Welcome to Gamagori, located on Mikawa Bay and sheltered by two sparkling peninsulas. Gamagori is a seaside sightseeing destination whose natural surroundings and mild climate make for a water-filled wonderland in all seasons. The largest hot spring resort area in the prefecture, enjoy onsen facilities that soothe and refresh. Gamagori's picturesque waterfront is perfect for windsurfing or cheering on the popular boat races in the summer months and the Laguna Ten Bosch is a multipurpose marine resort offering rides and fun for the whole family. The theme continues at nearby Takeshima Aquarium which boasts tanks of sea creatures and the Takeshima Fantasy Museum displays made up of 55 million shells from over 100 countries. This atmospheric city also shines with Japanese culture, and you can find many temples and shrines nearby. Climb to the Kongoji Temple to see the 30-meter statue of Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism, and sweeping views of the ocean and city below. From sea to mountaintop, the variety of Gamagori's landscapes have inspired poets for generations as well as visitors who grace its shores.
The high quality ceramics made in Tokoname are known throughout Japan and the world as Tokoname-ware. Ceramic artworks and rustic pottery in Tokoname have a history which dates back about 900 years. Tokoname is most famous for its small, burnished red, side-handled teapots, but there are also quite a number of modern artists who have settled in this area.
Aji-no-Yamasui
It is a rather small-sized but a nice local fish market with lots of friendly people. Located within the Katahara fishing port, Aji no Yamasui sells numerous fresh seafood products directly from the port.
Maruishi Brewery
As well as a regular type of sake, the brewery makes sake with fruits produced in the area such as orange, peach, and strawberry. The brewery's trademark sake brand is Tokugawa Ieyasu, which is named after the first shogun of the Edo era who started his campaign to the very top of the political hierarchy from the area.
Takeshima Island
Takeshima is a small island located off the coast of Gamagori connected by a 387 meter-long bridge. With a circumference of 680 meters, there are five shrines on the island, the center of which being the Yaotomi Shrine.
Flower Lagoon at Laguna Ten Bosch
Located along the coastline of Mikawa Bay, the venue features various flowers throughout the year. Guests will enjoy a walk through the see-through pathway over the flowers as well as flowers displayed in various forms which artistically feature the harmony created by water and the flowers
Kakukyu Haccho Miso no sato
Hatcho Miso is one of the types of miso originating in Okazaki, and the Kakukyu miso factory is one of the locations where the Hatcho Miso is produced. There is a museum which explains the history of Hatcho Miso and its traditional production method. Also there is an actual factory where the miso is produced. You will be blown away by the gigantic wooden casks which hold 6 tons of miso each with 3 tons of rocks placed in mountain-like form as weight.
Okazaki Castle
This castle is known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who eventually becomes the founder of the Edo government. The Edo shogunate lasted from1603 all the way until 1867 for 260 years. The Okazaki Castle's main donjon was destroyed after the end of the Tokugawa regime but was rebuilt in 1959. It now features a museum displaying various artifacts including weapons and armory used by the samurai back in the days.
Toyokawa Inari
Inari is one of the most strongly believed Shinto traditions in Japan, but Toyokawa is actually a Buddhist temple. Japanese religion including Inari was a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist ideas, but in 1868 the Japanese government ordered all religious institutions to renounce and destroy all Buddhist elements. Luckily Toyokawa Inari was able to survive this and continues to this day to be one of the best known temples in Japan. Inari is often associated with the image of a white fox which is another epitome of the mixture of Shinto and Buddhism. Today a tori gate, symbol of a Shinto shrine, stands at the entrance, which is another interesting feature for a Buddhist temple. You will also find on your way to the Okuno-in hall hundreds of fox statues donated by patrons.
