15 Popular Date Spots in Aichi: From the World of Studio Ghibli to Spectacular Coastal Views

This theme park consists of five areas that visitors explore on foot while experiencing the worlds of Studio Ghibli films. Valley of Witches features attractions such as Okino Residence and Guchokipanya Bakery from <i>Kiki’s Delivery Service</i>, as well as Howl’s Castle, which stands about 66 feet tall.
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse brings the world of Ghibli together in one space, with a screening room, special exhibitions, shops, and a café. From the World Emporium in Hill of Youth to Satsuki and Mei’s House in Dondoko Forest, a different story awaits in each area.

This large aquarium is home to a wide range of marine animals, including dolphins, orcas, and belugas. At the enormous pool in the North Building, visitors can watch dolphin performances and public orca training sessions. The spacious setting offers a close look at the animals swimming with remarkable speed and energy in an environment designed to resemble their natural habitat.
In the South Building, do not miss the Sardine Tornado, where around 35,000 Japanese sardines form swirling patterns in the water. From powerful performances to dreamlike underwater scenes, there is always something new for couples to watch together.

One of Nagoya’s leading attractions, this expansive 148-acre complex includes a zoo, botanical gardens, and an amusement park. The zoo is especially popular, displaying approximately 450 animal species, including its beloved koalas.
The botanical gardens make use of the area’s natural terrain and offer seasonal scenery, including cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers in summer, and colorful foliage in fall. Visit the greenhouse to see tropical and subtropical flowers, and spend a date discovering both animals and plants.

Located in central Nagoya, this hands-on science museum consists of three buildings dedicated to life sciences, science and technology, and astronomy. Its impressive exhibits include the Deep Freezing Lab, where visitors watch images of the aurora in a room kept at -22°F, and the Tornado Lab, which creates a 30-foot artificial tornado.
The highlight is the FUJI Sky Dome, one of the world’s largest planetariums, with an interior dome diameter of 115 feet. A new program is presented each month based on current astronomical phenomena and topics in space, accompanied by live commentary from museum curators. Settle beneath a remarkably realistic starry sky and immerse yourselves in the wonders of the universe.

One of the Tokai region’s largest traditional Japanese strolling gardens, Shirotori Garden represents the natural scenery of central Japan. Visitors can explore eight distinct landscapes known as the Eight Views of Shirotori, including a hill modeled after Mount Ontake and a stream representing the Kiso River.
At the center of the garden stands Seiu-tei, an authentic sukiya-style teahouse built through the combined work of Kyoto sukiya carpenters and Owari carpenters. Its exterior was designed to resemble a swan landing on the water, creating a graceful harmony between the architecture and garden. During your stroll, stop at Shioiri-tei for matcha and Japanese sweets while viewing the Shioiri Garden, which represents the ebb and flow of the tides.

This historic castle stands on a low hill overlooking the Kiso River and features a keep designated as a National Treasure. Believed to have been built around 1537, the surviving keep is a valuable structure that preserves one of Japan’s oldest architectural styles.
The top floor is surrounded by an exterior balcony. On clear days, visitors can take in panoramic views of the Kiso River, the Nobi Plain, Mount Ontake, Gifu Castle, and the high-rise buildings around Nagoya Station. After learning about the castle’s history and the warlords who fought to control it, head to the top floor to admire the sweeping scenery together.

This open-air museum relocates, preserves, and displays historic buildings, primarily from the Meiji period. Churches, homes associated with literary figures, and other buildings that retain the atmosphere of the era are scattered throughout the grounds. One of the most popular is the Main Entrance Hall and Lobby of the Imperial Hotel, designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can examine its geometric carvings and openwork terra-cotta decorations up close, while the furniture and furnishings offer a glimpse into life at the time.
Between exploring the buildings, try dishes such as beef hot pot and omurice, as well as food recreated and adapted from recipes featured in Meiji-period novels.

This walking area features nostalgic streets where the history of Tokoname ware and the city’s culture of craftsmanship remain very much alive. Visitors can choose between the approximately 1-mile Course A and the approximately 2.5-mile Course B, making it easy to walk at a pace that suits both of you.
Pottery studios, galleries, gift shops, and cafés are scattered along the route, offering plenty of opportunities to shop or take a break. Dokanzaka, a slope lined with ceramic pipes and shochu bottles, and Tokonyan, an enormous beckoning cat, are popular photo spots. Explore this town where traditional pottery-industry scenery meets contemporary creativity, stopping at any shops that catch your eye.

Located across the water from Chubu Centrair International Airport, this beach features around 2,000 feet of white sand. Its proximity to the airport gives visitors the unusual opportunity to watch airplanes take off and land across the sea. The main attraction is the sunset over Ise Bay, which paints the sky and sea in vivid shades of red and has made the beach a well-known scenic destination.
Leisure facilities include a café and barbecue area. Spend the day enjoying activities by the water, then watch the sun sink below the horizon together at dusk. It is an inviting date spot where you can appreciate the open views of the sea and sky.

Built in 1921, this lighthouse stands on the coast overlooking Ise Bay and is the oldest in Aichi Prefecture. Its nostalgic white, rounded form makes a lasting impression, and it has long been a popular date spot for couples.
Near the lighthouse is a musical-staff-themed monument called Kizuna no Neiro, or “Melody of Bonds.” According to local lore, attaching a padlock to it will bring success in love. Many couples traditionally visit the monument to pledge their lasting love. Another appealing way to spend time here is to sit on a nearby bench and watch the sea and sky gradually turn crimson.

Himakajima is a small island in Mikawa Bay with a circumference of approximately 3.4 miles. It is easy to reach in around 20 minutes by high-speed boat from Kowa Port, making it a convenient destination for a casual island trip together. Octopus fishing thrives here, and octopus designs appear throughout the island on harbor monuments, manhole covers, and more.
On the island’s eastern side is the Lovers’ Swing, which offers both the exhilaration of swinging out toward the sea and a photogenic view. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as fishing and swimming, while fugu dishes join the island’s seasonal specialties from October through March.

Stretching along the Tomoe River, this gorge is known as one of Japan’s leading destinations for fall foliage. In fall, approximately 3,000 trees turn red and yellow, covering the gorge in vibrant color.
The area offers attractions in every season, not only its fall foliage but also wildflowers in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and snowy landscapes in winter. From around mid- to late March, delicate purple katakuri flowers bloom. Each visit in a different season reveals another side of nature for the two of you to discover.

Lagunasia is the main theme park at Laguna Ten Bosch, a seaside resort on Mikawa Bay. Couples can spend an active day exploring its wide variety of ride-based, role-playing, and theater attractions.
In summer, six pools open, including a large wave pool. One distinctive feature is that visitors can ride roller coasters and other attractions without changing out of their swimsuits. Outside the summer season, water attractions such as canoeing provide a different kind of fun.

This small island in Mikawa Bay is designated in its entirety as a National Natural Monument. Cross the 1,270-foot bridge from the mainland and enjoy a walk that brings you closer to both nature and history.
Yaotomi Shrine, located at the center of the island, is known for blessings including good fortune and matchmaking. It is also counted among Japan’s Seven Benzaiten Shrines and has attracted worshippers since ancient times. After visiting the shrine, consider following the coastal path around the island’s rocky shore, beach, and Ryujin Cape.

Located at the tip of the Atsumi Peninsula, Cape Irago is a scenic destination known for its blue sea and white lighthouse. Built in 1929, Irago Lighthouse has been selected as one of Japan’s 50 Finest Lighthouses. Together with Koijigahama Beach to the east, the lighthouse has also been designated a Lover’s Sanctuary, making it a popular date spot.
Follow the walking trail around the cape for sweeping views of Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay. On clear days, you can see as far as Kamishima Island and Toba in Mie Prefecture. At sunset, the sea turns red as the lighthouse and horizon create a romantic scene.

This open-air observation area is located in a mixed-use skyscraper that rises 810 feet in front of Nagoya Station. Because the observation deck is outdoors at a height of 722 feet, visitors can walk around while feeling the breeze. It offers nearly 360-degree views of Nagoya, with an open panorama extending to distant mountains during the day.
At night, the scenery transforms as the city lights create an atmospheric display. The commercial building also contains restaurants and cafés, making it easy to combine dinner with a night view.

This 440-foot observation tower stands next to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It is recognized as one of Japan’s leading night-view destinations and has been designated both a Japan Night View Heritage site and one of Japan’s 100 Finest Night Views.
Because the tower stands on a hill 262 feet above sea level, its observation room, located 328 feet above the ground, offers views from an elevation of approximately 591 feet. Visitors can see city landmarks such as JR Central Towers and Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. With few tall buildings nearby, the city lights spread out beautifully below after dark.

This approximately 3.2-mile scenic road runs along the ridgeline of Mount Sangane and offers views of Mikawa Bay. Its main attraction is the sweeping panorama from the mountaintop area. From near the 1,070-foot summit, visitors can look down on central Gamagori and Takeshima Island and see as far as the Atsumi Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.
At dusk, the sea turns crimson, while after dark the lights along the bay emerge to create a romantic view. In June, around 70,000 hydrangeas bloom along the road, earning it the nickname Hydrangea Line and adding seasonal flowers to the appeal of the drive.

This French restaurant is located on the 42nd floor of Midland Square in front of Nagoya Station. The first overseas location of a renowned restaurant with more than 100 years of history in France’s Alsace region, it offers refined cuisine and service. At both lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy course menus featuring exceptional French dishes that reflect the culinary culture of Alsace.
An olive-tree chandelier decorates the main dining room, while photographs of the Alsatian landscape create a warm atmosphere. Nagoya’s cityscape spreads out beyond the windows, adding the appeal of a high-rise view.

This spacious all-day dining venue is located on the hotel lobby floor on the 15th floor of Nagoya JR Gate Tower. In addition to the restaurant, the expansive space includes a lounge and terrace.
Open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, café service, and dinner, it fits easily into a variety of schedules. The menu is supervised by Daisuke Kaneko, owner-chef of the popular French restaurant L’AS in Aoyama, Tokyo. The approximately 70-seat restaurant serves the same menu as L’AS. It is a flexible dining destination where couples can enjoy a meal at a time that suits their plans.

Located in the historic Nagono district, this eel restaurant specializes in hitsumabushi, one of Nagoya’s signature dishes. Carefully selected eel is grilled rapidly over binchotan charcoal using the traditional direct-grilling method, producing fragrant skin and tender meat coated in a secret sauce. Experience the full appeal of hitsumabushi by trying it in several ways, including with condiments and as ochazuke with tea poured over the rice.
For a special evening, consider a course featuring eel in a variety of dishes, from appetizers and grilled items to rice. Finish with pudding made using egg yolks from Nagoya Cochin chickens for a leisurely meal showcasing local flavors.

Located inside JR Central Towers, this luxury hotel is known for its views from the upper floors. The guest rooms and restaurants, situated from the 15th through 52nd floors, offer panoramic views of Nagoya.
The spacious accommodations include concierge-floor rooms and suites for an upgraded stay. The hotel also features eight restaurants and bars serving Japanese, Chinese, and French cuisine, as well as teppanyaki and more. It offers a distinctive high-rise hotel experience.

This long-established hot-spring inn stands beside the Kiso River with views of Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure. While carrying on a history that began in 1919, it has been transformed into an intimate luxury property with just 10 rooms, all of them suites.
Each guest room has a semi-open-air bath supplied by Hakutei-no-Yu, the only natural hot spring in the Inuyama area. Couples can spend private time together while soaking in its gentle waters. The monthly kaiseki menu features natural ayu sweetfish from the Kiso River, ingredients from the Owari and Mino regions, and seasonal delicacies from across Japan. Enjoy a special stay filled with history, hot springs, and fine cuisine.

This hot-spring inn is located in Nishiura Onsen facing Mikawa Bay and is known for its ocean views. From the guest rooms, public baths, and private open-air baths, visitors can relax while watching the seascape change from sunrise to sunset.
Accommodations include Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and suites. Rooms with open-air baths offer the chance to enjoy the hot springs in private. At dinner, savor kaiseki cuisine made with seafood landed at Nishiura Fishing Port and seasonal local ingredients, followed by a night surrounded by the sea and hot springs.