Aichi Historical Tourism Promotion Council Announces 'Aichi Samurai Garden Photo Contest 2026'

The Aichi Historical Tourism Promotion Council, composed of Aichi Prefecture, local municipalities, and tourism organizations, has designated the many gardens within the prefecture associated with samurai and historic roads as 'Samurai Gardens.'

In March of this year, the plan formulated to utilize these sites for tourism promotion was officially registered under the 'Garden Tourism Registration System' established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (announced on March 27, 2026).

As the first initiative based on this plan, we are launching a photo contest set in these captivating gardens where the history of Aichi comes alive, for people of all ages to enjoy.

Winning entries will be widely used as PR content for Aichi, including information dissemination via webpages and social media, as well as panel exhibitions at events such as 'Tourism EXPO Japan 2026'.

Why not capture the most photogenic moments in our traditional gardens?

1. About the Photo Contest (1) Submission Period May 22, 2026 (Friday) to August 31, 2026 (Monday) (2) Eligible Entries Photos taken during visits to participating gardens. (3) Categories - Web Category - Instagram Category (4) Submission Method and Results Announcement - Submission Method - Web Category: Submit photos via the application form on the special contest website. [Special Contest Website] https://aichinow.pref.aichi.jp/samurai_garden/ - Instagram Category: Post your photo with the hashtag '#愛知サムライガーデン2026' and indicate the shooting location. - Results Announcement September 2026. After the deadline, the contest secretariat will judge the entries to determine winners (the 'Touring Prize' will be determined by lottery). Results will be announced on the special contest website. Please check the website for more details. (5) Prizes (Not specified)

2. About Participating Gardens Participating gardens in the 'Aichi Samurai Garden' plan registered under the Garden Tourism Registration System.

3. Inquiries Aichi Samurai Garden Photo Contest 2026 Secretariat Email: [email protected]

[Reference] About Aichi Historical Tourism Promotion Council - Established: February 16, 2024 - Purpose: To create and refine tourism resources related to Aichi's history, such as samurai, castles, and historic roads, and to promote tourism and regional revitalization through nationwide information dissemination. - Chairperson: Director of Aichi Tourism and Convention Bureau - Secretariat: Tourism Promotion Division, Aichi Tourism and Convention Bureau - Members: 109 organizations including prefecture, municipalities, and tourism-related groups.