Nagoya is an economic powerhouse, home to Japan’s auto manufacturing giants Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. It once served as a castle town of the Owari, a branch of Japan’s ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo Period (1603–1868). Most of the town’s historic buildings, temples and shrines didn’t survive the WWII bombing campaigns – the Nagoya Castle we see today is a concrete recreation of the original that was built in the early Edo Period.
Most visitors to Japan often catch a glimpse of Nagoya between bullet train stops, but those who take the time to discover the city will find a very lively nightlife, great restaurants, and a number of interesting attractions. The city has a wonderful zoo and botanic gardens in Higashiyama, as well as an excellent orchid garden that will delight anyone who loves the delicate flora species.
What to see & do in Nagoya
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Nagoya offers a balanced mix of classic and modern sights and experiences. It’s home to one of the most beautiful, towering castles in Japan. Not far south is the highly revered Atsuta, the second most revered shrine in the country.
Head down to the Naka ward for a host of museums. Exhibits range from ancient Edo treasures to contemporary arts and Japan’s automobile industry. Hit the Sakae district for some fun...
The best things to do in Nagoya are a mix of both the old and the new. After suffering heavy bombing in WWII, the city has been extensively rebuilt. These days, Nagoya crisscrossed with ultra-modern highways and beautiful modern edifices....
Nagoya is most renowned for its iconic castle, which was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period of Japan. It is a hugely important and prosperous place for over 260 years. However, Nagoya has many beautiful sites related to...
Dining in Nagoya introduces you to a wonderful assortment of regional Japanese delights, fondly known as Nagoya meshi. Some of the local dishes that have also become national favourites include tebasaki chicken wings, Ogura toast, and red miso.
Besides offering heritage food galore, Nagoya has you covered with a wide range of flavours, from Asian to Western. Sakae, Fushimi, and Meiki are among Nagoya’s best dining areas where you can find...
Nagoya is renowned for its unique food culture, which is mostly based on dark-brown miso paste (akamiso) made with bean malts (mamekoji), such as dark miso (haccho miso). The local cuisine, known as Nagoya-meshi, is so popular that people visit...
The best shopping experiences in Nagoya range from big department stores to quaint street and flea markets, and a whole lot more in between. The centrally located Nagoya Station is a great place to start your shopping spree. It’s surrounded by big players like Takashimaya and Meitetsu department stores and the station itself is built on top of underground malls.
If...
Nagoya nightlife is best experienced in the city’s downtown districts. You’ll find a good mix of traditional izakayas, live music bars, and hip nightclubs just a short walk from the major railway stations. These include Fushimi and Nagoya, but Sakae is your best bet.
The city is highly popular among night owls – many bars and clubs often stay open until very late. After a fun evening out, residents and partygoers...
Experience Nagoya at night and you'll find that it's quite different from Nagoya in the daytime. Why not head to the Port of Nagoya, one of the world's largest trading ports, and have fun on a cruise or the giant...
The nightlife of downtown Nagoya ranges from traditional izakaya to nightclubs and live music venues. Most of these are clustered in the central Sakae district, and the area’s vibrancy even attracts partygoers from outside the city limits.
Nagoya is home to...
Our Nagoya Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Japan. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What's the weather like? How can I get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug...
12 Best Things to Do in Nagoya
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10 Things to Do in Nagoya on a Small Budget
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Nagoya
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10 Most Popular Food & Dining Areas in Nagoya
10 Great Restaurants in Nagoya
Top recommended night spots in Nagoya
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