The basic pattern of the Asuke Townscape (Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings) was formed during the Sengoku era, while the modern layout of the town developed in the early Edo period. The current townscape is lined with machiya townhouses built after the great fire of 1775 in the nurigome-zukuri style, which are coated in plaster to the eaves in order to prevent fires, and conveys the look of the town in those da...

Sanshu Shishi Mori Shachu is a workshop and gallery offering a range of accessory and craft activities using a selection of the bones and hides of deer and wild boar. Create your own, one-of-a-kind accessory with deer antlers of different colors and shapes. It is said that deer are messengers of the gods, so perhaps wearing your accessory will bring you good luck!

This living folk culture museum opened in 1980. The former villa of a wealthy farming family has been reproduced here, with the rear house, main house, and a bamboo house featuring a thatched-roof with wooden construction. The Asuke Mansion reproduces handmade items that were a part of mountain life in the region, among them charcoal brazier cooking, traditional paper making, and weaving. Ten different handicrafts are demonstrated be...

Culture is spread through information, information is spread through communication, communication is written on paper, paper is produced in Aichi. Kozo is the Japanese name for the mulberry trees that seem to grow particularly well in the Obara region of Aichi Prefecture’s Toyota City. These mulberry trees have been the source of the particularly strong and versatile traditionally handcrafted washi paper produced here since at lea...

You can try your hand at pottery in the workshop. The shop also exhibits and sells a range of pottery.

Sasahira Workshop holds classes on making artistic handicrafts with lacquer or Japanese washi paper. Learn how to make accessories using the traditional technique of “maki-e” by painting on lacquer and layering on metal powder in the places you want to add color. Hypoallergenic lacquer allows participants to feel at ease with using the materials. Another hands-on experience involves making washi paper by building up layers of color a...

Many people come to see the lake’s seasonal beauty. You can drive around the lake’s 16-km perimeter or enjoy cycling or hiking. There are rest stations, walking paths, bungalows, and camping grounds. You can also rent a boat for a leisurely ride or lure fishing.

On a path along the Tomoe River flowing from Lake Mikawa lies a picturesque building that specializes in fragrances and even has its own waterwheel. At Karen no Yakata, make seasonal flower wreaths or your own salt potpourri. When you’re done, get some play time across the river, where there’s a big, grassy area, a walking trail, a free dog park, and more.