is available for round trip. There are also houses that allow us to sightseeing inside of Gasshozukuri. In the case of Wada, there are spacious interior and important ancient utensils and hearth will be displayed. In addition to Moya (main building), Dozo (storehouse) and Toilet are also designated as The World Heritage. Currently, both first floor and second floor is opened to tourist.
You should come and see inside of the house as well and feel the ancient life out there.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 21st and 28th in 2018
Light up time /17:30～19:30
Access & Address
・Place
Shirakawago Gasshozukuri Village
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
When you arrive at JR Takayama Main Line「Takayama Station」, get on the Hida Bus from bounce for 「Shirakawago Ogimachi」. It takes about 50 min.
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 2 hours and 50 min by Express Bus Shirakawago Line from Nagoya station.
・Address Ogi-machi, Shirakawa-mura, Gifu
・Map
Price & Reservation
Visiting by your own car, you need to pay cooperation fee for illumination.
Reservation required for bus and microbus.
Official Website
Nature Event
9.＜Mie＞ Isewan Ferry – The First Sunrise Cruise – 2018年1月1日
Source: 伊勢湾フェリー
The temporary ferry will be operated on the New Year’s Day for the first sunrise from Ise Bay. It will depart from each bay like at 6:35 from Toba Bay, at 6:20 and 6:35 from Irago Bay. We can see the beautiful sunrise in the horizon. The sunrise from Kamishima must be seen. It must be quite divine scenery.
It is faster than car and train because this cruising will go straight toward Toba from on Irago point in the sea. There are lots of sightseeing spots as well around the bay. Ise Shrine, Toba Aquarium, and Shima district is also good to sightseeing. Please spend the tranquil time while on the ship with beautiful scenery of ocean.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st in 2018
New Year’s Day First Sunrise Ferry / Depart at 6:35 from Toba Bay, at 6:20 and 6:35 from Irago Bay.
Access & Address
・Place
Ise bay Ferry
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
5 min walk from Kintetsu Shima Line 「Nakanogo Station」
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 2hours way by Kintetsu Nagoya Line train from Nagoya Station.
・Address 3-1484-111, Toba, Toba-shi. Mie
・Map
Price & Reservation
【One way ticket】
The Car Transportation Fee（including a driver）/the car less than 3m : 4630 yen
The passengers /Adult（Junior High School Students and older）1,550 yen, Children (Elementally School Students) 780 yen
※there are another pricing for round trip ticket.
No need to reserve
Official Website
10.＜Aichi＞ Horaijisan – The First Sunrise – Jan. 1st in 2018
Source: 新城ふるさと倶楽部
Horai Temple is located near the top of the Horaiji Mountain in Shinshiro city, Aichi. The principal image of Buddha of this temple is Yakushinyorai. There are 1,425 steps of stair in the approach of the temple. Nioumon is the Important Cultural Property. The Horaiji Mountain, has a lot of tourists, allow us to see the splendid first sunrise from Takauchiba. It is about 1 hour way to get the sunrise point. We get off the bus at 「Horaiji」 bus stop, walk along the approach to temple, and climb the long steps of stair. There is Kosatsu (the old temple) in the middle of mountain. It is the main temple of this Horaiji. When we keep climbing ahead, we will get Toshogu and rocky area called Takauchiba ahead. Let’s enjoy hiking with beautiful first sunrise.
Schedule
・Date and Time
・Each Event’s Schedule
Jan. 1st in 2018
Access & Address
・Place
Horaiji Mountain, Horaiji, Hondo, Toshogu
・Name of Closest Station, the means for transportation and the required time to get there.
About 1 min walk from 「Horaiji」 bus stop via JR Ida Line 「Honnagashino Station」
・The name of terminal station, and the required transportation time from the station.
About 3hours by walk and train from Tokaido Shinkansen Toyohashi Station.
・Address: Horaiji, Kadoya, Shinshiro-shi, Aichi
・Map
Price & Reservation
Free
No need to reserve.