Hidden Gem in Japan: 2-Day Trip to Okazaki, the Birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu!

Don't just visit Kyoto and Osaka when traveling to Japan! We've discovered a hidden gem in Aichi Prefecture, Okazaki City, a city rich in history! This is the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the three great unifiers of Japan. During cherry blossom season, it's breathtakingly beautiful, with fewer crowds and stunning scenery. Every photo you take here looks like a scene from a movie! This is the first guide of its kind on the internet, so make sure to save it. 📍 Destination Highlights ✅ Fewer Crowds, Beautiful Scenery: Even Japanese locals rarely visit, so you'll have the whole ancient city to yourself! ✅ History Buffs Rejoice: The birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a must-visit for Sengoku period enthusiasts! You might even catch a "Sengoku Princess" performance! ✅ Cherry Blossom Heaven: Selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," the city is covered in pink snow in April, outshining popular tourist spots! ✅ Convenient Transportation: Just a 30-minute direct train ride from Nagoya, perfect for short trips or a detour on your Kansai itinerary! 🏯 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions! Tested and Approved! 1️⃣ Okazaki Castle | Travel Back to the Sengoku Period The birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle tower replicates Edo-style architecture, and the 5th-floor observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city! Every Friday, there's a Sengoku Princess cosplay performance with impressive armored samurai! In spring, cherry blossoms surround the castle moat. 📍 Address: 561 Kosei-cho, Okazaki City 🕒 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays) 💰 Admission: JPY 200 (Best value for money!) 2️⃣ Daiju-ji Temple | Ieyasu's Family Temple Tokugawa Ieyasu's family temple, with a serene courtyard hiding Sengoku secrets. Be sure to touch the "Enmei Jizo," said to grant long life (Ieyasu lived to 75!) 3️⃣ Okazaki Park | Locals' Secret Garden A massive park by the castle moat, perfect for picnics during cherry blossom season. Locals love walking their dogs here! Rent a bike and enjoy a relaxing ride along the river. 🚴♀️ 4️⃣ Okazaki Service Area | The Coolest Highway Rest Stop You read that right, this popular Japanese highway rest stop features a Tokugawa Ieyasu-themed exhibit and exclusive merchandise! Don't miss the "Ieyasu Manju," sweet red bean buns that aren't too sweet! 5️⃣ Hatcho Miso Village | 400-Year-Old Brewing Tradition A paradise for miso lovers! Tour the century-old warehouse, make your own miso, and buy limited-edition Sengoku warrior miso. The Tokugawa version is a must-try! 🍱 Food Recommendations! Locals' Hidden Gems Unagi Hitsumabushi: Nagoya-style eel rice is cheaper here! We recommend the "Houraiken" branch, with crispy eel skin and secret sauce! Mikawa Jidori: Free-range chicken, grilled over charcoal, with juicy yakitori! At the izakaya "Torikizoku," you can eat your fill for just JPY 50! Sengoku-Themed Desserts: At the tea house "Aoi no Gomon" near Okazaki Castle, matcha parfaits come with little flags, adding a touch of ceremony! 🍵 🏨 Accommodation Guide | Stay in History! Onsen Hotel "Yumoto Mikawa no Sato": Soak in an open-air onsen under the starry sky, and enjoy a traditional breakfast with Hoba Miso! ♨️ Machiya Near Okazaki Castle: Book a century-old house on Trip.com, with tatami mats and a garden, and experience the daily life of a samurai family. 🚗 Transportation Tips Nagoya → Okazaki: Take the "Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line" from Meitetsu Nagoya Station for 30 minutes to Higashi-Okazaki Station, then walk 15 minutes to Okazaki Castle. City Transportation: We recommend buying the "Okazaki Castle Tour Pass" (includes attraction discounts), which covers buses and attractions in one ticket! ❗️ Latest Information! Exclusive Tips for 2025 Cherry Blossom Season Special: From April 1–15, Okazaki Castle hosts a night cherry blossom illumination event, and locals in kimono get free admission! 👘 Tax-Free Policy Update: Japan has removed the tax-free limit for consumables! Buy as much cosmetics and snacks as you want! (Okazaki AEON Mall has fewer crowds and a full stock) Travel Advisory: Japan is experiencing a flu outbreak, so we recommend wearing a mask and bringing fever-reducing medicine. Avoid crowds for peace of mind. 📸 Photography Tips Okazaki Castle Tower: Shoot from a low angle with a wide-angle lens to become the heroine of a Sengoku drama! Cherry Blossom Riverside: Shoot against the light at 4 pm, and the petals will have a soft light filter! Service Area Check-In: Take a funny photo with the Tokugawa Ieyasu statue, and watch your social media likes soar! Honestly, Okazaki City is a hidden gem! It's perfect for history lovers and those who dislike crowded places. Save this guide now! Next time you visit Japan, don't miss this underrated but stunning city! 💖