Things To Do
in Handa

Golden-hour shots of fishing boats, industrial silhouettes and shimmering water — great for sunrise or sunset photography.

Old brick or wooden brewing buildings and canals reveal textures and patterns ideal for urban heritage photography.

Quiet side streets, traditional shopfronts and shrines provide charming scenes showing everyday life and seasonal decorations.

If you visit during a local matsuri, floats, lanterns and processions create dynamic and colorful photo opportunities — check festival dates in advance.

Small neighborhood markets (often held on select days) where producers sell fresh fish, pickles, and seasonal vegetables — great for sampling regional flavors and buying souvenirs.

Near transit hubs you'll find stalls selling quick bites like yakitori, takoyaki and fried seafood — ideal for an inexpensive snack while exploring.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion; polite service is included in the price — a sincere thank-you or small gift is more culturally appropriate than tipping cash.

Credit cards are commonly accepted in larger restaurants and hotels, but many small shops, markets and rural vendors prefer cash (yen). IC transit cards (e.g., Suica, Pasmo) and local prepaid cards are handy for trains and convenience stores.

Cherry blossoms and mild temperatures make spring ideal for walks and photography; festivals and outdoor markets begin to pick up, though occasional rain is possible.

Warm and humid with hot days; expect seaside activities, summer festivals and fireworks. Bring sun protection and be prepared for sudden rain or typhoon-season weather warnings in late summer.

Cooler temperatures and clearer skies make this a pleasant time for outdoor exploration and coastal hikes; autumn foliage appears later than in mountainous areas.

Mild winters compared with northern Japan but chilly coastal winds; fewer tourists and good off-season rates — seafood and warm dishes are especially enjoyable.

The main international airport for the Nagoya region, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay. It offers regular train and bus connections toward central Aichi; from Centrair you can reach Handa by regional train/bus or a combination of Meitetsu services and local transit in around 40–60 minutes depending on connections.

Also known as Nagoya Airfield, it handles some domestic and general aviation flights. It's farther from the coast than Centrair but provides another option for domestic arrivals; ground transport (train/bus/taxi) connects to the surrounding region and onward services to Handa.

Pure vegetarian options are limited but becoming easier to find in cafés and some modern restaurants — ask for yasai (vegetable) sets and watch for dashi (fish broth) as it’s commonly used in soups and sauces.

Vegan dining may be challenging in traditional places due to fish-based broths and seasonings; prepare by learning key phrases, seeking out cafés or plant-forward restaurants in nearby larger towns, or bringing packaged snacks.

Soy sauce and many prepared foods contain wheat; rice-based dishes are generally safe but confirm ingredients with staff and look for tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) when possible.

Carry allergy cards in Japanese for shellfish, peanuts or other triggers; small establishments might have limited English, so clear communication is important.