Toyota, Aichi Prefecture

As you could probably guess, Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture is named after the famous motor company of the same name. That’s right, the city renamed itself after the car, not the other way around.

Toyota’s scenery in autumn allows visitors to see dainty cherry blossoms and colorful maple leaves in one postcard-perfect setting.

The city will host four matches during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Toyota Stadium

Toyota Stadium hosted the FIFA Club World Cup Japan semi-final in 2012. It’s also been the venue for many huge-scale concerts such as J-pop powerhouse group EXILE’s 2010 extravaganza.

There are no bad seats in the house which is home to J. League club, the Nagoya Grampus — not grandpas.

What to do before and after the Rugby World Cup

Experience Nagoya’s nightlife

Only an hour north of Toyota is Nagoya — a lively major city that’s perfect for drinking and mingling with locals. The city has a plethora of foreigner-friendly bars and nightclubs ripe for post-game boozing.

What to eat

Tebasaki

A spicy Japanese chicken wing that pairs harmoniously with cold beer or sake.

The wings are double fried making them extra crispy! Try them at Furaibo, a Japanese pub that’s known for its finger-licking wings.

• Hours: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
• 6-2-1 Nishimachi, Toyota, Aichi 471-0025 - Map

Miso-nikomi Udon

Thick noodles and tender vegetables soaked in a rich miso broth.

Matsuhashi

Matsuhashi’s noodles are freshly handmade in house daily. Their regular miso-nikomi udon comes with veggies and deep-fried tofu, but if you get it “deluxe” they top it off with tempura and an egg.

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Closed on weekends
• 3-84 Miyukihonmachi, Toyota, Aichi 473-0901 - Map

Miso Katsu

This dish takes tonkatsu (thick slices of deep-fried pork) and slathers it with a sweet and salty red miso sauce that will ease your soul with its flavorsome twist. Miso katsu is a mandatory meal when visiting Aichi Prefecture.

Miso Katsu Yabaton 

This famous miso katsu restaurant chain has been serving up the crunchy dish for more than 60 years. Teppan tonkatsu is the recommended plate — it comes to your table sizzling hot with a heap of thinly-sliced cabbage.

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• 1-57-1 Wakamiya, Toyota, Aichi - Map

Sightseeing around Aichi

Toyota Automobile Museum

Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Toyota cars and see their development through the ages. Plant tours where you can actually see the car production line are available on weekdays but require booking beforehand.

• Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fees: Admission and tours are free!
• 1 Toyotacho, Toyota, Aichi, 471-0826 - Map
• https://www.toyota.co.jp/en/about_toyota/facility/toyota_kaikan/factory/about.html
• Getting there: From Toyotashi Station take the Meitetsu bus towards Toyota Memorial Hospital and get off at the Toyota Honsha-Mae stop. It takes about 25 minutes.

Korankei Gorge

Korankei has some of the most picturesque autumn scenery in central Japan. Maple trees brighten the whole area in the most gorgeous shades of red, making it a very popular spot for photographers.

• Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2424 - Map
• Getting there: From Toyotashi Station take the Asuke Bus and get off at the Korankei Ichinotani Guchi stop. 

How to get there

From Tokyo

• Take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station. From there, you need to catch a train to Toyotashi Station and then take a bus to Toyota Stadium.

• It's about four hours via the Tomei Expressway and New Tomei Expressway by car.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport

• Take the airport shuttle bus directly to Toyotashi Station, and then catch the local bus to Toyota Stadium.