Journey Through the Sacred Sites and Gourmet Delights of Tokai: A Weekend Retreat to Nourish Mind and Body

Hello! I usually spend half the year abroad in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau, but when I am in Japan, I enjoy taking spontaneous solo trips in search of "gourmet food" and "power spots."

While I love the excitement of foreign lands, experiencing the depth of Japanese history and the delicate flavors of the changing seasons always reaffirms for me just how wonderful Japan truly is.

In this article, I would like to introduce a journey I recommend through the "sacred sites" and "gourmet delights" of the Tokai region, where you can transcend time and savor exquisite flavors. From historic divine realms to hidden culinary gems, this is a proposal for a weekend that will nourish both your mind and body.

[Solace and Healing] Into the Abyss of History

When I want to step away from the busyness of daily life and quietly reset my mind, I head to sacred sites where I can feel the layers of history.

⛩ To Atsuta Jingu: Wrapped in 1,000 Years of Silence

First, I head to the well-known Atsuta Jingu. Walking through the shrine grounds, one cannot help but feel the layers of history. Looking up at the "sacred tree," said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi and over 1,000 years old, the atmosphere of silence is truly healing.

Something you absolutely cannot miss here is the "Nobunaga Wall," one of the three great earthen walls of Japan. It is a wall that Oda Nobunaga donated in 1560 as a thank-you offering after praying for victory before the Battle of Okehazama and winning decisively. It is a power spot for good fortune in competition, so it is especially recommended for those facing new challenges.

Furthermore, the Treasure Hall houses approximately 6,000 items donated by the Imperial Family and the Tokugawa clan. The many famous swords speak to the weight of history.

⛩ Yaotomi Shrine: Crossing the 387-Meter Barrier

Next, I head to Yaotomi Shrine, the "island where gods dwell," located across a 387-meter bridge. Once you cross the bridge, you arrive at "Takeshima," an island with unique vegetation designated as a National Natural Monument.

In fact, this place has a deep history, as Fujiwara no Toshinari is said to have invited the deity Benzaiten here from Chikubushima Island in Lake Biwa in 1181. The name "Takeshima" is also said to come from the fact that two bamboo plants were brought root and all from Chikubushima and planted on the island, which was originally just a thicket of trees. Please experience the sensation of the air changing instantly as you cross the bridge.

🏯 A Journey to Mountain Village Castle Ruins and Roadside Station Gourmet

If you want to feel the romance of history, head to Damine Castle, also known as "Snake Head Castle." The view from the main palace will truly make you feel like the lord of your own castle! You can feel the history of the Yamaga Sanpo-shu of the Sengoku period firsthand.

After exploring history, fill your stomach at the "Shitara" roadside station. The "Forest Bounty" gibier mazesoba, topped generously with minced and seared venison, and the spicy tomato curry made with local vine-ripened tomatoes and sake lees chicken, which you can only taste here, are exquisite.

【Vitality and Superb Views】 Devouring the Bounties of Sea and River

Another highlight of the trip is the local "food" unique to the region. When you want to fully recharge your energy, target the freshest seafood and river delicacies.

🐟 Okumikawa: A Feast of Clear Streams and "Fragrant Fish"

If you want to bathe in the negative ions of nature, head to the 15-meter-high Narusawa Falls on a tributary of the Toyokawa River. By going down near the waterfall and seeing it up close, you can fully experience the negative ions.

And the main event in Okumikawa is the ayu (sweetfish) feast at Hojoen! Enjoy a moment savoring the aroma of ayu, known as "fragrant fish," prepared as salt-grilled, fried, and even the rare "sashimi" style. The complete lack of any muddy odor is proof of the clear stream. For the finale, try the "ayu porridge" made with a whole ayu. The gentle broth and savory aroma will soak right into your body.

🍤 Laguna Ten Bosch: The Experts Aim for 9:00 AM

The Laguna Ten Bosch theme park is open for 10 hours, but the expert technique is to aim for 9:00 AM sharp. This is because the "Fish Market" opens at 9:00 AM! Avoiding the crowded lunch hour and enjoying local seafood first thing in the morning is my go-to routine.

The "Fisherman's Style Topped Fish Bowl (880 yen)" piled high with seasonal local fish, and the "Laguna Tempura Bowl (550 yen)" topped with shrimp and fish tempura are must-eats. Furthermore, as a pro tip, at Umi no Hana, you can add charcoal-grilled "large clams" or "squid" sold at the storefront to your set meal for an extra 500 yen. The luxury of stuffing your cheeks with piping hot, freshly grilled food is irresistible.

You can also enjoy the flavors of "Mugi no Ryu," a ramen shop supervised by a Michelin-listed restaurant, and "Taira no Ya," which has lines forming from early in the morning, without having to wait here. By the way, Lagunasia allows you to enter with your pet dog, and it is said you can even have the rare experience of riding the merry-go-round together.

🍜 Numazu Ittekiya: Sipping the Suruga Bay, the Umami of 26 Clams

You also shouldn't miss the evolution of gourmet food at service areas on your way home. "Ittekiya" located at the Shin-Tomei Suruga Bay Numazu SA (inbound).

This "Clam Shiohama Ramen" is a soy sauce-based dish, but the clam broth is so rich that it tastes like "salt" or "clam soup." It contains a whopping 26 clams, and even after you finish the noodles, the loop of ingredients and soup is an "infinite" umami ramen! While gazing at the tea plantations and Suruga Bay spreading out below, you can drink it down to the very last drop. It is truly a front-row seat to a spectacular view.

Which story will you weave this weekend?

• 1. PLAN A: 【Requiem and Healing】 Into the Abyss of History For those of you who want to quietly compose your mind. A course that visits Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Yaotomi Shrine (Takeshima/Ryujin), and Takeshima Aquarium.

• 1. PLAN B: 【Vitality and Spectacular Views】 Devouring the Bounty of the Sea For those of you looking to recharge your energy. A course to fully enjoy Okumikawa (Ayu dishes, Kamozawa Falls, hot springs), Laguna Ten Bosch (9 AM seafood bowl, secret menu BBQ), and Numazu SA (clam ramen, spectacular scenery).

✅ My Travel Checklist

• Touch the texture of the earth on the 'Nobunaga Wall' at Atsuta Jingu Shrine

• Cross the bridge to Takeshima and feel the moment the air changes

• Experience the aroma of 'Ayu' in Okumikawa

• Slip into the Laguna Fish Market at '9 AM'

• Try counting the number of 'clams' in your ramen in Numazu

If you change where you stay and where you go, daily life becomes much more fun. Touching the weight of history and being satisfied by seasonal tastes. The base for such a 'journey that is uniquely yours' is always right here.