| Centrip Editorial Board

Enjoy Rainy Days: 16 Attractions for Rainy Days in Central Japan

A long-awaited overseas travel suddenly ruined by rain? Don't worry, we've got you covered! You may already know about a lot of indoor attractions in Nagoya, like the science museum or Noritake no Mori, but there are still other attractions in Nagoya that can be enjoyed no matter what the weather is. Grab a cup of green tea and check out these 16 locations hand-selected for you to enjoy.

Aichi

Nagoya City / Suburb

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The museum was the oldest factory of Toyota (Toyota Weaving Machine Factory). It was built in the Taishō era (1912–1926), and was the beginning of the Toyota Group. There are a large number of textile machines, metal processing machines, steam engines and other mechanical entities in the museum to show you the unremitting development of Toyota since start.
Of course, the most interesting parts about the Automobile Pavilion which is how large it is (like the size of a stadium)! Cars from different periods illustrate the history of Japanese automobile developement. See details of the vehicles and practical demonstrations by instructors to show you even more.
They even have rides for the kids!

LaLaport NAGOYA minato AQULS

Covering 59,500 square meters, LaLaport is a large shopping complex with 217 stores. No matter what you want, such as shopping, services, game center, food, or souvenirs, you'll find it here! Enjoy good food and a day of shopping! You'll also find an area called LaLa Plaza with shops for kids and entertainment facilities on the third floor. Tsutaya Books is a well-stocked bookstore that you could spend entire day at sipping coffee. It's fun for the whole family!

Onsen (Japanese hot spring)

When you're done sightseeing and shopping, let your troubles float away while you relax in a hot spring bath. A Japanese tradition that shouldn't be missed!
The Onsen usually has indoor/outdoor hot springs, saunas, rock baths, spas, etc. And comics, magazines, massage chairs, etc. are also available. When you are hungry, you can go to the attached restaurant for food. A total inside amusement getting rid of bad weather.

The Underground Mall

The underground mall is the best place to shop on rainy days. The Nagoya underground mall has tons of shops and said to be the birthplace of Japanese underground malls. It connects to all the major department stores so you swing by on your way to the bigger department stores too. There are malls at both Sakae and Nagoya stations.

Flight of Dreams

An aircraft-themed entertainment complex featuring Boeing first 787 aircraft.
The Flight Park on the 1st floor, housing Boeing's first 787 offers a variety of experiences. Check out the inner workings of the cockpit or experience a simulated flight. The kids can even dress up like a captain or flight attendant!
The 2nd and 3rd floors are a Seattle-themed shopping and dining area named Seattle Terrace. Grab a table to the side to watch a special light show featuring the Boeing 787 while you dine.
Flight of dreams is located near to Chubu Centrair International Airport. Check it about before take-off.

Gifu

Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen is located by the Hida River and was once praised as one of the three most famous onsen (hot springs) in Japan. The water quality of it is silky and smooth—good for beauty and health. There are 3 public hot springs here, so you can enjoy an outdoor bath. There are also many free foot baths on the street. The perfect way to pamper your tootsies.
In addition, there are a number of onsen hotels. If you are interested, you can choose a favorite hot spring to enjoy a lazy and comfortable holiday.

Hida Great Limestone Cave

Japan's highest-alititude sightseeing limestone cave: a 250 million-year magic work of nature.
The cave is 800 meters long and divided into 3 parts. The cave was once at the bottom of the ocean hundreds of millions of years ago, you can find the coral fossils alongside limestone. In addition to corals, there are also traces primitive creatures from the seabed. Don't forget to check these spots out. There are also rare stalactites in the cave, which are as small as needles.
The pathways inside the cave are steep, at times going almost straight up. The temperature is only about 10 degrees. Don't forget to pay attention while you are enjoying the view inside.

Mie

Oyatsu Town

Come see Babystar's (Japanese famous crisp noodles brand) sweet indoor theme park
There are various areas throughout created for different age groups. Trying a "high-altitude zip lines" at Japan's largest jungle gym. Or you can also play large slides, rock climbing and baseball indoors. And you also can make some special Babystar at the Babystar Factory.
All kids of different age groups can get different fun here.

Toba Aquarium

Only seen mermaids in books? Come to the Toba Aquarium for a glimpse of real mermaids, dugong. Are all cats afraid of water? Take a look at the fishing cats who are excellent swimmers. In addition to the rare dugongs and fishing cats, there are plenty of rare species here too.
You can not help to smile while being with such cute animals.

Ishikawa

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is a great work of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa who have been awarded Pritzker Architecture Prize.
“New Culture Creation” and “New Cities Create Prosperity” are the themes, focusing on the collection of modern art works. The most popular collection is The Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich. Walk along the bottom of the pool and see the sun shining overhead.

Omi-cho Market

A 300-year-old historical open-air market with the freshest fish.
The variety of seafood here is overwhelming and a ton of seafood restaurants. No matter where you choose, you're in for some fresh, delicious foods!
Many shops serve this dish alongside a number of other shops selling fruits, vegetables, sweets and other knick-knacks. Here is the place that you can touch the real lively life in Kanazawa.

Toyama

Toyama Glass Art Museum

The museum is built by various special materials such as glass, aluminum and granite. It is the work of Kengo Kuma. In Toyama where it is rare to have a sunny day, the Glass Art Museum is always reflecting the fascinating light.
The interior of the pavilion is made of Toyama's local wood, which forms a continuous spiral bevel on the 2nd to 6th floors. Even being inside, you can feel the warmth brought by the nature of Toyama.
Half of the museum is a civic library. If you are tired, you can sit down like a local and spend a day with a book.

Shiga

Lake Biwa Museum

Japan's largest lake museum for the largest lake in Japan.
Everything at the museum is there to help guest see, hear, touch, smell and taste. There's a diorama of an ancient lake scene—complete with fossils and bones. Listen to what fish hear, take a walk through the water and see the only Baikal seals in Kansai. Observing underwater creatures with microscope . After knowing more about Biwa Lake in the museum, you can go out and look at the real one with your own eyes. If you are tired, the museum's restaurant also offers delicious sea bass tempura set.

Fukui

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

One of the world's top 3 dinosaur museums.
Fukui is the city where most dinosaurs are found in Japan. "Fukuisaurus" and "Fukuiraptor", their names are both from "Fukui" where they were first discoverd. In this dinosaur kingdom, there are not only various dinosaur fossils excavated in Fukui, but also dinosaurs from all over the world. There are an amazing 42 dinosaur bone specimens.
Don't just watch—experience the fun of excavation yourself!

Nagano

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Matsumoto is the hometown of the world-renowned contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. Yayoi Kusama's works are mainly made up of polka dots and are highly regarded as Japanese national treasures.
Not only does the museum have a large Kusama collection, but its decor is also full of Kusuma charm. In front of the museum, there is a large-scale sculpture work titled "Maboroshi-no-Hana", that wows guests even before entering the museum. The facilities in the hall include polka dot trash cans and benches, completing this world of Kusuma.

Shizuoka

Chibi Maruko-chan Land

An indoor museum where you can experience the world of Japan's own world-famous Chibi Maruko-Chan.
In the museum, you can take pictures with Maruko and her friends and explore recreations of locations from the show like the classroom, the park, and the Sakura household. Character costumes are also available for rent.
The museum also contains a gallery of original drafts and production materials, and a shop that sells exclusive goods.

Summary

There's a lot to do in Central Japan, even when it's raining out. There are plenty of interesting things to discover. Next time you come to the Central Japan, whether it is rainy or not, check one of these spots out.

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