Nagoya Travel Guide (Aichi/Chubu/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Nagoya
List of Places to Visit in Nagoya
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Nagoya Castle
- Atsuta Shrine
- Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
- Natural Attractions of Nagoya: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Tsurumai Park
- Nagoya Port
- Nabana no Sato
Hiking/Biking Routes of Nagoya
Yamazaki River Trail
Atsumi Peninsula
Best Things to Do in Nagoya: Activities and Tours
Sake Brewery Tours
Karakuri Marionette Performances
Week-Long Itinerary for Nagoya
Food and Drink Scene of Nagoya
- Must-Try Dishes in Nagoya
- Local Beverages in Nagoya
Where to Stay in Nagoya: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Nagoya: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Nagoya
Best Time to Visit Nagoya
Do’s and Don’ts of Nagoya
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Nagoya
- Health in Nagoya
Getting to Nagoya: Transportation Options and Logistics
- Airports Near Nagoya
- Bus Stations Near Nagoya
- Other Options
How to Get Around in Nagoya
Where to Go Next from Nagoya: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Nagoya

Nagoya is a city located in the Aichi Prefecture in Chubu, Japan. It’s the fourth-largest city in the country and is known for its rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and delicious food.

Nagoya is a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, nature, or contemporary culture. It’s home to several museums, galleries, and historical sites, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. The city also boasts a thriving nightlife and food scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best things to do in Nagoya, including attractions, activities, and tours. We’ll also explore the local food and drink scene, places to stay, and provide some practical advice on getting around the city and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Nagoya

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Nagoya. The castle was built in the 17th century and served as the residence of the ruling Tokugawa family. Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds and the castle’s interior museum, which features exhibits on the castle’s history and importance to the region.

Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine is one of the most important and revered Shinto shrines in all of Japan. It’s home to several important cultural artifacts, including the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the three sacred treasures of the Japanese imperial family. Visitors can participate in traditional Shinto rituals, such as offering prayers and washing hands and mouth before entering the shrine.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is located in the Nagoya suburb of Nishi-ku and is an ode to the city’s technical prowess. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Toyota automobile company and showcases its groundbreaking inventions and innovations over the years. Visitors can see everything from vintage cars to robotic manufacturing equipment.

Natural Attractions of Nagoya: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tsurumai Park

Tsurumai Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Nagoya. It’s home to several significant landmarks, including the Tsuruma Castle and the Municipal Museum of Fine Art. Visitors can enjoy picnics, jogging, and strolls through the park’s gardens and fountains.

Nagoya Port

Nagoya Port is one of the largest and busiest ports in Japan and is home to several exciting attractions. Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the harbor, visit the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, or climb aboard the largest wooden sailing ship in Japan, the Nippon Maru.

Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is a beautiful botanical garden that’s particularly famous for its winter illuminations. Visitors can take a stroll through the garden’s various themed areas, including the vast tulip field, multiple gardens of illumination, and illuminated trees. During the winter season, the garden hosts a famous event called the “Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination,” which draws visitors from across Japan.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nagoya

Yamazaki River Trail

The Yamazaki River Trail is a six-kilometer walking and cycling path that winds along the Yamazaki River. The trail offers incredible views of the city skyline and is a great way to get some exercise and explore the city’s natural beauty.

Atsumi Peninsula

Atsumi Peninsula is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its rugged terrain, natural landmarks, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can take a hike up Mount Atsumi, explore the picturesque fishing village of Meiji-mura, or enjoy the sun and sand at the nearby Okumikawa Beach.

Best Things to Do in Nagoya: Activities and Tours

Sake Brewery Tours

Nagoya is famous for its sake and is home to some of Japan’s best breweries. Visitors can take a sake brewery tour and learn about the sake-making process, from the fermentation to the bottling. Some popular breweries to visit include Higashiyama Brewery, the Kirin Brewery, and the Kinshi Masamune Shuzo Brewery.

Karakuri Marionette Performances

Karakuri marionettes are traditional mechanical puppets that were used to bring Japanese folklore to life. Visitors can attend karakuri marionette performances at the Karakuri Art Museum, where live performers operate the puppets and showcase their movements.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nagoya

Day	Activities
1	Visit Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine
2	Explore the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
3	Enjoy a bike ride along Yamazaki River Trail
4	Take a trip to Nabana no Sato
5	Visit the Port of Nagoya and embark on the Nippon Maru
6	Join a sake brewery tour and visit one or two breweries
7	Attend a Karakuri marionette performance at the Karakuri Art Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Nagoya

Nagoya is famous for its unique cuisine, including dishes like miso-katsu, hitsumabushi, and tebasaki.

Must-Try Dishes in Nagoya

Miso-katsu: A famous Nagoya-style pork cutlet coated in miso sauce and breadcrumbs.
Hitsumabushi: Grilled eel served over rice and eaten in three different ways.
Tebasaki: Deep-fried chicken wings that are marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

Local Beverages in Nagoya

Nagoya is famous for its sake, but it’s also home to several other unique drinks, including:

Kishimen: A thick, flat noodle made from wheat flour and served in a clear broth.
Ogura toast: Toasted bread topped with sweet azuki bean paste.
Coffee milk: A sweetened milk drink that’s popular in Nagoya.

Where to Stay in Nagoya: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nagoya has several accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and traditional ryokans.

Some popular hotels include the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, the Hilton Nagoya, and the APA Hotel Nagoya Sakae. For budget-conscious travelers, hostels like Backpackers Hostel K’s House Nagoya and Nagoya Guesthouse Otohaya are great options.

What to Buy in Nagoya: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back from Nagoya, some popular items include:

Red lacquerware: Nagoya is famous for its lacquerware, which has a deep red color and a glossy finish.
Kishimen noodles: You can buy packets of the Nagoya specialty noodles to bring back home.
Hatcho miso: A type of miso that’s made in Nagoya and is known for its deep, rich flavor.

Local Culture and Customs of Nagoya

In Nagoya, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. Bowing is a common greeting, and it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Japanese etiquette is also important, and it’s considered polite to avoid speaking loudly in public and to avoid eating or drinking while walking.

Best Time to Visit Nagoya

The best time to visit Nagoya is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom or fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nagoya

Do:

Do bow when greeting someone.
Do remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Do respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

Don’t speak loudly in public.
Don’t eat or drink while walking.
Don’t be disrespectful to the Japanese culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nagoya

Nagoya is a generally safe city, with low crime rates. However, it’s always important to take precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night.

Health in Nagoya

Nagoya has several modern hospitals and clinics, but medical costs can be expensive. It’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Nagoya: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nagoya

Nagoya is easily accessible by air and has two major airports: Chubu Centrair International Airport and Nagoya Airfield.

Bus Stations Near Nagoya

Meitetsu Bus Center and JR Bus Central are the main bus stations in Nagoya, and they provide connections to various destinations across Japan.

Other Options

Nagoya is also accessible by train, with several shinkansen (bullet train) lines running through the city.

How to Get Around in Nagoya

Nagoya has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and subway trains. Visitors can purchase a one-day or two-day pass that offers unlimited access to both modes of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Nagoya: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions to explore from Nagoya, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Takayama. These destinations are easily accessible by train or bus and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

Conclusion

Nagoya is an excellent destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, culture, and nature. With its museums, historical sites, beautiful natural landmarks, and unique cuisine, Nagoya has something for everyone. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip to this beautiful city in Japan.