If you would like to see different aspects of Japan and are interested in craftsmanship, we would like to suggest that you add a few days to your stay in Tokyo and Kyoto to visit the Tokai Region for some industrial sightseeing. With the automotive industry including Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki, their parts makers and machine tool suppliers as the driving force, the value of industrial exports from the Tokai Region is number one in Japan (according to the numbers from 2008, before the financial crisis). In addition to the auto makers mentioned above, there are also many traditional craft towns to visit: Noritake, the world famous china maker; Mikimoto, with its cultured pearls; Seto and Tajimi, the pottery town; Narumi, the home of dyed goods; Seki, the town of Japanese swords and cutlery; and Takayama with its woodcrafts and lacquer ware.

The personalities of the former mentioned three Samurai, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, were very distinct, but they had in common a desire to unify the warring states of Japan, strong ambitions and a commitment to caring for their craftsmen. Seen historically, the foundations that developed the Tokai region's enterprising spirit and traditional crafts come from these three men.

During the Edo Period, when Tokugawa rule brought an age of peace, both industry and trade, as well as craftsmen and merchants flourished. To maintain social stability, no one was able to freely move around Japan without permission. However the cities and road systems reached a high degree of development.

In particular, the Tokaido was the main road of the day. In the woodblock prints of Hiroshige Utagawa's world famous 53 Stages of the Tokaido, one can see the images of life 200 years ago. Now they are considered major works of art, but originally they functioned as cheap travel guides or advertisements for the post towns. Hiroshige's prints are available on the internet, and in all 55 of the scenes -- the 53 Stations, Tokyo and Kyoto -- one has a glimpse of the everyday lives of craftsman and merchants.

In the Tokai region, the most visited spot is Shirakawa-go and Takayama. As anyone who has ever visited Takayama will agree , the woodworking techniques are at a level second to none. Why? Because traditional crafts in this area were fostered by the feudal rulers. The Gassho-style houses of Shirakawa-go are themselves considered works of traditional craftsmanship.

The "Tokai" ( Eastern Sea) in the names of the Tokaisen Shinkansen (Tokaido Line Bullet Train) and the 53 Stages of the Tokaido refers to the area made up of Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu and Mie Prefectures. This region is known for Mt. Fuji. It is the birth place of the airplane maker, Mitsubishi; of the auto and motorcycle makers, Toyota, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha; of the auto parts makers to the world, Denso and Aishin; of the train manufacturer Nihon Sharyo; of Noritake and TOTO. And it gave birth to the men who gave shape to the Japan of today, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

It is a region rich in enterprise and leadership: such as the founder of Mitsui, Toyota, Honda, Yamaha etc.

Two of the three Sacred Treasures are within this region: the Mirror of Amaterasu Ohmikami, the ancestor of the Imperial Family, is worshiped at the Ise Grand Shrine and the sword of Prince Yamatotakeru that pacified ancient Japan is worshipped at the Atsuta Grand Shrine

The population is comparable to Tokyo and Osaka, but it seems to have fewer tourist attractions. However, the Tokai region is the center of the manufacturing sector which is the foundation of Japanese industry, and a significant percentage of Japan's total production originates here. There are historic reasons why manufacturing is concentrated here. Traditional Japanese crafts were encouraged by the lords of the Warring States period.

Ceramics
In Japan, ceramics are known as "Seto things." Seto is an area bordering on Nagoya. Ceramics are called "Seto things" because they were made in Seto. In the Tokai region, besides Seto, there are a number of other kilns: Tokoname, Mino, and Banko.

Paper making
Mino, famous for its paper making, is also famous for its Japanese umbrellas.

Bamboo crafts and woodcrafts
If you were to plan a tour focusing on Japan's traditional crafts, you cannot miss this Region.

Knifes and braids
Seki, the cutlery town. Roof Tiles.

Textiles
Toyota had it beginnings as a maker of spinning and weaving machinery.

Foods

* Ise Ebi
* Matsuzaka Beef

Supecial tourist atractions

* The Grand Shrine of Ise
* The Toyota Factory
* The Frank Lloyd Wright ------at Meiji Village.
* Seto Pottery
* Mino wares
* Gujo Hachiman
* Takayama
* Unemi who rescued Jews during the War