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...

The Obara Fureai Park acts as a place of recreation and respite for local residents. The rich natural environs are home to paths to walk on, letting you enjoy a stroll and see the changing view of the four seasons. Furthermore, Obara Fureai Park and the adjoining Obara Branch of Toyota City Hall are where you will find 300 cherry blossom trees. They bloom in spring from mid-March through early April and in autumn from late October th...

Located in the Shimoyama area of Toyota City, Maple Leaves Road (Momiji Kaido), is a street lined with maple leaves in the vicinity of Kamo Golf Club. Starting at the junction of Prefectural Road 477 and continuing uphill a little way, the road is planted on both sides with maple trees. Along the way there is also a tunnel of maple leaves, creating some magnificent scenery.

Mikawakougen is a gently sloping plateau with an altitude of 600 meters near the center of Aichi Kogen Quasi-National Park. Herds of cows roam the pastures, and the songs of birds can be heard from the trees in this relaxing setting. Facilities include campsites, cottages, a tennis court, a golf course and more, and nearby Lake Asagiri is a great place for lure and fly fishing.

Located in the Shimoyama region, an area abundant with nature, is Yamayuri Handmade Workshop. Here you can try making sausages and ham using the best ingredients. There is also a rental barbecue area to grill and eat what you’ve made. Eat your fill of all the tastes of Shimoyama with specialty products such as gohei-mame, famous handmade gelato, and hot dogs wrapped in naan flatbread.

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.

Hodo no Nakataki Waterfall is located on a tributary of the Nohara River. Stretching for approximately 300 meters, the waterfall varies in height from the first tier of the waterfall at the lowest part of the stream to the seventh tier. The flow of this ever-changing waterfall interwoven with the beauty of the gorge makes for some wonderfully calming sights. The autumn leaves that appear during the peak viewing season from mid-Nove...

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.

Experience mountain cycling at Mikawakougen Camp Village! Intended for beginner through intermediate riders, most of the course is made of flat dirt trails with some hills and slopes. Both beginners and more confident riders will enjoy this scenic cross-country cycling course through the woods.

Enjoy nature to the fullest from season to season with refreshing breezes along the clear, sparkling Nohara River at Noharagawa Tourism Center. With a total of 38 fishing spots, a place for fishing as a family, trout fishing by hand or with a rod, and other river activities, it's easy to have a fun, leisurely time. Depending on the season, try freshly picked, all-you-can-eat grilled shiitake mushrooms, too.