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

In Mitoyo City, recommend staying at Miyabi Kōdo-kan Guesthouse, a charming traditional Japanese inn located near the Sanmi River and Ono-dera Temple. This family-oriented guesthouse features spacious rooms with wooden interiors, private gardens, and kid-friendly activities such as rice planting workshops and local cooking classes. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Mitoyo City Museum, perfect for cultural learning.

For modern comfort, Mitoyo City Hotel offers free parking, breakfast, and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Its central location makes it ideal for families exploring nearby attractions like Yamaguchi Park and Shinano Shrine.

Sanmi River View Hotel is the premier choice for scenic stays in Mitoyo City. Overlooking the tranquil Sanmi River, this hotel offers panoramic views of misty mornings and city lights at night. Each room features a private balcony with river-facing windows, while the on-site Japanese-style bath and outdoor garden provide serene relaxation.

The hotel hosts seasonal events like the River Night Lantern Festival, blending light art and local music performances. Located just a 10-minute walk from Mitoyo City Hall, it's perfect for photographers and travelers seeking peaceful, immersive experiences amid nature.

Mitoyo City offers authentic cultural experiences rooted in textile heritage and agricultural tradition. Visit the Sanmi Textile Workshop to participate in a hands-on Shibori dyeing class, where you’ll learn to craft traditional indigo patterns using ancient looms—recognized as a prefectural intangible cultural asset.

Don’t miss the Spring Blessing Festival at Ono-dera Temple, held annually in spring, featuring ceremonial processions, traditional kimonos, and local treats like red bean rice balls. In summer, attend the Sanmi River Lantern Festival, where paper lanterns float down the river, symbolizing gratitude to nature. These events reflect the community’s deep connection to land and heritage.

The Sanmi River Greenway Trail is highly recommended for a full-day hike, stretching approximately 8 km from Sanmi Bridge to Nishio Station. The trail winds through bamboo groves, paddy fields, and historic villages, passing by Sanmi Shrine and preserved old townhouses.

Midway points offer rest stops serving local tea and handmade snacks. Best visited early morning to avoid heat, this route is certified by Mitoyo City Tourism Association and equipped with signage and safety monitoring. Ideal for all ages, it combines natural beauty with historical discovery.

Mitoyo City’s culinary highlights include Sanmi Beef, a premium Wagyu variety known for its tender, rich flavor. Try it at Wafu-tei, a specialty restaurant offering grilled steaks and sukiyaki.

Another must-try is Red Bean Rice, made from glutinous rice and sweet red beans, often served with pickled vegetables and miso soup—perfect for breakfast. Available at Mitoyo Market stalls, it’s also featured in a hands-on Red Bean Rice Making Workshop.

Don’t miss Sanmi River Carp Hot Pot, a regional delicacy using fresh carp caught in the local river—delicate, sweet, and deeply flavorful, reflecting the area’s riverine culture.

The best times to visit Mitoyo City are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings cherry blossoms along the Sanmi River, creating dreamy photo opportunities, coinciding with the Spring Blessing Festival and textile exhibitions.

Autumn offers cool weather and vibrant foliage, especially around Ono-dera Temple. This season also hosts the Lantern Festival and local harvest markets, where you can taste fresh pumpkins, persimmons, and high-quality rice. With pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, both seasons are ideal for cultural immersion and leisurely exploration.

Key historical sites in Mitoyo City include Ono-dera Temple’s Ancient Main Hall, built during the Edo period and one of the few remaining intact wooden Buddhist halls in Aichi Prefecture. Inside, a thousand-year-old Buddha statue is enshrined, designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Another landmark is the Old Mitoyo Town Hall, originally the Meiji-era administrative center, now transformed into the Mitoyo City Museum. Its Western-style brick architecture reflects early modernization efforts, housing exhibits on agriculture, textiles, and local folklore.

The stone bridges along the Sanmi River are also historically significant, some dating back to the 17th century, once vital for trade routes between villages—still functional today.

Photography enthusiasts should visit the Sanmi River at dawn, where mist rises over the water, creating ethereal reflections—ideal for capturing serene landscapes from Sanmi Bridge.

The vermilion torii gate and ancient pine trees at Ono-dera Temple provide dramatic contrast, especially during golden hour. For intimate shots, visit the Sanmi Textile Workshop during weaving or dyeing sessions, where artisans work in rhythmic motion.

During the Lantern Festival, long-exposure photography captures flowing light trails on the river. The city tourism office offers free guided photo tours and recommends optimal angles and equipment setups.

Despite being in a rural part of Aichi Prefecture, Mitoyo City has good transport links. The Aichi Ring Expressway runs through the city, allowing a 45-minute bus ride from Nagoya Station to the Mitoyo City Hall Bus Stop.

The Mitoyo City Tourist Bus operates weekends and holidays, connecting major sites like Ono-dera Temple, Sanmi River Greenway, and Textile Workshop with multilingual audio guides.

For independent travel, electric bicycles are available for rent at multiple stations, enabling flexible exploration. Additionally, intercity shuttle services link Mitoyo to nearby Nishio City and Okazaki City, making day trips easy.

Top souvenirs from Mitoyo City include Sanmi Beef Jerky, crafted from premium Wagyu beef—tender, savory, and packaged with traditional ukiyo-e designs. Perfect for gifts or personal keepsakes.

Shibori-Dyed Fabric Scarves are handcrafted, each pattern unique, ideal as accessories or wall décor. Each comes with a maker’s signature card.

Other popular items: Sanmi River Fishing Sauce (made from local carp and rice vinegar) and bamboo woven baskets, all available at the Mitoyo City Tourist Products Center. All goods support local artisans and come with elegant gift packaging options.