5 Photogenic Buildings & Streetscapes in Aichi: Retro Architecture and Castles for Instagram

Aichi is full of beautiful buildings and streetscapes that make you want to reach for your camera. From historic castles to exotic Western-style mansions, the prefecture is packed with photogenic spots. Here are five must-visit places for photography lovers.

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1. Inuyama Castle (Inuyama City)

The "National Treasure Inuyama Castle" boasts a striking white keep rising against the Kiso River. The angle looking up from the riverside is like a painting. During the spring cherry blossom season, the contrast of pink and white is beautiful and hugely popular on social media.

Photo tip: Shooting with a slight telephoto from the riverside embankment creates a dreamlike image of the keep floating in the sky. The keep dyed orange at dusk is also exquisite.

Access: About a 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Inuyama Line "Inuyama-yuen Station."

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2. Former Toyoda Sasuke Residence (Higashi Ward, Nagoya)

This Western-style house connected to the founding family of the Toyota Group is a treasure trove of retro architecture retaining the air of the Taisho era. The red brick and cream-colored walls create an exquisite contrast, as if you'd wandered into a European street corner.

Best time: The hours when soft morning light hits the walls. May, with fresh greenery, pairs beautifully.

Photo tip: Shooting vertically centered on the front entrance brings out the classic atmosphere.

Access: About a 10-minute walk from "Takaoka Station" on the Sakura-dori subway line.

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3. Old Townscape of Arimatsu (Midori Ward, Nagoya)

Arimatsu, a town of tie-dyeing (shibori) since the Edo period, is a picturesque streetscape of white-walled, black-latticed townhouses. Walk it in a yukata and you can take photos full of a time-slip Japanese atmosphere.

Best time: The quiet morning hours, or the evocative light at dusk.

Photo tip: Step back a little down the street and frame the symmetrical townhouses to create depth.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line "Arimatsu Station."

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4. Nagoya City Archives (Higashi Ward, Nagoya)

A building of overwhelming presence fusing red brick and neo-Baroque style. Famous as a filming location for dramas and movies, it lets you take photos that make people ask, "Is this really Japan?"

Best time: A clear-skied afternoon, when the red of the building contrasts best with the blue sky.

Photo tip: A wide-angle shot incorporating the front staircase in the foreground is the standard. The interior spiral staircase is a must-see too.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from "Shiyakusho Station" on the Meijo subway line.

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5. Meiji Mura (Inuyama City)

The open-air architectural museum Meiji Mura holds over 60 Meiji-era structures relocated from across Japan. Photogenic from every angle, it's truly a mecca for photography.

Best time: The autumn foliage season, when the contrast of red and yellow with historic architecture peaks. Photos with the steam locomotive are also popular.

Photo tip: Do try interior shots that make use of the stained glass of St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral.

Access: About a 20-minute bus ride from Meitetsu Inuyama Line "Inuyama Station."

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Aichi's photogenic spots, where history and beauty meet, are waiting for you. Charge your camera and set out to capture your own one-of-a-kind shots.