Things To Do
in Chita

Chita is a coastal city on Mikawa Bay in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, located just east of Nagoya. It blends a strong seafood heritage with traditional crafts and modern waterfront life. The area offers easy access to scenic coastlines, quiet temples, and parks perfect for day trips.

Visitors can savor fresh Mikawa Bay seafood, explore historic neighborhoods, and enjoy relaxed coastal scenery that feels a world away from the city bustle.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Chita
morning
:

Arrive in Chita and check into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the local neighborhood to soak in the atmosphere. Enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast at a nearby cafe to kickstart your culinary journey.

afternoon
:

Visit the Chita Peninsula and take in the stunning coastal views. Spend some time at the Chitahanto Winery for a relaxing tour and wine tasting. Indulge in local cuisine for lunch, sampling specialties like hitsumabushi.

evening
:

Relax with a stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the horizon. Consider dining at a teppanyaki restaurant, where you can watch skilled chefs prepare your meal. Wind down at your hotel or a local onsen to rejuvenate.

day 2
Exploring Chita's Temples
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the historic Daibonji Temple, known for its stunning architecture. Enjoy a peaceful moment as you wander through its serene gardens. Capture photographs of the beautiful surroundings and its traditional structures.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Chita City Museum of Arts, showcasing local artists and historical pieces. Afterward, visit the famous Iseji Road, where you can explore local shops and crafts. Sample local snacks and pastries for a delightful lunch break.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya and try different Japanese-style shared plates. Take some time to engage with the friendly locals and learn about their customs. End the night with a cultural performance or local event if one is available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or drink in cafe$3-6
🍜Lunch at mid-range restaurant$10-18
🏨1-night stay in mid-range hotel$70-120
🚆Public transport day pass$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access from Nagoya and good day-trip potential
  • Fresh seafood and coastal scenery
  • Rich crafts scene with Tokoname pottery
  • Relaxed pace and safe, friendly environment
  • Small towns may have limited nightlife
  • Language barrier can be challenging in rural areas
  • Seasonal weather can bring typhoons in summer
  • Some attractions require transport to reach
  • "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
  • "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you very much
  • "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "いくらですか? (Ikura desu ka?)" - How much is this?
  • "お願いします (Onegaishimasu)" - Please
  • "トイレはどこですか? (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Chita

Visit one of these nice places.

Mikawa Bay Sunset Vista

Wide harbor panorama with fishing boats and a golden sunset reflecting on the water.

Tokoname Ceramic Street at Dusk

Colorful ceramic storefronts and kilns lit by warm dusk light, perfect for texture shots.

Chita Peninsula Coastal Lookout

Scenic coastlines with rocky coves, lighthouses, and waves meeting the bay.

Harbor Market Morning Scene

Fresh seafood stalls, fishermen, and locals at dawn offering candid street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chita

Chita offers a seafood-forward cuisine anchored in the Mikawa region, with simple izakaya fare and regional sweets that pair well with local tea.

Chita Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mikawa Uiro

A soft, steamed rice cake from Mikawa known for its subtle sweetness and silky texture.

Must-Try!

Hitsumabushi

Nagoya-style grilled eel on rice, enjoyed in multiple takes for a full tasting experience.

Miso Katsu

Panko-crusted pork cutlet drizzled with red miso sauce, a hearty regional favorite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mikawa Bay Market

Harbor market with fresh sashimi counters, grilled seafood, and the option to dine on the stalls' bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Chita has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. Rainy season runs from early June to July, with variable precipitation year to year. Springs are mild and springs bring blossoms; autumns are pleasant with mild evenings.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and greetings

Stand in line, wait your turn, and bow slightly when greeting. Use polite language and honorifics.

Shoes and temple etiquette

Remove shoes when entering certain temples or traditional spaces; follow signs and respectful silence in sacred places.

No tipping and cash handling

Avoid tipping; pay with cash or card and handle money with care, using both hands if possible.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; usual urban precautions apply. Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets, be mindful of tides along the coast, and stay aware of weather alerts during typhoon season. Emergency numbers in Japan: 110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance.

Tipping in Chita

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Japan and is often declined. Instead, provide thanks with a polite formal bow.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are increasingly common in hotels, larger shops, and restaurants. IC cards and mobile payments are becoming popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with a chance of typhoons. Beaches are popular; hydrate, wear sunscreen, and seek shade in late afternoons.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage along coastlines; great for outdoor dining and photography.

Winter

Mildly cool with occasional chilly winds; sea air feels brisk and crisp; enjoy warm bowls at ramen shops.

Spring

Cherry blossoms and plum trees bloom along rivers and parks; ideal for strolls and photo walks.

Nightlife Guide

Chita at Night

Chita nightlife is generally low-key, with seaside izakayas, quiet bars, and live-mabo music venues in small clusters along the harbor. Expect intimate settings rather than large club scenes, ideal for sampling seafood drinks and local brews after a day by the sea.

Hiking in Chita

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Atsumi Peninsula coastal trails

Granular coastal paths with sea views and small beaches, suitable for day hikes.

Seaside forest trails near Tokoname

Gentle forest walks with occasional ocean views and birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Chita by plane.

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Major international gateway on the Atsumi Peninsula in Tokoname, about 30-60 minutes by train/bus from central Chita.

Nagoya Airfield (NKM)

Regional airport serving domestic flights; accessible by rail or road from Chita for shorter trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Chita is walkable in town centers, especially along the harbor and in Tokoname's pottery streets. Beyond the core areas, bikes and short taxi hops are common for reaching beaches and viewpoints. Trains and buses connect the peninsula to Nagoya and nearby towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in the area with a mix of commuters to Nagoya and retirees seeking coastal living.

Retirees

Older demographics are common in coastal towns, with community centers and temple activities.

Local artisans

Ceramic artisans in Tokoname and craftspeople across the peninsula.

Tourists

Visitors from Nagoya and beyond drawn to seafood, beaches, and pottery towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is popular nationwide and local clubs often host games and practice around weekends.

Soccer

Local teams play in regional leagues; stadiums and fields are common near cities and towns.

Fishing

Mikawa Bay and coastal waters attract sea fishing and family-friendly angling.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transportation includes trains and buses with frequent service to Nagoya and nearby towns. Traffic can be light in town but coastal roads may experience congestion in peak tourist seasons. Roads are well maintained; note tolls on expressways when driving between cities.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chita.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist, but note that many dishes use dashi (fish stock). Look for vegetable dashi or request no dashi; opt for tofu, vegetable tempura, and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are available in Chita and nearby cities with clinics and hospitals. English-speaking staff may be limited in smaller clinics; travel insurance is recommended. For emergencies, use local hospitals or call 119 for emergencies and 110 for police.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide