What to do in Nagoya, Japan? 8 wonderful attractions
- Noa
Nagoya is a city that manages to surprise at every corner. Between the colorful markets, the hidden restaurants with traditional gourmet dishes, and the ancient buildings that combine fascinating history with modern design, this is a super interesting destination to visit. The city has its own special energy, with attractions that are not found anywhere else!
In Nagoya I recommend spending 3-4 days there and from there continue to Tokyo , Kyoto or Osaka .
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What do you do in Nagoya? 8 attractions not to be missed
The attractions in the area are very diverse. You will find there ancient castles and traditional Japanese gardens, two different Toyota museums, a Ghibli Studio park and a temple in a forest! Here is a list of the 8 most worthwhile attractions.
Nagoya Castle
One of the most important attractions in the city, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Built by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle features traditional Japanese architecture and is surrounded by manicured gardens. In the museum of the castle you can find art displays, weapons and historical artifacts that tell the story of the samurai families that lived there.
Toyota Commemorative Museum - Toyota Commemorative Museum
The Toyota Museum of Industry and Technology is a must-see for fans of history, cars and technology. The museum is located in the original textile factory of the Toyota company and offers a particularly interesting journey through the company's history, from the first textile machines it invented to the most advanced cars of today. At the displays you can experience the production process, learn about Toyota's technological and engineering developments and admire the classic and modern cars on display.
Mirai Tower - Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER
A tower also known as the Nagoya TV Tower, is one of the characteristic symbols of the city. The tower rises to a height of about 180 meters, and offers an amazing panoramic view of Nagoya and the surrounding area. It's worth coming day or night, every hour has its own charm!
Tsuruma Park - Tsuruma Park
A magical corner of nature in the heart of the city, with expanses of grass, colorful flowers, a lake and a calm atmosphere. One of the most popular areas of the park is the lake, where you can see cute turtles cruising the water or sunbathing on the rocks. The park is suitable for picnics, pleasant walks or relaxing moments under the big trees.
Atsuta-jingu Shrine - Atsuta-jingu Shrine
One of the most important Shinto temples in Japan, located in the heart of the city and surrounded by a magical forest that gives it an atmosphere of peace and calm. The temple is famous for its historical treasures, including the sacred sword Kusungi, one of Japan's three imperial treasures. The place has been used as a spiritual and cultural center for about two thousand years and hosts spectacular events and festivals throughout the year. When we got there we got to see a Japanese wedding ceremony! On the grounds of the temple you can enjoy paths that go through the forest and discover traditional Japanese buildings.
Shirotori Garden - Shirotori Garden
A magical corner of nature! The garden is designed in a classic Japanese style, with clear water pools, arched wooden bridges and quiet waterfalls. The winding paths lead through landscapes of flowers and trees, which change according to the seasons and create a new and exciting sight with each visit! One of the central focal points in the garden is the tea house, where you can participate in a traditional tea ceremony and experience Japanese culture.
Toyota Automobile Museum - Toyota Automobile Museum
It is a short drive from the city center. The museum displays an impressive collection of classic and innovative cars from all over the world, and allows visitors to learn about the development of the automobile industry over the years. The exhibits include rare models, iconic racing cars and advanced technologies. The museum complements the Toyota Commemorative Museum, which tells the story of the company from the days when it engaged in textile production until it became a world leader in the automotive field.
Ghibli Park - Ghibli Park
A paradise for all fans of animation and the creations of Studio Ghibli. The park features sets and performances that allow visitors to enter the magical worlds of the beloved Ghibli films, such as "My Neighbor Totoro", "The Wonderful Journey", and "The Moving Castle". The place offers guided tours, activities, and the opportunity to see up close original items from the movie productions. The park is located not far from the city, about half an hour by train.
Recommendation for organized day trips in Nagoya
Here are recommendations for some organized day trips that will arrange for you the most worthwhile attractions in Nagoya:
A sightseeing tour with a local guide where you'll visit some of Nagoya's top sites, including Nagoya Castle, Sakae Oasis 21, Nagoya's downtown shopping area, and the Osu Kannon temple complex.
Come explore Japan's rich history on the Nakasendo Trail, which connects the towns of Tsumago and Magome. The trip includes ancient inns, cobbled streets and traditional shops, accompanied by a qualified guide who will take you on a 400-year journey through time.
Join a culinary tour in Nagoya that includes the best local delicacies, with an expert guide who will take you to the locals' favorite places.
Where is it recommended to stay in Nagoya?
The most recommended area to stay is near Nagoya station. Here are some recommendations for worthwhile places to stay, from the lowest price to the highest:
An affordable hostel, close to Nagoya train station. The place offers clean and spacious dorm rooms, with comfortable common areas and free internet.
Japanese style rooms, clean and comfortable in the central area.
A luxurious 5-star hotel located directly at the Nagoya train station, offering stunning views, spacious rooms and excellent service. The hotel offers easy access to public transportation and the main tourist spots in the city.
Recommended restaurants
You should walk around Endo-ji Shotengai Shopping Street and find a variety of good restaurants. In addition, here are some particularly worthwhile recommendations for delicious food in Nagoya:
Bar Dufi
Spanish restaurant with tapas dishes. There are changing specials and the dishes are super tasty and fresh.
Sushi Masa
Sushi at a very, very high level. Note that there are no menus in English, so you should equip yourself with Google Translate.
Shinnosuke
For those who like raw fish - this is nothing less than heaven. The restaurant is about 40 minutes from the city center and totally worth it. The fish is fresh and at the highest level possible. Please note that you need to book in advance because there is usually no room.
Marunouchi Spice
There is no Japanese curry! The restaurant serves an especially delicious, warming and comforting curry.
Where do we go after Nagoya?
From beautiful Nagoya it is easy to continue the trip to other amazing destinations. Osaka , with its fun nightlife and excellent food, is a short train ride away. Kyoto offers a unique cultural and historical experience with traditional Japanese temples and gardens. Nara , known for its elk park and ancient temples, is another destination not to be missed. And finally, Tokyo , the capital of Japan, offers a fascinating combination of innovation and tradition, with countless attractions, shops, and restaurants. All of these destinations are easily accessible from Nagoya via high-speed trains, making it an excellent starting point for trips around Japan.