Sightseeing | Hotel Arc Riche Toyohashi

Toyohashi City

Toyohashi City is blessed with rich nature and a mild climate.
Located almost in the middle of Tokyo and Osaka, it plays a role as a gateway to the Atsumi Peninsula and the Higashi-Mikawa region, with excellent accessibility.
This region is one of the leading agricultural areas in the country, shipping various types of vegetables and fruits to various parts of Japan. In addition to traditional food cultures such as Toyohashi Chikuwa (a type of fish cake), Namegashi Tadaku (pickled vegetables and rice), and Hamanatto (sweetened soybeans), you can also enjoy the local gourmet "Toyohashi Curry Udon."
With a history of over 450 years, traditional cultural events such as Tezutsu Hanabi (handheld fireworks) and the Toyohashi Oni Matsuri (Demon Festival), which has been passed down for over a millennium, are actively preserved and contribute significantly to tourism.
Moreover, the city's streetcar, one of the few remaining in the country, is beloved by the citizens as a means of transportation and has gained attention as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Akumi Kanbe Shinmei Shrine

According to the shrine's legend, in the third year of Tenkei (940), when the rebellion of Taira no Masakado was suppressed, this land was donated to Ise Jingu Shrine as a divine estate called Akumi (written as Akumi). It is said that this marked the beginning of praying for the prosperity of this area.
The main hall, heiden (offering hall), haiden (worship hall), Kaguraden (hall for Kagura dance), Shin-ko (divine warehouse), and chozuya (purification fountain) are registered tangible cultural properties of the country.
Every year on February 11th, the famous "Oni Matsuri" (Demon Festival) takes place, featuring the playful interactions between the red demons and tengu (long-nosed goblins).
This festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the country, attracting numerous spectators to the precincts.

official site

ACCESS MAP

Tram

The tram system in Toyohashi City opened on July 14, 1925, during the 14th year of the Taisho era. Through the relocation, discontinuation, and extension of routes, it has evolved into its current form with an operational distance of 5.4 kilometers. Toyohashi City is the only city in the Tokai region with a running tram system.
Along the route, there are buildings and festivals that evoke a sense of history and tradition, making it a tourist attraction. Additionally, as part of special events, the "Cooling Beer Tram" runs during the summer, and the "Oden Train" operates in the winter, both cherished as seasonal traditions in Toyohashi.

official site

Toyohashi Railway

Tezutsu Hanabi (Handheld Fireworks)

Tezutsu Hanabi, said to originate in Toyohashi, is a unique fireworks display exclusive to the Higashi-Mikawa region. It involves wrapping a rope around a section of unjointed Moso bamboo, approximately 10cm in diameter and 80cm in length. The bamboo is then filled with gunpowder, which includes iron powder, and ignited. The person holding the tube hugs it to their side, creating a spectacular display of a massive column of fire. Towards the end, flames, known as "Hane," burst out with a tremendous sound at their feet. This powerful firework is raised as an offering in many festivals throughout Toyohashi City, praying for abundant harvests, good health, warding off epidemics, prosperity, and enduring martial fortune. One distinctive feature of Tezutsu Hanabi is that the person raising it is involved in every step, from cutting the bamboo to preparing and loading the gunpowder.

official site

Nonhoi Park

The official name of "Nonhoi Park" is the "Toyohashi Comprehensive Botanical and Zoological Park." It is a comprehensive park covering approximately 40 hectares, featuring a wildlife-oriented environment. The park is composed of various zones, including an African Zone, Australian Zone, and Monkey Deck in the zoo area, aiming to create environments close to the wild. It also includes a botanical garden zone with a large greenhouse, flower beds, and gardens, an amusement park zone with attractions like a Ferris wheel, and a natural history museum introducing the evolution of living organisms and the local nature.
Visitors can experience the lively behavior of animals, observe the changing appearance of plants with each season, and learn about the history of evolution from fossils of ancient creatures like dinosaurs. Nonhoi Park offers a diverse and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.

official site

Yoshida Castle (Within Toyohashi Park)

Yoshida Castle, originally built in 1505 as Imahashi Castle and later renamed, now stands along the banks of the Toyokawa River with its reconstructed iron turret completed in 1954.
Located within Toyohashi Park, it is beloved by many citizens alongside the Art Museum and the Sannomaru Hall. The castle holds historical significance and has become a cherished site for both locals and visitors.

official site

Toyohashi City Public Hall

Built in 1931, the Toyohashi City Public Hall is an iconic Romanesque-style building with a half-dome and a falcon as its symbol. It is designated as a national registered cultural property. Since its completion, the hall has hosted a multitude of events, including lectures, ceremonies, dance competitions, and singing contests. Over the years, it has served various functions, including a period during the late stages of the Pacific War when municipal functions were relocated. It has also been utilized as the Toyohashi Central Community Center and Citizens' Service Center.

official site

Futagawa-shuku

Tokaido Futagawa-shuku is the 33rd post station from Edo Nihonbashi. Unlike Yoshida-shuku, another post town in the center of Toyohashi City, remnants of the old post town can still be found in various places.
Former inns and lodgings have been preserved as the "Toyohashi City Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum" (admission fee required). Additionally, the shop and residence of the Tamura family, prominent merchants in the post town, known as "Komaya," underwent a three-year restoration and improvement project starting from the year 2012, and has been open to the public (free admission) since November 1, 2015.
With the opening of this merchant house "Komaya," Futagawa-shuku became the only post town in Japan where visitors can tour three locations - honjin (main inn), ryokan (inn), and merchant house."

official site

Waterfront Buildings

A group of three distinct buildings standing right next to Hotel Arcrich Toyohashi. These buildings, situated above the Murōyōsui irrigation channel used for agriculture, are extremely unique. Since 1964, they have been a symbol of downtown Toyohashi, cherished by the local citizens. While exuding a retro atmosphere, the buildings host a variety of shops ranging from long-established ones to recently opened ones, creating a nostalgic ambiance.
Despite the retro charm, this location, built on the Murōyōsui irrigation channel, is considered impossible to rebuild under current building standards. Nevertheless, it continues to thrive and remains a vibrant place with numerous events, garnering love and support from many people."