Nagoya Guide: 30 Things to Do, Ghibli Park, Dining, 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.

This article introduces 30 things to enjoy in or near Nagoya, recommended itineraries, hotels, and transportation tips.

Nagoya Guide: Top 30 Things to Do and Travel Tips

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

Picture courtesy of ©Studio Ghibli

Since opening in November 2022, the Ghibli Park has become one of the most popular places to visit in Aichi Prefecture where Nagoya is located. However, please note that the Ghibli Park is not located in Nagoya City but in Nagakute.

The park can be accessed within about one hour by train from Nagoya, and about three hours from Tokyo by using the bullet train to Nagoya and changing to a regular train at Nagoya Station.

At Ghibli Park, visitors can enjoy exhibits that recreate the world of Studio Ghibli anime movies such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

The park consists of five areas, each of them reproducing 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.

For instance, the Mononoke Village is based on Japan’s famous satoyama landscapes (*1) as seen in the movie Princess Mononoke, while 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.

*1 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.

Ghibli Park
Address: Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama 1553-1, Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park
Business Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 on weekdays; 9:00 - 17:00 on weekends and holidays
*The park will open from 9:00 - 17:00 on weekdays during long school holidays.
Closed: Every Tuesday (if Tuesday is a public holiday, the park will close the following day instead)
*The park will also close on certain designated days, such as on New Year holidays and for maintenance
*The park will remain open during long school holiday periods
*Business hours are subject to change without notice
Website: https://ghibli-park.jp/

2. Nagoya Castle: Explore History

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 (*2).

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.

*2 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

460-0031 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya Castle, a tourist attraction in Nagoya, is famous for the golden shachihoko (a lion) on the roof of the castle tower. The castle was...

3. Kinshachi Yokocho

Photo by Pixta

Kinshachi Yokocho is a an alley lined with restaurants and izakaya bars located right in front of Nagoya Castle. It is a gathering place for famous dining establishments of Nagoya.

The yokocho is divided into two zones: the Yoshinao Zone, with restaurants offering traditional Nagoya dishes like hitsumabushi and miso-nikomi udon noodles, and the Muneharu Zone, where you can enjoy treats such as unique soft-serve ice cream and burgers. The Muneharu Zone operates until 22:30, allowing for nighttime enjoyment as well.

Kinshachi Yokocho
Address: 1-2 Sannomaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya City
Hours of Operation: Varies by establishment
Official website: https://kinshachi-y.jp/index.html (Japanese)

4. 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 on the novel "The Tale of Genji" that was written in the Heian Period (794-1185).

Tokugawaen

461-0023 1001 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Aichi Prefecture

Tokugawaen is a Japanese garden built in 1965. It is known for being adjacent to the Tokugawa Art Museum.

5. Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is an impressive elliptical-shaped structure located near the MIRAI TOWER. It features an underground shopping floor, a bus terminal, and an above-ground lawn square, truly embodying an oasis within the city. There is also a tourist information center inside for travelers.

The distinctive elliptical section is known as the Spaceship of Water, made of transparent glass through which water flows. Visitors can enjoy a 14-meter high sky walk around it. At night, it glows with LED lights, creating a fantastical atmosphere with the city's night skyline, making it a photogenic spot to enjoy.

oasis 21

461-0005 1-11-1 Higashizakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

This is a three-dimensional park featuring a ``water spaceship.'' It also includes commercial and public facilities.

6. Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

Photo by Pixta

The Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, which underwent renovation and reopened in September 2020, stands in the heart of Nagoya's bustling shopping district, Sakae. It is located at a corner of the Hisaya Odori Park, a boulevard stretching north to south through the city center.

Known as the first transmission tower built in Japan, this tower rises to a height of 100 meters with an observation floor offering panoramic views of Nagoya. Every weekend and on holidays, there are events where visitors can climb up to this observation deck using the stairs.

At the base of the tower, there are shops selling cafe treats and souvenirs, creating a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can wander and unwind in the park.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

460-0003 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER is an iconic tower in Nagoya. You can enjoy the spectacular night view from the observation deck.

7. Nagoya City Science Museum: The World's Biggest Planetarium

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 and 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

460-0008 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Shirakawa Pa...

It is a general science museum that is visited by many tourists. It is also known for having one of the largest planetariums in Japan.

8. Osu Shopping Street: Local Food, Fashion, and Subcultures

Osu Kannon is a temple that was relocated to its current site by the first feudal 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

460-0011 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Osu shopping street is a shopping street lined with a variety of shops. It is also said to be "Japan's most lively shopping street."

9. Mazak Art Plaza

Photo by Pixta

The Mazak Art Plaza offers a panoramic view of 300 years of French art history, from the Rococo era of the 18th century to artists like Delacroix, Realism, Impressionism, and the École de Paris. It also displays glass artworks and furniture by notable figures like the representative of Art Nouveau, Galle.

One of its distinctive features is its convenient accessibility, directly connected to Exit 1 of Shinsakae Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.

Mazak Art Plaza
Address: 1-19-30 Aoi, Higashi ward, Nagoya City
Hours: Weekdays 10:00 - 17:30, Weekends and Holidays 10:00 - 17:00
Website: https://www.mazak-art.com/english/

10. 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)

11. Endoji Shopping Street and Shikemichi: Experience Old Japan

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

451-0042 1-6-13 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Endonji Shopping Street is known as a shopping street with a long history. The Showa retro atmosphere is attractive.

12. Noritake Forest

Photo by Pixta

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/

13. Toyota Museum of Industry and Technology

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 Motor Corporation has succeeded in producing high-performance domestic cars sold around the world. Guests can visit the Automobile Pavilion to view exhibits of Toyota cars from different eras, and learn about the manufacturing process.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

451-0051 4-1-35 Noritake Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a museum operated by the Toyota Group. You can relive the development of industry.

14. Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Picture courtesy of Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Jingu 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

456-8585 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Atsuta Shrine is a shrine that enshrines Amaterasu Omikami. It is one of Japan's leading power spots.

15. Shirotori Garden

Photo by Pixta

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

16. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Photo by Pixta

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens span approximately 60 hectares and comprise a zoo, a botanical garden, an amusement park, and more.

Within the zoo, attractions include Japan's largest Asian elephant house, a building modeled after Sri Lanka called the Zoological Garden, and a variety of animals such as koalas and parrots for visitors to enjoy.

On the botanical garden side, there is a greenhouse open to the public since 1937, now designated as an important cultural property of the country, showcasing beautiful flowers that thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Address: 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City
Hours: 9:00 - 16:30
Website: https://www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp/

17. Higashiyama Sky Tower

Photo by Pixta

At a height of 134 meters, Higashiyama Sky Tower is located adjacent to the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This tower was designated as a Japan Night View Heritage Site in 2004 and is a popular spot for night views.

The 4th floor serves as an observation deck, the 5th floor houses shops, and the 7th floor features an observation restaurant.

Higashiyama Sky Tower
Address: 1-8 Tanashimachi-Komeno, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City
Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 21:30
Website: http://www.higashiyamaskytower.jp/

18. LEGOLAND JAPAN

Picture courtesy of Klook

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 bricks.

The Legoland Japan Hotel, the official hotel of Legoland, and the interactive aquarium SEA LIFE Nagoya are also located on the premises for visitors to enjoy.

LEGOLAND Japan

455-8605 2-2-1 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Legoland Japan is a theme park based on Lego blocks. Enjoy attractions and games.

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

19. SCMaglev and Railway Park

Picture courtesy of SCMaglev and Railway Park

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.

Maglev/Railway Hall

455-0848 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

The Linear Railway Museum is an experiential railway museum. Actual vehicles are on display.

20. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Photo by Pixta

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium offers a world-class outdoor pool measuring 60 meters in width, 30 meters in depth, and with a maximum depth of 12 meters. Visitors can enjoy dolphin performances and observe the training sessions of orcas.

Additionally, there are tanks replicating deep-sea and Antarctic environments where visitors can see penguins, sea turtles, and more.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Hours: 9:30 - 17:30 (*subject to change depending on the season and day)
Website: https://nagoyaaqua.jp/english/

21. Antarctic Museum and Former Research Ship Fuji

Photo by Pixta

The Antarctic Museum and Former Research Ship Fuji located at the Nagoya Port Garden Pier is a 100-meter-long orange ship that served as an Antarctic observation vessel for 18 years starting in 1965.

Inside the ship, you can find preserved spaces such as the control room, infirmary, crew quarters, along with an exhibition room called the Antarctic Museum.

Antarctic Museum and Former Research Ship Fuji
Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Hours: -
Website: https://nagoyaaqua.jp/garden-pier/fuji/

Places to Visit Near Nagoya

There are many attractive spots located about a 20 to 40-minute drive from the center of Nagoya. We introduce some of them below.

22. Park Todagawa Kids Land

Photo by Pixta

Located in the Todagawa Green Area, this vast amusement park spans approximately 1.7 hectares. It features a variety of attractions like a cycle monorail that can reach heights of up to 10 meters, a Tarzan rope, foot-pedal go-karts, and more, providing entertainment for both parents and children.

Park Todagawa Kids Land
Address: 1-3616 Harutano, Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (April to September), 9:00 - 17:00 (October to March), Closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.todagawa.jp/

23. Higashiyama Fruit Park

Photo by Pixta

Located at the foot of Mt. Higashiyama, the northeastern tip of Nagoya City, the Higashiyama Fruit Park features an orchard with various fruit trees as well as attractions like the Tropical Fruit Greenhouse, where visitors can observe around 100 rare tropical and subtropical fruit trees from all over the world. The park also includes shops, a rest house, and a lawn area.

Higashiyama Fruit Park
Address: 2110 Higashidani, Kamishidamemi, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City
Hours: 9:00 - 16:30, Closed on Mondays.
Website: https://www.fruitpark.org/

24. Meiji-Mura Museum

Photo by Pixta

Meiji-mura is an open-air architectural museum in Inuyama, near Nagoya. Opened in 1965, this theme park aims to preserve Meiji-era (1868-1912) architecture that was destined for destruction, connecting the sentiments of the people from the Meiji period to future generations.

Inside, there are numerous picturesque Meiji-era buildings, an authentic steam locomotive running, the opportunity to dress in traditional Meiji-era attire like arrow pattern kimono and hakama, and restaurants where you can enjoy cuisine from the Meiji era. It offers a unique and diverse range of attractions that families can enjoy together.

Meiji-Mura Museum
Address: 1 Uchiyama, Inuyama City
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (*subject to seasonal changes) *Please check the official website for closure days.
Website: https://centrip-japan.com/spot/meijimura.html

25. Inuyama Castle

Photo by Pixta

Inuyama Castle, built in 1537 by lord Nobukatsu, Oda Nobunaga's uncle, stands gracefully along the Kiso River. It is renowned for having Japan's oldest extant wooden keep, with many decorative elements from that era such as peach-shaped talismans on turtle shells and karahafu (curving gables).

Located about a 20-30 minute drive from the Meiji Mura Museum, the castle is easily accessible by direct bus, making it a recommended stop on a tour of the area.

Inuyama Castle
Address: 65-2 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Website: https://inuyama-castle.jp/

Must-Try Food in Nagoya

26. Yabaton: Miso Katsu - Deep-Fried Cutlet with Miso Sauce

Miso Katsu

Nagoya has a unique food culture compared to other areas in Japan. In particular, Nagoya is known for dishes that 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.

27. Yamamotoya Sohonke: Misonikomi Udon Noodles

Picture courtesy of HotPepper Gourmet

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.

28. Atsuta Horaiken: Hitsumabushi Dishes

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.

29. NANAYA: Ankake Spaghetti - Pasta with a Hearty Sauce

Ankake Spaghetti is a signature Nagoya dish that 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.

You can enjoy Ankake Spaghetti at several restaurants in Nagoya, with places like NANAYA known for offering a variety of ankake spaghetti dishes.

30. Tsubame Bread and Milk: 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.

While you can find Ogura toast at various cafes like the chain Komeda Coffee, for a slightly more specialized experience, you might enjoy trying it at Tsubame Bread and Milk, a bakery in the Shonai Ryokuchi Park, known for their naturally leavened bread.

Many Other Amazing Dishes To Try in Nagoya!

Kishimen. Photo by Pixta

Other classic Nagoya dishes include tebasaki, deep-fried chicken wings with sweet and spicy sauce, kishimen, broad and flat noodles served in dashi-flavored shoyu (soy sauce) soup, and Taiwan ramen, noodles with ground pork, stir-fried with garlic, and red peppers.

Nagoya is a city filled with an abundance of gourmet food to choose from!

Shopping in Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan's third largest city, boasts numerous convenient shopping spots.

Of particular interest is the AEON Mall Nagoya Noritake Garden, which opened in October 2021. Its appeal lies in its convenient location, just a 12-minute walk from Nagoya Station, offering approximately 150 stores including restaurants and apparel outlets. Especially noteworthy is the vast bookshelf at TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Noritake Shinmachi, which has been a topic of discussion on social media.

Moreover, the Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall directly connected to Nagoya Station, and adjacent to it, the Meitetsu Department Store Main Store, add to the array of department stores around Nagoya Station.

Additionally, about a 50-minute bus ride from the bus center, you can visit outlet malls like Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima.

For more details, please refer to the following MATCHA article.

Hotels in Nagoya

In the major city of Nagoya, you can find popular hotel chains like Toyoko Inn and APA Hotel readily available. These spots are convenient for a quick stay.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

However, if you are looking for a hotel that embodies the essence of Nagoya, the Nagoya Kanko Hotel might be a good choice.

Established in 1936, this hotel has served as a guesthouse for many VIPs in Nagoya. It is notable for its interior decor featuring wall tiles originally manufactured by Ina Seito (now LIXIL), which was headquartered in Tokoname, near Nagoya. Throughout the hotel, you can appreciate decorations and art that exude a sense of local identity.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com
If you are looking for a trendy yet reasonably-priced hotel, you might consider the Hotel Androoms Nagoya Sakae.

With a concept that revolves around enhancing the story of each night's stay, this hotel offers delights such as sandwiches made with homemade ingredients and spa services, ensuring a fulfilling experience during your stay.

Nagoya offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers. For those seeking lodging in Nagoya, platforms like Booking.com or the following MATCHA articles can provide valuable information and choices for your stay.

Recommended Itineraries 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/

For Those Traveling with Children

Legoland Japan. Photo by Pixta

Nagoya is filled with plenty of spots that offer fun experiences for children. Particularly noteworthy are Legoland Japan and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, recommended for their close proximity in terms of travel distance and the ability to enjoy them even on rainy days. Here is a suggested itinerary from Nagoya Station:

Nagoya Station → Take the Aonami Line for 24 minutes → Legoland Japan → Walk about 10 minutes → SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Additionally, places like Ghibli Park and Todagawa Kids Land are also appealing options. Consider tailoring your itinerary to your child's preferences for a memorable experience.

For Those Who Love Food and Beautiful Scenery

Nagoya at night. Photo by Pixta

Nagoya is filled with fashionable and gourmet spots. For those wanting to explore while enjoying stunning views and delicious food, consider this itinerary:

Nagoya Station → 12 minutes on foot → Noritake no Mori → 20-30 minutes by bus → Kinshachi Yokocho → About 20 minutes by bus → Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER / Oasis 21

Furthermore, it's recommended to visit Atsuta Jingu Shrine for increased luck or enjoy the impressive dolphin performances at the Nagoya Port Aquarium.

For Those Who Love Science and History

Nagoya science Museum. Photo by Pixta
Nagoya offers numerous spots for learning, such as museums. For those interested in exploring these educational sites, the following itinerary is recommended:

Nagoya Station → 10-20 minutes by bus → Nagoya City Science Museum → Take the Higashiyama Line from Fushimi Station, alight at Kamishima Station, and walk about 10 minutes → Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Furthermore, Nagoya Port with the Antarctic observation ship Fuji is also worth considering. Additionally, history enthusiasts may enjoy visiting Nagoya Castle and Inuyama Castle for a tour of these two iconic castles.

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.

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 WiFi

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.

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!

Main image by Pixta