Traveling Aispo-kun
To the recommended spots by teams and players in Aichi case #2

Hiroki Muto・Koki Kano x Ama City

Explore places recommended by teams and players in Aichi with Aispo-kun!
In the second issue, we will look at the history and culture of Ama City, a neighbor of Nagoya City with Hiroki Muto and Koki Kano! Hiroki Muto is a bronze medalist in the men's archery team and Ama City is his hometown. Koki Kano is a gold medalist in the men's epee fencing team at Tokyo 2020.

Hiroki Muto(archery)・Koki Kano(fencing)

Both players received Ama City's first Citizen's Honor Award!

With the success of Muto and Kano in Tokyo 2020, Ama City established the Citizen's Honor Award, and the two were selected as the first to receive the award.
The award ceremony was held on October 4, 2021, at the main building of Ama City Hall.

Recommended by Hiroki Muto

　

Jimokuji Kannon

Around 5-minute on foot from Jimokuji Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line

One of the Owari Four Kannon Temples
A large temple featuring a three-story pagoda

It is one of the oldest temples in Japan, followed by the Horyu-ji Temple and Shitennoji Temple. After the construction of Nagoya Castle, it was worshipped as one of the four Kannon of Owari and is a place everyone in the Jimokuji area knows.
The Nandaimon gate, built in the early Kamakura period, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, and the Niou statue was dedicated by Masanori Fukushima, a warlord from Ama City.
The eleven-faced Kannon statue enshrined in the main hall is a secret statue that is opened only once every 50 years.
Muto often visits this place to pay his respects, and the local elementary schools use this place for their community studies.
A morning market is held every month on the 12th and a market on the 21st.

Address: 24, Jimokuji Higashimonzen, Ama City
Telephone number: 052-442-3076
Hours: 8:00 - 17:00
Holidays: nothing

The premises where morning markets are held.
The main hall has bright vermilion-lacquered pillars.

One of the tallest three-stories pagoda in Japan at 28 meters high

　
　

　

Kayatsu Shrine

Around 15-minute on foot from Sukaguchi Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line

The only place in Japan!
Shrine dedicated to the god of pickles

It is dedicated to Kayanohime no Kami, the god of farming and the ancestor of pickles.
It is a unique shrine that has an "incense jar" for storing jars of pickles.
The only pickles ritual in the country, the "Kounomono Festival" is held annually on August 21. It is a cultural event designated as an intangible folk cultural asset by Ama City, and many pickle and salt makers participate in the festival.
Muto visits the temple on New Year and decided to research about Kounomono Festival for his summer homework when he was in middle school.

Address: 19 Kurumaya, Kamikayadu, Ama City
Telephone number: 052-444-3019
Hours: free to visit
Holidays: nothing

Precincts with a solemn atmosphere

Kalimori, eggplant, Chinese cabbage, and radish are offered at Kounomono festival.

Located along the Gojo River

　
　

Recommended by Koki Kano

　

Riverside Garden

Around 6-minute on foot from Kida Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line

A place for people to relax and enjoy the scenery along the river

Natural scenery along the slope of the Kanie River.
A peaceful landscape of the countryside from the Meitetsu Tsushima Line train running beside the rice fields. In the park, there are 1,000 ceramic plates illustrating plants that grow in Aichi Prefecture. Also, you get to see seasonal flowers and an arched garden bridge.
For Kano, it is a place with fond memories of running and walking his dog.

Address: Ama City, Kanaiwa Etsuke
Telephone number: 052-441-7112
Hours: free to visit

The garden bridge in the park is beautifully lit up at night.

The riverside street where Kano used to run.

　
　

　

Machi Cafe

Around 10-minute on foot from Kida Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line

A popular store among many coffee shops in Ama City

Café in a quiet residential area.
Their famous spaghetti Neapolitan, a plateful of rice omelet, and fruit-filled pancakes are so popular that many customers line up at lunchtime.
It is also known for its fruit sandwiches and natural ice shaved ice which is available year-round.
Kano recently enjoyed a morning set that included a hot sandwich, salad, and boiled eggs.

Address: 19-1 Rokutanda, Hanaosa, Ama City
Telephone number: 052-446-0311
Hours: 7:00 - 18:00
Holidays: Monday

Shaved ice with natural water and homemade syrups served from 2:30 p.m.

An example of a morning that Kano also enjoyed.

The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere where you can feel the warmth of the wood.

The famous spaghetti Neapolitan with plenty of eggs.

　
　

Recommended by Hiroki Muto

　

Mistral

Around 19-minute on foot from Kida Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line

A pastry shop in business for over a quarter of a century

A pastry shop that uses many seasonal fruits.
There are 30 types of cakes, with a wide selection of baked goods that make perfect gifts. Some regular customers come to visit from Nagoya.
After Tokyo 2020, Muto goes to eat a special Mont Blanc.
There is also a spacious café inside the store, where you can have a relaxing time with their cakes.
Baked goods such as macarons and petit gâteaux are also available online.

Address: 7 Nagabori, Shinoda, Ama City
Telephone number: 052-449-1830
Hours: 9:00 - 19:00
Holidays: irregular holidays

French Mont Blanc is made with chestnuts from France and prepared using authentic European techniques.

Fig tart, available only from June to October.

A wide variety of Western confections is available.

Stylish European-style building.

　
　

Recommended by Aispo-kun

　

Simokayadu Wisteria Garden

Around 6-minute by cab from Jimokuji Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line

Giant Wisteria seen only once a year.
I can't believe it's just one tree.

A native species of wistaria is called Noda Fuji. It grows naturally on the bank of the Shinkawa River, located on the southern side of the Kayatsu Bridge.
The tree is estimated to be about 350 years old and is designated as a natural monument of the prefecture.
The thick, wavy branches extend 15 meters across from a single trunk which is a spectacular sight.
It is open to the public for a limited time around the end of April every year.
A guided tour will be held on the day of the event for the volunteers.

Address: 1130-42 Hitsujimitori, Shimokayadu, Ama City
Telephone number: 052-442-8522

　
　

　

Shippo art village

Around 25-minutes on foot from Shippo Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line.

Works appreciated by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress

Visitors can learn about the history of Owari shippo (cloisonne), a traditional craft designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. You can also see the actual crafting process, as well as the works and tools used.
Shippo is unique for its detailed patterns on a metal surface. It is created by a border of metal wire and baking with a glassy glaze.
Shippoyaki workshops are also available (fee required). You can either make a brooch or a key chain.

Address: 2000 Toshima jusanwari, Shippo-cho, Ama City
Telephone number: 052-443-7588
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Holidays: Mondays (open on national holidays)

The Shippoyaki Fureai Traditions Museum is divided into four areas.

In addition to the regular exhibition, there are special exhibitions too.