Mikawa-Anjo is the official recipient of the title “least-used Shinkansen station.” But why? It seems there is a matter of practicality at hand. The trains simply serve the area a little less frequently than others on the line, on the slightly slower Kodama train (though this is only 22 mph slower than the top bullet speed).
But the station was opened in 1988 owing to popular demand; it breaks up what had been the longest stretch of train line between two stops. It allows locals to connect to the rest of Honshū via the bullet train network, giving the area a much-needed boost.
If you are looking for a unique tourist experience in Japan, consider making your way to Anjo and exploring what the area has to offer. You can get there using a Japan Rail Pass, allowing you to integrate it with the rest of your plans for your stay in Japan.
Mikawa-Anjo Station
Though quieter relative to the other stops on the line, Mikawa-Anjo station is still served by half-hourly bullet trains. It has four tracks running through it, and you’ll find that many of these are regularly used by trains that don’t stop.
The area surrounding the station has plenty of shops and cafes, plus a supermarket, so you will be able to stop and refuel as soon as you step off the platform. If you visit the shopping arcade around the Tanabata Festival, you’ll be blown away by the colorful decorations; it’s said to be the longest festival site in Japan!
What to do in Anjo
When you’ve made the journey down to Anjo, you’ll want to make the most of the best sites the city has to offer. Here’s a rundown of some of Anjo’s highlights.
Denpark
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some quirky fun, Denpark is a vibrant spot to spend a day. This Denmark-themed park features vibrant flower beds, meticulously maintained to be beautiful year-round, along with a greenhouse and a wooden windmill.
Little ones will be entertained by the splash pond, the indoor and outdoor play areas, the high roller slide, the vehicle plaza, and the Marchen bus, a colorful, train-themed vehicle. Adults can also enjoy the various workshops on offer; be sure to check out what’s available before you go.
Honshō-ji Temple
The Honshō-ji Buddhist Temple is an official historic site. Built during the Sengoku period, this fortified temple was previously home to samurai and features a moat, a drum tower, and a sutra library. It houses several notable works of art, including silk paintings and a statue of Amida Nyorai, the Buddha.
Anjo Cherry Blossom Festival
If you’re among the thousands of tourists who have come to enjoy Japanese sakura in the spring, Anjo is a fine place to see it, at their festival in the middle of March. Head to Anjo Park, where you can find 170 cherry blossom trees dotted around the pond. In the past, a sketching competition has accompanied the festival, encouraging young artists.
Jozan-en
Jozan-en is a beautiful place to visit. Named after the poet Ishikawa Jozan, this spot contains a large, lovely garden that is partially based on Jozan’s designs. The highlight is a traditionally designed tea house, where you can enjoy a cup of matcha and sweet treats such as mochi, some of which are so gorgeous, they’re displayed on their dedicated Instagram page.
You’ll want to go up the tower if you can. You can keep busy with activities such as koi feeding and origami in the summer. The property hosts a myriad of events throughout the year, including literary walks and tea ceremonies, which can be explored on their website.
Anjo Mermaid Palace
If you enjoy swimming, Anjo features a phenomenal pool complex, named after Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. With an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool, slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s pool, you can have fun and get in a bit of exercise during your visit to Anjo.
Horiuchi Park
For a fun-packed day, you’ll want to visit Horiuchi Park. With amusement rides such as the Ferris wheel, green spaces, and a bicycle monorail system, as well as free playground equipment, this is a must-visit site for any families stopping in Anjo. If you visit on the first or third Saturday of the month, you can get your toy treated at the adorable toy hospital here!
Visit Anjo
Everyone wants to return from their travels with unique stories and experiences they can share with others. A visit to Anjo via the bullet train will give you a story to tell in itself, and then you can explore the delights of the town, taking in the myriad attractions and sites it has to offer.
