The Sea and History of Gamagori, Spreading Out from Nishiura Onsen
Nishiura Onsen-GIMPASO stands in Nishiura Onsen, a seaside hot-spring resort in Gamagori, Aichi, facing Mikawa Bay. The surrounding area is dotted with spots where you can enjoy the sea and greenery, including Takeshima Island, the symbol of Gamagori. Before or after your stay, we invite you to experience the sea and history of Gamagori for yourself.
Takeshima Island
Takeshima Island, the Symbol of Gamagori
Takeshima Island is a small island about 680 meters in circumference floating in Mikawa Bay, connected to the mainland by Takeshima Bridge.
The shrine forest covering the entire island is a Natural Monument of Japan, known for warm-climate plants growing naturally here thanks to the warm ocean current.
Yaotomi Shrine, one of the “Seven Benzaiten of Japan,” is known for blessings of good relationships, making the island one of Gamagori’s leading sightseeing spots.
- Shrine visit
- Walk across the bridge
- Photos
- Time needed
- About 30–40 minutes
- Admission
- Free
- Parking
- Takeshima Park parking (about 200 cars; free on weekdays, paid on weekends and holidays)
- From GIMPASO
- About 20 minutes by car (next to Takeshima Aquarium)
Takeshima Aquarium
Takeshima Aquarium
A small aquarium right by Takeshima Island, known for its many deep-sea creatures and the staff’s handwritten exhibit notes, with a touch corner as well.
We recommend visiting it together with a walk on Takeshima Island.
- Families
- Rainy days
- Hours
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Admission
- Adults (high school and older) ¥1,200
Children (age 4 to junior high) ¥500 / Age 3 and under free - Closed
- Open every day (temporary closure for maintenance in June)
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- From GIMPASO
- About 20 minutes by car
LAGUNA TEN BOSCH
LAGUNA TEN BOSCH
A seaside resort complex with Lagunasia, a sea-themed amusement park, and the Festival Market shopping mall.
Lagunasia has rides and shows, a pool in summer and illuminations in winter.
At the fish market in Festival Market, you can buy seafood from Mikawa Bay and local specialties.
- Families
- Rainy-day shopping
- Souvenirs
- Hours & fees
- Vary by day. Please check the official website
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day (1–2 hours for Festival Market only)
- From GIMPASO
- About 25 minutes by car
Hydrangea Village
Katahara Onsen Hydrangea Village
About 50,000 hydrangeas bloom on the hillside around Hodaji Temple in Katahara Onsen.
During the Katahara Onsen Hydrangea Festival in June, the flowers are lit up from sunset until 9:00 PM.
- Trips in June
- Photos & walks
- Best season
- June (festival June 1–30, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Admission
- ¥500 (free for junior high students and younger)
*2026 festival - Time needed
- About 1 hour
- From GIMPASO
- About 15 minutes by car
Gamagori Orange Park
Gamagori Orange Park
A tourist farm with seasonal fruit picking.
Mandarin picking, a specialty of Gamagori, is all-you-can-eat with no time limit and includes a bag to take home. Strawberry picking is available from winter to spring.
- Families
- Autumn to spring
- After check-out
- Mandarin picking
- Early October – late December
Adults ¥1,430 (includes 1 kg to take home) - Strawberry picking
- Late December – mid May
Junior high and older: weekdays ¥2,310, weekends and holidays ¥2,530 - Hours
- Weekdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, weekends and holidays 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reservations
- Online only (no phone reservations)
- From GIMPASO
- About 25 minutes by car
Nishiura Coast
Enjoying the Sea of the Nishiura Peninsula
At the palm beach right in front of GIMPASO, you can enjoy swimming in summer, and SUP or sea kayaking from spring through autumn.
Stroll along Hashida-hana Point and the Matsushima promenade, or try rock fishing – the sea is close at hand all year round.
In spring, pink cherry blossoms contrast beautifully with the blue sea, and Nishiura Park is a popular sunset photo spot. In autumn, a golden carpet of tsuwabuki flowers spreads across the area.
- Walking distance
- Swimming & SUP
- Walks & fishing
Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park
The Scenery of Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park
SUNSET OVER MIKAWA BAY
A calm inland sea in amber light
The waters from Gamagori to the Atsumi Peninsula are designated as the Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park, with the calm scenery of a gentle inland sea. At dusk, the sea is dyed a deep amber.
Shiohigari
Clam Digging (Shiohigari) in Spring
CLAM DIGGING GUIDE
Asari clams on the shallow tidal flats
Mikawa Bay has extensive shallow tidal flats and is known for clam digging, including asari clams.
For the season, what to bring and access, see our Shiohigari Guide.
Seasons
What to Enjoy Each Season
Spring
MAR – MAY
- Clam digging
- Cherry blossoms at Nishiura Park
- Strawberry picking
Rainy season
JUNE
- Katahara Onsen Hydrangea Village
- Evening light-up
Summer
JUL – SEP
- Swimming at the palm beach
- SUP & sea kayaking
- Lagunasia pool
Autumn
OCT – NOV
- Mandarin picking
- Tsuwabuki flowers at Nishiura Park
- Sunsets over the sea
Winter
DEC – FEB
- Mandarin picking (until December)
- Strawberry picking (from late December)
- Lagunasia illuminations
Rainy days
ALL SEASON
- Takeshima Aquarium
- Festival Market at LAGUNA TEN BOSCH
- Hot Spring Café Si No No Me
Cafe & Souvenirs
Café and Souvenirs at GIMPASO
At Hot Spring Café Si No No Me (1st floor of Kaibou-kaku), you can enjoy coffee and waffles while soaking your feet in the foot bath (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Wednesdays).
For souvenirs, our shop Toki no Komichi (1st floor of Tenyukaku) offers local sweets such as shrimp senbei crackers and local sake. For seafood from Mikawa Bay, the fish market at LAGUNA TEN BOSCH is also recommended.
Plan Your Stay
How to Enjoy Your Stay
HOW TO ENJOY GIMPASO
Sightseeing and your stay, in one trip.
Ideas for spending time at GIMPASO, from the beach in front of us to sunsets and the onsen.
Stay at Nishiura Onsen-GIMPASO in Gamagori
Enjoy Gamagori’s sea, exceptional cuisine, and hot springs at your leisure, in a room overlooking Mikawa Bay.
