Aichi Prefecture is Japan's industrial and cultural heartland, anchored by Nagoya — the country's fourth-largest city. Home to the Toyota Motor Corporation, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, a national-treasure castle, and a distinctly proud local food culture known as Nagoya Meshi, Aichi blends industrial might with ancient heritage across 5,173 square kilometres of the Chubu region.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hatcho miso
The intensely dark, fermented miso paste from Okazaki that defines Nagoya cooking. Available at Okazaki's Kakukyu (Kakukyuu) miso brewery shop (+81 564-21-0151; 226-1 Okazaki, Aichi) or at any Nagoya Station food hall. Packs are vacuum-sealed and travel-friendly.
Price: ¥500–2,000 ($3.35–13.40)
Nagoya Meshi food gift sets
Yabaton, Sekai no Yamachan, and Atsuta Horaiken all sell takeaway and gift-packaged versions of their famous dishes — miso katsu sauce, tebasaki seasoning, and hitsumabushi kits — at their restaurants and Nagoya Station shops.
Price: ¥800–3,000 ($5.35–20.10)
Seto ceramic ware
High-quality everyday ceramic tableware from Japan's foremost porcelain city. Available at Seto City shops, Nagoya Station's Takashimaya, or Noritake Garden shop.
Price: ¥500–10,000 ($3.35–67)
Arimatsu shibori textiles
Hand-tied indigo-dyed textiles (furoshiki wrapping cloths, scarves, and household items) from the 400-year-old Arimatsu dyeing tradition. Available at shops along Arimatsu Honcho street; the shibori museum shop sells high-quality examples.
Price: ¥1,500–20,000 ($10–134)
Noritake porcelain
Nagoya's famous Noritake porcelain tableware — globally recognized fine china produced in the city since 1904. Purchase at Noritake Garden's Craft Center Shop or Nagoya department stores.
Price: ¥1,000–50,000 ($6.70–335)
Shachi (golden orca) souvenirs
The golden shachi (mythical orca fish) atop Nagoya Castle towers is the city's most iconic symbol. Every form of shachi souvenir exists — from ¥500 ($3.35) keychains to ceramic sculptures.
Price: ¥500–5,000 ($3.35–33.50)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Osu Kannon Flea Market
Antiques, vintage clothing, pottery, tools, and collectibles spread across the temple grounds
Hours: 8:00AM–4:00PM on the 18th and 28th of each month (rain cancels)
Yanagibashi Ichiba (Wholesale Market)
Fresh Mikawa Bay seafood, seasonal produce, Aichi sake, dried goods, and pickles at wholesale prices
Hours: 5:00AM–1:00PM Mon–Sat (some stalls open to public from 8AM)