Toyohashi City: 6 Must-Visit Spots for Travelers
1. Nonhoi Park – All-in-One Adventure
What it is: Zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, and amusement park in one place. Perfect for a full day of fun!
Highlights: Lions, giraffes, elephants (no pandas), and a scenic “Elephant Hill” for photos.
Fun rides: Ferris wheel, kiddie coaster, go-karts – almost no waiting time!
Night zoo (summer only): 5 PM–9 PM, see animals in a different light. Lions at night are spectacular.
Admission: Adults ¥600, Children ¥100, Toddlers free.
Who should visit: Families, couples, and friends who want a fun and affordable day out.
2. Yoshida Castle (Toyohashi Castle) – Walk in History
Location: Toyohashi City, between Tokyo and Kyoto.
History: Built in early 1500s, linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a key figure in Japan’s Sengoku era. Later became the center of Yoshida Domain in Edo period.
Today: Stone walls and towers restored inside Toyohashi Park.
Highlights: Cherry blossoms in spring, stroll along Toyokawa River, enjoy the breeze that warriors once felt.
Fun fact: A popular spot for Pokémon GO players.
3. Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum – Step Back to Edo Japan
Location: Futagawa Town, along Tokaido Road, the historic highway connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.
History: This inn hosted daimyo (feudal lords) and samurai traveling Edo-era Japan.
Experience: Walk through restored buildings, try kimono dressing, and imagine life in the Edo period.
Cultural tie: Connects to the famous poet Matsuo Basho, who traveled the same route.
4. Imo Wetland (Imo Shitsugen) – Nature’s Hidden Jewel
Nickname: “Oze of Tokai Region” – a rare and beautiful wetland.
Highlights: Seasonal flowers like Mitsugashiwa (spring), Sundews (summer), and Sawagikyo (autumn).
Activities: Boardwalks make it easy to explore. Birdwatching, photography, and relaxing walks are perfect here.
Who should visit: Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
5. Toyohashi Museum of Art and History – Culture in the Park
Location: Inside Toyohashi Park, surrounded by nature.
Collection: Japanese and Western paintings, sculptures, local history exhibits.
Special exhibits: Rotating international and domestic art exhibitions.
Why go: Appreciate Japanese culture and local artistry in a peaceful setting.
6. Miyuki Park (Saiwai Park) – A Multicultural Hub
Highlights: Cherry blossoms, wisteria, ponds, fountains, and a clock tower.
Extras: Watch the Shinkansen (bullet train) from the park – perfect for train enthusiasts.
Multicultural vibe: Families from all over the world gather here. Kids play together in multiple languages: Japanese, English, Portuguese, French, and Chinese.
Access:
Taxi: 15–20 min from Toyohashi Station, ~¥2,500.
Apps: Use “GO” or “JapanTaxi” for convenience.
Tips for visitors: Have the Japanese address written down; some drivers speak English. Some taxis accept IC cards or credit cards.