Kōta(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kotada Town, recommended for families is Kotada-machi Minshuku Koya, a charming traditional Japanese-style guesthouse nestled near the Kotada River. The property features tatami rooms, private outdoor hot springs, and a garden inspired by local tea fields. Families can enjoy guided river kayaking, farm visits to organic rice paddies, and hands-on experiences at the Kotada Local Farmers Market, where kids can sample fresh tofu and handmade mochi. With free bicycles and multilingual staff, it’s ideal for discovering rural life in Aichi Prefecture.

The central district of Kotada Town offers the most convenient and authentic stay, located just steps from Kotada Station and Town Hall. This low-density residential zone blends quiet streets with small boutique inns and homestays. Guests can walk along the scenic Kotada River Trail at dawn or visit Kotada Town Park for cherry blossom viewing. Nearby, the Aichi Prefectural History Museum Branch provides insight into regional traditions. Many lodgings offer complimentary bikes, making it easy to explore nearby temples, rice fields, and historic villages.

Visitors to Kotada Town should not miss the annual Kotada Tea Festival, where guests can hand-pick tea leaves, learn matcha preparation techniques, and taste limited-edition teas crafted by local farmers. The Kotada Traditional Craft Workshops also offer hands-on sessions in pottery and bamboo basket weaving—perfect for souvenirs. In autumn, the Kotada Lantern Festival illuminates the riverbank with artistic light displays, blending old-world aesthetics with contemporary design. These events highlight the town’s deep-rooted heritage and creative spirit.

For couples seeking intimacy, Tsukino Mori Villa is a secluded Japanese-style villa set along the tranquil upper reaches of the Kotada River. With only four rooms, each designed around a season theme, guests enjoy private open-air onsen baths and secluded gardens. The on-site restaurant serves exquisite kaiseki meals made with locally sourced ingredients, paired with premium Nagoya shochu. Couples can book a candlelit tea ceremony with live shakuhachi flute music, creating a serene, unforgettable ambiance under the stars.

Key landmarks in Kotada Town include Kotada Shrine, a centuries-old wooden shrine hosting the annual Mikoshi Fire Festival; Kotada Dam, offering panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains—ideal for photography; and the Kotada Agricultural Information Center, showcasing historical farming tools and rural life through the Edo period. The former Kotada Post Office, now a cultural hub, hosts craft markets and short-story exhibitions, reflecting the town’s vibrant community revival.

Must-try dishes in Kotada Town include Kotada White Rice Dumplings, made from local Aichi rice with a delicate texture; Kotada Milk Tofu, crafted from fresh milk delivered daily from nearby farms, known for its silky mouthfeel; and the seasonal Kotada Sweet Potato Hot Pot, slow-cooked with local chicken and vegetables. Visit the morning Kotada Morning Market for freshly harvested produce and artisanal coffee beans. Some inns also offer "Dining with Kotada" experiences, where guests enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by local families.

Yes, Kotada Town is perfect for self-drive tours. Start from Nagoya City, take the Higashi-Ogaki Road, and stop at the Kotada River Scenic Overlook for misty morning photos. Next, visit Kotada Shrine and the Old Kotada Post Office Creative Space. Then head to the Kotada Tea Farm for a tea-picking experience. End with a drive along the West Oji Farmland Route, passing rice fields and cherry groves, before stopping at the Kotada Agricultural Cooperative for local souvenirs. The entire route takes about 2 hours, with clear signage and smooth roads.

While Kotada Town isn’t a traditional hot spring destination, nearby Nishio City and Toyohashi City offer excellent options. Nishio Onsen - Matsuyu Spa is a 30-minute drive away, featuring soft alkaline carbonated springs beneficial for skin health. For a more intimate experience, book Kotada Green Valley Onsen House, a restored old house turned private ryokan with only three rooms. Each room includes an outdoor bath surrounded by forest, plus a tea lounge. Enjoy a night soak under the stars, complete with minimal lighting and quiet nature sounds.

Families will love the Kotada River Kids’ Nature Park, where children can fish, explore ecosystems, and join guided nature walks. The Kotada Children’s Farm lets kids milk goats, feed lambs, and plant vegetables. During summer, the "Junior Tea Master Camp" teaches kids how to prepare matcha treats. The Kotada Town Library also hosts bilingual storytime sessions and illustrated theater performances. All activities are supported by multilingual guides, making them accessible for international families.

Seasonal highlights in Kotada Town include the Kotada Tea Festival in spring, celebrating tea harvesting and brewing rituals; the Kotada Firefly Night Walk in summer, where thousands of fireflies glow along the riverbank; the Kotada Autumn Leaves Festival, when the shrine path bursts into crimson hues illuminated by lanterns; and the Kotada Snow Festival in winter, featuring snow sculpture contests and cozy hearth-side tea gatherings. These events blend tradition, nature, and creativity, offering immersive cultural experiences throughout the year.