Chiryu City is located in the center of Aichi Prefecture, with the Azuma River to the north and the Saruwatari River to the south. Long ago, it flourished as the 39th post town on the Tokaido Road, Ikoifu-juku, and was famous for its horse market. The name Ikoifu is said to be the origin of the place name Chiryu. Furthermore, it was a key transportation hub, with remnants of the Kamakura Kaido and Tokaido roads remaining within the city. The city's main industry is the automobile industry, and traditional Buddhist altars remain, known nationwide as Mikawa Buddhist altars. The town's specialty is a Japanese sweet called "anmaki," which is often purchased as a souvenir. Chiryu's floats, Bunraku puppet theater, and Karakuri puppetry have been designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Other tourist attractions include Chiryu Shrine.