visit a city nagoya

With over two million inhabitants, Nagoya (����) is Japan's fourth most populated city after Tokyo , Yokohama and Osaka . It is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the principal city of the Nobi plain, one of Honshu's three large plains and metropolitan and industrial centers.

Nagoya developed as the castle town of the Owari, one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo Period . Much of the city, including most of its historic buildings, were destroyed in the air raids of 1945. The Toyota Motor Corporation maintains its headquarters just outside of Nagoya.

Top attractions in Nagoya

Railway Museum •

Nagashima Resort •

Tokugawa Art Museum •

Toyota-related Sights •

Nagoya Castle •

Science Museum

Atsuta Shrine

Noritake Garden

Osu Kannon Temple

Nagoya Port Area

Midland Square

JR Central Towers

Ghibli Park

Shirakawago & Gokayama ••

Kiso Valley ••

Takayama ••

Ise Shima ••

Gujo- Hachiman •

Nagoya by interest

Getting there and around

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Nagoya city, hotels around nagoya.

11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nagoya

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Thanks to its position opening onto the Pacific Ocean, Nagoya has developed into Japan's busiest port. It has also long been an important manufacturing site of such traditional industries as ceramics and textiles. The ceramics industry was established here in the 12th century and has become somewhat of a tourist attraction thanks to its numerous workshops and factory tours.

Many of the city's historic sites remain intact and are great places to visit for tourists. These include the magnificent 16th-century castle, which like much of the city center, was rebuilt after the destruction of WWII.

These days, this large city is a pleasure to explore for its excellent network of wide modern streets; world-class attractions, including museums and art galleries; and countless points of interest, such as its many historic shrines and temples. You'll find no shortage of things to see and do.

Discover the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Nagoya.

1. Atsuta Jingu (Shrine)

2. nagoya castle, 3. the museum meiji-mura (meiji village), 4. the tokugawa and nagoya city art museums, 5. the port of nagoya, 6. higashiyama zoo and botanical gardens, 7. nagoya tv tower and hisaya ōdori park, 8. toyota techno and toyota automobile museums, 9. the temples of ōsu, 10. noritake garden and ceramics factory tour, 11. legoland japan, where to stay in nagoya for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nagoya, map of tourist attractions in nagoya, nagoya, japan - climate chart.

Highlight : The most important Shinto shrine in Japan with one of only three preserved Imperial insignias in the country

The Atsuta Shrine , widely considered the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, was established in the first century AD. It's most famous for its preserved Imperial insignia, the "grass-mowing sword" (kusanagi-no-tsurugi), one of only three in the country.

According to Japanese mythology, the sword originally belonged to the storm god Susanoo but was presented to the legendary hero Yamato-takeru as he set out to conquer the eastern provinces. When his enemies tried to kill him by setting the long grass on fire, he saved himself by mowing the grass with his sword (the name of the shrine, Atsuta, means "burning field").

In the northern part of the wooded precinct is the principal shrine, Hongu, surrounded by an enclosing wall. To the east is the Treasury, a modern building that contains a large number of works of art including old and modern paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional masks. Hot Tip: With nine million visitors annually, the Atsuta Shrine is busy, so try to time your visit near opening or closing to avoid the crowds, or during the off-peak seasons such as spring or autumn.

Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585

Highlights : A moated complex with a 48-meter-tall tower that houses a museum and has beautiful city views

Nagoya Castle was completely rebuilt in 1959 and remains one of the city's most important (and visited) landmarks. Originally constructed in 1612, this splendid moated complex includes highlights such as its splendid 48-meter-tall main tower. Famous for its two gilded dolphins (shachi) high up on its gables, the tower now houses a museum containing numerous art treasures, including painted wall screens, sliding doors, and wall paintings mainly of the Kano school.

From the fifth floor of the tower, visitors can enjoy extensive views of the city and the Nobi Plain. Three of the original corner towers survive, along with the second gateway and walls, and they are fun to explore. So, too, is the nearby Ninomaru Garden with its teahouse.

Be sure to look out for the golden fish statues perched atop the castle, too. They represent the mythological "shachihoko ," a creature that's half fish and half tiger, perched some 50 meters above the ground. If you're not averse to winter travel, seeing the castle shrouded in snow is a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031

Highlights : Beautifully preserved examples of Japanese architecture that date back to the Meiji period, as well as other examples of international architecture

Just 24 kilometers north of Nagoya's city center, the Meiji-mura Village Museum in Inuyama is an open-air museum featuring many fine examples of Japanese architecture from the Meiji period of 1868 to 1912.

All told, the site consists of more than 60 buildings of interest that were brought here and reassembled from across the country. Of special interest are elements of the old Imperial Hotel, a unique design created by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright .

Other fascinating structures include a prison, post office, bathhouse, churches, and homes, many of them influenced by design elements from Western nations. Numerous buildings are open to the public and house interesting collections of furniture, temporary exhibits, and other items related to the respective buildings. There's also a historic tram and bus service (as well as a vintage steam train), which makes this a fun diversion for kids.

If you're traveling with kids, try to allocate some time in your itinerary to visit the nearby Little World Museum of Man . They'll love the opportunity to dress up in traditional costumes from around the world and learn about different cultures.

Address: 1 Uchiyama, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0000

Highlights : Two impressive picture scrolls, one of which contains 43 parts and was made by Fujiwara Takayoshi.

Perhaps the best-known of Nagoya's world-class art facilities is the excellent Tokugawa Art Museum . This excellent gallery is home to many treasures that once belonged to the city's wealthy Tokugawa family, including numerous fine paintings, items of porcelain, weapons, and documents.

Of particular note are the 43 parts of the famous Genji-monogatari-emaki, a picture scroll made by Fujiwara Takayoshi. Another must-see here is the Saigyo-monogatari-emaki, an ancient scroll depicting scenes from the life of the priest Saigyo from 1118-90.

Also worth seeing is the Nagoya City Art Museum (Nagoya-shi Bijutsukan). Opened in 1987, this museum is home to a permanent collection that includes the work of Surrealist artists from around the globe, including Sean Scully, Kansuke Yamamoto, and Alexander Calder, as well as temporary exhibits.

Finally, be sure to squeeze in a visit to the Nagoya Museum of Fine Arts (Nagoya Bosuton Bijutsukan). Sister museum to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, it's notable for bringing items from the latter's collection of Impressionist and other artworks to Japan, and is also worth a visit for art lovers.

Address: 1017 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023

Highlights : Home to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, the historic Fuji vessel that sailed to the South Pole, and a small amusement park

In addition to being a bustling harbor, the Port of Nagoya in Ise Bay has become something of a tourist attraction in recent years. One of the most popular things to do, particularly for those traveling with kids, is to visit the excellent Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium . Highlights include its large collection of native marine life, many exotic species of fish from across the Pacific, as well as a popular dolphin show.

Also worth checking out is the Fuji , a historic Antarctic-going vessel that now serves as an interesting museum dedicated to the exploration of the South Pole. There's also a small amusement park (Sea Train Land) that's fun for the kids, along with a lovely wildflower garden.

Numerous fine walkways crisscross the port, connecting it to the main parts of the city, and are fun to explore.

Hot Tip: For a truly memorable experience, try to time your visit for the fireworks displays held on Marine Day and Christmas Eve.

Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

Highlights : A combination of a zoo, amusement park, and botanical garden that features 125 species of animals, as well as the Higashiyama Sky Tower observation platform

Opened in 1937 and one of the oldest (and largest) such establishments in Japan, the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Higashiyama Dōshokubutsuen) makes for an excellent excursion that can easily occupy the best part of a day.

Part zoo, part amusement park, and part botanic garden, this popular tourist attraction offers plenty of fun for visitors of all ages. For animal lovers, the zoo area includes some 125 different species including gorillas, hippos, elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, and koalas, along with tropical fish, numerous birds, and a reptile house.

Afterward, be sure to wander the pathways through the lovely botanical gardens section with its collections of both native and non-native species. From here, you can also visit the 100-meter-tall Higashiyama Sky Tower with its observation platforms and restaurant offering great views over the city.

Address: 3-70, Higashiyama-motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-0804

Highlight : The best views in the city from the 100-meter outdoor Sky Balcony

Some of the best views over Nagoya are from the 180-meter-tall Nagoya TV Tower (Nagoya Terebi-tō). Built in 1954 in the heart of Hisaya Ōdori Park, the tower holds the record as the oldest electric wave tower in the country. It also boasts two observation decks: the Sky Balcony (outdoors) at 100 meters, and the Sky Deck (indoors) at 90 meters.

Looking not unlike the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, the site includes an informative exhibition about its history, as well as a restaurant.

Be sure to spend time also exploring the nearby Hisaya Ōdori Park. This pleasant two-kilometer-long green space in the heart of the city boasts many trees, fountains, and sculptures, and is regularly used as a venue for events and festivals. A highlight is the famous Nagoya Festival (Nagoya Matsuri) with its parades, traditional costumes, and music.

Address: 3 Chome-6-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003

Highlights : A science and tech museum with exhibits that show Toyota's transition to one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world

Opened in 1994 to celebrate Nagoya's largest and most famous company, the excellent Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Sangyo-Gijutsu Kinenkan) makes for a fun day out.

Highlights of a visit to this science and technology museum, often simply referred to as "Toyota Techno," include numerous still-working exhibits of the huge looms and textile manufacturing processes that Toyota started out making in 1933.

You can also see interesting displays detailing its eventual transition into the world's largest automobile manufacturer, including numerous robots. Car buffs will also want to visit the huge Toyota Automobile Museum in nearby Nagakute , home to a superb collection of vintage cars made by Toyota and other leading manufacturers from around the globe.

Also well worth a visit is the SCMaglev and Railway Park (Rinia Tetsudōkan), a superb museum dedicated to the Central Japanese Railway Company featuring 39 trains, along with models and a fun simulator.

Address: 4 Chome-1-35 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0051

Highlight : The iconic red paper lantern in the main hall, where pilgrims can hang their prayers

One of Nagoya's most popular districts is Ōsu, much visited for its many fine temples and shrines. One of the most important is the Buddhist temple of Ōsu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hōshō-in), built in the early 14th century in an area that turned out to be prone to flooding and moved to its current location around 1612.

Rebuilt in the 1970s, this magnificent building is home to the famous red paper lantern hanging from the ceiling of the main hall to which pilgrims attach their prayers.

After visiting some of Ōsu's other important temples, most notably Bansho-ji and Hongan-ji Betsuin , be sure to wander the surrounding historical streets with their many small shops offering traditional Japanese crafts and food.

Address: 2 Chome-21-47 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011

Highlights : Displays that show off the company's antique porcelain, alongside demonstrations of how the ceramics are made

Started in 1876 by two brothers looking to increase Japan's trade with Western markets, the Noritake ceramics company has a long and storied past in the city of Nagoya. An interesting attraction for both collectors and the curious alike is Noritake Garden, a fascinating insight into the manufacturing process of this historic ceramics company housed on the original factory grounds.

Highlights include displays showcasing the company's history and antique porcelain, as well as demonstrations of the manufacturing process, hands-on workshops, and gift shops. The site's gardens are beautiful, and the grounds are also home to restaurants.

Address: 3 Chome-1-36 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-8501

Highlights : Rides, attractions, and a Lego reconstruction of some of Japan's most famous landmarks

One of the newest major theme parks to have been built in the country for some decades, Legoland Japan in Nagoya only opened in 2017 and is already attracting well over two million visitors a year.

In addition to its numerous rides and attractions, the park includes a fascinating and extremely detailed miniature town, complete with accurate scale Lego reconstructions of recognizable landmarks from across Japan, including the famous Nagoya Castle. A new hotel opened up at the site in 2018, and future plans include the addition of an aquarium.

Address: 2-2-1 Kinjoufutou, Minato-ku Nagoya-shi, Aichi 455-8605

Luxury Hotels :

• In Nakamura near Josen-ji Temple, the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel is one of the most luxe hotels in town. There is a mix of rooms and suites, including family rooms if you're traveling with kids. Amenities here include a swimming pool, hot tub, workout room, and a spa. There is also a restaurant on-site, and room service is available. If you are driving, there is parking at the hotel.
• Hilton Nagoya is another relatively luxe option. Located in the heart of Nagoya's business, shopping, and entertainment district, it runs a free shuttle service to nearby attractions like Nagoya Castle. It is also just five minutes from the main train station. Rooms and suites are modern and comfortable with traditional Japanese style. There are great city views from large windows, and blackout curtains for when you want to sleep. Choose from multiple restaurants when it is time to dine. There is also a 49-foot indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour gym, and a sauna on-site.
• There are not a lot of luxury hotels in Nagoya, but the brand-new Hotel Keihan Nakoya is one option. The 4-star property is in the central Naka district and has contemporary western-style rooms with king beds and giant flat-screen TVs. These also have sitting areas and are quite large.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya is brand new and offers small but very clean and comfortable rooms in a central location in the Naka district. Suites have more space to move around. The decor is Western with Japanese-style elements. Expect comfy beds draped in thick white duvets, and pale wood minimalist furnishings. Amenities at this family-friendly hotel include a restaurant, hot tub, and free breakfast.
• Located right above Nagoya main station, the JR Gate Tower Hotel is a contemporary hotel with great views from rooms on higher floors - corner rooms have windows on two sides and a bright and airy feel. There is a restaurant on-site that serves a morning breakfast buffet. There is also a coffee shop, hot tub, currency exchange, laundry service, and fitness center on-site. Paid public parking is available nearby.
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Taikodoriguchi is another good mid-range choice. In Nakamura, it is within walking distance of a number of attractions and restaurants. The Western-style rooms are tidy and comfortable and even feature small sitting areas. There is a restaurant with a breakfast buffet on-site, as well as a hot tub and paid private parking.

Budget Hotels :

• n a convenient location, Nagoya B's is a good budget choice. The Western-style rooms feature sitting areas, fridges, and desks. On-site amenities include private paid parking, a hot tub, a spa, and a workout room. Breakfast is also included in the rate.
• Nagoya at Night : Japan is an extremely safe country, so those interested in spending time exploring the best bits of Nagoya should certainly feel comfortable doing so after nightfall. Popular things to do at night in Nagoya include wandering the quaint old streets of the Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street and checking out the traditional crafts and artisan wares (as well as enjoying authentic Japanese food). Also fun is walking the perimeter of Nagoya castle, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
• Experience Rural Japan : There's also plenty to see and do in the area surrounding Nagoya. A great option for those with a full day to spare is a private tour to Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa, and Takayama, an immersive journey that provides an unforgettable slice of life in rural Japan. Highlights include a walk around the town of Hida Furukawa, as well as a chance to explore the old town of Takayama and visit Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture.

Nagoya has a temperate climate year-round, but the best time to visit Nagoya is March, April, May, October, and November . Nagoya's springtime falls over the months of March, April, and May. Days during this period are between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, and the end of March through early April in Nagoya is prime time to view the beautiful cherry blossoms. Expect lots of crowds at the end of April and early May, which is when domestic travel peaks.

Nagoya is also beautiful during October and November. Temperatures range between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius. Days are warm and sunny, while nights are a bit cool. Throughout November, the leaves in Nagoya begin to change colors, so expect crowds to rise as travelers come to see the beautiful colors.

The summer months in Nagoya include June, July, August, and part of September. This is the rainiest, hottest, and most humid time of year in the city, but the crowds will also have thinned out.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Great Day Trips from Nagoya : Its position on the main rail routes means Nagoya is perfectly situated for fun day trips to other nearby cities. A must is taking the train to historic Kyoto , just 1.5 hours away and considered the quintessential Japanese cultural destination. From here, you can also venture off and explore the area around Kyoto , too, including such gems as Arashiyama for an authentic taste of small-town Japan. And just a short ride farther west of Kyoto is Osaka , another marvelous destination for those in search of a great cultural experience.

Longer Trips from Nagoya : For those willing to travel farther afield, Nagoya is the perfect jumping-off point for all kinds of adventures. An approximately five-hour-long return trip will expose you to the very best of Nara , considered to be the epicenter of Japanese culture and home to many fine historical buildings, museums, and quaint streets, which haven't changed in centuries. Then there's Hiroshima , a three-hour rail journey (each way) to one of the world's most historically significant reminders of the cruelty of war, yet home to some of the most beautiful shrines in the world, including the remarkable Island Shrine of Itsukushima.

Japan Vacation Ideas : Japan certainly has no shortage of great vacation options. If you're not averse to traveling in the shoulder season, consider the beautiful city of Sapporo on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Come winter, the city bursts into life with its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as activities such as skiing at the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort. Also worth considering are the tourist attractions of Tokyo ; the nearby icon that is Mount Fuji ; and the city of Fukuoka , popular for its lovely castle, shrines, and temples.

More on Japan

• Tours & Experiences
• Tailor-made Trips
• Bahasa Indonesia

We are happy to see you again!

Continue with

Or use email.

No Account? Create one

Create account

Already have an account? Sign in

Quickly Sign up with

I agree to Japan Travel's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Terms of--> and acknowledge that Japan Travel's Privacy--> applies to me.-->

Email reset password link

Please check your inbox and click the link we will send to you.

Exciting, vibrant city with a long history and deep culture

Things to do in nagoya.

Osu Shopping Arcade

Nagoya Castle

Legoland Japan

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Upcoming nagoya events.

Belgian Beer Weekend 2024

Running for over 10 years now, the Belgian Beer Weekend is actually an 11 day-long affair showcasing almost 100 different types..

July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya) 2024

The Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament will feature a host of veterans and up-and-coming wrestlers at the Dolphins Arena in Nagoya.

About Nagoya

The centrally located city of Nagoya has a long history and a deep culture that is often overlooked by the rest of the country, let alone the rest of the world. There’s a joke that goes “All travelers within Japan go to Nagoya! The bullet train stops there for a whole two minutes on its run between Tokyo and Osaka!” Despite the put down, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, is indeed seen by many as a conservative, nondescript city, however locals will tell you of its many benefits. One hour forty minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka, a major commercial hub that remains close to nature. Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important economic centers.

Nagoya has many claims to fame. Many civil war-period daimyo and other famous samurai were born in and around Nagoya. Nagoya Castle’s keep is the biggest of all Japanese castles, and has the most “haafu”, or triangular eves of any castle. Nagoya is home to the second most venerated Shinto Shrine in Japan, Atsuta Jingu, second only to the Great Shrine of Ise. Nagoya was the birthplace of the Japanese national past time of passive gambling, Pachinko . Nagoya’s 158m tall TV broadcast tower was the first of such towers across all major cities, and Nagoya’s CBC Radio was the nation's first commercial radio broadcaster. Nagoya Station is listed as the world’s largest railway station space-wise.

Nagoya Port handles the most international cargo of any port in Japan, and its international airport, Centerair, located 40 minutes drive south of the city was once voted among the world’s top three best designed, easily accessed and convenient airports.

Nagoya’s Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of Asia’s biggest zoos too! Two of the greatest samurai battles, Okehazama and Nagakute, were both fought within the current city confines, and the city, with its surrounding Aichi Prefecture was host to the 2005 World EXPO.

Japan’s third largest city by size and fourth by population, Nagoya is an industrial city, and home to many world-renowned companies including Toyota Motor Corporation, Brother Industries and Noritake Fine China. Having long been a commercial and industrial center meant that Nagoya was heavily targeted and the city was destroyed by allied bombing in World War Two. For that reason, few historical buildings remain, however the city was able to rebuild itself in an easy to navigate and understand grid like pattern with long straight, wide streets and plentiful parklands. Public transport is plentiful and most efficient, and the attractions Nagoya has to offer, such as the Maglev and Train Museum, Toyota Automobile Museum, and the magnificent Tokugawa Art Museum housing the treasures of the prominent Tokugawa family who ruled Nagoya, and the nation with an iron—or in the case of many of the treasures—a golden fist!

Don’t believe any underhyped accounts you may find – Nagoya is an exciting, vibrant city with a long history and a deep culture. Its been kept a secret for some time, but now the cat is out of the bag, we expect to see you here soon!

Nagoya Top 10

• Recommended

Valley of Witches: a New Ghibli Park Attraction

Sakura Season at Tsuruma Park

Ghibli Park Coming in 2022

A Unique Black Thunder Stay in Aichi

Aichi: The Heart of Japan

Dark Forest Harvest Festival

Sakura Spots in Toyota City

Okazaki Park Wisteria Festival

Tennogawa Park Wisteria Festival

A Culinary Tour of Aichi Prefecture

July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)

Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

World Cosplay Summit Championship

Nagoya Castle Summer Festival

Nagoya Festival

Sakura Wine Festival

Menya Hanabi

Misokatsu Yabaton

Belgian Beer Weekend

Kajiken Ramen

Dusk at Nagoya Port

The New Honmaru Goten Palace

One Day in Nagoya

Hommaru Palace Comes Back to Life

Ken Chan Candy Store

Nagoya's Global Shogun

Konparu Coffee Shop

Where to eat in nagoya.

Menya Hanabi (麺屋はなび) serves up maze-soba (soupless ramen) in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture.

One of Nagoya’s food specialities is miso katsu (pork cutlet with thick miso sauce). There are many shops in Nagoya, and one o..

Kajiken (歌志軒) is a 40-something chain ramen shop originally from Nagoya, serving up the local style – Taiwanese mazesoba.

Places to stay in Nagoya

HOTEL MYSTAYS Nagoya-Sakae

HOTEL MYSTAYS Nagoya-Sakae is a hotel among busy streets, so you are never far away from the buzz of Nagoya.

Nagoya Travellers Hostel

"For the two of us, home isn't a place. It's a person. And we are home." is the right quote to describe how delighted ..

Hotel Mielparque Nagoya

In Nagoya, Hotel Mielparque offers to visitors a charming property with a convenient connection to the heart of the city and i..

Latest Nagoya Reports

For fans of Sanrio and adorably presented food, a limited-time event starting this August at the Nagoya Hilton will be right up..

Many tourists to Japan have spent some time in Aichi Prefecture without even knowing it. Blessed with the calm waters of Mikawa..

From late March to early April each year, Aichi's Tsuruma Park is filled with over 700 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in bloom...

Let us know how we can help.

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine
• Arts & Cultures
• Nature & Outdoor
• Festivals & Events
• Insider Blog
• Things to do
• Local Guides
• Food & drink
• Traditional
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

ITINERARIES Discover Nagoya Castles, cars, and culinary delights, Nagoya is home to a vibrant culture waiting to be explored

Visit japan's fourth most populated city, a castle town and the heart of the country's automobile industry., how to get there, from tokyo: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations.

From Osaka: 50 minutes

Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station.

Photo: ©Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau / None / None / None

Surrounding the castle is Meijo Park. Filled with seasonal flowers, the park transforms throughout the year. Flower exhibits are regularly held on the grounds. Early May is a particularly good time to visit when the wisterias are in full bloom.

Take the Subway Meijo Line from City Hall Station next to Nagoya Castle for 3 minutes to Ozone Sakae Station. The Tokugawa Art Museum is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Walk 15 minutes from the museum to Ozone Station. Take the JR Chuo Line for 9 minutes and change at Kanayama Station. Take the Meitetsu Line 7 minutes to Sako Station. The museum is a short 5-minute walk from the station.

Photo: Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The garden is a short 10-minute walk southeast from the museum in the direction of Nagoya Station.

Walk south from the garden in the direction of Nagoya Station. Midland Square is directly opposite the station.

Photo: None / None / ©Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau / None

The dining floors of the towers are great to sample some of Nagoya’s local specialties. Try miso-katsu pork cutlets covered in red bean hatcho miso paste, kishimen flat noodles, and ogura toast, pieces of bread covered in chunky red bean spread.

Recommended for You

• Itineraries
• Discover Nagoya

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

• PLAN MY TRIP
• All Destinations
• Discover Hokkaido
• Discover Honshu
• Discover Kyushu
• Discover Shikoku
• THINGS TO DO
• Japan Travel Deals

Nagoya City Guide

Destinations

3    comments

When to Visit Nagoya City

The best times to visit Nagoya are in spring between March and May when temperatures are warm but not too hot and the weather is dry. Late autumn to early winter in November and December is also great. These are also seen as the most beautiful seasons, spring during the cherry blossom and other flower seasons, and late autumn for beautiful foliage .

But any other time of the year also has its charms with seasonal events and festivals and an ever-changing nature in parks and gardens around the city.

What To Do In Nagoya: Seasonal Events and Festivals

Early spring first sees the blooming of plum blossoms (February), followed by cherry blossoms (March-April), then wisteria (May), and hydrangea flowers (June). Spring festivals in Nagoya and its surroundings are another reason to visit during this season.

In summer fireworks displays and summer festivals such as the Sea Bream Festival in Toyohama, and the Yosakoi dance festival Domannaka Matsuri takes place.

Visit Nagoya City Guide (Official Tourism Website)

Visit Nagoya-Nagoya City Guide

JNTO Nagoya Guide

A Taste of Nagoya

The Best Things To Do In Nagoya

The Best Things To Do in Nagoya

Further Reading

What To Eat In Nagoya: Top 5 Delicious Local Dishes

• Feel the Spirit of the Samurai Sword in Kyoto
• Reflections on The Mountains of Central Japan
• Tōkaidō Shinkansen Travelling Through Nagoya Station
• Top 10 Most Popular Activities in Japan
• Visiting a Sumo Tournament

More Destination Ideas

Destinations Travel Hub

My List of Recommended Japan Travel Resources

Recommended Japan Travel Resources

Prepare For Your Trip

The Real Japan Travel Store

If you enjoyed this article please share this image:

You may also like

Hiroshima City Guide

Osaka City Guide

Leave A Comment / Ask A Question

Book your trip: japan travel essentials, click to see my recommendations.

Book Your Flight Find the best flight by using Skyscanner . It's my go-to flight search engine because it has the most comprehensive global search options.

Book Your Accommodation I frequently use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates and most flexible cancellation options for hotels and guesthouses. Use Hostelworld if you're looking for budget-priced options.

Book Your Japan Rail Pass The best official agent by a country mile is JRPass.com . Clear and easy to use website. Excellent customer service.

Book Your WiFi I never travel in Japan without pocket WiFi. Get Ninja WiFi for unlimited internet everywhere, use Google Maps, supports up to 10 devices.

Book Your SIM Card or eSIM Order your physical SIM Cards or eSIMs to stay connected and in touch while in Japan.

Book Your Hire Car Rent a car in Japan without speaking or reading Japanese via Booking.com's Car Rental   portal.

Ready To Book Your Trip? Check out my Recommended Japan Travel Resources . The list covers all the essentials. It’s filled with carefully selected travel resources. And I only include the best travel resources - those I use myself or recommend to my clients.

Need Help Planning Your Trip? My Japan Travel Store includes essential travel items as well as my books, travel guides and more .

I love reading travel blogs, and yours are my favorite. Since Japan is one of the places I have been meaning to travel to, I just want to thank you for curating this article. I am so glad that I came across this article, otherwise, I would have missed Nagoya and all the events and festivals of the city. You added all the information about the city and it will be a helpful guide when I finally visit Japan. Thanks a lot for curating this guide, looking forward to checking more such articles from you.

Thanks for your praise for Lena’s post John. If Nagoya wasn’t on your radar before reading this then I think Lena has perfectly achieved her objective of raising the profile of this often overlooked city!

Hi, John thanks so much for reading and appreciating my work. My mission is to get more people interested in Nagoya. It really is a fascinating city with a lot to offer. For more of my work, I suggest you head over to Nagoya is not boring: nagoyaisnotboring.com But be sure to also read your way through The Real Japan blog, where you will find many great articles about off-beat travel in Japan.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Privacy Overview

Nagoya Travel Guide: Legoland, Samurai Culture & One Of The World’s Largest Planetariums

Nagoya travel guide

If you’ve checked major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka off your Japan bucket list and are still hungry for more Japanese culture and experiences, make Nagoya your next destination. As an industrial hub and port, Nagoya is a great place for geeks who love taking any type of transport – cars, trains, and boats. Not to worry, there’s plenty of history to learn, as well as entertainment options too.

Here’s our ultimate travel guide to Nagoya to help you make the most out of your trip.

Things to do

1. nagoya castle.

Nagoya Castle is Nagoya’s major tourist attraction, famous for the pair of golden shachihoko (sea monster in Japanese folklore) statues on the rooftop of the castle tower. This castle is a reconstruction of the original one built in 1615, as the original castle had burned down during the air raids of World War II. Nonetheless, it still stands impressively.

While Nagoya Castle can only be admired from the outside as it is currently closed, Hommaru Palace warmly welcomes visitors to roam around in its halls. The palace used to be the Nagoya lords’ accommodation and is situated on the grounds outside Nagoya Castle.

You can find historical exhibits and works of art in Hommaru Palace, which depict the lifestyle of the Nagoya lords who resided there in the past.

Keep an eye out for people dressed in samurai garbs. They wander around the castle ground in their shining armour and sword, ready to interact with visitors. If you’re visiting on a weekend, you’ll be treated to a performance of the samurais in action.

Admission: ¥500 (~USD3.71) /pax for adults | Free for children in junior high school and younger Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, 460-0031 Aichi Opening hours: 9am-4.30pm, Daily Contact: 52-231-1700 | Nagoya Castle Website

2. Port of Nagoya

The Port of Nagoya doesn’t just serve its purpose as a port, it features other attractions such as a leisure park, a garden, and museums, so it’s a happening place worth a visit. 

Ride the 85m-tall ferris wheel at Nagoya Port Sea Train Land , a family-friendly leisure park. 

Other attractions there include a merry-go-round, mazes, and even a haunted house. Admission is free, but a fee is required to ride the attractions. Make sure you stay until the end of the day because the leisure park lights up at night.

Enjoy fresh air amidst plants and flowers at Port of Nagoya Wildflower Garden Bluebonnet , which boasts 23 different gardens and an experiential Community Garden where visitors with the shared interest of gardening can come and interact.

To learn more about seas and ports, the Nagoya Port Garden Pier is a place that provides plenty of learning opportunities. The pier contains the Fuji Antarctic Museum, the Nagoya Port Bldg. Observation Lounge, and the Nagoya Maritime Museum. 

Admission price differs based on single entry tickets and common entry package tickets, so check their website for prices.

Nagoya Port Sea Train Land Address: 1-51, Nishikura-cho, Minato-ward, Nagoya, 455-0034 Aichi Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm | Sat, Sun & PH 10am-8pm Contact: 52-661-1520

Port of Nagoya Wildflower Garden Bluebonnet Admission: ¥300 (~USD2.23) /pax for high schoolers and adults | ¥200 (~USD1.49) /pax for seniors aged 65 and above | ¥150 (~USD1.11) / pax for elementary school and junior high students | Free for children aged 6 and younger Address: 42 Shiomi-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-0028 Aichi Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5pm (1st March – 30th November) | Tue-Sun 9.30am-4pm (1st December – 25th December) (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 52-613-1187 | Port of Nagoya Wildflower Garden Bluebonnet Website  

Nagoya Port Garden Pier Address: 1-9 Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-0033 Aichi Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5pm (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 52-652-1111 | Nagoya Port Garden Pier Website  

3. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

With 3 whole floors of aquatic life, prepare to spend the whole day here at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium . Home to belugas, orcas, and dolphins, the North Building is where you can catch these creatures performing and training.

Over at the South Building, find fishes, jellyfishes, and turtles, and even see a school of sardines swimming around.

There is also a Touch Tank , where you can, well, touch starfishes, sea cucumbers, and more. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium also comes with a movie theatre that screens films of animals and the natural world.

Admission: ¥2,030 (~U SD15.08) /pax for high schoolers and adults | ¥1,010 (~USD7.50) /pax for elementary school and junior high students | ¥500 (~USD3.71) /pax for children aged 4 and above Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, 455-0033 Aichi Opening hours: Opening hours vary; check their website for updated information Contact: 52-654-7080 | Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium Website

4. Osu Shopping District & Osu Kannon Temple

With over 1,200 shops and restaurants, Osu Shopping District is where you can shop till you drop . The stores sell everything from apparel to antiques, and the restaurants include a variety of international cuisines, such as Brazilian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. 

Many festivals and events are held here, such as the Osu Setsubun Takarabune Gyoretsu (treasure ship parade) and regular antiques fairs.

While at Osu, the Osu Kannon Temple is a must-visit. Its bright red pillars and beams, paired with a classic black accent, make the temple a photogenic and trending spot. 

Osu Shopping District Address: Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0011 Aichi Opening hours: Opening hours vary by shop Contact: 52-261-2287 | Osu Shopping District Website  

Osu Kannon Temple Address: 2-21-47 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0011 Aichi Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily Contact: 52-261-2287 | Osu Kannon Temple Website  

5. Sakae Entertainment District

Sakae is one of Nagoya’s trendiest downtown areas. It includes Hisaya-odori Park , where you can grab a refreshing drink from its line of hip cafes, and Nagoya TV Tower , where you can visit its observation deck 100 metres above ground.

Well-loved for its futuristic-looking architecture, Oasis 21 is an oval-shaped underground mall and bus terminal located at the heart of Sakae. It features an accessible glass roof called Spaceship-Aqua which lights up at night.

Sunshine Sakae has 7 floors of shops and restaurants, including the theatre of SKE48, Nagoya’s version of the idol group AKB48. If that’s not impressive enough, you can ride the mall’s 42m-tall ferris wheel fitted with glass bubble gondolas called Sky-Boats for ¥500 (~USD3.71) per person . 

Sakae is truly one of the best places to spend a day filled with fun and relaxation, with attractions all within walking distance.

Hisaya-odori Park Address: 3 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0003 Aichi Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily Contact: 52-261-6641

Nagoya TV Tower Admission: ¥650 (~USD4.83) /pax for high schoolers and adults | ¥400 (~USD2.97) /pax for elementary school and junior high students Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0003 Aichi Opening hours: Mon-Fri & Sun 10am-9pm | Sat 10am-9.40pm (Last entry is 20 minutes before closing) Contact: 52-971-8546 | Nagoya TV Tower Website  

Oasis 21 Address: 1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higash-ku, Nagoya, 461-0005 Aichi Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily Contact: 52-962-1011 | Oasis 21 Website  

Sunshine Sakae Address: 3-24-4 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0003 Aichi Opening hours: 7am-12am, Daily Contact: 52-310-2211 | Sunshine Sakae Website  

6. Atsuta Shrine

Nestled in the Atsuta Forest is a spacious shrine known as Atsuta Shrine or Atsuta Jingu, which is visited by an estimated 7 million people annually. Considered as one of the most sacred places in Nagoya, many people visit the Atsuta Shrine to pray, leave offerings, and make wishes.

Over 70 traditional festivals and ceremonies are held at the Atsuta Shrine. They include the Atsuta Festival, where you can see lantern towers, traditional performances, and fireworks.

If you’re at Atsuta Shrine, visit the Treasure Hall , a museum famous for its relics and large display of swords and daggers. Admission to the Treasure Hall is ¥500 (~USD3.71) per person for adults and ¥200 (~USD1.49) per person for elementary school and junior high students.

Address: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, 456-0031 Aichi Opening hours:  

• Shrine: 24 hours, Daily
• Treasure Hall: 9am-4.30pm, Daily

Contact: 52-671-4151 | Atsuta Shrine Website  

7. Tokugawa Art Museum

If you love Japanese culture related to samurai, Tokugawa Art Museum is the place for you. The museum houses over 10,000 heirlooms passed down from the Owari Tokugawa clan, who were the lords of Nagoya Castle. 

The most popular exhibit is the Symbol of the Warrior , with a collection of samurai armour, katana, and other samurai relics.

Other exhibitions display tea ceremony utensils, noh masks, and other literary work, depicting Nagoya’s past.

Admission: ¥1,400 (~USD10.40) /pax for adults | ¥700 (~USD5.20) /pax for students | ¥500 (~USD3.71) /pax for children Address: 1017 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, 461-0023 Aichi Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (Last entry at 4.30pm) (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 52-935-6262 | Tokugawa Art Museum Website  

8. Noritake Garden

A well-loved tableware brand, Noritake created an oasis for shopping, eating, and relaxing right in Nagoya, in commemoration of its 100th anniversary. Amidst red-bricked buildings, Noritake Garden is well-decorated with kiln walls, a fountain plaza, and plenty of greenery.

At the Craft Cen te r and Noritake Museum , you will see how Noritake developed its brand. You can even decorate tableware from ¥2,000 (~USD3.71) per person , with a separate entry fee of ¥500 (~USD3.71) per person for adults.

Get your hands on traditional tableware, kitchen and household accessories at their lifestyle shop, Noritake Square Nagoya .

Noritake Garden is full of Instagrammable places, including the Tsutaya Bookstore in Aeon Mall Nagoya Noritake Garden . Take a photo right in front of the infinity bookshelf for that scholarly vibe.

Address: 3-1-36 Noritake Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, 451-8501 Aichi Opening hours: 9am-7pm, Daily Contact: 52-561-7114 | Noritake Garden Website  

9. Nagoya City Science Museum

Nagoya City Science Museum takes science to the next level with 7 floors jam-packed with experiments and exhibits.

It features one of the world’s largest planetariums , with its star projector that can replicate the breathtaking night sky from the Northern or Southern hemisphere.

The museum features 4 permanent exhibits simulating real-life conditions of natural disasters and happenings. The Tornado Lab shows a 9m-tall tornado in a cylindrical chamber and the Deep Freezing Lab screens a film about auroras in a -30°C room.

See realistic animal models and more at Nagoya City Science Museum, a place of many scientific discoveries and takeaways.

Admission: 

• Museum & Planetarium: ¥800 (~USD5.94) /pax for adults | ¥500 (~USD3.71) /pax for high school and university students | Free for junior high school students and under
• Museum only: ¥400 (~USD2.97) /pax for adults | ¥200 (~USD1.49) /pax for high school and university students

Address: 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0008 Aichi Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5pm (Closed on Mondays and the 3rd Friday of the month) Contact: 52-201-4486 | Nagoya City Science Museum Website  

10. SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Its efficient railway system and clean trains have always been the pride of Japan, envied by many. SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a museum that showcases the past, present, and future of Japan’s trains and railway system.

Try your hand at being the pilot and driving a train at the Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator for ¥500 (~USD3.71) per person . There are also other simulators from ¥100 (~USD0.74) per person and plenty of free, interactive, and educational exhibits.

With 39 rolling stock displays that allow you to touch and even climb inside, this is truly an oasis for train enthusiasts.

Admission: ¥1,000 (~USD7.43) /pax for adults | ¥500 (~USD3.71) /pax for students | ¥200 (~USD1.49) /pax for children aged 3 and above Address: 3-2-2, Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-0848 Aichi Opening hours: Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-5.30pm (Last entry at 5pm) (Closed on Tuesdays) Contact: 52-389-6100 | SCMAGLEV and Railway Park Website  

11. Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens

From koalas to elephants, Higashiyama Zoo boasts over 450 species of animals and is home to the “world’s most handsome gorilla”, Shabani.

If you are brave enough, you can even befriend reptiles such as lizards and snakes. Their reptile enclosures allow visitors every Sunday. 

The zoo also offers feeding sessions every Sunday of the month that allow you to feed other animals such as goats for free.

The botanical garden adjoining Higashiyama Zoo has over 7,000 varieties of flora and the scenery changes with the season so there is a fresh surprise every time you visit.

Here, you will find Japan’s oldest greenhouse , which is open to the public, along with a botanical hall that has plant-related exhibitions and workshops.

Admission: ¥500 (~USD3.71) /pax for adults | ¥100 (~USD0.74) /pax for seniors aged 65 and above | Free for junior high school students and below Address: 3-70 Higashiyama-motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-0804 Aichi Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am-4.50pm (Last admission at 4.30pm) (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 52-782-2111 | Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Website  

12. Legoland Japan

Spend a day filled with joy at Legoland Japan , which houses more than 10,000 lego models and over 20 rides and attractions.

The park is split into 8 different sections, which include the Lego factory, Bricktopia, and more. You can even find iconic Japanese attractions such as Mount Fuji made out of Lego bricks in Miniland Japan. 

One of the more popular attractions is the ninja-themed Lego Ninjago World , where you can fly through the sky on a dragon-shaped roller coaster.

The park also includes dining and shopping options, SEA LIFE Nagoya, and Legoland Japan Hotel. 

Admission: From ¥4,500 (~USD33.43) /pax for adults | From ¥3,300 (~USD24.51) /pax for children ages 3-12 Address: 2-2-1 Kinjoufutou, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-8605 Aichi Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm | Sat & Sun 10am-5pm Contact: 570-05-8605 | Legoland Japan

Food to eat

13. miso-katsu.

This is a must-eat for tonkatsu fans! Tonkatsu is a fried pork cutlet, usually paired with a sweet sauce. In Nagoya, the tonkatsu is topped with a thick and savoury miso sauce called miso-katsu .

The main ingredient of the sauce is hatcho miso, traditionally made with soya beans to produce a darker, reddish-brown miso. When paired with tonkatsu , you get this intense, umami flavour.

One of the most popular restaurants in Nagoya that serves miso-katsu is Misokatsu Yabaton , which has more than 15 outlets in Nagoya. 

Their recommendation is the Teppan Tonkatsu , which serves miso-katsu on a hot plate with cabbages. You can get this local speciality at ¥1,500 (~USD1 1.14) per serving at their restaurant.

Check out their outlets here .

14. Tebasaki

Tebasaki , also known as tebasaki-karaage , are deep-fried chicken wings coated with a tasty, sweet, and salty sauce. The chicken wings are fried without using any batter, generously dusted with a mixture of fine pepper, and usually topped with sesame seeds.

Locals often order a huge amount because tebasaki is easy to eat and addictive. They even say that good tebasaki can be chewed off its bones in one bite.

Sekai no Yamachan is a famous brand that sells tebasaki. They have 31 outlets in Nagoya, expanding to other prefectures in Japan and even overseas. You can select how much of their “phantom pepper” you want to  sprinkle on your tebasaki , with options of none, less, standard, and more.

15. Ankake spaghetti

This may look like Italian cuisine, but you’d be pleasantly mistaken. Ankake spaghetti is spaghetti prepared Nagoya-style, made with noodles that are extra thick. Measuring 2.2mm in diameter, they are 30% thicker than the normal spaghetti noodle. 

The boiled noodles are fried with lard, and then paired with a rich, spicy sauce made from vegetables, potato starch, and a tomato base.

Classic toppings include onions, green peppers, and wieners, but it can differ from restaurant to restaurant. Fried shrimps, hamburger steaks, and seafood are popular add-ons.

16. Hitsumabushi

Whilst similar to unadon – grilled eel on top of rice served in a ceramic bowl – hitsumabushi is prepared in a wooden, circular vessel called ohitsu . The eel is also sliced and the entire portion is supposed to be eaten in a specific way – in quarters. 

The first quarter – just the rice and eel – is to be eaten as is. The second quarter is paired with condiments such as nori, green onions, and wasabi. The third quarter is to be eaten with the addition of broth or tea, just like rice in soup or ochazuke . The last quarter is left for you to be creative and eat however you like.

17. Ogura toast

Ogura toast is red bean paste, butter, and fresh cream on top of a warm, thick toast. Whilst it seems like an odd combination, the sweetness of the red bean complements the savoury butter and fluffy cream. It is usually eaten for breakfast with an accompanying cup of coffee or drink.

Locals love ogura toast not only for its mouth-watering taste but also for its health benefits. The adzuki beans that make up the red bean paste contain high mineral and fibre. They are great for your bones and teeth, and helps to improve digestion.

Doteni is a traditional dish of pork or beef entrails in hatcho miso. Common inclusions are konjac and daikon radish, finished with spring onion and peppers. Doteni is usually paired with rice and is the comfort food of many.

19. Nagoya snacks

If you like snacking, speciality Nagoya snacks are worth a try. There are plenty of popular and trending ones to choose from, especially in Nagoya. 

Nagoya is the biggest producer of uiro , a sweet and chewy mochi rice cake. It is rectangular in shape and comes in different flavours – yuzu, matcha, aduki and sakura.

Kaeru manju is a frog-shaped dumpling filled with red bean paste, usually paired with a glass of milk. Kaeru manju also comes in different seasonal fillings such as sweet potato, chocolate, and more.

Moriguchizuke is a thin pickled radish usually more than 1.5-m long. It is usually pickled in sake and mirin and paired with rice.

Oni Manju are steamed buns with sweet potato chunks, well-loved by the locals. They are soft and rich in taste. Oni  is a kind of yokai or demon in Japanese folklore, and the sweet potato chunks are said to resemble the horns or spiked clubs of the oni . 

Places to visit near Nagoya

20. nagashima resort.

Located in Mie Prefecture and 50 minutes from Nagoya, Nagashima Resort is a major attraction featuring 5 main leisure facilities and an Anpanman museum. 

Nagashima Spa Land is a fun-filled theme park packed with all kinds of rides. It boasts the Steel Dragon 2000, the world’s longest roller coaster , with a total length of 2,479 metres.

Joyful Waterpark has plenty of water slides, lazy rivers, and a huge wave pool. However, it is only open during summer.

Nagashima Spa Yuami no Shima is a hot spring that has indoor and outdoor baths. Here, you can spend a day of relaxation going for massages and detoxing in the sauna.

Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima has over 300 foreign and domestic shops selling practically everything – from crepes to sporting goods. 

Nabana no Sato is a flower park that hosts flower festivals and boasts its jaw-dropping, stunning winter illuminations.

All facilities have their respective prices and opening hours, please check their website for updated information. 

Address: 333 Urayasu, Nagashima-cho , Kuwana City,  511-1192 Mie Prefecture Contact: 0594-45-1111 | Nagashima Resort Website  

21. Toyota Automobile Museum

If you’re a fan of cars, travelling slightly out of Nagoya to check out the Toyota Automobile Museum is definitely worth the trip. Located in Nagakute prefecture and 45 minutes away from Nagoya, the museum features over 140 cars of all eras. This includes President Roosevelt’s 12 cylinder Packard Twelve, which is the first car to be armour-plated and fitted with bulletproof glass.

At the Cultural Gallery, there are an estimated 4,000 cultural artefacts such as miniature cars, car mascots, and posters on display.

There are plenty of other things to do at Toyota Automobile Museum. Read up on automobile history at the library, grab a bite at their in-house restaurant or cafe, and even take a few souvenirs purchased at the museum shop home.

Admission: ¥1,200 (~USD8.91) /pax for adults | ¥700 (~USD5.20) /pax for seniors aged 65 and above | ¥600 (~USD4.46) /pax for middle and high school students | ¥400 (~USD2.97) /pax for elementary school students Address: 41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, 480-1118 Aichi Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5pm (Last admission at 4.30pm) (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 0561-63-5151| Toyota Automobile Museum Website  

22. Ghibli Park

Located in Nagakute prefecture, Ghibli Park is a theme park featuring the fantasy worlds of Studio Ghibli. Park tickets for each of the 3 park areas are to be purchased in advance and they have separate prices . 

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse has a variety of Ghibli-related attractions, a screening room for short movies, and even a children’s play area.

Hill of Youth features the World Emporium and the Rotary from Whisper of the Heart , the Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns, and the Elevator Tower from Howl’s Moving Castle .  

The most distinct feature of Dondoko Forest is Satsuki and Mei’s House from My Neighbor Totoro . Dondoko Forest also includes Dondoko-do, a wooden structure where only children can play inside. If you’re a major Ghibli fan, this is the place to be.

Address: 1533-1 Ibaragamama Otsu, Nagakute City, 480-1342 Aichi Opening hours: Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat, Sun & PH 9am-5pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Contact: 0570-089-154 | Ghibli Park Website  

Nagoya guide

Whether you want to learn about old samurai culture or new and futuristic automotive inventions, Nagoya is a great place to travel and experience Japan. So the next time you plan to visit Nagoya, this guide has got you covered. 

For more guides and places to visit in Japan, check out these articles:

• Tashirojima island  
• Things to do in Gifu
• Book shopping at Jimbocho, Tokyo’s literary haven
• 10 things to do on Awaji island

Cover image adapted from: @rienne_gram , @wandernhunger , @train_airplane , 大須観音（北野山真福寺寶生院)

Get more stories like this.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

Nagoya Guide

Travel from nagoya, history of nagoya, top attractions in nagoya, side trips from nagoya, nagoya food, cherry blossom in nagoya, getting to and around nagoya, half-day nagoya highlights tour.

With a population of more than 2.15 million people, Nagoya is one of Japan's major cities. It is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the principal city on the Nobi plain, one of Honshu's three large plains, and metropolitan and industrial centers.

Being the birthplace of Toyota and Pachinko (a recreational arcade game), Nagoya is a manufacturing powerhouse. Although the city's GDP beats that of many small countries, this younger child has become accustomed to life in the shadow of its older siblings, Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka.

• Nagoya is Japan's fourth largest city.
• It used to be one of the most important castle towns in Japan, with Nagoya Castle at its heart.
• The Tokugawa Art Museum displays over 10,000 pieces.
• The museum was built on the grounds of the former feudal residence of the Owaris, the founders of the castle.
• As of 2015, the JR Central Tower was the second-tallest building in Nagoya and eighth-tallest in Japan.

While most visitors to Japan will elect to spend their time in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, if you want to see the heart of the country, you'll have to visit Nagoya. It is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, and one of the nation's major economic centers.

Nagoya has many of its own attractions, and it also serves as a major transportation hub for the central region, with easy access to Takayama, Shirakawa-go and the Kiso Valley.

To get to Takayama, you can go by train. It takes between 2 and 4 hours and costs between 3,000 and 6,000 yen.

To get to Shirakawa-go, you can take the direct Gifu bus. This takes roughly 3 hours and costs about 4,000 yen.

To get to the Kiso Valley, you can go by train. To access Magome, take the JR Shinano limited express from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa Station, which takes about 50 minutes and costs around 3,000 yen. From Nakatsugawa, Magome can be reached via a 30-minute bus ride.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Nagoya has a history dating back 400+ years. It began after the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, with the building of Nagoya Castle.

Uniting Japan through his victory in the battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu started construction of the castle and in 1610 instructed residents of Kiyosu to move lock, stock, and temple to the area near the new castle.

Tokugawa Yoshinao, the castle's first lord, transformed the castle-city into a prosperous town and the Tokugawa family continued to live in the castle for 16 generations. Nagoya developed as a center for production of ceramics, lacquer-ware, cotton, and gunpowder, before becoming a center for modern industry during the 19th century.

Explore similar itineraries: 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour 12-Day Classic Japan Tour

Nagoya's best-known attraction is its castle, but it also has a large number of museums, gardens, historical temples and shrines. Here are some famous attractions you can visit when in Nagoya.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is the city's most popular tourist attraction and is famous for the two golden dolphins decorating its roof. It is Nagoya's icon, and cuts a striking profile amidst the surrounding greenery.

It was built at the beginning of the Edo Period in 1610 as the seat of one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa family, the Owari branch. It was one of the largest castles in the country, and the town around it eventually grew to become Japan's fourth largest city.

Unfortunately, the original castle was destroyed by bombing during World War 2 and the current building is a concrete reconstruction from 1959.

Tokugawa Art Museum

The Tokugawa Art Museum was founded in 1935 and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history. It has a collection of over 10,000 items.

The museum was built on the grounds of the Owaris' former feudal residence and preserves and exhibits several of their treasures, including samurai armor and swords, tea utensils, noh masks and costumes, poems, scrolls and maps.

Among the collection's 10,000 objects are 10 designated National Treasures, 59 registered Important Cultural Properties, and 46 Important Art Objects. The most famous National Treasure is a 12th-century illustrated scroll of the Tale of Genji, which is only displayed once a year in November.

Tokugawa-en Garden

Next to the Tokugawa Art Museum is the Tokugawa-en. This delightful Japanese garden was donated to Nagoya city in 1931 by the Tokugawa family, but destroyed by bombing in 1945. It is a traditional Japanese garden, good for strolling around, built around a large pond stocked with koi carp, but also with waterfalls, tea houses and bridges.

The garden is known for its seasonal flower/leaf displays; plum blossoms from February to March, peonies in April, irises in late May and early June, and colorful maple leaves in November. It can be visited separately, or with a combined ticket to the museum.

Sakae Downtown District

If you're looking to spice up your night with some shopping or sake, Sakae is the spot for you. The downtown Sakae in Nagoya, about two kilometers east of Nagoya station, is one of the most lively shopping and entertainment districts in the Chubu region, and is popular among overseas tourists.

The district has multiple department stores and malls catering for all kinds of shoppers, as well as a plethora of dining options.

In central Sakae, you can find 2 landmarks; the Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21, Spaceship of Water. In this neighborhood, you can also find street-level high-end overseas-brand shops and long-established department stores.

Major street-level spots are connected to the underground shopping arcade, which has been extended in all directions, with casual shops lined up in shopping streets.

Osu Kannon Temple

Osu Kannon is one of Nagoya's most popular Buddhist temples, dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was moved to its current site in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, after the original temple had been frequently damaged by severe flooding. The current buildings are 20th-century reconstructions.

The temple has a wooden image of Kannon that is said to have been carved by the monk Kukai, who was founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Underneath Osu Kannon's main hall is the Shinpukuji Library, which contains over 15,000 classic Japanese and Chinese texts.

Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Jingu is a large Shinto shrine complex, set in woodland in the Atsuta ward of Nagoya, a popular pilgrimage destination. It is one of Shinto's most important shrines, enshrining the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and storing the sacred sword Kusanagi, which is one of three imperial regalia.

The sword is still understood to be kept at the shrine, but it is not on public display. There is, however, a changing exhibition of more than 4,000 Tokugawa-era swords, masks and paintings on display in the Treasure Hall.

JR Central Towers

The JR Central Towers, completed in 1999, rise gracefully above Nagoya Station. The buildings consist of a 245-meter-tall Office Tower and the slightly shorter and slimmer Hotel Tower. The neighboring Midland Square surpassed the JR Central Towers in 2007 as Nagoya's tallest building.

The buildings' lower floors are shared between the two towers and house a Takashimaya department store, the Tower Plaza shopping mall and JR Nagoya Station. True to their names, the Hotel Tower houses a Marriott hotel, while the Office Tower provides 30 floors of office rental space.

Nagoya has become an important transport hub, with several railway lines meeting in the city and its busy port providing a vital link to the rest of the world. It serves as a major hub for Takayama, Shirakawa-go and the Kiso Valley.

Takayama is a city in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture. It is well-known for its biannual Takayama Festival, going back to the mid-1600s, celebrating spring and fall with parades featuring ornate, gilded floats and puppet shows.

Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It now ranks as one of the prime candidates among travelers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries.

Shirakawa-go

The Shirakawa-go region is on either side of the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that extend from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, it is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Kiso Valley

The Kiso Valley is in Nagano Prefecture, and runs alongside the mountains of the Central Alps. An ancient 70 km trade route called the Kisoji was developed along the valley and served as an important aid to commerce in the area.

In the Kiso Valley, a few post towns, mainly Magome, Tsumago and Narai, have been preserved to look as they did when they served travelers along the Nakasendo trail.

Nagoya is arguably home to some of Japan's best food. It has always been a popular destination for people in the know, with some of the country's best and most interesting culinary delights.

Hitsumabushi

This dish consists of grilled eel or unagi on rice and is one of the most popular Nagoya dishes. The eel is coated with sweet and savory sauce that enhances its natural taste.

You eat hitsumabushi by splitting it into four portions. Scoop the first portion of eel into the rice bowl and eat it straight. Eat the second portion with condiments added. Season the third portion to taste as before, but add broth to create a type of chazuke. Eat the final portion as you like.

Misokatsu is basically deep fried pork, called tonkatsu, with miso sauce. This is Nagoya's version of tonkatsu. Instead of using traditional tonkatsu sauce, a thick, miso sauce is poured on top. The resulting meal has a rich, earthy flavor and a touch of sweetness that compliments the flavor of the crispy, fried pork cutlet.

One of Nagoya's representative foods, misonikomi udon, is a staple among staples of soybean miso cooking. The dish's miso-based broth contains extra-thick noodles, and is typically served in individual-sized earthen pots. Popular ingredients include green onions, chicken, mushrooms, raw egg and rice cakes.

Cherry blossoms mark the annual beginning of spring, and the Japanese have traditionally celebrated this with hanami or flower-viewing parties held under blossoming cherry trees. Throughout Japan, in parks, shrines, temples, and on river banks, crowds gather to picnic under oceans of pink blossoms.

Below are Nagoya's five most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing.

The first is the Yamazakigawa Riverside. The Shikinomichi or "Path of Four Seasons" along Nagoya's Yamazaki River is arguably one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots. The river is lined by hundreds of cherry trees.

Nagoya Castle is the next spot. There you can enjoy the beautiful contrast of the pale pink of the blossoms against Nagoya Castle's golden shachihoko (an animal with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp) and green roof.

The third spot is Tsuruma Park, where park grounds are planted with 750 cherry trees of the Somei-Yoshino variety. Listed as one of Japan's 100 best cherry-blossom sites, Tsuruma Park hosts enthusiastic crowds during hanami season.

The fourth spot is Nagoya Peace Park. The park has a small forest of cherry trees and two ponds that provide a pleasant space for cherry blossom viewing picnics in the Cherry Orchard section.

The celebrated Inuyama Castle outside Nagoya is the final spot, surrounded as it is by hundreds of cherry trees. There are trees both around the castle keep on top of the hill, and around the base of the hill and Urakuen Garden, another of Inuyama's sightseeing spots.

Nagoya is easily accessible via shinkansen train. You can get there, for example, from Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagano, Matsumoto or Tsumago.

Tokyo and Nagoya are connected by the JR Tokaido shinkansen. If you travel by Nozomi train, it will take about 100 minutes and if you travel by Hikari train, it will take about 110 minutes. The regular one-way fare is 10,360 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, and around 11,000 yen for a reserved seat.

Nagoya and Kyoto are major stations on the JR Tokaido shinkansen. Nozomi trains will take about 35 minutes, while Hikari and Kodama trains take around an hour. The regular one-way fare is 5,070 yen for a non-reserved seat and around 5,500 yen for a reserved seat.

Nagoya and Nagano are linked by hourly JR Shinano limited express trains. The one-way trip takes around three hours, and costs about 7,000 yen.

You can take the JR Shinano limited express to travel between Matsumoto and Nagoya. The one-way fare is 7,000 yen for non-reserved seats or about 10,000 yen for reserved seats.

First, you have to take the JR Shinano limited express train to get to Kiso Valley. To access Tsumago, get off at Nagiso Station. It will take about an hour and will cost around 3,500 to 4,500 yen.

On this half-day tour you will explore Nagoya with a local guide.

You will start with a visit to Nagoya Castle, one of the largest castles in the country. Most of the castle buildings were destroyed in the air raids of 1945, including the castle keep and the palace buildings.

The keep at the castle today dates from 1959. There is also a modern museum, with exhibits about the castle's history. The park surrounding the castle keep features two circles of moats and impressive walls with corner turrets. During the cherry blossom season, it is one of the more popular hanami spots.

After the castle, you will head on to the Tokugawa Art Museum. This was built on the grounds of a former feudal residence and preserves and exhibits several local treasures including samurai armor and swords, tea utensils, noh masks and costumes, poems, scrolls and maps.

Just beside the museum is Tokugawa-en, a beautiful Japanese landscape garden with a large pond at its center. A network of walking trails leads around the grounds to a tea house, rest houses, and across several bridges. The garden is best visited in spring, when its peony and iris gardens bloom.

Explore Nagoya with Asia Highlights

As Japan's fourth most populous city, Nagoya has much to offer. Its beauty is still little-known and under-appreciated. Go with Asia Highlights and enjoy Nagoya's finest attractions to the full.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

• Quirky Japan
• Japanese food & drink
• Studio Ghibli

CHUBU , NAGOYA

Nagoya, japan – 34 things to do + photos.

This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

A sublime mix of the old and new with several state-of-the art, world-class attractions opening recently, there is such a cool collection of things to do in Nagoya, Japan.

Along with traditional temples and sightly shrines, Japan’s fourth biggest city has many modern attractions, from the awesome architecture of the Oasis 21 roof-park and Hisaya Odori centre through to the more vintage Mirai TV Tower (which looks just like the Eiffel Tower).

Historically, Nagoya has been an economic powerhouse and today, there are several Nagoya attractions relating to big manufacturing businesses such as a Toyota museum, a new Boeing aeroplane attraction and a joyful JR train museum.

Capital to the Aichi Prefecture, noble Nagoya has also recently welcomed the new Ghibli Park , one of Japan’s most anticipated theme parks and easily now one of the most popular things to do in Nagoya (tip – book your ticket WAY in advance).

From the (slightly) weird and wonderful Nana-chan Doll to the otaku utopia that is Akamon Dori, here is our guide to all the best things to do in Nagoya, Japan (2023):

SKIP TO THE THINGS TO DO IN NAGOYA LIST >

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Nagoya

Budget ($) Travelodge Nagoya Sakae Cheap and cheerful 3-star chain hotel located close to a subway station and a couple blocks away from the Mirai Tower.

Mid-Range ($$) Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya Centrally located 3 star hotel just a few minutes walk from Hisaya Ōdori Park and a few steps away from exit 4 of Hisayaodori metro station. Rooms were compact but clean and comfortable and had a small sofa.

Luxury ($$$) Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower 5 star luxury hotel located on the 31st-36th floors of a high rise building, with large rooms and amazing views of Nagoya.

How to get to Nagoya

Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport has direct flights to cities such as Seoul, Hanoi, Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Manila.

Plus domestic flights to cities such as Tokyo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Sapporo and Kagoshima.

By Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto (Covered by the Japan Rail Pass)

You can take a Shinkansen bullet train from these major cities:

• Tokyo station to Nagoya station (just under 2 hours on the Hikari and Nozomi trains)
• Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Nagoya station (between 55 and 70 minutes)
• Kyoto station to Nagoya station (35 minutes on the Nozomi train, and between 40 and 60 minutes on the Hikari and Kodama trains)

By Local Trains

You can take a local train from these major cities:

• Tokyo station to Nagoya station (about six hours with around three station transfers)
• Namba Station in Osaka to Nagoya station (just over two hours on a direct limited express train)
• Kyoto station to Nagoya station (2 hours and 15 minutes on the JR Tokaido Line and requires a transfer at Maibara Station)

By Highway Bus

You can take a direct bus from these major cities:

• Tokyo station to Nagoya station (around 5-6 hours)
• Namba Station in Osaka to Nagoya station (around three hours)
• Kyoto station to Nagoya station (around 2.5 hours)

Check train and bus timetables and fares on 12Go Asia:

How to get around Nagoya

Nagoya has an excellent subway system (with six different lines) and many railway lines, making getting around the city is very easy.

You can purchase a Nagoya Subway 24-Hour Ticket for 760 yen (children – 380 yen).

A Bus & Subway 1-Day Ticket costs 870 yen (children – 430 yen), however local buses in Nagoya are often not very tourist-friendly.

Me~guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus

There is however a Me~guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus that is more suitable for tourists and drives past many of Nagoya’s best sights.

You can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited rides, as well as receiving discounts and other benefits at tourist attractions.

The bus operates Tuesday to Sunday and costs 500 yen (children – 250 yen). Tickets can be purchased at tourist information centres (such as the Oasis 21 i Center), some hotels, Nagoya Bus Terminal or from the bus driver.

Things to do in Nagoya

1. ghibli park.

Located on the outskirts of the city and easily one of the newest and most popular things to do in Nagoya, Ghibli Park opened in late 2022. It is the world’s first theme park dedicated to movies and animated works of Studio Ghibli.

Parts of the amusement park (Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse) are now open to overseas visitors and we were lucky enough to be one of the first foreign visitors.

Ghibli Park is located on the site of the former Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, with the Grand Ghibli Warehouse located in one of the former expo pavilions.

To get a sense of scale, Ghibli Park is three times the size of Ghibli Museum in Tokyo!

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is packed full of Ghibli goodies and cute cartoon attractions. A magical town promising epic exhibits, theme playrooms, a vintage cinema, gift shops galore plus a ride on the Cat Bus, but does Ghibli Grand Warehouse deliver?

Read our review of visit Ghibli Park in Aichi and Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, including how to get Ghibli Park tickets in advance from overseas >

You might like this 2 Day 1 Night Ghibli Park (Grand Warehouse) Tour with Hotel & Breakfast >

2. Nagoya Castle

Easily one of the most beautiful castles in Japan (especially when we visited during cherry blossom / sakura), the original Nagoya Castle was originally built in the 1610s but sadly destroyed in 1945 by damage from an air-raid.

As such, the current Nagoya Castle is a concrete reconstruction of the original castle that was put up in the late 1950s. Note that the main castle keep is due to be demolished in 2024 and replaced by 2028 with a wooden recreation.

Up close and afar, Nagoya Castle looks incredible. There is also a recently restored museum on site that details the history of Nagoya Castle plus recreates how the rooms inside would have looked like (although when we visited, the queue was HUGE to get in the museum).

Alas the main Nagoya Castle concrete keep is not able to be visited as it is not earthquake proof. The gardens are also a pleasant stroll and you can walk around the outside of the entire castle via a garden walkway.

The Nagoya Castle grounds cost 500 Yen to visit per person (as of September 2023) – also enjoy tea in one of the traditional tea houses in Nagoya Castle gardens.

Try this – JR Rail Pass for the whole of Japan >

3. Oasis 21

One of the most unique things to do in Nagoya, Oasis 21 is a shopping centre that has the most incredible rooftop garden shaped like an oval UFO.

Whilst the shopping center itself is pretty average (lots of Japanese chain restaurants and fast food joints), the rooftop plaza at Oasis 21 is fantastic overing incredible views of Nagoya, particularly the iconic Nagoya TV Tower.

Free to visit, the Oasis 21 rooftop has a large pond of water which helps to cool the shopping center below but also makes for really interesting photos and reflective cityscapes, especially at night.

Nicknamed the ‘SpaceShip Aqua’, Oasis 21 rooftop garden is a wonderful waterside and architecturally awesome place to visit and quite like no other rooftop in Japan.

Try this – Sake Brewery Tour in Takayama >

4. Mirai Tower Nagoya

Despite initial appearances, the Mirai Tower in Nagoya isn’t a recreation of the Eiffel Tower but in fact a TV and radio tower that was built in the 1950s.

The 180 metre Mirai Tower has since been turned into a tourist hotspot with a viewing deck at the top plus a panoramic restaurant inside. At night, the Mirai Tower also lights up in a series of different colours.

An iconic Nagoya tower and landmark that can be seen from all over the city, we found the best place to view Mirai tower itself was either from the Oasis 21 roof park or from directly below in Hisaya Odori Park, with mirror like reflections on the pond (a really cool photo spot, especially during the evening light show).

As of 2021, the full title is the Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower but we don’t think this exactly trips off the tongue.

Try this – Eat Like A Local In Nagoya: Private & Personalized food tour >

5. Hisaya Odori Park

A rather charming downtown park and retail concept space, Hisaya Odori Park is full of high end luxury stores and boutique restaurants.

With the Eiffel Tower like Mirai Tower looming large in the background, you could feel like you are walking along the Champs Elysee in Paris (ish).

Revamped with new shops in 2020, Hisaya Odori Park has around 50 shops and restaurants to enjoy including shops.

If shopping isn’t your thing, Nagoya’s Hisaya Odori Park is still worth a visit as there are gardens, fountains and ponds to enjoy with multiple seating spots that have nice views of the Mirai Tower.

6. Sky Promenade

For the best unspoilt panoramic views of Nagoya, head to Sky Promenade observatory deck located on the 44th to 46th floors of the Midland Square Office building.

For our money, this was one of our favourite things to do in Nagoya and also one of the more unusual sky deck designs we encountered in the whole of Japan.

It was part indoors / part outdoors and made really good use of the space with a central square in the middle of the viewing deck.

We were fortunate enough to visit the Sky Promenade on a very clear sunny day so we had a clear view of the city, Nagoya Castle and the snow capped mountains surrounding Nagoya.

Whilst the amenities at the top are quite limited (the Italian restaurant and other cafes seemed to be closed when we visited in March 2023), this is all about the incredible views and vistas.

We visited Sky Promenade in the daytime but at night, they spray mist / vapour every half to create a colourful fog effect that creates a whole new perspective of Nagoya’s skyline.

Connected directly to Nagoya Station, the Nagoya Sky Promenade costs 1,000 Yen per adult as of September 2023.

Get your Nagoya Sky Promenade tickets in advance here >

7. Eat Miso Katsu in Nagoya

The miso katsu dish is a Nagoya specialty and there are numerous miso katsu restaurants in the Nagoya area.

Miso katsu is based on your typical Japanese tonkatsu dish that is a deep fried pork loin cutlet served with shredded cabbage and rice. However a thick, rich and salty miso-based sauce is used instead of the traditional soy sauce-based sauce.

Founded in Nagoya in 1947, Misokatsu Yabaton is an extremely popular chain of miso katsu restaurants found all over the city (look out for the pig dressed as a Sumo wrestler logo).

We found the queues to get into these restaurants were insanely long, so our advice would be to eat here at off-peak times. We managed to get a seat straight away at Misokatsu Yabaton around 4pm on a weekday.

8. Nagoya City Science Museum

Home to the world’s biggest planetarium (check out the huge ‘sphere’ on the side of the building), Nagoya City Science Museum has several floors of permanent exhibits and temporary exhibitions, many of which are hands-on. Highlights include the Tornado Lab (breezy) and the Deep Freeze Lab (chilly!)

Admission to the Nagoya City Science Museum is 800 Yen per adult for the Museum and Planetarium, or 400 Yen to visit just the museum (prices correct as of September 2023).

Even if you don’t want to actually visit the Nagoya City Science Museum itself, we highly recommend a visit as the building architecture is really cool.

Plus outside the museum, you can see some epic free exhibits including a huge Japanese H-IIB (rocket) which once provided supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) and a vintage Nagoya tram.

Try this – Nagoya: UNESCO Tour to Shirakawago & Takayama >

9. Shirakawa Park

Located next to Nagoya City Science Museum, Shirakawa Park is one of Nagoya’s most popular city parks and also home to Nagoya City Art Museum.

A popular meeting place with huge fountains, Shirakawa Park has several outdoor features like a huge fountain and sun clock plus several modern art sculptures.

10. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Calling all Japanese automobile aficionados and engineering enthusiasts – the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a mechanical marvel built on the site of the original Toyota factory.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by トヨタ博物館 / TOYOTA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM (@toyota_automobile_museum)

Home to hundreds of well polished cars and aesthetically awesome automobiles, learn about the manufacturing history of Toyota and take part in a guided tour (Japanese and English speaking tours are available).

Opened in June 1994, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024 with some huge events.

For non car fans, there is also an on-site restaurant, garden and gift shop to enjoy so vroom vroom along to Nagoya’s Toyota museum.

Admission to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology starts from 500 Yen per adult as of September 2023 – please note it is closed on Mondays.

Try this – Half-day tour to Noritake Garden & Toyota Commemorative Museum or full-day tour of Castle & Toyota Commemorative Museum .

11. SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

A rather good railway museum and uniquely Japanese attraction, Nagoya is home to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by リニア・鉄道館 (@scmaglev.railwaypark_official)

Ran by the Central Japan Railway (JR Central), this museum is not just for trainspotters as it has a huge array of both old and new trains from the super speedy shinkansens (bullet trains) to the more traditional steam powered locomotives and historic carriages.

You can also try driving a train for yourself with a driving simulator or there is even a train conductor simulator.

The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park costs 1,000 Yen per adult as of September 2023 – train simulators are additional costs ranging from 100 Yen to 500 Yen per simulator.

1 2. Osu shopping district including Osu Shopping Arcade

Nagoya’s best downtown area for shopping, the Osu Shopping District is a sprawling maze of shops, bars and restaurants and shopping streets which are mainly undercover.

Osu Shopping District is chock full of boutique, vintage and retro shops, plus hole in the wall eateries.

After the war, the Osu Shopping area flourished selling second hand items, thrift goods and homewares and is now the centre for anime, manga and comic shops – in other words, Osu Shopping District is ‘otaku’ heaven.

We found the best way to explore Osu Shopping District was to just wander around, browse whichever stores took our fancy plus grab bites at eateries that had big local queues. It is also a great place for discount beauty products and toiletries.

The Osu Shopping Arcade is a veritable and vintage treasure trove of Japanese goods plus leads directly to the Osu Kannon Shrine.

Try this – Nagoya Street Food Walking Tour of Osu >

13. Miwa Jinja Shrine AKA the Rabbit Shrine

Whilst in Nagoya, ‘hop’ along to the rabbit temple.

Miwa Jinja shrine (also known locally as the Shrine of Happiness) has a strong rabbit presence as the shrine’s deity (God) is said to be the same as Okuninushi, who was famous for his role in the legend of the Hare of Inaba, resulting in the strong connection to rabbits.

Popular with couples, the Miwa Jinja Shrine is believed to have strong powers over love and marriage – worshippers can wish for a long partnership by tying a string of fortune next to the 400+ year old ‘Tree of Marriage’.

Full of cute decorations plus a special torii gate and shop manned by old ladies, Miwa Jinja Shrine certainly brought up happiness and was one of our favourite things to do in Nagoya.

Try this – Nagoya Highlights Tour guided by a friendly local >

14. Akamon Dori / Street – Otaku Heaven

Get your inner otaku on at Akamon-Dori, Nagoya’s very own version of Akihabara (albeit on a slightly smaller scale).

Nagoya’s highest concentration of cool comic shops, gachapon stores, geek chic and epic entertainment shops, Akamon Street is home to great gaming stores and cute cafes like:

Super Potato Akamon Dori

One of the best video game shops specialising in classic arcade consoles and retro games, Super Potato Japan is a chain of glorious gaming stores which has a two floor outpost on Akamon Dori.

Here you’ll find old video games cartridges galore on the ground floor plus a retro style arcade on the second floor (and one of the biggest Nintendo Gameboys we’ve ever seen).

Jungle Entertainment Shop Akamon Dori

Similar to Manadrake and Super Potato, Jungle is a second-hand store that sells robots, anime and all manner of Manga models.

Akamon-Dori has many thrift and vintage stores to browse as well including Rocat, a second hand clothing store full of used no name to big brand items for reasonable prices.

Lashinbang Akamon Dori

Lashinbang is billed as Japan’s biggest second-hand store, selling cosplay, Doujinshi and Otaku goods. Look out for the bright blue billboard along Akamon-dori.

15. Kinshachi Yokocho

Located a few footsteps away from Nagoya castle main gate, Kinshachi Yokocho is a small traditional-style alleyway with many wooden buildings that house boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. It is also known as Kinshachi Yokocho Gourmet Town.

You’ll find a branch of the famous Misokatsu Yabaton restaurant here as well.

At the far end of the street is an all-weather beer garden called Nagoya Castle BBQ Park , which has many street food stalls, plus BBQ set menus that include all you can eat and drink deals. Visit their website for more information >

16. Legoland Japan Resort, Nagoya

Plastic fantastic. Japan’s very first Legoland which opened in 2017, Nagoya Legoland Japan Resort has several themed zones likes Pirate Shores and Bricktopia.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by レゴランド・ジャパン・リゾート (@legolandjapanresort)

They also have a Miniland where famous Japanese landmarks from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto are recreated like Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing, Kobe Tower and Kiyomizu-dera.

There is also LEGO City located next door to Legoland where you’ll find the The Sea Life Nagoya Aquarium.

Skip the Queue – get your discounted LEGOLAND Japan Resort Tickets, exclusive to non Japanese residents >

17. Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Nagoya is never short on sublime shrines but Atsuta Jingu Shrine in southern Nagoya is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in the whole of Japan.

Here you can also visit the Kusanagi-kan museum which has an impressive collection of historic samurai swords (plus some non lethal swords you can get hands on with).

Plus next door, there is a small soup noodle shop that specialises in the shrine’s version of kishimen soup noodles – soup-er stuff!

Located in gorgeous green parkland, Atsuta Jingu Shrine is free to visit but there is a 500 Yen admission fee to the Treasure Hall.

If you visit to Nagoya happens to be in June, try to get along to the shrine to take part in the special Atsuta Rei-Sai festival that takes place every year on June 5th, to mark the start of the summer including huge lantern parades.

Try this – Half-day Tour to Atsuta Shrine and Shirotori Garden in Nagoya >

18. Shirotori Garden

A gorgeous green space sprawling over four hectares, Shirotori Garden is a peaceful place to explore and one of the more tranquil things to do in Nagoya.

Originally created for a World Design Expo, Shirotori Garden opened in the early 1990s and has several lovely lakes and pretty ponds plus is home to traditional tea ceremony rooms in the ‘Seui-tei’ tea house, designed in the shape of a swan.

A popular place any time of year in Nagoya, Shirotori Garden is particularly popular in spring and one of the best places to see sakura / cherry blossoms in Nagoya.

Try this – Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya >

19. Nagoya Castle Ninja Show

One of the most fun free things to do in Nagoya, there is a regular Ninja Show that takes place in the grounds of Nagoya Castle.

Aimed squarely at families and young kids, the early morning ninja show sees an epic battle take place between several samurai fighters and ninja warriors against the epic backdrop of Nagoya Castle.

The Nagoya Castle Ninja Show takes place on the weekends at 10am.

Please note we’ve read some older articles about things to do in Nagoya that say there is a fee to watch the ninja show at Nagoya Castle but we visited in March 2023 and it was included as part of the Nagoya Castle admission.

Try this – Takayama City and Shirakawago Village Tour from Nagoya >

20. Osu Kannon Shrine

A beautiful Buddhist temple in downtown Nagoya located at the end of Osu Shopping Arcade, Osu Kannon Shrine buildings are fairly modern, having been rebuilt in recent years being destroyed by the Nagoya Air Raids in 1945.

A small site with a couple of cherry blossom trees either side of the shrine, Osu Kannon is a popular shrine for Nagoya city workers and shoppers to pay their respects – it also appears very popular with pigeons (we spotted a man selling bird feed to tourists).

A flea market is also held at Osu Kannon Shrine at least once a month – inside you’ll also find a huge collection of old books and manuscripts. Osu Kannon shrine is free to visit.

Try this – Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour >

21. Tokugawaen Garden

A joyful Japanese garden situated next door to Tokugawa Art Museum, Tokugawaen Garden has something to see in each of the four seasons but especially so in the autumn with its red foliage.

From waterfalls and stone walkways, traditional tea houses to tall trees, there is much to see and enjoy at Tokugawaen Garden.

Admission to Tokugawaen Garden is 300 Yen per adult or a combo ticket can be purchased that includes Nagoya Castle admission for 640 Yen – prices correct as of September 2023.

22. JR Central Towers

Once Nagoya’s tallest building and observation deck (now taken over by Midland Square), the JR Central Towers are a looming landmark in Nagoya that were built in the late 1990s.

The observation deck here has since closed and been transformed into a panoramic restaurant and many of the floors are office space.

JR Central Towers’ lower floors are a shopping mall (Tower Plaza), Takashimaya department store and of course the train station itself.

Whilst not such a destination in itself, this is a good place to go shopping if you are catching a train to or from Nagoya and also has some excellent food court options plus a ubiquitous BIC Camera store.

23. Solo Pizza Napoletana

If you are feeling a little jaded by Japanese food and want to try some western food that isn’t McDonalds or Burger King, try a piece of Nagoya pizza.

Solo Pizza Napoletana is an award-winning Nagoya based pizza chain with two branches (one at Nagoya Station, one in the Osu Shopping District) which specialises in stone baked pizza at inexpensive prices.

We visited the Osu Shopping District Solo pizza Napoletana, located in a beautiful arcade and tried a margarita pizza. At around 500 Yen for a four slice pizza, it was pretty good value and tasted WAY better than the pizzas you get at the Saizeriya Italian chain.

24. Taito Station Osu Shop

Nagoya’s largest gaming arcade, Taito Station’s Nagoya branch has three floors of games consoles, arcade machines and more dance machines than you ever thought possible!

Here you can have a go at the legendary Japanese claw machines (UFO catchers) to try and win cute Kawaii gifts (harder than it looks) or have a gander at the gashapon toy capsule machines.

With over 1,000 machines including a whole floor dedicated to selfie style booths (complete with make-up and hair styling utensils), take a trip to Taito Station Osu Shop.

Try this – Ninja Samurai Kingdom Ise Ticket >

25. Don Quijote Nagoya Stores

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to one of the numerous Don Quijote stores , Japan’s best loved discount chain.

You know you’ve found a Don Quiijote store as you’ll either see the bright blue penguin character Don Pen outside the store or hear the incredibly catchy Don Quijote theme tune on loop (the poor store staff must get so sick of it!)

Some (but not all) Don Quijote stores in Nagoya are open 24 hours and many have really cheap restaurants or hot food counters inside.

There are around six Don Quijote stores in the downtown Nagoya area including the MEGA Don Quijote UNY Nayabashi store. They are a great place to purchase cheap souvenirs such as Japanese Kit Kats.

Check out our ultimate guide to Japan’s Don Quijote stores >

Try this – Private Helicopter Flight Experience in Nagoya >

26. Sky Boat Ferris Wheel at Sunshine Sakae

Most major Japanese cities have some form of ferris wheel / sky wheel and Nagoya is no different with the Sky Boat Ferris Wheel. This one is a little more unusual than others as it hangs off the side of a shopping centre (Sunshine Sakae).

Over 40 metres wide and with perspex capsules to ride in, this is unique way to enjoy the Nagoya skyline (Sky Boat Ferris wheel admission fees apply).

Easy to find and located in the downtown core just across from Don Quijote Sakae Honten, Sky Boat Ferris Wheel is open daily until 10pm (11pm on Saturdays) and one of the most fun ways to see Nagoya all lit up at night.

Plan My Japan tip – the view from the Sky Boat Ferris Wheel is Nagoya is good but equally good views can be found from the nearby, free to visit Oasis 21 rooftop garden and sky park .

Try this – Eiho-ji, Ena Valley, Magome-juku & Tsumago-juku Day Tour From Nagoya >

27. Flight of Dreams at Nagoya Airport

A new Nagoya attraction takes flight! We first stumbled across this new thing to do in Nagoya when we flew into Nagoya airport’s domestic terminal from Fukuoka.

Flight of Dreams is essentially an aeroplane themed fun / amusement park with the main attraction being an actual Boeing 787 plane that you can go on board.

A plane-spotters wet dream, you can try your hands at flying a Boeing 787 or Boeing 747 Dreamlifter on a flight simulator.

Plan My Japan Tip Even if you don’t fancy a visit to Flight of Dreams or don’t want to pay the admission fee, you can get some good views of the aircraft by dining in the bars and cafes in Seattle Terrace, centred around the Boeing 787 on display.

The best views of the plane can be had at the Pike Brewery taproom and restaurant, or the Starbucks.

Try this – Nagoya car rental from Nagoya Airport >

28. The HUB Pub

Cheers to this British pub chain in Nagoya (and across) Japan. In most Japanese cities we’ve stayed in, we’ve come across this ‘cheap as chips’ bar and British pub that has a very Happy Hour!

With each drink you buy, you get to choose a British snack like a small cone of fish and chips. Plus you can watch lots of sports at the HUB pubs like English Premier League soccer.

There are around four HUB Pubs in downtown Nagoya but the best one to visit is HUB Grampus Pub Mirai Tower as it has a beer garden directly underneath the Mirai Tower. So for incredible British style brews with views in Nagoya, head to one of the HUB Pubs.

Read more about British HUB pubs in our HUB pub guide >

29. Nagoya-City Nana-chan Mannequin 

One of the more weird and wonderful things to do in Nagoya, this gigantic mannequin named Nana-chan stands a whopping 20-feet tall and is famous for her seasonal costumes changes including swimsuits, dresses, santa outfits, kimonos and even Wonder Woman!

A beloved city icon, Nana-chan was installed in 1973 to advertise products for the Meitetsu Department Store which she stands in-front of.

Located near Nagoya Station, the mannequin is regularly used by locals as a meeting place.

You can check out some of her past outfits on the Meitetsu Department Store website .

30. Underground Malls in Nagoya

We visited Nagoya in spring time and we found the weather to be quite hit and miss – lovely and sunny some days, rainy and miserable the others.

Luckily, Nagoya has several underground shopping malls which are ideal for all weather shopping – Sakae Chika Underground mall, Mori no Chikagai underground mall plus Central Park mall.

Nagoya is said to be the birthplace of underground shopping malls in Japan as it has such wide streets designed for lots of cars so it was only natural to build underground passageways and shopping centres.

As we were staying at the Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya hotel, we really appreciated being able to eat, drink and shop at Central Park Underground Mall as it was so close with loads of eateries inside (plus popular chain shops like the Can Do 100 YEN Store).

Try this – Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local >

31. Pike Brewing Taproom and Restaurant Nagoya

A little piece of America in Nagoya, this is the first Japanese outpost of Seattle based Pike Brewing Co and the perfect place to try American style IPAs and West Coast wonderful beers.

Located at Nagoya Airport in the Seattle Terrace, even though this is an American brewery, it still has Japanese touches like a robot server.

The terrace at Nagoya’s Pike Brewing restaurant also has excellent views of the Flight of Dreams theme park and showpiece Boeing 787 plane plus has lots of beer pairing recommendations to go with your meals.

32. Mandarake Nagoya

Mandarake in Japan is renowned worldwide as one of the best chains to buy all manner of modern and retro collectables, from manga models through to 70’s trading cards or dated Doraemon relics.

Mandarake Nagoya has four floors with each one themed – for instance, level three is mainly cosplay items and the fourth floor dolls.

Seriously, we could happily spend hours browsing in Mandarake. We’ve found so many cool toys and otaku gifts here like James Bond 007 cars from the 1980s or even Hello Kitty Model trains.

Read more in our guide to Mandarake >

3 3. Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street

The oldest shopping street in Nagoya, Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street has certainly seen busier days and now seems to be mainly frequented by locals using the one supermarket in here.

A long parade with a covered roof, many of the shops in Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street seem to be vacant but several new eateries and cafes have popped up which may breathe back into the shopping arcade.

It is also a popular thoroughfare for rickshaw rides with tourists dressed up in traditional Japanese clothes

Dating back to the early 17th century, Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street is a nice place to take a quiet stroll free from cars or enjoy traditional Japanese food or international fare like Vietnamese or Italian.

Keep an eye out for the four statues at the western end of Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street too, depicting local heroes Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Nobunaga Oda, Ieyasu Tokugawa and Mitsukuni Tokugawa.

One final thing to do in Nagoya, Japan

34. fuji sengen shrine.

Located near Nagoya’s Osu Kannon shopping arcade, this is one of Nagoya’s oldest shrines originally dating back to 1495.

Whilst small in stature, the grounds here are very peaceful and you’ll often see elderly locals paying their respects.

Did you enjoy our things to do in Nagoya   guide blog post? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media. 

You can follow us on:  Instagram Tik Tok Facebook Pinterest YouTube

You might also like

Things to do in Nakano, Tokyo

Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo (+ Photos)

Visiting the hot spring Japanese snow monkeys in Nagano

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Ghibli Park Review

Top things to do in Nagano City

Gachapons in Japan – the Coolest Gachapon Capsule Toys

Best Japanese shops and supermarkets in London

Things to do in Uji, Japan

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

NAGOYA ITINERARY: Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

As the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the largest city in the Chubu Region, Nagoya is considered one of the key cities in Japan. It is also the region’s transportation hub and the jump-off point to other parts of Central Japan.

Nagoya Station serves many railway lines including Tokaido Shinkansen Line, Tokaido Main Line, and Chuo Main Line among others. The private railway company, Meitetsu, which serves both Aichi and Gifu Prefectures, established its headquarter in Nagoya. Modern and historical attractions are accessible by trains and buses. The city also has the Me-guru Sightseeing Bus which has stops to most of the popular destinations in Nagoya. Here are some of the things to do while in Nagoya.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Legoland Japan

Legoland Japan started its operation in April 2017. It is the first ever Legoland amusement park in Japan, the second in Asia after Malaysia. The outdoor amusement park is divided into seven (7) themed areas: Miniland, Factory, Bricktopia, Adventure, Lego City, Knight’s Kingdom, and Pirate Shores. It also features a rotating Observation Tower, offering you a view of the whole park. Most attractions and rides are for kids, but there are some that adults would enjoy too.

Entrance Fee:  ¥4,700; Free (children below 2 years old)
 Opening Hours:  10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closing time varies. Please check the official website for the schedule.)
 Location:  2 Chome−2−1, Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 455-8605 Getting There:  From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line train to Kinjofuto Station. Travel on foot to Legoland from Kinjofuto Station. It will take around five minutes on foot to reach Legoland from Kinjofuto Station.

Nagoya Castle

Once the core of one of Japan’s prominent castle towns, Nagoya-juku, the Nagoya castle is also one of the largest in the country. It was built during the early Edo Period under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was destroyed in an air raid during the Second World War in 1945 and was reconstructed in 1957 until 1959. Another reconstruction, which began in 2009, is still ongoing and is targeted to finish in 2022. You can still visit other parts of the castle ground as reconstruction is done per section/area.

Entrance Fee:  ¥500 (adults); ¥100 (senior citizen); Free (students from junior high school and below) 
 Opening Hours:  9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (daily)
 Location:  1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 460-0031 Getting There:  Get off at Higashi-ote Station via Meitetsu Seto Line or board a Me-guru Sightseeing Bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal’s Platform 11 and alight at Nagoya Castle stop.

TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

In June 1994, an old textile factory was relaunched as the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, also called Toyota Tecno Museum. The museum displays memorabilia and mementos that tell the history of one of the world’s biggest automobile producer, from its early automatic loom manufacturing days to producing and manufacturing cars.

Entrance Fee:  ¥500 (adults); ¥200 – 300 (students); Free (senior citizens) 
Opening Hours:  9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (daily, except Mondays and holidays)
 Location:  45th Nagafushincho Nishinomiyincho Nishi-ku, 451-0051 Getting There:  Take a three-minute walk from Sako Station via Meitetsu Nagoya Line or ride a Me-guru Sightseeing Bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal’s Platform 11 and alight at Toyota Commemorative Museum stop.

Toyota Automobile Museum

The museum was officially launched in 1989, in time for the 50th anniversary of Toyota Motor Corporation. It houses a collection of about 140 cars from around the globe; most of them are as old as post-war Japan. It aims to present the evolution of the automobile and show how carmakers from around the world contribute to the fast development of the industry. The museum is located in Nakagute, a city close to Nagoya.

Entrance Fee:  ¥1,000 (adult); ¥500 (senior citizen); ¥400 – 600 (students); Free (pre-school) 
 Opening Hours:  9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (daily, except Mondays and holidays) 
Location:  41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture 480-1118 Getting There:  Board a Higashiyama subway line and get off at Fujigaoka Station. Transfer to Linimo line and get on a train to Geidaidori Station. Take a short walk from the station to the museum.
  
Tip:  If you want to visit both the Toyota Commemorative Museum and Toyota Automobile Museum, you can save money when you get the Joint Ticket. Rates are ¥1,200 for adults and ¥460 – 640 for junior high and high school students.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

This railway museum is owned and managed by the Central Japan Railways (JR Central). In March 2011, it officially opened its doors to the public. It aims to educate visitors about the railway system of Japan by showcasing various kinds of trains — from steam locomotives to bullet trains to magnetic trains — and explaining the different parts and how each part functions. It features a collection of 39 actual train cars, train cab simulators, railway dioramas, and many others. The museum is located outside Nagoya city.

Entrance Fee:  ¥1,000
 Opening Hours:  10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (daily, except Tuesdays and holidays) 
Location:  3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 455-0848 Getting There:  It is close to Legoland. From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line train to Kinjofuto Station. Take a short walk to the museum from Kinjofuto Sation.

Nagoya TV Tower

The oldest TV tower in Japan, which first opened in 1954. It towers at 180 meters, offering two viewing spots: the Sky Deck (indoor) at 90 meters and the Sky Balcony (outdoor) at 100 meters. When nighttime hits, you will see the lights illuminating it, presenting the tower in a different “light”, literally. The tower also has a restaurant, a gallery, and a bowling alley.

Entrance Fee:  ¥700 (adults); ¥600 (senior citizen); ¥300 (students)
 Opening Hours:  10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (until 10 PM from April to December) 
Location:  3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 460-0003 Getting There:   Option 1: From Nagoya Station, take the subway train on Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station. It will take you about three minutes to reach it on foot from Exit 3. Option 2: Another route is to take the Sakuradori Line subway train to Hisayaodori Station. It will take you about one minute to reach Nagoya TV Tower on foot from Exit 4. Option 3: You can also board a Me-guru Sightseeing Bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal’s Platform 11 and alight at Nagoya TV Tower stop.

Shopping at Sakae District

Oasis 21 Complex. This complex, which opened in 2002, boasts a futuristic design with greenery. Oasis 21 employs a design which forged two seemingly contradicting themes that surprisingly turned out fine. It’s a very convenient place for shopping and dining, especially for those who are waiting for their scheduled bus departure as the complex also houses the bus terminal for both city buses and highway buses.

Entrance Fee:  FREE
 Opening Hours:  10 AM – 9 PM (Spaceship Aqua and shops); 10 AM – 10 PM (restaurants)
 Location:  1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 461-0005 Getting There: Option 1: From Nagoya Station, take a subway train on Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station. It will take you about one minute to reach Oasis 21 on foot from Exit 4. Option 2: Another way is to get on the Me-guru Sightseeing Bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal’s Platform 11 and alight at Nagoya TV Tower stop. Oasis 21 is adjacent to Nagoya TV Tower.

Sunshine Sakae. Just a few blocks from Oasis 21 and Nagoya TV Tower is Sunshine Sakae. The shopping and entertainment building opened in 2005. All six floors are loaded with different bars, cafés, restaurants, retail shops, and even concert halls! But the main draw is the 52-meter tall Ferris wheel, the Sky Boat, which holds 28 glass gondolas. At nighttime, it dazzles with dancing LED lights.

Entrance Fee:  FREE; ¥500 (Ferris wheel ride) 
Opening Hours:  11:00 AM – 11:00 PM 
Location:  3−24−4 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, 460-0003 Getting There:  From Nagoya Station, take a subway train on Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station. You can reach Sunshine Sakae by taking a short walk from Exit 8.

Other Nagoya Attractions

Shrines and Temples:  Osu Kannon Temple, Arako Kannon Temple, Toganji Temple, Koshoji Temple, Nittaiji Temple, Shiroyama Hakusan Shrine, Atsuta Shrine
 


Parks and Entertainment:  Meijo Park, Higashiyama Park, Hisaya-Odori Park, Shirakawa Park, Port of Nagoya Aquarium

Museums:  Toyota Kaiken Plant Tour Museum, Nagoya City Art Museum, Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya City Science Museum, Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Shike-michi District


How to Get a Japan Visa

If you’re holding a Philippine passport, you will need a visa to enter Japan. Application is fast and easy if you complete the requirements. All applications must be coursed through an embassy-accredited travel agency like Attic Tours , which has branches in Manila (Roxas Boulevard), Quezon City (SM North EDSA), Cebu, and Davao.

For more information on how to apply for a visa, read: JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS .

Our trip was made possible by the tourism boards of Gifu and Aichi Prefectures! Opinions are my own.

Featured image purchased from Shutterstock. 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• JAPAN MULTI-CITY TOUR: How to Plan a Budget Trip
• NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• How to Get to SHIRAKAWA-GO from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya
• 8 Awesome DAY TRIPS FROM NAGOYA
• CHUBU CENTRAIR AIRPORT to NAGOYA or GIFU CITY: By Bus and By Train
• OSAKA TO NAGOYA / NAGOYA TO OSAKA: By Bus & By Train
• CENTRAL JAPAN: 25 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit
• CENTRAL JAPAN ITINERARY: 5 Days in Nagoya, Shirakawago, Kanazawa & More!

• Recent Posts

• 2024 STILTS CALATAGAN Beach Resort Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget - 7 April 2024
• TOKYO SKYTREE TRAVEL GUIDE: Know Before You Visit! - 30 March 2024
• 37 BORACAY TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do (with Prices!) - 6 November 2023

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

• Things to Do
• Tourist Spots & Attractions

22 Best Things to Do in Nagoya, An Underrated Food and Sightseeing Destination

• Stefania Sabia

If you want to branch out your Japan travels beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, then try Nagoya, the country's fourth-largest city! The capital of Aichi Prefecture has a distinctive food culture and a rich history, thanks to its close ties with the old Tokugawa dynasty that left behind the majestic Nagoya Castle and other amazing architectural legacies, such as the Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s most prominent shrines. The city not only preserves its historical beauty, but it is also a science and industrial center, being home to Toyota, the largest car company in the world. Read on to discover the 22 best spots to visit while in Nagoya!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

What to See in Nagoya

1. nagoya castle: visit a 400-year-old samurai castle.

Nagoya Castle has been a symbol of Nagoya for over 400 years. Originally constructed in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the military ruler who established the Edo period (1603-1868), the structure stands at an impressive 48m in height. After the original building burned down in 1945, it was recreated in 1959 using techniques and materials identical to the first construction. Thus you are able to get an accurate insight into the lives of Japanese feudal lords and samurai while wandering through this masterpiece of architecture. Atop the castle, you can spot the two golden shachi (tiger-headed carp) that are considered to be icons of the city. Even if the main tower keep is closed for renovation, be sure not to miss the recently rebuilt castle palace (Honmaru Goten) and the beautiful gardens.

*The main tower keep is closed until October 2028.

2. Atsuta Shrine: One of Japan's Most Prominent Shrines

Atsuta Shrine, with a history said to span over 1,900 years, is the oldest landmark in Nagoya. Located south of Nagoya Station, the plot of about twenty hectares is covered with thick forests that are home to camphor trees that are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Atsuta Shrine is considered to be a shrine of significant importance in Japan’s native religion, Shinto, as it is believed to house one of the three sacred treasures of Japan: the sacred sword known as Kusanagi no Tsurugi, or the "Grass-cutting Sword." The sun goddess Amaterasu is arguably the most important Shinto deity, and she too is enshrined here alongside the Kusanagi sword. For those interested in Japanese religion, Atsuta Shrine is a must-visit during your time in Japan.

3. Shirotori Garden: Stroll Through a Tranquil Japanese Garden

Shirotori Garden, only a 10-minute walk from Atsuta Shrine, is the biggest traditional Japanese garden in Nagoya. The 3.7 hectare garden is located inside Shirotori Park and was carefully designed with the help of artisans from other regions like Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. Shirotori Garden offers changes in scenery depending on the seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and red and gold foliage in autumn. Visitors to Shirotori Garden can enjoy teatime in a traditional tea room as well as other small events during the year, such as a bonsai exhibition in January or Japanese classical concerts.

4. Osu Kannon: The Lively Temple and Shopping District

The history of the Osu Kannon Temple dates back to the year 1333, and the temple enshrines one of Japan's most important Kannon (Buddhist goddess of mercy) statues. It is also known for a flea market held on its grounds on the 18th and 28th of every month, as well as its neighboring shopping district. The bustling alleys that make up the Osu shopping district host around 1,200 stores that will be sure to satisfy your shopping fix while in Nagoya. On top of this, the area hosts a wide variety of restaurants and bars serving Japanese and international cuisine. Part of the shopping district is often compared to Tokyo's Akihabara, as there are many stores that specialize in electronics, cosplay, and anime goods.

5. Nagoya City Science Museum: Enjoy the World's Biggest Planetarium

Maybe history isn’t your thing? Worry not, for equally as close to Osu is the Nagoya City Science Museum! The world’s biggest planetarium is housed inside the museum’s globe, while the other seven floors are packed full of interactive exhibitions. It has interactive areas such as a -30°C  room where you can experience an aurora, the “Tornado Lab” (a 9-meter tall twister that replicates tornados), and the “Secrets of Life” exhibition where you can learn about the mechanisms of cells and DNA. It’s not unheard of for science fans to use a whole day of their Nagoya trip at this museum alone.

*Presentations are only in Japanese.

6. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: Discover the History of the Largest Car Company in the World

This museum is located on the site of the original company in central Nagoya, not far from Nagoya Station, and displays the history of the Toyota group. The exhibitions vary from textile manufacturing to robotics, with interactive activities that are available in English as well. If you are interested in the history of the world's biggest car company, from its origins to its recent development, and want to know more about what is perhaps the region's most iconic company, this place is a must-go!

7. Tokugawaen Garden: Relax in a Feudal Lord's Landscape Garden

This Japanese garden belonged to the Owari-Tokugawa family, one of the branches of the Tokugawa clan, the ruling clan in the Edo Period. Their former residence was located here, and the original garden encompassed 44 hectares. The current garden is laid out in the typical "daimyo" garden style (a feudal lord's landscape garden with a central pond) and offers various landscapes as well as seasonal highlights and flowers such as peonies and irises.

8. Tokugawa Art Museum: Learn More About the Samurai

This museum is adjacent to the Tokugawaen Garden and was built on the grounds of the Owari family's former feudal residence. The collection was donated by the descendants of the Owari-Tokugawa family, who amassed great wealth during the Edo Period. The museum boasts more than ten thousand pieces, preserving several of the family's treasures including samurai armor and swords, tea utensils, poems, scrolls, and maps. The comprehensive display helps you imagine the Owari-Tokugawa family's way of life.

9. SCMAGLEV and Railway Park: The Go-To Place for Train Lovers

This museum is run by JR Central and displays about forty retired trains, including a maglev  (levitating bullet train), bullet trains, and steam locomotives. The museum aims for a better understanding of the trains' histories and mechanics. Popular attractions are the train simulators, the train crew simulator, and one of the largest train dioramas in Japan. This educational exhibition can be enjoyed by all ages, and it's the perfect destination if you are traveling with kids!

If you're traveling with children, also check out this article for  15 Things To Do in Nagoya with Kids! Sightseeing Spots for the Whole Family to Enjoy .

10. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Spend a Day in the Open Air With 7,000 Different Kinds of Plants

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens cover sixty hectares and is a pleasant place for a day out. The zoo, which exhibits approximately 500 species, is one of the largest zoos in Japan. The botanical garden features around 7,000 different kinds of plants, with a large Western-style greenhouse and rose garden. Much of the garden is dedicated to Japanese aesthetics, such as the traditional garden with a pond and irises, a reconstructed gassho-style house (a traditional house with a steeply-sloped thatched roof) from Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, and the gate of a former samurai house.

11. Arimatsu: The Traditional Town Known for High-Quality Kimono

Arimatsu was a town built on the Tokaido Highway, one of Japan's main roads during the Edo Period. Arimatsu's highlights are its picturesque townscape with old wooden houses from the Edo Period lining the street, and the famous "Arimatsu shibori," a kind of traditional tie-dyeing method for kimono and fabrics. You can visit the Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Museum or the shops along the main street to see or buy beautiful handmade shibori works and learn more about the town's highly-prized dyeing technique.

12. JR Central Towers: Get Your High-End Shopping Fix

The JR Central Towers above Nagoya Station were the tallest landmark in Nagoya until the neighboring Midland Square surpassed it in 2007. The building consists of the 245m tall Office Tower and the slightly shorter and slimmer Hotel Tower. The complex is the perfect place for some high-end shopping, housing a Takashimaya department store and Tower Plaza shopping mall on the lower floors. The top floors of both towers have restaurants and lounges with views run by Takashimaya and Marriott Hotel respectively. 

BicCamera’s Nagoya JR GATE TOWER and Nagoya Station West Store are also just a brief walk from JR Central Towers. Those wanting to buy Japanese electronics and appliances while in Nagoya can use the BicCamera discount coupon below for an even better deal!

13. Midland Square Sky Promenade: Take a Walk in the Sky

Midland Square is the tallest building in Nagoya, located just opposite of Nagoya Station. The first floor and basement of the building house many shops, a cinema, restaurants, and cafes. The 247m tall building also offers an open-air observation deck on the top floors called Sky Promenade, with an almost 360-degree panoramic view over Nagoya. Several restaurants are located on the 41st and 42nd floors, with tables that overlook impressive views of the city.

14. Oasis 21: Get on Board a Spaceship

Commonly referred to as “Spaceship Aqua,” Oasis 21 is only a short train ride away from Nagoya Station. This hyper-modern complex has an abundance of shops on the basement level, including Studio Ghibli and Shonen Jump stores. The main attraction, however, waits for you atop the fittingly named “Galaxy Platform”. During the day, this unassuming glass walkway may only briefly catch your eye, but come nighttime, this roof transforms as it is illuminated. On the top, you can stroll around an artificially suspended lake while you soak up the views of downtown Nagoya.

15. Nagoya TV Tower: Japan's Oldest Observation Tower (MIRAI TOWER)

*Now known as the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

Only a short walk from Oasis 21 stands the oldest observation tower in Japan – Nagoya TV Tower. Its construction finished in 1954 (four years earlier than Tokyo Tower), and it has remained an icon of the city since, even being featured in two Godzilla movies! The tower has two main observation decks at the heights of 90 meters (the indoor Sky Deck) and 100 meters (the outdoor Sky Balcony), with a 360° open-air viewing area.

What to See Near Nagoya City

16. inuyama castle: one of japan’s oldest surviving castles.

Inuyama Castle is located in the serene castle town of Inuyama, a town neighboring Nagoya. The castle here is the oldest of its type in Japan that has been preserved, with the wooden structure standing since 1537. Scaling several steep flights of steps will reward you with an unmatched view of the rivers and mountains of Northern Aichi. The castle is particularly beautiful during the spring, when you can enjoy cherry blossoms while walking through the castle grounds. The main street leading towards the castle also offers a choice of local foods such as baked sweet potatoes and mochi (Japanese rice cake), as well as a picturesque view of old wooden houses.

If you have a bit of time and don't mind going on a bit of a trip from Nagoya City, then you should check out these 13 things to do in Aichi Prefecture .

17. Meiji Mura Museum: Experience the Japanese Lifestyle of the 1800s

Meiji Mura Museum is one of the most visited open-air museums in Japan. Located in Inuyama, it has over sixty buildings from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) on display. The Meiji Period followed the end of the feudal age when Japan opened its borders to Western countries, and therefore the architecture has a strong Western influence. Since only a few buildings constructed during the Meiji Period still survive in Japan today, a collection of representative buildings from across the country have been relocated to the Meiji Mura Museum in order to preserve the period's architectural and cultural heritage.

If you want to learn more about the Meiji Mura Museum, check out this article: Meiji Mura Museum in Aichi: Get a Glimpse of the Modernization During the Meiji Era!

18. Urakuen Garden: A Highly-Prized Center for Tea Ceremony

Urakuen is a Japanese traditional garden in Inuyama, just to the east of Inuyama Castle. The highlight of the garden is Jo-an, a teahouse considered one of Japan's national treasures. This teahouse was originally built in Kyoto in 1618 by Oda Uraku, a disciple of Sen-no-Rikyu (the founder of modern Japanese tea ceremony) and the younger brother of Oda Nobunaga (the most influential feudal lord of the Warring States Period). You can enjoy strolling in the beautiful garden, or relax while tasting matcha and sweets at the Koan Teahouse.

19. Tokoname Pottery Footpath: The Hometown of the Maneki Neko

Tokoname has been a center of pottery production since the Heian Period (794-1185) and remains Japan's foremost producer of "maneki neko" (beckoning cat figures). The town is also home to a giant maneki neko that is 3.8m tall and a maneki neko street. One of the highlights of Tokoname is the pottery footpath, offering evocative scenery of pottery workshops and the brick chimneys of kilns. Parts of the path's walls are built with clay pipes from the Meiji Period and clay shochu (distilled Japanese alcohol) pots from the early Showa Period (1926-1945). You will find a large number of facilities, small ceramic shops, and even ceramic classrooms in Tokoname where you can experience pottery making.

20. Toyota Automobile Museum: The Museum for Car Enthusiasts

If you are a fan of automobiles, you should certainly pay a visit to the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, about 50 minutes from Nagoya Station. This museum's theme is the history of the automobile starting from its inception, and the displays are carefully divided into sections dedicated to historic automobiles, luxury cars, and mass production models. A total of around 160 vehicles and 4,000 pieces of automobile-related cultural items from around the world and from various manufacturers and time periods are showcased together in this museum.

Eat Nagoya’s Delicious Food

21. nagoya's classic breakfast: eat a full breakfast set for the price of a cup of coffee.

Have you ever heard of "Nagoya Morning?" It's a breakfast set typical for Nagoya, and you can find it in most of Nagoya's cafes. Each place makes its own version, but traditionally it consists of a cup of coffee and toast which is usually filled or topped with anko (adzuki bean paste). Many places offer the whole set for just the price of a drink, and some others even have all-you-can-eat options! Get to know Nagoya's incredible food culture starting with its unique breakfast; it will set you up for a perfect day. For the best of Nagoya's classic breakfast, check out these 10 Delicious Morning Sets to Start the Day Off Right  or have a look at these 11 Cafes Where You Can Enjoy Traditional Japanese Sweets in Nagoya .

22. Nagoya Meshi: Try All the Delicious Japanese Food That Originated in Nagoya

Tebasaki literally translates to "wingtips," and it refers to Japanese fried chicken wings seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce made of garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and black pepper. The chicken wings are fried twice for an extra-crispy texture, and are the perfect side dish to beer. There are countless restaurants, including izakaya (Japanese pubs), that offer tebasaki in Nagoya. One of the best is the well-established Yamachan , which is beloved by the locals.

Hitsumabushi

Hitsumabushi is the Nagoya version of the more common "unadon" (rice bowl dish with eel) or "unaju" (eel on rice in a lacquer box). But how does hitsumabushi differ from these other eel dishes? It is served in a particular wooden container called "ohitsu," and the eel fillets are finely cut in small strips and then placed over sauce-coated rice for a luxurious finish. Even the methods for consuming the dish are unique. You eat the first part as is, the second one covered in a wasabi and onion glaze, and pour green tea over the last part to finish it like a soup. Check out these  5 Best Places to Try the Famous Nagoya Dish Hitsumabushi .

Temusu is one of Nagoya's specialties that onigiri (rice ball) fans can't miss. This local delicacy is a type of onigiri filled with shrimp tempura and then wrapped in seaweed. The tempura usually peek out of the rice ball, and they are often served with butterbur stalks cooked in soy sauce. Because of its popularity, you can find many places that sell tenmusu in Nagoya (even as a take-away food), but if you want to be sure to taste the best tenmusu, note down these 5 Great Places to Try Tenmusu .

Kishimen are a type of udon noodles. The kishimen ingredients are water, flour, and salt (the same as regular udon), but they are flatter and thinner, thus requiring less time for boiling. Just like regular udon, kishimen can be enjoyed in hot soup with a variety of toppings or cold and served with a dipping sauce. But there are actually countless variations to this dish, such as curry kishimen or kishimen cooked with miso. If you want to try some great kishimen, head to these  5 Recommended Places for Kishimen, Nagoya’s Comfort Food .

Fried foods topped with savory miso sauce is a Nagoya specialty. In Nagoya, they use a special type of miso called "Hatcho miso", which is a red type of miso produced in Aichi Prefecture. This unique miso is solely made from soybeans that are fermented for up to 2 to 3 years, and it has been produced in the same way since the Edo Period.

One of the most delicious foods among Nagoya's miso-topped dishes is "miso katsu". Miso katsu is tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) with a sauce made by adding dried bonito stock and sugar to miso. A high-quality, but inexpensive place where you can try miso katsu is  Yabaton , which has been running strong since 1947, and uses freshly prepared miso for its dishes.

Nagoya, a City Not to Be Missed!

With a rich culture and equally rich food, as well as being located right between Osaka and Tokyo, Nagoya deserves a spot on the list of must-see places in Japan. From the bustle of downtown Sakae to the tranquil hills of Inuyama outside of the city, there is something for everyone in and around this historic jewel of central Japan.

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our  Facebook ,  Twitter , or  Instagram !

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer!

About the author

Related Articles

Related interests.

• Otaru canal
• Umeda sky building
• Rainbow bridge
• Tokyo skytree
• Tokyo tower
• Imperial Palace
• World heritage sites

Restaurant Search

Tsunagu japan sns.

Subscribe to the tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Sign up to our free newsletter to discover the best Japan has to offer.

Connect with Japan through tsunagu Japan

Let us introduce you to the best of Japan through our free newsletter: sightseeing spots, delicious food, deep culture, best places to stay, and more!

Niigata's Murakami City: Enjoy Fun Events, Sightseeing, and Local Cuisine!

We use cookies to improve our contents. Check the detail and update your settings here .

We use cookies to improve our services.

For more details, please click here .

• Change setting
• Food & Drink
• Accommodation
• Things To Do
• All the categories

Transportation

• Weather & Seasons
• Long-Term Stay
• Travel Tips
• Event Tickets
• About MATCHA
• Company Profile
• Things To Do in Aichi
• Food & Drink in Aichi
• MATCHA Special Features

Nagoya: 15 Things to Do, Ghibli Park, Food, and Travel Tips for 2024

Nagoya is one of Japan's largest and most famous cities. This travel guide introduces things to do in Nagoya, from visiting Nagoya Castle to Ghibli Park, as well as local food, a recommended itinerary, and travel tips.

Nagoya, a Travel-Friendly City

Photo by Pixta Nagoya is Japan's third largest city after Tokyo and Osaka. It is located in the center of Japan, is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, and is the home to the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation . It's also close to the Ghibli Park , which opened in 2022.

This article introduces 12 fun things to enjoy in or near Nagoya, a recommended itinerary, and transportation information that you can refer to for your trip.

Nagoya: Top 12 Things to Do and Travel Tips

1. Nagoya Castle: Explore History 2. Ghibli Park: Enjoy the World of Studio Ghibli Animation 3. Tokugawa Garden and Tokugawa Art Museum: Back in Time to the Samurai Era 4. Experience Toyota's Technology and History 5. See Nagoya TV Tower and Gaze at Nature 6. Visit the Future at Oasis 21 7. Local Food, Fashion and Subcultures at Osu Shopping Street 8. Tsuruma Park 9. Atsuta Shrine, a Spiritual Spot Amid Nature 10. Shirotori Garden 11. Noritake Forest 12. The World's Biggest Planetarium at Nagoya City Science Museum 13. Family-Friendly LEGOLAND JAPAN and SCMaglev and Railway Park 14. Experience Old Japan at Endoji Shopping Street and Shikemichia 15. Must-try Food in Nagoya Recommended Sightseeing Itinerary in Nagoya Access from Major Cities to Nagoya

1. Nagoya Castle: The Restored Tower Is a Must-See!

The iconic Nagoya Castle is a famous place to visit in Nagoya. Make sure to look for the shiny golden statue called Shachihoko, the castle's guardian deity, on top of the castle's tower (*1).

The renovations of the main castle tower have been completed in 2022. The Honmaru Palace , which retains its 400-year-old design, and Kinshachi Yokocho, a street serving up local Nagoya cuisine that was completed in 2018, are also very enjoyable and popular.

Honmaru Palace was the residence of the Owari domain lords who once governed the region. The audience chamber has been carefully restored and features extravagant fusumae (*2) applied with gold paper, creating a gorgeous, luxurious sight. The beauty of Japanese painting and sculpture, art disciplines that prospered in during the time, will be reflected right before your eyes.

*1 Tenshukaku: The tallest structure of a castle, which also serves as the symbol of the castle. *2 Fusumae: Paintings on sliding door panels.

Nagoya Castle

2. Ghibli Park: Enjoy the World of Studio Ghibli Animation

Picture courtesy of ©Studio Ghibli

The world renowned Studio Ghibli, the studio behind many beloved anime classics such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, recently opened the Ghibli Park in the city of Nagakute in November 2022.

The park can be accessed within about one hour by train from Nagoya, and about three hours by bullet train from Tokyo.

The park consists of five areas, each of them representing Studio Ghibli’s famous works. Three of these have opened as of 2022. The areas reproduce scenes from Ghibli classics, and visitors will feel as though they’ve actually stepped into a Studio Ghibli movie. Ghibli-themed architecture, food and photo spots can be enjoyed in each area.

From 2023 onwards the remaining two areas, “Mononoke Village” and “Valley of Witches”, are scheduled to begin opening. Mononoke Village is based on Japan’s famous satoyama landscapes (*3) as seen in the movie Princess Mononoke, and the Valley of Witches area is inspired by scenery from Northern Europe, the setting for both Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

*3 Satoyama: a term often used in Japan to refer to areas where villages or farmland border with mountains or other natural landscapes. In these environments human settlements have traditionally coexisted with nature.

3. Tokugawa Garden and Tokugawa Art Museum: Back in Time to the Samurai Era

The Tokugawa Clan ruled Japan for 250 years since 1603, helping put an end to a warring period in the country. The Owari-Tokugawa Family is a direct descendant of the clan that played a vital role in Nagoya's development. The Tokugawa Garden was originally a grand garden, or daimyo teien(*4), which continues to be maintained today.

The garden is a fusion of natural and man-made landscapes, with rocks and streams scattered across the park, representing the natural scenery of Nagoya. You can also find restaurants and cafes remodeled from Meiji Period (1868-1912) buildings. Some places offer seats where you can enjoy your meal with a view.

The Tokugawa Art Museum is on the same premises as the garden. The museum exhibits various articles inherited by the Owari-Tokugawa Family. You can find armor, helmets and katana swords, and even national treasures like the Genji Monogatari Emaki (*5).

*4 Daimyo teien: A grand garden constructed at the residence of the feudal lord. The garden has rocks, ponds, and a bridge for guests to view. *5 Genji Monogatari Emaki: A picture scroll of a scene based off the novel "The Tale of Genji" that was written in the Heian Period (794-1185).

4. Experience Toyota's Technology and History

Picture courtesy of Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a unique place to visit in Nagoya.

The museum building was originally built in 1918 and used to be a red-brick factory. At the museum, you will find exhibits of inventions of Toyota's founder Sakichi Toyoda, like automatic looms. In fact, the company's roots actually lie in weaving machinery. Sakichi Toyoda's eldest son, Kiichiro Toyoda, inherited his father's spirit for manufacturing and helped create what Toyota Motor Corporation is today.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

5. See Nagoya TV Tower and Gaze at Nature

Nagoya TV Tower is located at the center of the bustling shopping street of Sakae in Nagoya. After renovations, the tower reopened to visitors in 2020.

The tower is in the corner of Hisaya Odori Park, which runs north-south in the middle of the street. The 100-meter tall Nagoya TV Tower is actually the first consolidated radio tower in Japan. The sky balcony provides a sweeping view of the city.

During weekends and national holidays, visitors can access the sky balcony by climbing all the way up using the railed staircase, providing good exercise. However, as the staircase is open to the outside, it is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

6. Visit the Future at Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is an impressive building with a massive elliptical shaped roof. It is located to the eastern side of Nagoya TV Tower. You can find shops and a bus terminal at the basement and a green lawn at the top, creating a space that is like an urban oasis. There is also a tourist information office inside.

The unique elliptical shaped roof is called the Spaceship-Aqua. Water flows on its glass surface, which visitors can walk on top of. At night, the area is illuminated with LED lights. It is fun to admire the magical night view of the city and to take photos here.

7. Local Food, Fashion, and Subcultures at Osu Shopping Street

Osu Kannon is a temple that was relocated to its current site by the first fuedal lord of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Built around Osu Kannon is Osu Shotengai , a shopping district where you can find all kinds of shops selling all sorts of items, from food to entertainment.

Many shops here specialize in boutique brands, vintage clothing, or avant-garde fashion items, making it an ideal shopping destination for finding unique apparel.

Moreover, restaurants serving cuisines from countries all over the world such as Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan are here. You can also find traditional Japanese confectioneries and picture-worthy sweets. Some must-try delicacies include Nagoya’s signature confectionery, Uiro (*5) from Osu Uiro, and sweet roasted Tianjin chestnuts from Imaiso Honke.

Similar to Akihabara in Tokyo and Osaka’s Nipponbashi, Osu Shopping Street is also known as an "electric town" and has many shops relating to Japanese subcultures. This is the place to go if you are looking for maid cafes, anime, and figurines.

*5 Uiro: Traditional Japanese confectionery made from rice flour and sugar. It has a chewy texture.

Osu shopping street

8. Tsuruma Park

Photo by Pixta

Tsuruma Park, established in 1909, is the first public park in Nagoya City. This park combines modern French-style Western gardens with a Japanese garden featuring wandering paths, creating a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Tsuruma Park is a famous cherry blossom spot that attracts many visitors every April. Visitors can also enjoy approximately 120 varieties of roses and more!

Tsuruma Park Location: Tsurumai 1, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Official website: https://tsurumagarden.com/ (Japanese)

9. Atsuta Shrine, a Spiritual Spot Amid Nature

Picture courtesy of Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine , also known as Atsuta-san by locals, is a shrine with 1,900 years of history. This shrine houses one of Japan's sacred treasures (*7): the Kusanagi Sword. We recommend picking up a map at the entrance of the shrine, as the shrine yard is large.

Here you will find several smaller Shinto shrines, a treasure repository, and shops selling kishimen noodles, a signature Nagoya dish. Visitors can enjoy a different side of Nagoya while walking through the row of trees thought to be over one thousand years old.

*7: Sanshu no jingi: The three sacred treasures of Japan are believed to have been gifted by the emperor's ancestors and Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. The treasure consists of a sword, a mirror, and a jewel. These items were handed down to the succeeding emperor as a proof of succession to the throne. Today, the sword is at Atsuta Shrine, the mirror is at Ise Grand Shrine and the jewel is at the Imperial Palace.

Atsuta Shrine

10. Shirotori Garden

Shirotori Garden , located near Atsuta Jingu Shrine, is a Japanese garden inspired by the terrain of the Chubu region. The garden features a motif where the constructed mountain represents Mount Ontake, the flowing stream symbolizes the Kiso River, and the pond where the water flows in resembles Ise Bay, portraying the "story of water" from the source to the great sea.

Opened in 1991, this garden is relatively new. Visitors can enjoy various flowers throughout the year, including cherry blossoms, and the popular illumination of autumn leaves during the fall season.

Shirotori Garden Location: Atsutanishi 2-5, Atsuta ward, Nagoya City Business Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 Official Website: http://www.shirotori-garden.jp/english/index.html

11. Noritake Forest

Noritake Forest is a complex facility opened by the ceramics manufacturer Noritake Company Limited in 2001. Spanning approximately 34,000 square meters, this site houses a museum dedicated to ceramics, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The facility also offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at painting ceramics.

Additionally, several buildings on the premises have been designated as part of the Modern Industrial Heritage Sites, making it popular for taking photos that are perfect for social media.

Noritake Forest Location: Noritake Shinmachi 3-1-36, Nishi ward, Nagoya City Business Hours: Vary by facility (Craft Center Museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays) Official website: https://www.noritake.co.jp/eng/mori/

12. The World's Biggest Planetarium at Nagoya City Science Museum

The Nagoya City Science Museum is famous for having the world's biggest planetarium. The museum is a fun learning facility where you can study about the earth and science. The planetarium is in the Guinness Book of Records for its diameter of 35 meters. It features a screening of a highly realistic starry sky and introduces interesting facts about the universe.

Visitors can also see an artificial tornado, electrical discharge, and visit the Deep Freezing Lab for a simulation of the polar regions at negative 30 degrees celsius. These are entertaining ways for both children and adults to learn science.

Nagoya City Science Museum

13. Family-Friendly LEGOLAND JAPAN and SCMaglev and Railway Park

Picture courtesy of SCMaglev and Railway Park

Nagoya also has attractions ideal for families. Take the Aonami Line from Nagoya Station to Kinjo-futo Station for 24 minutes (350 yen). Here you will find LEGOLAND JAPAN , Japan's first Legoland park, and SCMaglev and Railway Park , a museum introducing Japan's high-speed railway.

LEGOLAND JAPAN's replica of Nagoya's cityscape at Lego Town and lego block-shaped snacks allow visitors to enjoy the imaginative world of lego. SEA LIFE Nagoya is an aquarium and a hotel that is connected to the park.

Legoland tickets are available for purchase online via Klook , a travel reservation platform, for a discounted price.

The SCMaglev and Railway Park is a museum operated by the Central Japan Railway Company, JR Tokai. Visitors here can see actual bullet trains and electric trains. The train driving simulator and linear simulation of a train running at 500 kilometers per hour is sure to be exciting for children of all ages.

LEGOLAND Japan

Maglev/Railway Hall

▶︎Book a hotel room at Legoland Japan Hotel on Booking.com

14. Experience Old Japan at Endoji Shopping Street and Shikemichi

Endoji Shopping Street

The streets of Shikemichi

Endoji Shopping Street and Shikemichi are historical shopping districts with traditional townscapes. This area is a 10 to 15-minute walk from Nagoya Station.

Endoji Shopping Street is filled with old shops and is often used for filming movies. It is particularly popular for having an interesting theater and a bouldering center.

Shikemichi has historical houses and warehouses with distinctive black colored walls which have survived severe damage from the war. In recent years, these buildings have been remodeled into cafes and restaurants. However, Shikemichi is also a residential neighborhood, so please be polite as you explore the area.

Endonji shopping street

Must-Try Food in Nagoya

Unique miso dishes: miso katsu and misonikomi udon.

Nagoya has a unique food culture compared to other areas in Japan. In particular, Nagoya is known for dishes which use red miso, such as miso katsu (deep-fried cutlet), and misonikomi udon (thick noodles simmered in miso stew).

Different than other types of miso, red miso is made from a larger quantity of soybeans fermented over a longer period of time.

Although it has a deep color, it has a mild taste. It is suitable for recipes such as stews and miso soup, as it is capable of retaining its flavor even after cooking.

Miso katsu is a deep-fried pork cutlet dish covered in red miso sauce. It is a common dish, found at almost every restaurant and cafe in Nagoya. There are also specialty shops such as Yabaton , a popular miso katsu chain conveniently located in Nagoya Station and Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Misonikomi udon is a popular stew type of dish with thick noodles, vegetables, and chicken in red miso paste. It is served piping hot. The chewy noodles and strong miso flavor pair deliciously together. Yamamotoya Sohonke is a long-established store with many locations in the city.

Indulge in Hitsumabushi in Three Different Ways

Eel is a popular Japanese food. Hitsumabushi is a local cuisine of Nagoya made with eel. It is a rice dish topped with sliced grilled eel brushed with sauce. People in Nagoya have an original way of enjoying this dish.

Hitsumabushi is served in a similar way as unadon (eel rice bowl) and unaju (broiled eel served over rice in a lacquered box). However, it comes with condiments like spring onions and wasabi, and a serving of dashi broth. Adjust the flavors by adding on condiments, and the dashi can be used to enjoy the eel as ochazuke (rice with tea). With so many different ways to enjoy hitsumabushi, it is hard to tire of this interesting dish.

Atsuta Horaiken , a reputable restaurant famous for their hitsumabushi, is located right in front of Atsuta Shrine.

Pasta with a Hearty Sauce: Ankake Spaghetti

Ankake Spaghetti is a signature Nagoya dish that is features a unique take on Italian cuisine.

After being boiled, the spaghetti is fried with oil and topped with a thick tomato sauce. This filling dish is full of flavor. You can also pick different toppings for the spaghetti like sausages, vegetables, and fried fish.

Nagoya's Sweets: Ogura Toast

Ogura toast is toast topped with sweet red adzuki beans. Many cafes in Nagoya offer morning service , during which you can enjoy breakfast. Order a drink and you will receive complimentary items such as toast and eggs. A classic menu item is ogura toast.

Recommended Itinerary in Nagoya

Me-guru, Picture courtesy of Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Me-guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus is a convenient way to visit many popular tourist spots in Nagoya. A one-day pass costs 500 yen.

Places such as Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, Shikemichi, Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, Nagoya TV Tower, and Oasis 21 are all included on the bus route. One-day passes are available for purchase on Me-guru busses.

You can board the bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal Bus Stop No. 11 at Nagoya Station.

One Day Itinerary with the Me-guru Sightseeing Bus

Breakfast Enjoy morning service at a cafe in Nagoya Station's underground shopping center. Morning Learn about the Toyota company at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Lunch Take a walk around Shikemichi and have lunch at a restaurant inside the renovated traditional Japanese houses. Afternoon Visit Nagoya Castle and explore Tokugawa Garden. Night Take a commemorative photo at Oasis 21 and view the cityscape at night. Dinner From Sakae Station, visit the bustling shopping district and have your fill of local cuisine, like misonikomi udon.

The places introduced in this article will allow you to enjoy a comprehensive tour of Nagoya in one day. If you are visiting for two to three days, you can see the city at a more relaxed pace and try more regional specialties.

Me-guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus : https://www.nagoya-info.jp/routebus/

How to Travel to Nagoya

The most convenient way to get from Tokyo to Nagoya is by bullet train . For details please read the article linked below.

International visitors can use the JR PASS to travel by train at discounted rates.

From Nagoya Station or the Chubu Centrair International Airport, you can conveniently reach destinations such as Ghibli Park or Nagoya Castle by rental car.

MATCHA's readers can use a 10% discount voucher for renting a car from Nippon Rent-a-Car , one of the largest rental car services in Japan.

Prepare for Your Nagoya Trip! Book Accommodation and WiFi

If you've already booked your tickets for Nagoya, you'll also probably want to look for hotels.

You can find good accommodation at conveninet prices by using Booking.com or Agoda .

You might also need a WiFi connection since the places that offer free internet connections in Japan are still quite limited. Renting a pocket WiFi is very convenient for travelers. Using the 20% discount voucher below to rent Ninja-WiFi, one of the most popular portable internet services in Japan.

Is it worth visiting Nagoya?

Nagoya, a city in central Japan, offers a blend of history, unique attractions, culinary delights, and industrial significance that make it worth visiting. From cultural landmarks like Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine to the culinary experiences of Hitsumabushi and Miso Nikomi Udon, the city showcases Japan's heritage and local flavors. With Toyota's presence highlighting its industrial prowess and events like the Nagoya Festival adding vibrancy, Nagoya provides a diverse experience for travelers seeking a mix of tradition, innovation, and cultural immersion. Assessing personal interests can help determine the city's worth as a captivating destination in Japan.

What is Nagoya popular for?

Nagoya, a city in central Japan, is known for its blend of history and modernity. Highlights include Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, cultural spots like Osu Kannon District, and the Tokugawa Art Museum. The city's automotive industry ties to Toyota, while culinary delights such as Hitsumabushi and Miso Nikomi Udon showcase Nagoya's local flavors. Modern landmarks like Oasis 21 and annual events like the Nagoya Festival add to the city's dynamic appeal, making Nagoya a vibrant destination for exploring Japan's diverse offerings.

How many days in Nagoya is enough?

The ideal duration for a visit to Nagoya depends on your interests and the depth of exploration you seek. Spending one to two days in Nagoya provides a quick overview, allowing you to visit major attractions like Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon Temple. Extending your stay to two to three days offers a more leisurely exploration of the city's cultural sites and museums. With four or more days, you can immerse yourself further in Nagoya and its surroundings, including day trips to destinations like Inuyama Castle or Gero Onsen. Tailoring your itinerary to match your specific interests and preferences will help determine the optimal length of stay in Nagoya.

Is Nagoya better than Fukuoka?

Deciding between Nagoya and Fukuoka comes down to personal preferences and interests. Nagoya offers historical sites like Nagoya Castle, a prominent culinary scene with local delights such as Hitsumabushi, and insights into Japan's automotive industry with Toyota's presence. In contrast, Fukuoka boasts natural beauty, hot springs, and a vibrant cultural scene with traditional festivals and Hakata ramen. Whether you prefer history, culinary experiences, and industrial insights in Nagoya, or nature, cultural vibrancy, and convenient airport access in Fukuoka, your choice between the two cities should align with your travel priorities and preferences.

Can I use the Suica card in Nagoya?

Yes, you can use the Suica card in Nagoya for making purchases at stores or vending machines that accept IC cards. However, for transportation on trains and buses in Nagoya, you would need to use the local IC card called TOICA or other regional IC cards like Manaca.

What to do in Nagoya for a day?

In Nagoya for a day, start by exploring Nagoya Castle and the Tokugawa Art Museum in the morning. Enjoy a traditional Nagoya meal for lunch and then visit Osu Kannon Shopping Arcade and Osu Kannon Temple in the afternoon. Head to Sakae in the late afternoon for shopping and dining, including a visit to the Oasis 21 complex. Consider ending the day with dinner in Sakae or a visit to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park for a unique experience. This itinerary balances historical sightseeing, cultural exploration, shopping, and dining, offering a taste of Nagoya's diverse attractions in a day. Adjust activities based on personal interests and time constraints.

Enjoy Your Trip to Nagoya!

Nagoya developed as a city around Nagoya Castle more than 400 years ago. Today, it is known for its manufacturing and helps support Japan's development.

The history and culture of Nagoya can be experienced at the sightseeing spots introduced in this article. We believe that you will make many new discoveries exploring this fascinating city!

This is an updated version of an article originally published in 2018. Main image by Pixta

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

Related topics

Top articles.

How to Travel to Nagoya From Tokyo: A Thorough Comparison 2023

Related Article

Hiroshima: 35 Things to Do and Travel Tips

Tokyo Travel Guide 2024: Top 35 Things to Do

Osaka: 52 Things to Do and Places to Visit

Kyoto: 50 Things to Do, Places to Visit, Hotels, and Travel Tips

Aichi Travel Guide: Great Places to Visit in Nagoya, Inuyama, Toyota, and More

Nagoya Day Tour - Famous Places And Excellent Local Food

Okayama and Kurashiki Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Local Food, Festivals

Nagoya Travel Guide: Check Out This Modern Yet Ancient City In Aichi

Mie Travel Guide: 28 Sightseeing Spots, Food, Souvenirs, and More!

Start planning your trip

Special Features

Popular Searches

Latest news.

Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival 2024: Enjoy Nemophila, Tulips, and More!

A Must for Nature Lovers! Win a Free Stay at Unzen Amakusa National Park

A World of Light and Color! Van Gogh Alive in Japan 2024

Cherry Blossom Light-up in Tokyo! Yomiuri Land's Jewellumination

Cherry Blossoms and Sky Lanterns! Aichi Hanami Lights 2024

Japan's Public Holidays and Long Weekends in 2024

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom: A Shopping Mall Featuring a Resort Aura

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Riding Taxis in Japan: The 6 Best Apps to Grab a Cab

How to Travel to Kyoto From Osaka: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways

New articles.

[Okinawa Yambaru]18 sightseeing spots and gourmet foods in Nago City! Enjoy play, nature, and food in Nago!

Room Introduction [Maisonette Suite Room with Barrel Sauna]

Nemophila field and yellow train

Golden Week 2024 in Japan: Dates, Events, and Travel Tips

[Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture] Yokoze Carp Streamer Festival 2024 will be held until May 6th

48 Hours In Nagoya – 2 Day Itinerary

Nagoya – a city in the Chubu region on Honshu island – is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a hidden gem in Japan that offers many attractions and experiences, and seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. In our 48 hours in Nagoya itinerary, we’ll share how to explore the highlights of Nagoya and make the most of your visit.

Ancient temples, history, culture, food, technology and innovation, as well as a touch of quirkiness, there is lots to do and see in Nagoya!

One of the city’s most famous landmarks is Nagoya Castle, a magnificent 17 th century structure that underwent meticulous reconstruction and now stands as an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture. 

To explore the cultural side of Nagoya, the Atsuta Shrine – one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines – is also a must-visit. Other attractions in Nagoya include the Toyota Commemorative Museum, Nagoya Public Aquarium, and Nagoya City Science Museum. 

If you want to be assured of 48 hours in Nagoya free from rain and humidity, the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). However, these months also fall during the peak season. 

Choosing accommodation near Nagoya Station and Sakae District is highly recommended, with Nagoya Station being your best bet if you prefer to be near the main transportation hubs.

However, if you want to stay centrally located near restaurants, shopping areas and tourist spots in Nagoya, you should remain in Sakae District. 

Overall, even with just 48 hours in Nagoya, it’s enough time to explore the city and be captivated by its unique blend of history, innovation, and culture.

In a hurry and need help quick?

Making last-minute plans for your Nagoya itinerary. We’ve got you covered. Our recommended hotels and tours for a getaway to Nagoya are listed below.

Recommended hotels:

• Trip & Sleep Hostel (hostel)
• Travelodge Nagoya Sakae (budget hotel)
• Hotel JAL City Nagoya Nishiki (mid-range hotel)
• Henn na Hotel Express Nagoya (family hotel)
• Nikko Style Nagoya (luxury hotel)

Recommended tours:

• Nagoya Highlight Tour guided by a friendly local
• Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour
• Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour
• Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony
• Full-Day Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour from Nagoya

Other Helpful Links

• Cheap flights
• Savings on accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels
• Affordable car rental options
• Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
• Travel Adapter – All in one so you don’t have to carry a bunch around
• Wise Card : hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Table of Contents

Overview of 2 Days in Nagoya Itinerary

Here’s a glance at what you could do and see in two days in Nagoya:

Day 1 in Nagoya

• Have breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Visit the Atsuta Shrine

Explore the nagoya public aquarium , check out nagoya castle, lunch at asadaya.

• Learn at Nagoya City Science Museum 
• See the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Explore the Sakae District

Dinner at yamamotoya honten sakaechuoten, day 2 in nagoya.

• Breakfast at Konparu

Stroll around Tokugawaen Garden

See the tokugawa art museum, visit the osu kannon temple.

• Lunch at a Maid Cafe 
• Explore Ghilbi Park
• Admire the city from Midland Square’s Deck

Shop at Don Quijote

Dinner at shirakawa.

Have breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

A good start to your Nagoya adventure is breakfast at one of their iconic cafes, Komeda’s Coffee , which is known for its unique and delicious coffee and breakfast offerings. 

A must-try delicacy at Komeda’s is their ogura toast – a thick slice of toast topped with a sweet red bean paste and butter. Their Shiro noir coffee pairs well with the ogura toast, offering a sweet and bitter taste blend. 

The Atsuta Shrine is one of Japan’s most sacred and significant shrines, and will be the highlight of your two days in Nagoya. It has a history dating back over 1,900 years, is believed to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Keikō, and is dedicated to the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami. It offers a good insight into Japan’s ancient past. 

Explore the shrine grounds with various buildings, torii gates, and breathtaking natural surroundings. You can also visit the treasure hall that houses the Imperial family’s artefacts and cultural items. Traditional ceremonies and festivals are held annually, allowing visitors to witness Shinto rituals and cultural performances.

Nagoya Highlight Tour

• Affordable Private Tour
• Friendly Guide

Near Nagoya Port you’ll find Nagoya’s spectacular Public Aquarium – one of Japan’s biggest aquariums, showcasing the diverse marine life worldwide. It features a variety of aquatic exhibits and educational events.

You can also watch dolphin shows and feeding sessions, and see different types of fish, penguins, turtles, seals, and playful killer whales close up. Conveniently connected by subway, so travelling to the aquarium is more accessible with a rail pass.

The iconic landmark of Nagoya Castle was built in the 17th century and features impressive samurai architecture. At Nagoya Castle explore the spacious castle grounds, which include beautiful gardens, stone walls, moats, and historical structures. The castle grounds have become a popular spot for cherry blossoms, so if you’re visiting in spring, you may even witness them in full bloom.

Asadaya is a charming restaurant offering an authentic Japanese dining experience and serves seasonal cuisine cooked with ingredients acquired locally. 

A must-try at Asadaya is their pork curry kinsmen. Made with chewy flat noodles with a fragrant curry-flavoured broth topped with green onions and pork belly, it doesn’t get any better than this. This dish is mildly spicy (non-spicy option available on request), and don’t forget to order their authentic tempuras for a complete experience. 

Learn at Nagoya City Science Museum  

Nagoya City Science Museum is one of Japan’s most significant science museums featuring fascinating exhibits on various scientific subjects, including space, robotics, and natural history. 

Don’t miss the planetarium show. It is one of the world’s biggest planetarium domes where you can immerse yourself in the universe’s wonders. Enjoy stunning visuals of stars, planets, and galaxies while learning about astronomy and celestial phenomena.

There are also several hands-on activities throughout the museum, where you can conduct experiments, solve puzzles, and interact with scientific phenomena.

See Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

As the city that gave birth to Toyota, Nagoya proudly houses the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology .

Being one of Nagoya’s most famous tourist destinations, explore the past of the renowned automaker and discover its technological advancements. Discover the evolution of Toyota’s automotive technology, from its early models to the latest car manufacturing and design innovations. 

Look out for concept cars and prototypes on display, and learn about the renowned Toyota Production System which revolutionised manufacturing efficiency and became a model for industries worldwide.

Participate in interactive displays and hands-on activities to learn about manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and other technological aspects.

Guided Half-day Tour(AM)

• Max of 6 people 
• Entrance fees included

As the sun sets, head to Sakae District – a retail and entertainment district offering a blend of modernity and tradition.

Some popular shopping destinations in the area include Oasis 21, PARCO, Matsuzakaya, and Nagoya Mitsukoshi. It is also home to theatres, art galleries, and performance venues, providing opportunities to enjoy cultural events and exhibitions.

Then take a short stroll to the Nagoya TV Tower and climb the tower for stunning night views of Nagoya’s sparkling cityscape.

For the perfect end to the day, head over to Yamamotoya Honten Sakaechuoten , a restaurant that serves exquisite traditional Japanese cuisine.

It is part of the Yamamotoya brand, which is renowned for its delicious and authentic Japanese confections. From enjoying fresh sashimi to enjoying the artful presentations of multi-course kaiseki meals, Yamamotoya promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Japanese culinary finesse.

breakfast at Konparu

To start your second day in Nagoya, try breakfast at Konparu , for traditional Japanese morning meals. Indulge in a flavorful spread of grilled fish, rice, miso soup, pickles, and other seasonal delicacies. 

We recommend trying their famous hitsumabushi, a grilled eel dish served on rice. Hitsumabushi is typically enjoyed in three ways: by itself, with toppings like green onions and wasabi, or savoury dashi soup. 

The Tokugawaen Garden is another historic site in Nagoya, and was built to serve as the retirement residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan, the region’s ruling family during the Edo period.

Take a leisurely walk through the meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring a central pond, stone bridges, walking paths, and various seasonal flowers and trees. Admire the architecture of the tea houses, stroll alongside serene ponds, and enjoy the seasonal beauty of the carefully manicured landscape.

The Tokugawa Art Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts and art pieces from the Tokugawa family’s rich history, as well as cultural treasures, ceramics, calligraphy, armour, and traditional fabrics. This is also where you’ll learn about the Tokugawa era’s rich history and cultural legacy while admiring the beautiful craftsmanship. 

Just 20 minutes from the Tokugawa Art Museum, the Osu Kannon Temple is a revered Buddhist temple attracting locals and tourists alike.

The Osu Kannon Temple was built in dedication to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, Kannon, and has been around for over 1,300 years, undergoing numerous renovations and reconstructions due to war and fire damage.

Shop from the numerous stalls selling traditional goods, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Take a moment to offer your prayers and soak in the serene ambience.

Lunch at a Maid Cafe

One of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you can try in Nagoya is to dine in a quirky Japanese maid cafe. Featuring servers dressed as cute maids who provide exceptional service and entertainment, Maid Cafes serve various creative dishes and drinks, so expect to find latte art, adorable desserts, and themed dishes with cute names. 

Besides themed meals, the maids will often draw cute designs or write personalised messages on your food or drinks to make your experience even more special!

Explore Ghibli Park 

Just outside Nagoya lies Ghibli Park , a place perfect for anime enthusiasts and nature lovers. This theme park is named after the famous Studio Ghibli animation studio, offering lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, and charming Ghibli-themed attractions. 

While half a day might not be enough time to explore the three main areas at Ghibli Park – Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest – you can still enjoy the park by viewing short movies, exploring exhibition areas, and seeing a scale model of notable scenes and structures from Studio Ghibli – like the elevator tower seen in Laputa: Castle in the Sky and the house from Whisper of the Heart .

Admire the city from Midland Square’s Deck

For a stunning city perspective, head to Midland Square, one of Nagoya’s famous skyscrapers, and climb to its observation deck to take in Nagoya’s impressive skyline and iconic spots, such as the Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and the Nagoya Port. Catch a mesmerising sunset or night view of the bustling city below – perfect memories to take home.  

A short walk from Midland Square you’ll find Japan’s most famous discount store, Don Quijote, or “Donki” – a renowned shopping experience where you can find almost anything you can imagine, making it a favourite among tourists.

From cosmetics to electronics, souvenirs, and clothing, Don Quijote offers tax-free shopping on specific items for foreign tourists, so be sure to bring your passport to complete the store’s tax-free procedures.

Wind up your second day with a memorable dinner at Shirakawa , a restaurant specialising in traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Shirakawa serves food beautifully presented and meticulously prepared to showcase the finest flavours and textures. Plus, the elegant ambience and attentive service make Shirakawa a perfect place to savour the essence of Japanese culinary artistry.

Tours in Nagoya

Street food tour .

Nagoya has more to offer than just historical, scientific, and quirky sites. Going on a Nagoya Food Tour is an adventure that will entice your taste buds as you immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant street food culture. Through its busy alleys and vibrant neighborhoods, satisfy not only your taste buds, but also your mind as you take in the city’s history and rich culinary heritage.

Walking Tour 

If you are a first-time tourist to Nagoya and want to be accompanied by a professional guide to get the most out of your 48 hours in Nagoya itinerary, we recommend you try this walking tour .

Visit the city’s most iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and charming neighborhoods that allow you to immerse yourself in the essence of Nagoya’s rich history and contemporary charm.

2-Day Itinerary for Nagoya Wrap-up

No matter how many days you spend in Nagoya, exploring this vibrant Japanese city is a captivating experience not to be missed. For all the best of Nagoya in just 48 hours, we hope our Nagoya itinerary helps you plan the trip of a lifetime.  

Recommended tours in Nagoya

• Origami Class in Nagoya
• Ghibli Park Ticket and Nagoya 2 Days Package (No Guide)
• Private Full Day Magome &Tsumago Walking Tour from Nagoya
• Full-Day Small-Group Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour
• Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya
• Private Tour Guide Nagoya with a Local: Kickstart your Trip, Personalized
• Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home

Read more about Japan:

• Where to stay in Kyoto

16 Exciting Things to do in Kyoto

• 48 Hours in Kyoto – 2 Day Itinerary
• Best Day Trips from Kyoto – Japan
• Where to stay in Osaka Japan
• A Day at Universal Studio Japan  – Photo Blog!
• Ultimate Guide to Minions, Harry Potter and Halloween at  Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
• Universal Port Hotel –  The Best Hotel When Visiting Universal Studios Japan!
• Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan
• A few of the  Coolest Things to do in Tokyo  + Day trips From Tokyo
• 48 Hours in Tokyo – A 2 Day Itinerary
• The Best Day Trips from Tokyo
• Budget Guide for Tokyo

Luxury Travel Guide to Tokyo

Meet Angelica, who at 22, boldly pivoted from a legal career to pursue her passions in travel and writing. With a focus on sustainable travel, she has explored Asia and Europe, emphasizing local cultural engagement along the way | Specializing in digital nomad travel, crafting comprehensive itineraries, identifying top tour guides, sharing regional insights on Asia, The Americas, and Europe, and advising on eco-friendly travel practices.

View all posts

Similar Posts

A few of the Coolest Things to do in Tokyo + Day trips From Tokyo

Japan, a country with such diversity from its chaotic and kooky cities like Tokyo and Osaka, to it’s scenic mountains and…

Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Tokyo: A Guide for Every Budget

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo with your furry friend? Finding a place to stay that welcomes both…

Kyoto is a beautiful city on the island of Honshu in Japan, and is often cited as the cultural…

Best Day trips from Osaka

Located on the Japanese island of Honshu, Osaka is known for its vibrant nightlife, modern urban architecture and a…

Tokyo is a buzzing metropolis like nowhere else in the world. Its unique cultural identity and cosmopolitan way of…

3 days in Oita Prefecture + a stop in Tokyo

Japan is such an incredible country, I have been here 3 times now and I can understand how people…

Nagoya City Guide: What Is Special About Nagoya?

There are plenty of cities to visit in Japan if you want to forgo the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that is Tokyo.

Nagoya is just one of those cities which benefits from an excellent location and has a great history all of its own. This is still Japan’s fourth-largest city based on population and remains an export center as well as a vibrant industrial hub.

The city may be a train stop on the Golden Route which links Tokyo and Kyoto with Osaka but it is well worth disembarking off that train.

In this guide, we will look at what is special about Nagoya, how to get there, and what you need to know about the city. 

What Is Special About Nagoya

Perhaps the most special feature of Nagoya is how it visually changes from season to season due to its range of blossoming flowers.

In early spring, you can see the plum blossoms, typically in February, while in March and April you can enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms.

This is followed by the wisteria flowers in May and then the hydrangea flowers the next month so it is worth staying around if you can. 

Nagoya does become busy during spring as the temperatures between March and May are considered warm but not excessively hot.

However, in late autumn the foliage changes again and there is also the Nagoya Festival to enjoy. This festival typically takes place in mid-October and is a great way to showcase the city. 

Those contrasts in foliage represent why Nagoya is such an interesting city to visit.

That is seen in the history of the city which is largely what marks it out as a great place to visit due to the power struggles between Samurai lords while the city has developed culturally during times of peace.

A lot of those remnants of the past still exist as tourist attractions.

Nagoya Castle

To witness the structures that were present during those power struggles, you need to visit the places that have stood the test of time.

The first is Nagoya Castle which is typically known as the biggest draw for tourists to the city. Nagoya Castle was constructed in the Edo Period and indicates the sheer splendor that the local lords and Shogun enjoyed.

It is a one-story wooden castle with paintings and exquisite wood carvings that have been reconstructed from the original plans.

Toyota Commemorative Museum Of Industry And Technology

The Toyota headquarters lies just outside of Nagoya yet as the home of the automotive giant it has its own museum. You may be surprised to learn about how Toyota began as a textile manufacturer towards the end of the 20th century.

The company continued to make strides in innovation which included its route to becoming the huge automobile manufacturer it is now.

The museum also features the history of that particular industry in the nation of Japan all the way through to the first cars being developed by the company. 

Shirotori Garden

Of course, every great Japanese city has its own gardens and Shirotori Garden is one to visit. This is a traditional garden and offers a peaceful escape from the busy city.

Take your time exploring as there are many elements portrayed in the geography of the garden itself.  Low hills and streams represent the mountains and main rivers that typify the Central Japan region. 

Atsuta Jingu

The spiritual side of Nagoya is also important and should be taken in when you visit the city. The Aichi Prefecture has numerous temples and shrines with Atsuta Jingu being one of them.

This is not just one of the most known shrines in the Aichi Prefecture but one of the most renowned shrines in Japan.

It is hard to miss the shrine as it is so easily accessible but it also has the sword known as Kusanagi no Tsurugi which is one of the three regalia belonging to the Emperor. 

Arimatsu Narumi Tie-Dying

One of Nagoya’s other industries is their local crafts which includes Arimatsu Narumi Tie-Dying for dying fabrics. This includes face masks, western clothing but also hand towels, and Kimono fabric.

The Arimatsu Tie-Dying Museum has exhibits regarding the craft and you can even join a workshop to intimately learn about it. The museum is also in an ideal picturesque location between Tokyo and Kyoto on the old Tōkaidō Road. 

For a more modern place to visit, try Legoland which is great for young children and families alike. If you want to see Japan’s other attractions, check out the models of Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto built from Lego bricks.

Legoland is also the place to go to find out how the bricks are manufactured and you can even go on some rides. Try to build your own models and go home with a few sets.

Osu Shopping District

Of course, every modern city will still have its own shopping district. In Nagoya, that’s where shopping meets pop culture, and street food at The Osu Shopping Streets.

The shopping arcades are popular with the city’s young population and includes secondhand clothing shops and modern electronics stores. If you want a break from the shopping you can also find a few shrines and temples in the same district.

How To Get To Nagoya

Nagoya is in the Aichi Prefecture and sits around halfway down Japan’s Pacific Coast on the main island of Honshu.

Its strategic importance should be remarked upon as it can be found between Tokyo and Osaka while Kyoto is a brisk 90-minute train ride away. The city also has an airport so you should be able to take a domestic flight to the city too.

What You Need To Know About Nagoya

The city of Nagoya is the main one in the Aichi Prefecture, largely due to its status as a vital transport hub with an airport, harbor, and train station.

Car aficionados will know that Nagoya is home to the car manufacturer Toyota but also plays host to several other industries including aircraft, automotive, and machine tools.

The city is considered significant due to its population and such buildings as Nagoya Castle and Shirotori Garden which give an insight into Japanese culture and the nation’s past.

Final Thoughts

When you visit Nagoya, you should quickly realize that it is a city of contrasts. From the changing colors from the blossoming flowers in Spring to the history of the city marking the various power struggles that the nation has gone through.

The city holds a special place in Japan due to being the birthday of three prominent feudal lords.

If you do visit, make sure that you take in the new and the old so visit Nagoya Castle, Shirotori Garden, and the Toyota Commemorative Museum Of Industry And Technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the city of nagoya considered important to the nation of japan.

As well as being Japan’s fourth-largest city by population, it has a long history.

The underlying reason why Nagoya is so important is that it is the birthplace of three noted feudal lords including Tokugawa Ieyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Oda Nobunaga.

How Far Away Is Nagoya From Tokyo?

If you are heading straight to Tokyo, you may want to use that as a base to explore more of Japan. The city of Nagoya is a great place to visit and is only 265km away.

• Recent Posts

• 16 Best Websites To Watch Japanese Movies With English Subtitles - May 11, 2023
• Is ZIPAIR The Best Airline For Traveling To Japan? - May 11, 2023
• Ryu Murakami Vs Haruki Murakami – Which One Should You Read? - May 11, 2023

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Meet The Team

Is Nagoya Worth Visiting? The Honest Truth Revealed

Updated on February 15, 2024

Is Nagoya Worth Visiting?

A simple question with a not so simple answer.

But as someone who has lived here for over 20 years since arriving from England, I think I’m qualified to answer the question.

Nagoya is, let’s be honest, not on the top of anyone’s to-do list during their trip to Japan.

In fact, it has been called the most boring city in Japan on more than one occasion.

Image courtesy of the: City of Nagoya Official Website

But much of this is down to people’s perceptions of what Japan looks like in their minds , over reality.

And for people preferring to go a little off the beaten path , Nagoya can make for a great day trip.

It’s slap bang in central Japan and the capital city of Aichi prefecture .

Interestingly, the more famous but much smaller Toyota City is right next door.

The Truth About Nagoya

You can get to central Nagoya from Chubu centrair international airport in about 30 minutes by train so it’s well served.

There are many beautiful and interesting spots in Nagoya too.

It goes well with a lot of other foods.

What’s more, it has a unique taste and can be hard to stop eating.

The unique blend of spices, pepper, and flavorful seasonings makes it stand out.

Tebasaki is always popular in Nagoya, and it’s still a very popular dish at many restaurants.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.yamachan.co.jp/english/shop_aichi.php

Miso Nikomi Udon

The dish known as Miso Nikomi Udon is traditionally served in a clay pot.

Udon noodles, chicken, green onions, fried tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and a variety of other ingredients that are in season are combined with miso and cooked in this pot.

You can easily whip this up in 20 minutes for lunch.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/gourmet/detail/63/

Miso Katsu is an easy and delicious dish.

The rich miso sauce is the most important thing that sets a Miso Katsu dish apart.

Miso Katsu has a smooth sauce that soaks into the batter and also flavors the meat.

A different kind of Miso Katsu is served with a richer miso sauce that makes the dish taste even better.

It is a sumptuous dish set that comes equipped with an assortment of side plates packed with various condiments such as green onions, seaweed, and wasabi, as well as a bowl of warm soup stock.

Be prepared to pay for this.

Eel does not come cheap.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.houraiken.com/english/

Taiwan Ramen

This dish was first made at Misen, a Chinese-Taiwanese restaurant in Nagoya City.

The owner is from Taiwan, so they started serving a dish called “Danzai noodles,” which is also from Taiwan.

Then, they made a version with more spice and called it “Taiwan Ramen.”

At first, there were only a few people who liked  “Taiwan Ramen.”

The lively, well-loved arcade shopping streets are small and cosmopolitan.

You can feel a mix of cultures and atmospheres and never get tired of walking around to see hundreds of unique shops with things from the past and the present.

The Osu shopping district is always full of fashion geeks, subculture geeks, and older shoppers from the area.

There are a lot of shops in the small area, and they sell things like street food, the latest fashion, one-of-a-kind used clothes, second-hand goods, leather products, and “Otaku” goods.

The cherry blossoms and young foliage make for a beautiful sight in the springtime.

Dragonflies and cicadas both make their sounds throughout the summertime.

The leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red, gold, and yellow in the fall, and the reflections of those colors in the water make for an already stunning image.

It is easy to forget that you are in the middle of the bustling metropolis of Nagoya when the winter sky is crystal clear and the air is just a touch chilly.

Atsuta Shrine

Granted, Kyoto, Nara, and about 800 other places are better if you want to do the temple and shrine thing.

But, Nagoya is home to one special shrine indeed.

Atsuta Jingu Shrine is a well-known Shinto shrine that has been especially respected since ancient times.

People think that Atsuta Shrine was built to protect the Imperial Regalia of Japan , which is called the Kusanagi no Tsurugi.

Also in Mie, Nagashima Resort a nearby amusement park is a great day trip for families.

They have a water park open in Summer, a full-on amusement park open all year, and a great shopping mall as well.

Or maybe try the Toyota Museum owned by the famous Toyota motor corporation which is right next door to Nagoya.

Maybe now you’re tempted to visit Nagoya?

So when should you make that trip?

When to Visit Nagoya

Nagoya gets incredibly hot and humid from July to September.

Typhoon season follows and the rainy season precedes it.

Despite what anyone says, it is NOT agreeable during those times.

So avoid them if you can.

The best times are easily the Cherry blossom season and the weeks that follow.

Along October to November.

The coldness of Winter does not really hit until January and February.

Nagoya is a great place to live.

I would rather be here than in Tokyo or Osaka.

Is Nagoya worth visiting as a tourist though?

Yes, if you can be flexible with your Japan trip.

But if not, then Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, or Hiroshima are better options.

That said, it’s worth a day or two at least.

And you’ll be able to stand out among everyone else who visits Japan.

Adam has lived in Japan for over 20 years. Married with two daughters, he's fully immersed in Japanese life and has traveled extensively around the country. He works full time from home.

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Nagoya & Osaka Adventure: A 4-Day Itinerary of Thrills and Culture

April 17, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 4-day escapade to the vibrant cities of Nagoya and Osaka, where adventure and culture blend seamlessly. Day 1 kicks off with a full day of excitement at Universal Studios Japan, immersing you in a world of movie magic and thrilling rides. Just a stone's throw away, Universal Citywalk Osaka offers a plethora of dining and shopping options to round off your day. Day 2 invites you to soar high on the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, boasting panoramic views of Osaka, followed by a deep dive into marine life at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Stroll through the historic Osaka Castle Park, where tranquility meets legacy. Your journey continues on Day 3 at Legoland Japan Resort in Nagoya, a paradise for the young and young at heart, with interactive rides and attractions. Later, explore the grandeur of Nagoya Castle, a symbol of the city's rich past. The final day is a cultural treat, starting with the lush beauty of Tokugawa Park, then delving into the treasures of The Tokugawa Art Museum. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium, where the wonders of the ocean await. This itinerary promises a perfect blend of thrills, heritage, and natural beauty, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

• Day 1: Unforgettable Adventures in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan

Kick off your Osaka journey with a day-long escapade at Universal Studios Japan, where fantasy meets reality! As the first stop in your itinerary, this world-renowned theme park promises an entire day packed with excitement and entertainment. Immerse yourself in the magic of blockbuster movies and beloved characters as you explore the vast array of rides, shows, and attractions. From thrilling roller coasters to enchanting live performances, Universal Studios Japan is a haven for adventure-seekers and movie buffs alike. Located at 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, this iconic park is an essential experience for any Osaka visitor.

Attraction Info

• 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka
• Suggested tour duration: 1 day
• Open from 04/27-05/02,8:00am-9:30pm;Open 9:00am-9:00pm on 05/13;Open from 04/08-04/12,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/19,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/26,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 05/09-05/10,9:00am-7:00pm;Open 9:00am-7:00pm on 05/31;Open from 04/13-04/14,8:30am-9:30pm;Open from 04/20-04/21,8:30am-9:30pm;Open from 05/18-05/19,8:30am-9:30pm;Open from 05/25-05/26,8:30am-9:30pm;Open from 04/06-04/07,9:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/14-05/17,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 05/20-05/24,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/30,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 03/20-04/05,8:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/03-05/06,8:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/07-05/08,9:30am-7:00pm;Open 8:00am-7:00pm on 05/11;Open 8:00am-9:00pm on 05/12

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Universal Citywalk Osaka

After an exhilarating day at Universal Studios Japan, continue the fun as you stroll over to Universal Citywalk Osaka. This vibrant neighborhood is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. With its unique blend of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, Citywalk offers a taste of Osaka's modern charm. Whether you're in the mood for some retail therapy, a delicious meal, or simply a leisurely walk amidst the buzzing atmosphere, Universal Citywalk Osaka is an ideal spot to cap off your first day. Located just a stone's throw away at 6 Chome-2-61 Shimaya, Konohana Ward, it's a seamless transition from the thrills of the park to the laid-back vibes of this characteristic neighborhood.

• 6 Chome-2-61 Shimaya, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0024, Japan
• Open from 10:00am-11:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Hotel kintetsu universal city, oriental hotel universal city.

• Day 2: Soaring Views and Marine Wonders in Osaka

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Begin your second day in Osaka with an uplifting experience at the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. As the first stop of the day, this iconic Ferris wheel offers a gentle ascent into the sky, providing a panoramic view of the city's harbor and skyline. During the 15-minute ride, you'll be treated to a unique perspective of Osaka, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos and a serene moment above the bustling city.

• 1-chōme-1-10 Kaigandōri, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes
• Open from 3/23-3/31,10:00am-10:00pm，Business hours may change at any time, and the specific business status will be subject to the opening conditions on that day.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

After descending from the heights of the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, dive into the aquatic marvels at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Just a short walk away, this world-renowned aquarium invites you to embark on a journey through the Pacific Rim, exploring diverse marine life in meticulously recreated habitats. Spend an hour marveling at the majestic whale sharks, playful dolphins, and colorful coral reefs, all while learning about the delicate ecosystems of our oceans.

• 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 03/21-03/22,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 03/23-03/29,9:00am-8:00pm;Open 8:30am-8:00pm on 03/20;Open from 03/30-03/31,8:30am-8:00pm;Open from 04/01-04/07,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/08-04/12,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/13-04/14,9:30am-8:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/19,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/20-04/21,9:30am-8:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/26,10:30am-8:00pm;Open from 04/27-04/29,9:30am-8:00pm;Open 10:30am-8:00pm on 04/30

Osaka Castle Park

Conclude your day's adventure with a leisurely stroll through Osaka Castle Park. This expansive city park, centered around the historic Osaka Castle, offers a tranquil escape with its lush greenery, seasonal flowers, and meandering paths. Spend an hour exploring the grounds, admiring the castle's impressive architecture, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

• 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
• Open 24 hours

Osaka Osaka Castle Zebra Shop Morinomiya

Kkr hotel osaka.

• Day 3: Adventures in Nagoya - From LEGO Fantasies to Feudal Fortresses

Legoland Japan Resort

Kickstart your third day with a burst of creativity at Legoland Japan Resort, a place where imagination meets reality. Nestled in the heart of Minato-ku, this vibrant theme park offers a full day of family fun with its intricate LEGO models and interactive rides. Explore miniature cities in astonishing detail, get your adrenaline pumping on the roller coasters, or dive into the aquatic adventures at the SEALIFE aquarium. Legoland Japan Resort is not just a park but a colorful canvas where both the young and the young at heart can craft memories out of tiny bricks.

• 2-2-1 Kinjo Wharf, Minato-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open from 04/03-04/07,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/13-04/14,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/20-04/21,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/11-05/12,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/18-05/19,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/25-05/26,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/08-04/12,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/19,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/26,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/13-05/17,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/20-05/24,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/27-05/06,9:00am-6:00pm;Open 10:00am-5:00pm on 05/07;Open 10:00am-5:00pm on 05/10;Closed from 05/08-05/09

Nagoya Castle

After a day immersed in the playful world of LEGO, step back in time with a visit to the iconic Nagoya Castle. This historical gem, located at 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, is a testament to Japan's rich samurai history. Spend a couple of hours marveling at the castle's grand architecture, the majestic Hommaru Palace, and the sprawling castle grounds. The reconstructed castle towers high, offering a panoramic view of Nagoya, while the exhibits inside give you a glimpse into the life of feudal lords. It's a serene contrast to the morning's excitement, perfect for reflecting on the day's adventures.

• 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 9:00am-4:30pm

KKR Hotel Nagoya

Pravafor josai.

• Day 4: Cultural Wonders and Marine Splendors in Nagoya

Tokugawa Park

Begin your final day with a serene stroll through Tokugawa Park, a place where history and nature intertwine. As the first stop of the day, this lush oasis sets a tranquil tone with its meticulously landscaped gardens, reminiscent of the Edo period. Spend an hour here, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and the beauty of the seasonal flowers that adorn the pathways.

• 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Aichi 461-0023, Japan
• Open on Tue-Sun,9:30am-5:30pm

The Tokugawa Art Museum

Just a stone's throw from the park, The Tokugawa Art Museum awaits as your second destination. Dedicate a couple of hours to explore this cultural gem, which houses an impressive collection of samurai artifacts, traditional Noh theatre costumes, and treasures that once belonged to the Owari Tokugawa family. The museum not only offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past but also showcases exquisite craftsmanship that has been preserved for centuries.

• 1017 Tokugawachō, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023, Japan
• Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Conclude your Nagoya adventure with a visit to the Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium, where the wonders of the aquatic world come to life. As the final highlight of your itinerary, immerse yourself for an hour in the vibrant marine life exhibits, from the majestic whales to the delicate jellyfish. The aquarium is not just a feast for the eyes; it's an educational journey that brings you closer to understanding the mysteries of the deep blue sea.

• 日本、〒455-0033 愛知県名古屋市港区港町１−３
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open from 03/21-04/07,9:30am-5:30pm;Closed from 04/08-04/22,Mon;Open from 04/09-04/26,Tue-Sun,9:30am-5:30pm;Open from 04/27-05/06,9:30am-8:00pm;Closed all day on 05/07,Tue;Open from 05/08-06/30,Tue-Sun,9:30am-5:30pm;Closed from 05/13-06/24,Mon;Open from 07/01-07/19,9:30am-5:30pm;Open from 07/20-09/01,9:30am-8:00pm;Open from 09/02-10/06,9:30am-5:30pm;Closed all day on 10/07,Mon;Open from 10/08-10/14,9:30am-5:30pm;Closed all day on 10/15,Tue;Open from 10/16-11/04,Tue-Sun,9:30am-5:30pm;Closed from 10/21-10/28,Mon;Open from 11/06-11/30,Tue-Sun,9:30am-5:30pm;Closed from 11/11-11/25,Mon;Open from 12/01-12/29,Tue-Sun,9:30am-5:00pm;Closed from 12/02-12/23,Mon;Open from 12/30-12/31,Mon-Tue,9:30am-5:00pm

Harbor Lodge Nagoya

Hotel lala minato.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

<h3>Trending Searches</h3>

Popular Content

• Puerto de la Cruz 1 Day Itinerary
• Hohhot 2 Days Itinerary
• Hengshui 1 Day Itinerary
• Derbyshire Dales District 1 Day Itinerary
• Yamoussoukro 1 Day Itinerary
• Changfeng 1 Day Itinerary
• Paris Brussels 5 Days Itinerary
• Jing County 2 Days Itinerary
• Tianjin 1 Day Itinerary
• Guigang 2 Days Itinerary
• Bali 1 Day Itinerary
• Kurashiki 1 Day Itinerary
• Ma'anshan 1 Day Itinerary
• Isafjordur 1 Day Itinerary
• Kunming 3 Days Itinerary
• Kagoshima 1 Day Itinerary
• Chongqing 4 Days Itinerary
• Seville Ronda 3 Days Itinerary
• Yancheng 2 Days Itinerary
• Hoi An 1 Day Itinerary
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

Pope visits Venice to speak to the artists and inmates behind the Biennale's must-see prison show

VENICE, Italy — Venice has always been a place of contrasts, of breathtaking beauty and devastating fragility, where history, religion, art and nature have collided over the centuries to produce an otherworldly gem of a city. But even for a place that prides itself on its culture of unusual encounters, Pope Francis’ visit Sunday stood out.

Francis traveled to the lagoon city to visit the Holy See’s pavilion at the Biennale contemporary art show and meet with the people who created it. But because the Vatican decided to mount its exhibit in Venice’s women’s prison, and invited inmates to collaborate with the artists , the whole project assumed a far more complex meaning, touching on Francis’ belief in the power of art to uplift and unite, and of the need to give hope and solidarity to society’s most marginalized.

Francis hit on both messages during his visit, which began in the courtyard of the Giudecca prison where he met with the women inmates one by one. As some of them wept, Francis urged them to use their time in prison as a chance for “moral and material rebirth.”

“Paradoxically, a stay in prison can mark the beginning of something new, through the rediscovery of the unsuspected beauty in us and in others, as symbolized by the artistic event you are hosting and the project to which you actively contribute,” Francis said.

Francis then met with Biennale artists in the prison chapel, decorated with an installation by Brazilian visual artist Sonia Gomes of objects dangling from the ceiling, meant to draw the viewer’s gaze upward. He urged the artists to embrace the Biennale’s theme this year “Strangers Everywhere,” to show solidarity with all those on the margins.

The Vatican exhibit has turned the Giudecca prison, a former convent for reformed prostitutes, into one of the must-see attractions of this year’s Biennale, even though to see it visitors must reserve in advance and go through a security check. It has become an unusual art world darling that greets visitors at the entrance with Maurizio Cattelan’s wall mural of two giant filthy feet , a work that recalls Caravaggio’s dirty feet or the feet that Francis washes each year in a Holy Thursday ritual that he routinely performs on prisoners.

The exhibit also includes a short film starring the inmates and Zoe Saldana, and prints in the prison coffee shop by onetime Catholic nun and American social activist Corita Kent.

Francis’ dizzying morning visit, which ended with Mass in St. Mark’s Square, represented an increasingly rare outing for the 87-year-old pontiff, who has been hobbled by health and mobility problems that have ruled out any foreign trips so far this year.

And Venice, with its 121 islands and 436 bridges, isn’t an easy place to negotiate. But Francis pulled it off, arriving by helicopter from Rome, crossing the Giudecca Canal in a water taxi and then arriving in St. Mark’s Square in a mini popemobile that traversed the Grand Canal via a pontoon bridge erected for the occasion.

During an encounter with young people at the iconic Santa Maria della Salute basilica, Francis acknowledged the miracle that is Venice, admiring its “enchanting beaty” and tradition as a place of East-West encounter, but warning that it is increasingly vulnerable to climate change and depopulation.

“Venice is at one with the waters upon which it sits,” Francis said. “Without the care and safeguarding of this natural environment, it might even cease to exist.”

Venice, sinking under rising sea levels and weighed down by the impact of overtourism, is in the opening days of an experiment to try to limit the sort of day trips that Francis undertook Sunday.

Venetian authorities last week launched a pilot program to charge day-trippers 5 euros ($5.35) apiece on peak travel days. The aim is to encourage them to stay longer or come at off-peak times, to cut down on crowds and make the city more livable for its dwindling number of residents.

For Venice’s Catholic patriarch, Archbishop Francesco Moraglia, the new tax program is a worthwhile experiment, a potential necessary evil to try to preserve Venice as a livable city for visitors and residents alike.

Moraglia said Francis’ visit — the first by a pope to the Biennale — was a welcome boost, especially for the women of the Giudecca prison who participated in the exhibit as tour guides and as protagonists in some of the artworks.

He acknowledged that Venice over the centuries has had a long, complicated, love-hate relationship with the papacy, despite its central importance to Christianity.

The relics of St. Mark — the top aide to St. Peter, the first pope — are held here in the basilica, which is one of the most important and spectacular in all of Christendom. Several popes have hailed from Venice — in the past century alone three pontiffs were elected after being Venice patriarchs. And Venice hosted the last conclave held outside the Vatican: the 1799-1800 vote that elected Pope Paul VII.

But for centuries before that, relations between the independent Venetian Republic and the Papal States were anything but cordial as the two sides dueled over control of the church. Popes in Rome issued interdicts against Venice that essentially excommunicated the entire territory. Venice flexed its muscles back by expelling entire religious orders, including Francis’ own Jesuits.

“It’s a history of contrasts because they were two competitors for so many centuries,” said Giovanni Maria Vian, a church historian and retired editor of the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano whose family hails from Venice. “The papacy wanted to control everything, and Venice jealously guarded its independence.”

Moraglia said that troubled history is long past and that Venice was welcoming Francis with open arms and gratitude, in keeping with its history as a bridge between cultures.

“The history of Venice, the DNA of Venice — beyond the language of beauty and culture that unifies — there’s this historic character that says that Venice has always been a place of encounter,” he said.

Francis said as much as he closed out Mass in St. Mark’s before an estimated 10,500 people.

“Venice, which has always been a place of encounter and cultural exchange, is called to be a sign of beauty available to all,” Francis said. “Starting with the least, a sign of fraternity and care for our common home.”

Winfield reported from Rome. Associated Press writer Colleen Barry contributed.

Mayor Duggan touts NFL draft, public safety boost, junk removal plan at State of the City

Mayor Mike Duggan did not shy away from touting the NFL draft yet again as he kicked off his 11th annual State of the City on Wednesday evening at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church on Detroit's northwest side.

Duggan anticipates similar crowds to past NFL drafts, which drew in roughly 300,000 visitors. The mayor encourages them to visit redeveloped sites shown across the nation during Detroit's bankruptcy 10 years ago, such as the Michigan Central Depot, from which he delivered his State of the City last year, and witness how much the city has changed.

"We have a chance to introduce ourselves to America," Duggan said. "The last time we were in the national spotlight on MSNBC, it was about bankruptcy and a lot of people ... when they get here, you're going to see a very different city."

The mayor dived into a long list of recreational and major developments, including: GM Factory Zero and Stellantis assembly plants; State Fairgrounds development into a transit and Amazon fulfillment center; the $3 billion Henry Ford "Future of Health" development; Hudson's site, which GM recently announced plans to move its headquarters into the city's newest skyscraper, and the Water Square residences and hotel at the former Joe Louis Arena site.

Duggan added that when he first ran for office in 2013 and met with hundreds of residents, "it hurt" to realize much of them felt the city and country forgot about Detroit.

They said "our neighborhood has been forgotten ... there's illegal dumping, nobody's picked it up. There's open abandoned houses, nobody cares. You dial 911, the police don’t show up. The ambulance doesn’t show up," Duggan said. "What they were really saying is our city has been forgotten."

Duggan praised a number of the city's accomplishments, including eliminating blight, plans to remove abandoned vehicles, demolishing and restoring abandoned homes and boosting several of the city's parks, recreation centers and public spaces in an effort to beautify Detroit.

Here are a some key takeaways:

No more 'ruin porn'

More than 10 years ago, visitors would take "ruin porn" tours in Detroit to capture some of the city's blight, including the iconic Michigan Central Depot, which was initially up for demolition in 2009.

But this year, Duggan declared those tours "canceled."

Several sites are developing, including Lear's seating plant replacing the 40-year abandoned Hudson's Motor plant; the updated and lavish Book Tower housing residences and restaurants; United Artists Theatre building converting into apartments; the Eddystone renovated into apartments; GM parts facility replacing the long abandoned AMC Headquarters; the Fisher Body Plant being restored into apartments, and one of the biggest eyesores, the Packard Plant, which is coming down this year.

Instead of blight tours, Duggan pointed to the city's upgraded amenities, including the RiverWalk, Riverside Park, Beacon Park and more.

Land Value Tax

Prior to diving into the mayor's proposed Land Value Tax plan , which would raise property taxes on vacant land, Duggan touted the city's credit rating upgrade to reaching investment grade. Higher ratings mean governments pay lower costs to borrow money for investments across the city.

As he pushes the property tax plan through the Michigan Legislature, Duggan, once again, reminded Detroiters that it would cut homeowners' property taxes by 17% and raise the tax on vacant land, including parking lots and scrapyards. However, not everybody is on board with the plan.

"I have this fight in Lansing for the Land Value Tax ... which every national economist said would be a great thing in Detroit."

Duggan was referencing a poll of economists who agreed that it would boost Detroit's economy.

Public safety improvement

Detroit, once known nationally as the "carjack city," Duggan said, saw 782 carjackings in 2013, leading Detroit officers to leave the city in "record numbers." In 2024, Detroit has been averaging two per week, he said. Duggan pointed out that former Detroit Police Chief James Craig in 2013 was a victim of carjacking. The city in the meantime provided pay increases as an incentive to stay. Detroit's homicide rate dropped from 386 in 2013 to 252 in 2023.

The city also started Project Green Light , which uses cameras installed at various businesses, aimed at deterring crime and providing video evidence when it happens near a Green Light site.

"Ten years later, Detroit is a national leader in reducing carjackings," Duggan said.

Detroit also launched a number of community violence intervention initiatives, including gunshot detection systems to prevent gun crime. Six activist groups received federal grants to research ways to prevent crime and curb gun violence. Duggan plans to request that City Council extends their contracts through 2025 after seeing gun violence dip by 44% in areas where four of the groups focused on personal interaction to deescalate situations.

Duggan also touted the city's 911 response time reaching an average of 7 minutes and 30 seconds, which is less than the national standard. The city is dispatching 42 ambulances a day, compared with 20-22 last year.

Solar energy

Duggan touted multiple solar efforts underway, including 127 municipal buildings converting from fossil-based to solar energy. The city also launched an initiative to convert 250 acres of land into solar farms . The intention would be to convert blight into a more productive use. The city would select eight neighborhoods, two of which will power streetlights.

Homeowners living within the area will receive $15,000 in energy-efficiency home upgrades. Duggan will send the first three winning neighborhoods to City Council next month for approval.

Eliminating junk vehicles

In an effort to remove abandoned vehicles, 20 of the city's municipal parking officers are ticketing inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on the street. The citation will give owners 48 hours to move the vehicle.

"2024 is the year we finally rid Detroit of the abandoned illegal vehicles," Duggan said, adding that a resident complained to him about junk vehicles in her neighborhood, suggesting it's not a common sight in the suburbs.

Owners of multiple vehicles on private property lawns will have two weeks to move them, including commercial vehicles. Owners cannot store them on lawns, even if they build a fence around it, Duggan added.

"You can't store your commercial vehicles in our neighborhoods," Duggan said.

The city ticketed 5,208 vehicles so far this year. It towed 769, he said, and 85% were moved by the owners. Residents can report abandoned vehicles on the "Improve Detroit' app.

Rising home values

Detroit home values grew by $3.9 billion since the city's bankruptcy. Black homeowners' housing wealth grew by $2.8 billion, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan.

"That's for the people who stay. The whole city in nine years grew," Duggan said, adding in response to those who say downtown and Midtown are the only areas seeing growth, "you tell them the University of Michigan study has 4 billion reasons why that's not true."

The study indicated that since the bankruptcy, demolitions of blighted and abandoned properties, and sales by the Detroit Land Bank Authority led to a "transformation" of the city's housing stock, leading to the market recovery as home sales prices increased.

Dexter Elmhurst Recreation Center

The city is renovating the center on the west side with plans to create a recreation center. In a surprise to a longtime community activist Helen Moore , Duggan plans to name it after her.

"Tomorrow morning, Councilman Fred Durhal is putting forward the resolution, and next year, the brand new facility will be the Helen Moore Community Center," Duggan said. "There is one person who has been the champion. For the last 25 years of my life, my No. 1 critic has been Helen Moore. Every time, she brings me something, she's right."

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: [email protected]. Follow her:  @DanaAfana .

• Mock Drafts
• Scouting Reports
• 2024 Prospects

Kansas City Chiefs Looking to Trade Up From 32nd Overall

After winning the Super Bowl, coud the Kansas City Chiefs make a move up the NFL Draft board?

• Author: Tyler Forness

The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with talent on the offensive side of the football. There are potentially six quarterbacks, 12 offensive lineman and 10 receivers who could go in round one. That could end up causing multiple teams to try and make a trade to target a certain player.

There have been multiple teams rumored to try and move up in the NFL Draft and the latest rumors have that team being the Kansas City Chiefs.

the #chiefs have really been working to see if they can get up from 32. The thought around the league is it's would be for one of the speedy WRs. — James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 25, 2024

The Chiefs have had some issues at the wide receiver position over the last couple of years once they traded Tyreek Hill. Now, it hasn't exactly mattered that much as they have won back-to-back Super Bowls. But with Travis Kelce in his mid-30s, they will need to find an answer on the outside.

The phrasing speedy wide receivers is intersting. We know that Andy Reid knows how to use speed with his success using Hill and that means it could be Texas WR Xavier Worthy. He ran a 4.21 40-yard dash and has special movement skills in space.

Will there be a trading partner for the Chiefs? That could be difficult. Do you want to be the team to give Patrick Mahomes a game-changing weapon?d

Latest News

Bears Out in Full Force at Caleb Williams' Pro Day Workout

Mel Kiper's New Mock Draft Has a Name We Never See in the 1st Round

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Daniel Jeremiah Chooses Chaos in New 1st-Round Projection

49ers Lose Draft Pick Over Accounting Errors

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Multiple Teams Trade Up for Top QBs

‘Kharkiv Is Unbreakable’: A Battered City Carries On

For residents of Ukraine’s second-largest city, daily Russian attacks have escalated fears but have not brought life to a standstill.

People walking past a damaged building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, a city under near-daily assault. Credit...

Supported by

• Share full article

By Marc Santora

Photographs by Tyler Hicks

Marc Santora and Tyler Hicks reported from Kharkiv, Ukraine, last week.

• April 24, 2024

The espresso machine was warming up and Liliia Korneva was counting cash at the coffee shop in Kharkiv where she works when a powerful Russian bomb detonated nearby, sending up a deafening explosion and knocking her to the floor.

“I can’t describe in words how it felt, it was terrifying,” said Ms. Korneva, 20. She was not hurt, though the courtyard where the bomb fell was destroyed and a man riding a bicycle nearby was killed, according to city officials.

Just a day later, the cafe was open again. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, is open for business, too, despite a sustained bombing campaign that is among the most devastating of the entire war and growing fears that Russia might launch a renewed offensive aimed at taking the city.

Russian attacks have destroyed all three major power stations, but residents continue to live and work with only a few, often unpredictable, hours of electricity each day. More than 100 schools have been damaged or destroyed but classes go on, deep underground in subway stations. Dozens of fire and paramedic stations have been blown up, putting first responders in daily jeopardy but failing to deter them from their jobs.

“When a rocket hits, within three to four hours, all the glass is cleaned up, all the central roads are cleared,” said Andrii Dronov, the 39-year-old deputy chief of the Kharkiv Fire Department. “By morning, it looks like nothing happened and there were no explosions.”

As the attacks intensify, though, there are real questions about how much longer Kharkiv, 25 miles from the Russian border, can hold on without more robust air defenses. Since March, Russia has been bombarding it for the first time with one of the deadliest weapons in its arsenal: powerful guided bombs known as glide bombs, dropped from warplanes, that deliver hundreds of pounds of explosives in a single blast.

“It’s a strategy to intimidate people, a strategy to make people leave their homes, to make people evacuate,” Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said during a recent interview, conducted at a secret location since his office is a target. “It’s the destruction of the city itself.”

Since January, Ukrainian officials said, more missiles have struck Kharkiv, currently home to 1.3 million people, than at any time since the first months of the war. The Ukrainian authorities have ordered the mandatory evacuation of villages to the east of the city as violence along the border escalates.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, last week became the highest ranking Kremlin official to signal that Moscow has designs on seizing Kharkiv, saying it “plays an important role” in President Vladimir V. Putin’s stated desire to create a “sanitary zone” along the Russian border. Military analysts have noted a marked increase in military activity in the area.

It remains unknown if Russia is seriously considering an attack from the north. It may simply be trying to stretch Ukrainian troops by forcing them to bolster defenses along a new front in the north, while also seeking to stoke public panic in Kharkiv.

For city residents, the speculation only adds to the anxiety of living under daily bombardment. They watched on Monday as Russia struck the city’s main television tower with a missile in broad daylight, sending the top of the nearly 800-foot-tall main mast crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust and twisted metal.

But the major cause of alarm these days is the glide bombs, which are big bombs that Moscow has in abundance, outfitted with wings and guidance systems. The Russians have recently modified the bombs to fly more than 60 miles, putting Kharkiv and other population centers within range for the first time.

At least 15 guided bombs have targeted Kharkiv in the past three weeks, Ukrainian officials said.

Dwindling supplies of air defense weapons have made Ukrainian towns and cities more vulnerable in recent weeks, a situation Kyiv hopes will begin to be remedied by the $60 billion military assistance package that President Biden is expected to sign this week.

In the meantime, residents try to maintain a sense of order to cope with the chaos and uncertainty of war. The crater in the courtyard outside Ms. Korneva’s coffee shop, for instance, has been filled, shattered windows boarded up, splintered trees cut down and a playground repaired. She is making espressos again, albeit for fewer clients.

Last week, New York Times journalists traveled around the city with paramedics and firefighters, observing daily life and talking to residents and local officials. Widely ranging emotions were evident. There is no simple way to explain what it feels like to live every day with the threat of death, when a missile fired from Russia can strike anywhere in the city in less than a minute.

“No one knows if they will see the morning,” the mayor said. “But despite everything, we live, we work, and we love our city very much.”

There is no exodus from Kharkiv like that in the first weeks of the war, when artillery thundered day and night and the population — two million before the war — fell to 300,000. After the Russians were driven out of most of the Kharkiv region during Kyiv’s counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, more than one million people returned, local officials say.

“I felt a strong homesickness,” said Anna Ivanova, 19, a student who fled to Finland but returned after the Russians were driven back. “Here, I had my plans, dreams and aspirations.”

A rocket recently smashed into the house of her mother’s friend. Rather than flee, the friend moved in with her mother, and they have no plans to leave. “I’ll use a well-worn phrase,” Ms. Ivanova said. “Kharkiv is unbreakable, although people are visibly exhausted.”

Amil Nasirov, the 29-year-old lead singer of a popular band called Kurgan & Agregat, said, “It’s terrifying to live, to enjoy life.”

You hear the explosions at night, he said, then you look at what was hit in the light of day. “And you think, it’s nearby, not far from me, like 700-800 meters away,” he said, “and you think, ‘Wow, this is insane.’”

He had just attended a premiere of a new Ukrainian film — “Rock, Paper, Grenade,” a coming-of-age story in 1990s Ukraine — before a sold-out audience. The mall where the film was screened was ravaged by a missile strike in March 2022. Rebuilt and now powered by generators, it was bustling with families on a recent Sunday afternoon.

Aside from the wail of air alarms, which are constant and often ignored, it could have been any plaza in any peaceful European city.

“The most horrifying thing is that people get used to it,” Mr. Nasirov said. “Shelling starting from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. What is this? And why should we get used to it?”

The most extensive destruction remains in the northeastern neighborhood of Saltivka, where the front line briefly settled in the war’s early days. The shattered apartment blocks serve as evidence of the devastation Russian ground forces inflicted before pulling back.

But almost no corner of Kharkiv has been spared violence.

The boulevards in the old city center are lined with a mesmerizing tapestry of architectural styles, where 18th-century neoclassical design is intertwined with Soviet-era constructivist buildings that eschewed decorative designs. Now, elaborate facades are pockmarked with shrapnel. Stark concrete buildings are scorched by fire. One house can stand largely untouched, while a building next door is demolished.

Dina Chmuzh, a local artist, paints the words of Ukrainian poets past and present on the wooden boards that now cover so many blasted out windows. She likened the boards to a kind of armor. “The city seems to be trying to shield itself,” she said.

Ms. Chmuzh said that knowing the history of Kharkiv could bolster the population’s resolve. The city was a center of the Ukrainian nationalist movement in the early 20th century and also the site of bloody campaigns by Stalin to snuff out the desire for independence.

“Even when you feel you can’t endure it anymore, you can still draw strength endlessly, even through this pain,” she said.

Liubov Sholudko contributed reporting from Kharkiv.

Marc Santora has been reporting from Ukraine since the beginning of the war with Russia. He was previously based in London as an international news editor focused on breaking news events and earlier the bureau chief for East and Central Europe, based in Warsaw. He has also reported extensively from Iraq and Africa. More about Marc Santora

Tyler Hicks is a senior photographer for The Times. In 2014, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for his coverage of the Westgate Mall massacre in Nairobi, Kenya. More about Tyler Hicks

Advertisement