Useful information about Aichi
General Information about Aichi Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture is known as the industrial capital of Japan, and is located in the Chubu region in central Japan. It has a population of around 7.55 million people and an area of 5,173 square kilometers.
Some of the major train stations in Aichi Prefecture include Nagoya and Toyohashi. Nagoya is the capital of the prefecture, and its station is situated in a large commercial and business district with many high-rise office buildings. The area is undergoing continuous large-scale redevelopment. Similarly, Toyohashi Station is located in a bustling business area that features shopping centers and other commercial facilities. Many trains and buses pass through these urban centers of Aichi, making them easily accessible from other parts of the prefecture.
Located to the east of Nagoya are the cities of Toyota and Okazaki, both of which are famous as centers of the automobile industry. Toyota City is the largest municipality in Aichi Prefecture in terms of area, and historically developed as an industrial castle town. There are also many other areas in the prefecture with their own unique charms and industries.
Foreign Residents in Aichi Prefecture
As of June 2020, there are 276,282 foreign residents living in Aichi Prefecture. By municipality, Nagoya tops the list with more than 30% of the total, followed by Toyohashi and Toyota. In terms of nationality, Brazilians are the most in number, with a population of 61,599 (more than 20% of the total). Next come Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Koreans, Nepalese, and Peruvians. For all nationalities, the population is mostly concentrated in Nagoya City, but there is also a significant number of Brazilians in Toyohashi, likely due to the presence of a Brazilian enclave.
Data source: Aichi Prefectural Government "Foreign Resident Population in Aichi Prefecture by Municipality" (published June 2020)
Popular Residential Areas in Aichi Prefecture
A popular residential area for foreigners in Aichi Prefecture is the Nagoya Station area. This area is undergoing rapid redevelopment, with many new commercial facilities currently being built. The Chuo Shinkansen maglev is also scheduled to open in 2027, and is expected to connect Tokyo and Nagoya in just 40 minutes.
Another popular area is the Kanayama Station area. Kanayama Station is a major interchange station served by multiple railways, and its surrounding area features many shopping centers, making it a convenient place to live.
A lesser known but recently sought-after area is the Hoshigaoka area, which features several trendy shopping centers and a beautiful townscape.
Transportation in Aichi Prefecture
Aichi has an extensive public transportation network that interconnects every area in the prefecture. The major railway operators in Aichi are JR Central and Kintetsu, as well as Meitetsu (Nagoya Railroad) for Nagoya and its surrounding areas. JR Central lines serving Aichi include the Kansai Main Line, the Tokaido Main Line, and the Chuo Main Line, all of which connect Nagoya to different regions.
Meitetsu has the largest number of railway lines operating in Nagoya. Many of these lines connect Nagoya with other major cities in Aichi, such as the Nagoya Main Line, the Inuyama Line, and the Komaki Line. Meitetsu is used by countless passengers every day, and is an indispensable part of transportation in Nagoya.
Other important trains for Aichi residents include the Toyohashi Railroad tram line and the Aichi Loop Railway. For high-speed travel to Tokyo or the Kansai region from Aichi, the Tokaido Shinkansen is the preferred mode of transport.
Aichi also has a network of buses that supports the transportation needs of its residents. The main bus operator is Meitetsu Bus, with most bus routes connecting Nagoya to other parts of the prefecture. In many municipalities, there are also community buses and local municipal buses.
Expressways also play an important part in the transportation of Aichi. Some of the prominent expressways include the Tomei Expressway, the Shin-Tomei Expressway, the Meishin Expressway, and the Isewangan Expressway, all of which provide access to either the Kanto or the Kansai region.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Aichi Prefecture
Many of the popular sightseeing spots in Aichi Prefecture are located in its capital Nagoya. One of the most famous spots is Nagoya Castle, known for the golden shachi on its roof and its magnificent Honmaru Palace. This cultural symbol of Nagoya is definitely a must-visit.
Located near the gates of Nagoya Castle is Kinshachi Yokocho, a large dining and shopping facility that opened in 2018. It is a great place to enjoy the local cuisine of Nagoya after visiting the castle.
Another famous Nagoya spot is Atsuta Shrine. Enter the serene grounds of this old Shinto shrine and experience its history and solemn atmosphere.
Outside of Nagoya, one recommended spot is Moricoro Park in Nagakute City. This park was built on the site of the 2005 Aichi World Expo. You can visit the Expo Museum, try your hand at crop farming, go cycling around the venue, and enjoy many other attractions.