Japan’s cities feature varied climates that make each of them a more suitable place to visit than the other at certain times of the year. The spring season is ideal for cherry blossom viewing at Matsumae Park, Hokkaido, the summer season is ideal for swimming and relaxing in Okinawa, the autumn season is ideal for strolling around the Eikando Temple grounds in Kyoto, and the winter season is ideal for skiing in Sapporo.
Planning the perfect Japan trip takes a lot of effort and is far more challenging for those traveling in groups. Aiming to complete each person’s list of places to visit and things to do in Japan is virtually impossible to accomplish in just one trip.
Fortunately, Japan has several cities that offer a little bit of everything the country has to offer; the Gamagori City of the Aichi Prefecture being one of the best.
The City of Gamagori (Gamagori-shi) in Aichi, Japan
Gamagori City, or Gamagori-shi, is considered to be the largest onsen (hot spring) resort area of the Aichi Prefecture, situated in the southeast section of Mikawa Bay’s coast. It has an estimated total area of 57 sq. km. and is inhabited by about 82,000 people. The surrounding municipalities of Gamagori City include Nishio, Kota, Toyokawa, and Okazaki.
During the Heian Period, Gamagori consisted of several shoen (autonomous manors or estates) that were subject to the Udono clan’s control. By the Edo Period, most of it fell under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate thanks to hatamoto administrations, which consisted of samurai warriors directly serving the Tokugawa shogunate.
The area was designated as a village of the Hoi District during the early years of the Meiji Period, particularly on October 1, 1889. It was given an elevated status of being a town on October 6, 1891, and later expanded to include nearby villages such as Shizusato, Toyooka, and Kaminogo in 1906.
After merging with the Shiotsu Village and Miya Town, Gamagori was finally proclaimed as a city on April 1, 1954. It continues to expand until the year 1963 to include Otsuka (1956), Katahara (1962), and Nishiura (1963).
The city is known for being a regional fishing port and commercial center of agriculture and light manufacturing. It houses the Aichi University of Technology and several other schools. Some of the city’s areas are included in the Mikawa Wan Quasi-National Park.
Gamagori has four hot spring areas that go by the names Nishiura Onsen, Katahara Onsen, Gamagori Onsen, and Miya Onsen. These onsens and many other places within the city attract hundreds and thousands of visitors every year.
The Weather & Climate of Gamagori, Japan
The weather conditions and climate of Gamagori City are relatively mild and usually warm throughout the year. A significant amount of rainfall showers the city even during its driest months.
The month of August features an average temperature of 27.5 deg. Celsius and is considered to be Gamagori’s hottest month, while the month of January serves as the coldest, featuring an average temperature of 4.6 deg. Celsius.
Low Tide and High Tide Forecasts for Gamagori, Japan
There are several tide forecasts for various cities in Japan available online. The specific time and height of the tides vary throughout the year. Generally, a low tide may be observed before the sun rises and sets while a high tide may be observed during late mornings and late evenings.
A Guide to Exploring Gamagori, Japan – Laguna Ten Bosch, Nidek Co., Ltd., and More
Gamagori City offers more than just hot springs to visiting locals and foreigners. It also houses several attractions including marine parks, museums, and temples, the most popular ones being:
Gamagori Onsen
Gamagari Onsen offers colorless and alkalescent warm spring water that many locals describe to have a gentle and smooth texture. The hot spring is believed to have various beneficial effects that treat illnesses such as arthralgia, muscle pain, and neuralgia.
Address: Takeshima-cho, Gamagori-City, Aichi Prefecture
Katahara Onsen
Katahara Onsen is situated at the base of Mount Sangane and offers visitors a peaceful hot spring experience. Its waters have healing effects that treat gastrointestinal pain and neuralgia, among other ailments. The onsen hosts a hydrangea festival every June, which showcases over 50,000 blooming hydrangeas.
Address: Kanehira-cho, Gamagori 443-0104, Aichi Prefecture
Kongoji Temple
The Kongoji Temple grounds house a massive statue of Kobo Daishi or Kukai, a popular Japanese Buddhist monk considered to be the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The statue measures 30 meters in height and dates back to the year 1939.
There is a coffee shop near the statue, as well as a place known as Lover’s Hill. This area features many pink hearts and padlocks which visiting couples have left as a symbol of their commitment to their partners.
Address: 1-9 Miyacho, Gamagori 443-0021, Aichi Prefecture
Laguna Ten Bosch / Lagunasia
Laguna Ten Bosch serves as the premier amusement park of the Aichi Prefecture. The large complex houses several restaurants, hot springs, and rides that make it an ideal place for tourists who simply want to have fun. Starting the 16th day of July, the amusement park offers a stunning fireworks display every night for 47 consecutive days.
Address: 2-3-1 Kaiyocho, Gamagori 443-0014, Aichi Prefecture
Miya Onsen
Miya Onsen dates back over a thousand years ago and is one of the best hot springs within the Aichi Prefecture. According to records, the onsen was found by Gyoki, a Buddhist monk, during the Nara Period.
The facility offers each guest with a “one-day passport”, which may be used to enjoy four different facilities within the onsen. The passport is priced at 2,100 yen.
Address: Miya-cho, Gamagori 443-0021, Aichi Prefecture
Nidek Co., Ltd.
Nidek Co., Ltd. is a popular health care company based in the city of Gamagori. They design, manufacture, and distribute various medical equipment to local and international places. The company also offers rental services for ophthalmic devices, dermatological surgical lasers, and examination devices on a worldwide scale.
Address: 34-14 Maehama, Hiroishi-cho, Gamagori 443-0038, Aichi Prefecture
Nishiura Onsen
Nishiura Onsen is situated on the end of the Nishiura Peninsula. The area houses several ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that offer stunning ocean-view room options. Different types of waters are featured by the onsen including alkaline springs, chloride springs, and green vitriol springs. Visitors may also enjoy a sandy beach located right next to Nishiura Onsen.
Address: Nishiuracho, Gamagori 443-0105, Aichi Prefecture
Orange Park
The Orange Park of Gamagori allows visitors to pick fresh, seasonal fruits. Strawberries are harvested from January to May, grapes and melons are harvested from June to September, and Mandarin Oranges, or Mikan, can be harvested from October to December. Tourists do not have to worry about picking bad fruit, as the park’s friendly team of staff will gladly provide useful tips about fruit picking.
There is also a large restaurant within the Orange Park that offers a wide array of Japanese dishes; their specialty being the Gamagori Mandarin Orange Cake. Visitors may also purchase various regional souvenir items at the park.
Address: 1-93, Ogurimi, Seida-cho, Gamagori 443-0002, Aichi Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Sea of Life Science Museum
The Sea of Life Science Museum allows visitors to learn about the earth’s evolution and touch various meteorites and fossils. It follows a sea theme and discusses how oceans, ancient creatures, and other things were formed.
Some of the main highlights of the museum include a 3-meter long, full-body dinosaur fossil, an 855-kilogram meteorite, and a 15-meter plesiosaurus fossil replica.
Address: 7-17, Minatomachi, Gamagori 443-0034, Aichi Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Wednesdays to Mondays; Closed from December 29 to January 3
Takeshima Aquarium
The Takeshima Aquarium may be significantly smaller than other similar destinations in Japan but it actually houses the largest number of marine species in the country. It was established in 1956 and now carries more than 450 kinds of sea creatures including tiger sharks, Japanese spider crabs, and sea lions.
The vicinity consists of seventeen sections that feature deepwater, tropical, freshwater, and saltwater marine animals from all places around the globe. There are even some capybaras being taken care of at the aquarium.
Tourists can reach the Takeshima Aquarium by taking a 15-minute walk away from the Gamagori Station. It
Address: 1-6 Takeshimacho, Gamagori 443-0031, Aichi Prefecture
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person (for adults); 200 yen per person (for children)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Wednesdays to Mondays
Takeshima Island
Takeshima Island is one of the places Gamagori is famous for. It is connected to the shore through a 387-meter long bridge. According to legend, couples who cross the bridge together while holding hands will be blessed with a good relationship and future.
The island houses a shrine known as Yaotomi Shrine, which is dedicated to Ichikishima-Hime-no-Mikoto, the female Shinto god counterpart of Benzaiten, a Buddhist goddess. The shrine is popular for being a place of worship where visitors may pray for matchmaking, prosperity, and safe childbirth.
Address: Takeshimacho, Gamagori 443-0031, Aichi Prefecture
Umibe No Bungaku Kinenkan
Umibe No Bungaku Kinenkan, or also known as the Seaside Literary Memorial Museum, was established in honor of the city’s cultural heritage. It houses the works of several novelists, poets, and artists that found inspiration in the picturesque city. Even the works of Yasunari Kawabata (recipient of the Nobel Prize), Masamitsu Miyagatani (recipient of the Naoki Prize), and Keiichiro Hirano (recipient of the Akutagawa Prize) are showcased at this facility.
The museum also allows visitors to send a letter to their future selves. This activity is known as Toki-tegami, or the Time Letter, and can be availed for an additional fee.
Address: 15-62, Takeshima-cho, Gamagori 443-0031, Aichi Prefecture
Admission Fee: 500 - 1,000 yen
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Wednesdays to Mondays
Inn, Hotel, and Resort Options in Gamagori, Japan
Tourists can choose from various accommodation options in Gamagori, Japan to suit their style and budget.
Traditional Japanese Houses & Inns
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Himeyado Hanakazashi (Women-Only Ryokan)
Address: 17-1 Oyama, Nishiura-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 27,900 yen
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Japanese Ryokan Hiranoya Miya Onsen
Address: 1-21 Minamiyama, Miya-cho, Gamagori-gun, Aichi
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 21,000 yen
Traditional & Modern Hotels
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Gamagori Hotel
Address: 2-82 Miya Kita-dori, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 6,700 yen
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Gamagori Classic Hotel
Address: 15-1 Takeshima-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 9,700 yen
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Hotel Takeshima
Address: 1-6 Takeshima-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 17,300 yen
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Tenkukaiyu no Yado Suehiro
Address: 17 Oyama, Nishiura-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 16,500 yen
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Orange Pension
Address: 52-8 Hoshigoe Otsuka-cho, Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 9,000 yen
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Hotel Mikawa Kaiyoukaku
Address: 1-69 Miyacho Minamiyama, Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (1 Adult, 1 Night): 10,800 yen
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Nishiura Grand Hotel Kikkei
Address: 3 Shiogara, Nishiura-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 16,000 yen
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Hotel Toukaien
Address: 17-1 Oyama, Nishiura-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 22,600 yen
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Suzuoka
Address: 3-14 Yunada, Kanehiracho, Gamagoori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 10,500 yen
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Hotel Meizanso
Address: 14-1 Tobikake, Miya-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 11,000 yen
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Shofuen
Address: 14-4 Tobikake Miya-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 11,300 yen
Resort Hotels
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Shunkei Roman Gimpaso
Address: 25 Oyama, Nishiura-cho, Gamagori-gun, Aichi Prefecture
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 20,100 yen
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Wano Resort Hazu
Address: 17 Oyama Nishiuracho, Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture 443-0105
Starting Price (2 Adults, 1 Night): 11,000 yen
Gamagori, Japan – Map & Access
The city of Gamagori can be reached by car or by train through the following routes:
Rail:
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JR Tokaido Line
The train ride to Gamagori from the Nagoya Station of the Tokaido Main Line of JR Central only takes 42 minutes of travel time. Passengers may get off at the Mikawa-Shiotsu Station, Gamagori Station, Mikawa-Miya Station, or Mikawa-Otsuka Station.
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Meitetsu Gamagori Line
The Meitetsu Gamagori Line is the Aichi Prefecture’s railway line that stretches for a length of 17.6 kilometers, connecting Gamagori and Nishio. Stations within the city of Gamagori include Nishiura, Katahara, Mikawa Kashima, Gamagori-Kyoteijo-Mae, and Gamagori.
Highway:
Tourists who want to experience driving in Japan can choose to rent out a car and make their way to Gamagori through the following routes:
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National Route 473
National Route 473 is a 153-mile long highway that connects Gamagori and Makinohara City of the Shizuoka Prefecture.
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National Route 248
National Route 248 is a 70-mile long highway that connects Gamagori and Gifu City of the Gifu Prefecture.
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National Route 247
National Route 247 is a 93-mile long highway that connects Toyohashi City of the Aichi Prefecture and the Atsuta Ward of Nagoya, Aichi.
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National Route 23
National Route 23 is a 109-mile long highway that connects the Toyohashi City of the Aichi Prefecture with Ise City of the Mie Prefecture.