Exploring Aichi
ICHINOMIYA
In the beginning of the Heian period, the first shrine in any region to be visited by the provincial governor was called ichi-no-miya, which means 'first shrine'. The first shrine to be visited in the Owari Region was Masumida Shrine and the town surrounding the shrine came to be called Ichinomiya.
Check out our Aichi Map:
You can find Ichinomiya in the northwest!
PLACES TO VISIT
Masumida Shrine: This shrine is the city's namesake and can be found in the centre of town, at the end of the main shopping mall. On special days such as Children's Day (May 5th) and Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 festival) many people bring their children to the shrine for good luck and to have photos taken. You can also see brides walking through the shrine grounds or even see a wedding ceremony. This may occur on days that are special during the Buddhist calendar.
Myoko-ji Temple: This Buddhist temple, said to have been completed during 1365, is surrounded by dense forest. The temple houses many cultural treasures, in particular several historically important works of art. Besides the temple itself, there are remains of various historical sites within the grounds.
Twin Arch 138: Another reading for Ichinomiya is 'one-three-eight', so when the decision was made to build an observation tower as a symbol of the city, the height of 138 metres was agreed upon. The tower has been named 'Twin Arch 138' as the structure consists of two overlapping arches that symbolize the flowing beauty of the nearby Kiso River. From the top of the tower, on a clear day, you have an excellent view of the Kiso, Gifu, Nagoya and the surrounding areas.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Tanabata Matsuri: Reputedly one of the three biggest Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) in Japan, this is Ichinomiya's biggest event. For five days at the end of July this festival celebrates and gives thanks to the goddess of weaving. Ichinomiya's has a long history of textiles and weaving, so this festival is an important celebration of that fact. Events during the five days include parades, Obon Festival dancing, the Great Textile Market and the declaration of Miss Tanabata and Miss Orimono. For details on how to participate in this year's Tanabata Matsuri, contact:
Ichinomiya International Association
Ichinomiya City Hall, 2nd Floor
5-6 Honmachi 2-chome
Ichinomiya-shi
Aichi 491-8501
Applications for this festival should be made to this address by any way possible Phone/Fax/e-mail/snail mail. They would like to know beforehand so that they can give you instructions on how to get to the Youth Centre but if you know then just show up!! What a great experience, especially in the first week in a new country!
Tel. (0586) 73-9111 ext. 2104
Fax. (0568) 73-4829
Japan Textile Convention: Part of the Fashion Festival, this convention aims to scout and encourage talented textile designers who will carry the Japanese textile into this century. There is also a fashion show called 'Paris Fashion Fantasy'.
Citizens Fireworks Festival: Every summer a fireworks festival is held on the banks of the Kiso River near Twin Arch 138. Get there early to get a good seat (it's fine to stake out an area one or even two days before the event!) and enjoy the spectacular show.
Cherry Blossom Viewing: The sakura (cherry blossoms) along the Oe River are spectacular. The roads that run either side of the river have meandering paved footpaths which add to the beauty of the sakura. This is the site of the Ichinomiya Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held in April (watch the nightly sakura report on the TV news to discover exactly when). Many families, groups of friends or coworkers have picnics along the paths and there are a couple of food and trinket stalls, in case you didn't come prepared with enough to eat or are just passing through. It's still a lovely place to stroll outside the sakura season.
You can also see Ichinomiya's sakura on the banks of the Kiso and Aoki Rivers.
ENTERTAINMENT
As with most towns and cities, there's pachinko, bowling, game centres, karaoke, and so on. There is also an ice-skating rink near the northeast corner of Masumida Shrine, an indoor heated swimming pool and a planetarium, if any of these strike your fancy. If you're looking for a movie theatre though, you have to go to Nagoya, Gifu or Konan (anywhere but Ichinomiya!!!!)
EATING OUT
This region has more than its share of coffee shops. As a result the competition is fierce and many shops offer specials, especially in the morning, in an effort to entice customers. You can usually get eggs or toast (or maybe both) for free! There are also many shops with unusual themes and decor, perhaps in an effort to stand out from the rest?!
As for restaurants, there are many little restaurants all over Ichinomoya. Below are listed some within walking distance of Ichinomiya station.
Maharaja
Indian food, this is as good a restaurant as you'll find outside India for its prices. It delivers cheap, authentic (so we're told) Indian food and it's never busy!
Aburi
A new izakaya opposite the station. It specializes in Hokkaido-style fish dishes, but has a lot of other cuisine. The food is relatively cheap, like all good izakaya's should be, as long as you steer clear of the set menus.
Shirokiya
Another izakaya, see out Toyota page for full details.
In Ichinomiya, it is minutes away from the station.
Murasaki
Again look to our Toyota page for a full write up about this place.
These last 2 places are chains and can be found almost anywhere in Aichi.
Howard's End
If you are dying for some Western food, this is probably the place for you.
However be warned that the prices are expensive and the service is rather slow.
Others
There are also several small restaurants inside the station itself, as well as the usual hamburger shops (Mos Burger and Lotteria). Near the mall there is a McDonald's, a Mister Donut and a Baskin Robbins (Kathy is so jealous of this) ice cream shop. For Italian, Mexican, Korean style BBQ or other types of food you will have to head out to the suburbs.