Nagoya

Nagoya is humid, hot, and rainy in summer, while spring and autumn are better suited to exploring on foot.

Nagoya is often underrated by travelers. It has historical threads dating back to the Warring States period, and is also known for miso-based dishes and hearty staple foods. Overall costs feel more relaxed than in Tokyo or Osaka, the main sights are fairly concentrated, and public transport connections are smooth, making it a good city to explore slowly over 2–3 days.

Recommended Main Attractions

Nagoya offers historic architecture, city landmarks, and easy suburban walking routes. The following places are worth prioritizing:

• Nagoya Castle: One of Japan’s three great castles, with the golden “shachihoko” on its roof serving as a symbol of Nagoya. The main keep is currently under renovation, but the restored Honmaru Palace still offers a chance to admire its ornate gold-leaf wall paintings.

• Atsuta Shrine: One of Japan’s three major shrines, enshrining the Kusanagi Sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. The approach is lined with tall ancient cedars and has a quiet atmosphere, and the surrounding area is also known for eel rice.

• Osu Shopping Street: A lively district combining old temples, secondhand vintage clothing, anime merchandise, and street food, with an atmosphere like a mix of Akihabara and Asakusa.

• Oasis 21 & Nagoya TV Tower: The “Spaceship-Aqua” rooftop at Oasis 21 offers open views and is a popular spot for viewing and photographing Nagoya TV Tower. The blue hour after sunset is an especially good time to visit.

• Ghibli Park: The official theme park for Hayao Miyazaki’s animated works. Its five themed areas recreate scenes from films such as *My Neighbor Totoro* and *Howl’s Moving Castle*. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.

• Tokoname Maneki-neko: Tokoname is regarded as the home of the lucky cat. Around town, you can see a giant guardian cat and 39 ceramic lucky cats for blessings, making it a pleasant place for an easy city walk.

Signature Nagoya Foods

A major feature of Nagoya cuisine is the combination of miso flavors with various staple foods and meats. The following local specialties are worth trying:

Classic Itinerary

Below is a 2–3 day sample route with a relatively relaxed pace, suitable for first-time visitors to Nagoya.

• Day 1: City History and Modern Landmarks
  • Morning: Visit Nagoya Castle and see the gold-leaf wall paintings in Honmaru Palace. You can also photograph a panoramic view of the castle from across the moat.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through Osu Shopping Street, browsing secondhand vintage clothing shops and anime merchandise stores. For lunch, consider Taiwan ramen or street food.
  • Evening: Head to the Sakae shopping district and enjoy the blue-hour view of Nagoya TV Tower from the rooftop of Oasis 21.
• Day 2: Shrine Culture and Theme Parks
  • Morning: Visit Atsuta Shrine, walk along its thousand-year-old approach, and try hitsumabushi, eel rice eaten three ways, in the surrounding area.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your interests, choose Ghibli Park (advance tickets required), or go to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium to watch the sardine tornado performance.
  • Night: Return to the city center and try miso fried chicken wings and miso oden at an izakaya.
• Day 3: Nearby Day Trip (Optional)
  • Option A (Nature and Fairy-Tale Scenery): Take a Meitetsu bus to Shirakawa-go Gassho Village and look out over the thatched-roof settlement. In the afternoon, continue to Takayama, visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, and try Hida beef.
  • Option B (National Treasure and Hot Springs): Visit the National Treasure Inuyama Castle and Inuyama Castle Town, then relax in the evening at Gero Onsen, known for its “beauty water.”

Practical Travel Tips

• Transport: Most major city attractions can be reached by subway, so consider buying a one-day subway pass. For travel to and from the airport or nearby cities, you can use JR or Meitetsu lines, and it is helpful to prepare an ICOCA or Suica card in advance.
• Accommodation: The areas around Nagoya Station and the Sakae shopping district are convenient for both transport and shopping, making them good places to stay.
• Notes: The stairs inside the keep of Inuyama Castle are very steep, so non-slip sneakers are recommended. In mountain destinations such as Shirakawa-go, some small shops accept cash only, so prepare enough yen before setting out.