Nishio City
Nishio got its start as a medieval castle town after the Sengoku Warring States period of the 15th century. In the following Edo period, records show it producing enough rice to feed sixty thousand people. To this day, Nishio boasts many temples and other culturally important historic sites, all easily accessible from Nishio Station. Please come for a visit, take a look at the castle, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and explore the many local specialties of Nishio.
Sightseeing spots & tourist facilities in Nishio city
Nishio City History ParkNishio was known as “the little Kyoto of Aichi”, and Nishio Castle was its proud centerpiece. Today, the castle, gatehouse and many parts of its interior grounds have been restored, and entry is free. Come and get a feel for Japans regional history!
Nishio Municipal MuseumThe Museum opened in August of 1977 on the Nishio Castle grounds. It has an extensive collection of items relating to local history and culture in the Edo Period. A site for research and study of ancient document through excavation, this museum offers a historical learning place for younger generations.
ShokosoShokoso is a Kyoto-style garden created by using the remnants of Nishio Castle’s Higashinomaru at the beginning the Showa Period. This quaint garden includes an arbor on a hill with a full view of the garden and a beautiful dry landscape garden.
Former Konoe ResidenceThe former Konoe Residence (court noble Konoe’s residence) conveys the culture of tea ceremony. It consists of two buildings: a tea house and a library. Both were relocated from Kyoto in 1995. Visitors can enjoy Matcha green tea and a view of the Japanese garden at the library (400 yen, including seasonal Japanese sweets).
Ibun Jinja ShrineIbun Jinja is a very old shrine, founded sometime in the 9th century. The main deity enshrined here is Susano-o-no-Mikoto, a Shinto god of the sea and storms. It is also the guardian of Nishio Castle.
Iwase Bunko LibraryEstablished as a private library in 1908 by businessman Yasuke Iwase, the library was reopened in April 2003 as the first antique book museum in Japan. Archives are open to the public and preserve around 80 thousand books from various time periods and genres, ranging from classic literature—some of which are designated as important cultural properties—to modern “how-to” books.
Nestled in rolling hills, with a panoramic view over an the tea gardens. In the tea harvest season in May, you can put on a traditional tea-harvest costume and even try picking tea leaves yourself.
A temple of the Jodo sect, built as a chantry for an aunt of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is also known as “Chaso Temple”, because it promoted the spread of tea cultivation in Nishio.
The main Buddhist temple of medieval Kira, built under the local lord Kirazoro Saijo. Many cultural assets are preserved here.
“Miso Park” is a theme park where you can enjoy miso run by Hatoya. You can tour the miso brewery and experience various things. There are also shops that sell miso, soy sauce, and sweets.
The houses along this narrow street connecting Ten’nōmachi to Sakanamachi best preserve the atmosphere and appearance of the old castle town of Nishio.
This is a sensation-type museum known for its original art, including the world’s largest kaleidoscope certified by Guinness.