Mentaiko! Spiced pollock roe, even when translated into English, isn't immediately familiar for many native speakers. "Spicy fish eggs" gets the meaning across clearly, but isn't likely to win any new converts. For either committed fans or the merely curious though, there are Mentai Parks that combine a large variety of mentai-flavored foods, a production line where Mentaiko is made, and a surprisingly expansive play area complete with games, slides, trick art and even a theater showing Mentaiko videos, all at no entry fee. Visitors can watch the magic happen with windows that offer a behind-the-scenes look at Mentaiko production, or hear about Mentaiko-related trivia from a cheerful Mentaiko professor character. That there should be one such Mentai Park would be a curiosity, an idiosyncrasy of Japan, which can often be found celebrating things seen as oddities from a more global perspective, but in fact there are no less than a half dozen, spreading west to east from Kobe, Biwako, Tokoname, Izu, Gunma and Oarai. If you are in the area of one, you could do far worse than visit. The food court offers Mentaiko (of course) and very little else, but that can take the form of onigiri, noodle dishes, baguettes, or even ice cream. There is a free tea dispenser, which is a further nice gesture. You may find yourself coming home with a cuddly soft spiced pollock roe toy, or awaken a new love of mentaiko-flavored ice cream. Whatever the case, the price is right, and its sure to be a distinct and pleasant experience.

The Golden Tunnel in Nagoya The row of ginkgo trees along Sakuradoori in Naka Ward, Nagoya City, shines in golden hues during autumn, delighting the eyes of passersby. In the background, skyscrapers like the Nagoya Lucent Tower in Ushijimacho, Nishi Ward, create a beautiful contrast between nature and the city, symbolizing autumn in Nagoya. I was moved by the richness of nature right in the heart of the city and pointed my camera.

I thought it would be beautiful if the traditional large fireworks of the Toyota Oiden Matsuri were reflected as they burst in the ramune, so I took a photo.

Is there really such a different world in Nagoya? Yokisō, located in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, is a villa garden built by Jirozaemon Itō, the first president of Matsuzakaya, during the Taisho to Showa periods. Surprisingly little known even among locals, it is a hidden gem favored by connoisseurs. The vermilion bridge spanning the pond, the charming wooden corridor, and the autumn scenery with vibrant maple leaves reflecting on the water create a beauty reminiscent of Kyoto's famous gardens. The tranquil space enveloped in shades of green, yellow, and red allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission is free, making it easy to visit, and it remains uncrowded even during the autumn foliage season. Be sure to enjoy this hidden Japanese garden, the best in Nagoya. 2-5-17 Hōō-chō, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

Is this Nagoya? It’s a corridor from another world that makes you do a double take. The Nagoya City Archives, located in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, is an important cultural property built in 1922 in the Neo-Baroque style. Compared to Nagoya Castle and Sakae, it has fewer tourists, making it a hidden architectural gem where you can take your time exploring. Upon entering the building, you are greeted by an elegant marble staircase, stained glass, and arched windows that create a majestic space, making you feel as if you've wandered into a European palace. Its overwhelming beauty has made it a popular filming location for dramas and movies. The fact that admission is free and you can easily drop by is another delightful point. You can discover a new side of Nagoya. 3-1 Shirakabe 1-chome, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

A sunflower field in the city center, encountered right in front of the station. Located just next to Nagoya Station, the Dai Nagoya Building hosts a stunning sunflower field every summer, a hidden gem known to those in the know amidst the towering skyscrapers of the downtown area. The golden rows of sunflowers create a unique contrast with the modern glass buildings, offering a one-of-a-kind view that is distinctly Nagoya. Even passersby can't help but stop in their tracks, amazed that such a floral spectacle can be enjoyed right in front of the station without needing to travel far. During the event period, admission is free, making it an attractive stop to visit while shopping or having lunch. This is a delightful spot to quietly add to your summer sightseeing in Nagoya. 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

On a summer night, lanterns sway in the fiery sky. Tokugawa Garden, located in Higashi-ku, Nagoya City, is an authentic Japanese garden associated with the Owari Tokugawa family. Unlike Nagoya Castle, which attracts many tourists, this hidden gem allows you to leisurely enjoy the seasonal scenery. The Floating Lanterns event, held every year during the Obon period, is especially a must-see. Against the backdrop of a blazing sunset gradient, the sight of numerous white lanterns floating on the tranquil surface of the pond is breathtakingly beautiful. The weeping willows and green pines are fantastically illuminated, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that feels far removed from the city. Be sure to visit for a special summer memory.

In the purple tunnel, you forget the time. Tennogawa Park in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, is cherished locally as a famous spot for wisteria, yet it remains a hidden gem with modest national recognition. From late April to early May each year, the massive wisteria trellises that cover the area are nothing short of breathtaking. Clusters of pink, purple, and white flowers hang down like waterfalls, creating a fantastical space that feels like stepping into another world. The nighttime illumination reveals a different, ethereal, and glamorous expression compared to the daytime. The free admission is also a delightful point, and it's conveniently accessible, taking about 40 minutes by train from Nagoya. 1 Miyagawa-cho, Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture.

Discover a hidden gem in Nagoya. Quietly standing in the heart of Nagoya is Ueno Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. While well-known among locals, it remains an off-the-beaten-path spot for tourists. The impressive bronze statue of the reclining cow in the shrine grounds is a stunning sight. In front of it, colorful omikuji dolls in red, yellow, and green are neatly arranged, exuding a cuteness that makes you want to take a photo. The contrast between the vermilion shrine and the clear blue sky is beautiful, and aside from the exam season, you can visit peacefully with fewer people around. If you're tired of the usual tourist spots in Nagoya, make sure to stop by. 3-40-2 Uchiyama 3-chome, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Scenery I want to preserve in Japan. Yotsuya Senmaida, selected as one of the top 100 rice terraces. The moist air after the rain created an emotional atmosphere and was very pleasant. May 2026, Yotsuya Senmaida, Shinshiro City

Aichi Museum of Flight Toyohama, Toyohashi, Nishikasugai District, Aichi Prefecture (within Nagoya Airport) Renovation work is scheduled from June 2026 to the end of January 2027. The Aichi Museum of Flight is a specialized aviation museum adjacent to Aichi Prefecture's Nagoya Airport. It features aircraft closely related to Aichi, such as the YS-11, Japan's first domestically produced passenger aircraft after World War II, and the T-4 Blue Impulse from the Self-Defense Forces. It's a spot that fulfills the longing for the skies for both children and adults... In addition to exhibitions, it also offers pilot experiences, experiments on how aircraft work, science shows, and more. They provide stroller rentals and nursing rooms, making it a welcoming place for visitors with small children. Nagoya Airport, officially named "Nagoya Aerodrome," is a civilian airport managed by Aichi Prefecture and shares a runway with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komaki Air Base. On the civilian side, regular flights and business aircraft operated by Fuji Dream Airlines, as well as small aircraft, are in operation, coexisting with Self-Defense Forces aircraft. Camera lenses, wide-angle lenses... highly recommended... Even with a smartphone's wide-angle...

Twin Arch 138 with the morning glow and a row of cherry trees The hazy morning sun painted the scene in a soft orange light. Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture April 4, 2026

Mirai Towers and Kawazu cherry blossoms I photographed Mirai Towers (formerly the TV Tower) together with Kawazu cherry blossoms in Central Park in Sakae, Nagoya. March 2026

Oagata Shrine "ooagata jinja" Miyayama 3, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture This shrine enshrines Oagata no Okami, the ancestral deity of Owari land reclamation. The present shrine buildings were rebuilt in Kanbun 1 (1661) by Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari Domain, and they faithfully convey the architectural style known as Owari-zukuri. In particular, the main sanctuary—composed of three connected structures and called Oagata-zukuri—features a distinctive design and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. On the shrine grounds, Hime no Miya enshrines Tamayorihime and is revered as a guardian for safe childbirth and for women.

Tagata Shrine 152 Tagatacho, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture Located in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, this shrine is believed to bring blessings for a bountiful harvest and prosperous descendants. The annual Hounen Festival, held on March 15 each year, is known as the "spectacular festival of the nation." During this festival, a mikoshi carries a large phallic-shaped object called the oowasegata to pray for abundant harvests and the prosperity of future generations.