Traffic access
- Can I drive a vehicle in Japan with a foreign driver's license?
- Various conditions must be met in order to drive in Japan.
Check the link below for details.
【External site】
To All Foreigners Driving in Japan : https://www.npa.go.jp/policies/application/license_renewal/pdf/english_leaflet_web.pdf
- Where can I rent a car?
- From various places all over Aichi.
You can make arrangements via the multilingual websites below.
【External site】
Toyota Rent a Car website : https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/
- What are the travel options for getting around Aichi?
- You can use JR, Kintetsu or Meitetsu.
You may want to use a car depending on your destination (Okumikawa, etc.)
Subways and buses are convenient in Nagoya City.
Check the links below for route maps.
【External site】
JR Tokai : http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html
Nagoya Municipal Subway website : https://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/SUBWAY/TRP0001067.htm
Nagoya City Bus website : https://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/BUS/TRP0000987.htm
Meitetsu website : http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng/?_ga=1.229477084.1784660363.1450071865
Kintetsu website : http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/index.html
- I'm going to Aichi from Osaka. What is the best way to travel?
- You can choose from Shinkansen, Kintetsu, or highway buses.
The most convenient choice is Shinkansen.
Shinkansen is 1 to 3 hours faster than the others and operates more frequently.
If you have enough time and want to save a bit of money, highway buses may be for you.
【Reference site】
JR Tokai website : http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html
JAPAN BUS LINES website : http://japanbuslines.com/en/
- I'm going to Aichi from Tokyo. What is the best way to travel?
- Shinkansen is fast and convenient.
Using a Japan Rail Pass is recommended if you plan to return to Tokyo or go to other regions.
(Please note you must meet some eligibility requirements to purchase the pass.)
If you have enough time and want to watch your budget, highway buses may be for you.
【External site】
JR Tokai website : http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html
JAPAN RAIL PASS website : http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html
JAPAN BUS LINES website : http://japanbuslines.com/en/
- How can I get to Nagoya city center from Chubu International Airport?
- The train provides convenient access.
The Meitetsu Line directly connects Chubu International Airport to Nagoya city center.
It takes about 40 minutes to Nagoya Station by limited express train.
If you drive, it takes about 50 minutes on the highway, but this depends on traffic conditions.
You can also take the Shoryudo Highway Bus with one of its good value highway bus tickets which can be used across the Chubu Area.
See the links below for details.
【In-site page】
Access : https://aichi-now.jp/en/statics/?name=travel_kit-access_information-index&class=access_information
【External site】
Shoryudo Highway Bus website : http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng/ticket-info/shoryudo.html
Things to Do
- Where can I get information on travel and accommodation?
Are such information sources available in different languages? - There are tourist information centers in Nagoya and other areas, and some of them offer multilingual services.
See the links below for details.
【In-site page】
Tourist information : https://aichi-now.jp/en/statics/?name=travel_kit-tourist_information-index&class=tourist_information
Information is also distributed through SNS from time to time. It's definitely worth a look.
【In-site page】
SNS introduction page : https://www.aichi-now.jp/sns/en/index.html
- Where are the tax-free shops?
- Tax-free shops display the tax-free logo on the shop front etc.
You can search tax-free shops from the link below.
【External site】
Japan Tax-Free Shopping Guide by Japan Tourism Agency : https://tax-freeshop.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.php
- What popular souvenirs are there?
- Each sightseeing spot sells their own original souvenirs, so it's fun just hunting around.
You can purchase souvenirs at Chubu International Airport and main stations like Nagoya Station.
Don Quijote and 100-yen shops are popular for Japan's unique, cleverly-designed goods.
See the link below for reference.
【In-site page】
Shopping : https://aichinavi.jp/en/search_foods/souvenir/
- Is there a Don Quijote in Aichi?
* Don Quijote is a popular discount store among overseas visitors. - There are many Don Quijote stores in Nagoya and other cities in Aichi.
Check the details on the Don Quijote site.
【External site】
Don Quijote : http://www.donki.com/en/index.php?&pre=le
- I'm only going to stay in Aichi for a short time; what are the sightseeing priorities?
- If you are new to Aichi, we recommend Nagoya Castle.
From there, why not hop on a subway or take a bus down to the Fushimi, Sakae, Osu or Nagoya Station areas for some great shopping and eating.
Nagoya also offers a sightseeing bus service called "Me-guru", which does a tour of Nagoya's famous destinations.
See the link below for reference.
【Site page】
Access Information : https://aichi-now.jp/en/statics/?name=travel_kit-access_information-index&class=access_information
【External site】
Me-guru website : http://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/routebus/
- What foods are there in Aichi?
- There are foods unique to this region which you cannot find in either the East or West of the country, such as miso-katsu, Nagoya Cochin chicken, miso-nikomi udon and tebasaki.
You simply have to give them a try!
See the link below for reference.
【In-site page】
Foods & Shopping : https://www.aichinavi.jp/en/search_foods/
- What are the highlights of Aichi?
- Popular destinations include historical buildings such as Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple.
Since Aichi has established itself as a prosperous industrial region, the Toyota Museum and SCMAGLEV and Railway Park are recommended places to go.
As you go out towards the suburbs from Nagoya, you see more natural landscapes and rural scenery which offer a fascinating blend of urban and rural.
See the link below for reference.
【Site page】
Recommended Aichi : https://aichi-now.jp/en/statics/?name=things_to_do-index&class=things_to_do%20category%20recommended_aichi
Aichi Prefecture
- What are the weather and climate like?
- The temperature in summer (June to August) is very hot, so a shirt is enough.
June is the rainy season, so you may want to bring an umbrella or a raincoat.
Winter (December to February) can be snowy. You need thick outerwear such as a coat.
Spring (March to April) and Autumn (September to November) have cool days and are pleasant.
Check the link below for detailed temperatures for each season.
【External site】
Japan Meteorological Agency : http://www.jma.go.jp/en/longfcst/000_1_12.html
- What is Aichi like?
- Geographically, Aichi is located in the center of Japan.
Aichi entices with various things that stimulate the curiosity: amazing scenery, the latest industrial technologies which have earned Aichi it's status as industrial capital, unique cultures developed through historical legacies, and major global sports events.
See the links below for details.
【In-site page】
Discover Aichi : https://aichi-now.jp/en/statics/?name=discover-index&class=discover
【External site】
AICHI PR MOVIE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdbHYrWOaAY&feature=youtu.be
Emergency
- Where can I find emergency contact information?
- 110 is the police emergency telephone number, and 119 is for ambulance and fire service.
See the link below for reference.
【External site】
Aichi Prefectural Police : https://www.pref.aichi.jp/police/english/index.html
Aichi Emergency Medical Service Guide : http://www.qq.pref.aichi.jp/ap/qq/men/pwtpmenult01.aspx
Lodging
- What accommodation is there in Aichi?
- There are reasonable capsule hotels, guest houses, business hotels, ryokans with a real taste of Japan, and gorgeous high-grade hotels. Choose the one that best suits your budget and taste.
See the links below for reference.
【In-site page】
Accommodation : https://aichinavi.jp/en/accommodations/
【External site】
Expedia : https://www.expedia.co.jp/en/Hotels
Booking.com : http://www.booking.com/
money
- Where can I exchange currency?
- Exchange counters in airports, banks, or Travelex in Nagoya City.
【External site】
Travelex : https://www.travelex.co.jp/stores-by-area
- Can I use my credit card?
- Most of the large stores, chain stores, and convenience stores accept credit cards, but privately-owned shops and some sightseeing spots may not be able to.
Restaurants may not be able to accept credit cards during lunch time or unless the bill is above a certain amount, so it's a good idea to check on entering.
- Are there ATMs where I can use a credit card to withdraw Japanese yen?
- The ATMs below are available.
【External site】
■ Seven Bank ATM : http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html
Located in 7-Eleven, it offers a 24-hour service unique to convenience stores.
ATM screens, audio guides and statements are all available in English, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese.
7-Eleven ATMs accept various cards for withdrawal of Japanese yen: VISA, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, China Unionpay, American Express, JCB, DISCOVER and Diners Club.
■ Japan Post Bank ATM
・ Japan Post Bank (banks operated by Japanese post offices) also accepts credit cards.
http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en_index.html
JPB ATMs accept credit cards with the following brand marks: VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China Unionpay, and DISCOVER.
Note that some cards may not be accepted and the operational hours are limited.
Other
- Are coin-operated lockers available? How do I use them?
- Coin-operated lockers are located in stations and tourism facilities.
General coin-operated lockers can be used by:
1. putting your luggage into the locker,
2. inserting coins,
3. turning the key.
The fee and types of coin accepted may vary. It will be a good idea to exchanging notes into coins (have some 100-yen coins ready).
It's not uncommon for travelers to forget where their locker is, so double-check!
Most hotels also offer a luggage deposit service - it's worth making use of them if you stay in a hotel.
FAQ