Nagoya

Nagoya is a seriously underrated Japanese city. It not only has deep historical roots from the Sengoku period, but is also a true “kingdom of carbs and miso.” Prices here are more friendly than in Tokyo or Osaka, the sights are concentrated, and transportation is convenient, making it well worth planning a 2–3 day in-depth trip.

Must-Visit Attractions

Nagoya’s attractions blend history, modernity, and nature. Here are the core places to check out:

• ​​Nagoya Castle​​: One of Japan’s three great castles. The golden “kinshachi” on the roof is a symbol of the city. The castle keep is currently under renovation, but the restored Honmaru Palace and its gold-leaf murals are still stunning.

• ​​Atsuta Shrine​​: One of Japan’s three major shrines, enshrining the “Kusanagi Sword,” one of the Three Sacred Treasures. The approach lined with thousand-year-old cedars is incredibly soothing, and the area is a sacred place for tasting hitsumabushi eel rice.

• ​​Osu Shopping Street​​: Nagoya’s blend of “Akihabara + Asakusa,” where old temples, secondhand vintage clothing, anime figurines, and affordable snacks all mix together. It’s a great place to wander.

• ​​Oasis 21 & Nagoya TV Tower​​: Oasis 21’s “Spaceship-Aqua” rooftop is a classic photo spot for shooting the TV Tower, especially during the blue hour at sunset.

• ​​Ghibli Park​​: Hayao Miyazaki’s official animation park, with five themed areas recreating scenes from works such as *My Neighbor Totoro* and *Howl’s Moving Castle*. Tickets must be secured in advance.

• ​​Tokoname Maneki-neko​​: The birthplace of the beckoning cat, with a giant guardian cat on the street and 39 ceramic blessing cats. Perfect for a relaxed city walk.

Must-Eat Nagoya Foods

A trip to Nagoya is all about the collision of “miso” and “carbs.” Don’t miss these authentic local flavors:

Classic Itinerary

Here is a classic 2–3 day route planned for you—easygoing and not too tiring:

• ​​Day 1: A Blend of Urban History and Modernity​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Head to Nagoya Castle, visit the gold-leaf murals in Honmaru Palace, and take panoramic photos from across the moat.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Stroll through Osu Shopping Street, browse vintage clothing and anime merchandise, and have Taiwan ramen or street snacks for lunch.
  • ​​Evening​​: Go to the Sakae shopping district and photograph the blue-hour night view of Nagoya TV Tower from the rooftop of Oasis 21.
• ​​Day 2: Cultural Faith and Family-Friendly Fun​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Visit Atsuta Shrine, walk along the thousand-year-old shrine approach, and try authentic three-style eel rice nearby.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Choose between Ghibli Park according to your interests (advance tickets required) or Nagoya Port Aquarium to watch the sardine storm performance.
  • ​​Night​​: Return to the city center and enjoy miso fried chicken wings and miso oden at an izakaya.
• ​​Day 3: Nearby Day Trip (Optional)​​
  • ​​Option A (Nature and Fairy-Tale Scenery)​​: Take the Meitetsu Bus to Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, overlook the fairy-tale thatched houses, then head to Takayama in the afternoon to explore the Miyagawa Morning Market and eat Hida beef.
  • ​​Option B (National Treasure and Hot Springs)​​: Visit the National Treasure Inuyama Castle and Inuyama Castle Town, then relax in the “beauty bath” at Gero Onsen in the evening.

Practical Travel Tips

• ​​Transportation​​: Most city attractions are covered by the subway, so buying a one-day subway pass is recommended. For travel to and from the airport or nearby cities, consider JR or Meitetsu lines, and prepare an ICOCA or Suica card in advance.
• ​​Accommodation​​: Staying near Nagoya Station or the Sakae shopping district is recommended, as they are the most convenient for transportation and shopping.
• ​​Pitfalls to Avoid​​: The stairs inside the keep of Inuyama Castle are extremely steep, so be sure to wear non-slip sneakers; many small shops in mountain areas (such as Shirakawa-go) accept cash only, so exchange enough yen in advance.