Is Nagoya Worth Visiting? The Honest Truth Revealed

Is Nagoya Worth Visiting?

A simple question with a not-so-simple answer.

But as someone who has lived here for over 24 years since arriving from England, I think I’m qualified to answer the question.

Nagoya is, let’s be honest, not on the top of anyone’s to-do list during their trip to Japan.

It has been called the most boring city in Japan on multiple occasions.

But much of this is down to people’s perceptions of what Japan looks like, over reality.

Nagoya can also make a great day trip for people who prefer to go a little off the beaten path.

🇯🇵 Nagoya Highlights

1. Nagoya Highlight Tour
2. Ghibli Park 2-Day Tour
3. Full Day Nagoya Explorer
4. Experience Nagoya Food – Eat Like a Local
5. Ise Grand Shrine Tour – From Nagoya

Orientation

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city and the capital of Aichi prefecture.

The Nagoya area is vast.

But, the great public transit system makes most things easy to reach.

Interestingly, the more famous but much smaller Toyota City is right next door.

You can get to central Nagoya from Chubu Centrair International Airport in about 30 minutes by train, so it’s well served.

While not the most popular destination, there is a lot to do 

And there’s more: Nagoya is a transportation hub with links to numerous places within an hour of the city.

The two main downtown areas are the Sakae and the Nagoya station area.

The nearby cities of Tokoname, Inuyama, and Toyota in Aichi Prefecture are also worth a visit.

Getting Your Japan Fix

Most people who have never visited Japan have an image in their mind of what it will be like.

This is based on the media for the most part.

And while other locations may match those stereotypes, Nagoya is still a pretty cool place for many reasons.

None more so than the food.

So, Nagoya is worth visiting if just for the food.

The Best Food in Japan

Sushi, tempura, miso soup, and the like are all amazing and should be tried.

But there are many other weird and wonderful dishes that you should try that are not so well known.

While Osaka is ‘more famous’ for food, it’s not a patch on Nagoya regarding tastiness.

But what are Nagoya Specialities?

Nagoya Meshi

This term is what the locals refer to as specialities of the region.

Miso is among the most essential ingredients in Nagoya’s food and all of Aichi’s prefectures.

It is a very common ingredient in most of its dishes.

Nagoya miso is darker, sweeter, and more consistent in flavour than miso from other parts of Japan.

Now, while it’s impossible to cover all Nagoya meshi, here are some of my favourites you should try if you visit.

Tebasaki

“Tebasaki Karaage” to the uninitiated are fried chicken wings.

But with a difference.

This is a very popular dish and one of the most popular Nagoya-meshi at Izakaya.

It goes well with beer and many other drinks.

Tebasaki has a lot of flavor and is a bit crispy.

It goes well with a lot of other foods.

Moreover, it has a unique taste and can be hard to stop eating.

The unique blend of spices, pepper, and flavorful seasonings makes it stand out.

Tebasaki is always popular in Nagoya and is still a very popular dish at many restaurants.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.yamachan.co.jp/english/shop_aichi.php

Miso Nikomi Udon

The dish known as Miso Nikomi Udon is traditionally served in a clay pot.

Udon noodles, chicken, green onions, fried tofu, and shiitake mushrooms are mixed with miso. We also add other in-season ingredients. 

Then, they are cooked in a pot.

You can quickly whip this up in 20 minutes for lunch.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/gourmet/detail/63/

Miso Katsu

Miso Katsu is an easy and delicious dish.

It’s deep-fried pork cutlet in miso sauce,

The rich miso sauce is the most important thing that sets a Miso Katsu dish apart.

Miso Katsu has a smooth sauce that soaks into the batter and flavours the meat.

The batter stays delicious and crunchy.

The main difference between the two kinds of Miso Katsu is the sauces.

Recommended restaurant: https://english.yabaton.com/

Hitsumabushi 

Hitsumabushi is a traditional Japanese rice dish garnished with grilled unagi (eel).

Eel is often prepared using a sweet soy-based sauce, which is then cut into tiny pieces before being served.

This makes it possible for the eel to be eaten with simple rice.

It also complements seasonings and authentic soup stock or hot tea.

It is a fancy dish set with an assortment of side plates.

They are packed with green onions, seaweed, and wasabi.

It also has a bowl of warm soup stock.

Unfortunately, this dish does cost a bit.

Eel does not come cheap.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.houraiken.com/english/

Taiwan Ramen

This dish was first made at Misen, a Chinese-Taiwanese restaurant in Nagoya City.

The owner is from Taiwan, so they started serving a dish called “Danzai noodles,” which is also from Taiwan.

Then, they made a version with more spice and called it “Taiwan Ramen.”

At first, only a few people liked  “Taiwan Ramen.”

However, in the late 1980s, people started to like hot and spicy food more and more.

This led to a sudden rise in popularity known as the “hot and spicy boom.”

Interestingly, they call it “Nagoya Ramen” in Taiwan.

Recommended restaurant: https://www.misen.ne.jp/ (Japanese only)

What to See and Do in Nagoya?

While Nagoya does admittedly struggle to attract tourists, those who do have some fun places to visit.

The Nagoya Station Area

This will be the area you arrive and leave from, as it is the city’s central hub.

If you have a Japan rail pass, then this will save you a bunch of money.

You can shop in JR Central towers, which is very popular among local Japanese people.

The shops can be a bit pricey here.

Cheaper shops are in the large and winding underground shopping street.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya castle was destroyed in World War II, so the current version is not the original.

It’s a few minutes’ walk from Nagoyajo station, a newly named train station.

Not too far from the city centre.

This massive castle was built in the early 17th century.

It was one of the most essential fortresses for the Tokugawa Ieyasu shogunate during the Edo period.

Its construction helped to solidify Ieyasu’s control over central Japan and developed Nagoya as a major trade city.

Today, Nagoya Castle is a prominent symbol of Ieyasu’s influence and legacy in the region.

It is arguably one of Nagoya/s most visited and most popular attractions.

If I am honest, though, Inuyama (Japan’s oldest original) and Himeji castles are much better.

Osu

“Osu shopping district comprises the old shopping streets near the 400-year-old “Osu Kannon Temple.”

The lively, well-loved arcade shopping streets are small and cosmopolitan, and they are some of the best places in the city.

You can feel a mix of cultures and atmospheres.

You always enjoying around to see hundreds of unique shops with things from the past and present.

The Osu shopping district is always full of fashion geeks, subculture geeks, and older shoppers from the area.

There are many shops in the small area.

They sell street food and the latest fashion.

They also have one-of-a-kind used clothes, second-hand goods, leather products, and “Otaku” goods.

I lived here for about 6 years.

In the convenience store, I even bumped into Mao Asada, a 3-time world figure skating champion.

Nagoya City Science Museum

This is just a short walk away from Osu.

At the Nagoya City Science Museum, prepare to engage with science in a way you never thought possible.

It boasts one of the world’s largest planetariums.

You’ll find hands-on exhibits that explain things like electricity, robotics, and nature.

Want to experience the chilling Arctic conditions?

They’ve got you covered with their -30°C deep freeze lab!

Hisaya Odori Park

This is where the Nagoya TV Tower is.

After a photo and a pit stop for a coffee, you won’t need to spend much time here.

​The Sakae area nearby is more fun and where the sops and entertainment are.

Observation Decks: While you can go up the TV tower, a much better view is from the JR towers next to Nagoya station.

Shirotori Garden

The Shirotori Garden is a traditional Japanese garden that spans an area of 3.7 hectares.

It’s known for its ability to give visitors a flavour of Japan’s past.

The tides, the seasons, and the angle of the sun on the water all affect the landscape’s appearance. So, each time you visit, you will see something new.

The design of many garden sections reflects the local environment and topography.

This is common in traditional Japanese garden layouts.

For instance, the waters of Ise Bay have been re-created in the garden’s primary pond as a reflection of those waters.

The sizable slope in the garden’s southwest corner represents the active volcano Mt. Ontake, and the stream that runs down the side of the hill portrays the Kiso River.

The walking routes lead you around the lakes.

They also take you over several cute Japanese wooden arched bridges, by small waterfalls and rocks, and through other parts of the forest.

The cherry blossoms and young foliage make for a beautiful sight in the springtime.

It is easy to forget that you are in the middle of Nagoya’s bustling metropolis when the winter sky is crystal clear and the air is just a touch chilly.

Atsuta Shrine

Granted, Kyoto, Nara, and about 800 other places are better if you want to do the temple and Shrine.

But Nagoya is home to one noteworthy Shrine.

Atsuta Jingu Shrine is a well-known Shinto shrine that has been especially respected since ancient times.

People think that Atsuta Shrine was built to protect Japan’s Imperial Regalia, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi.

Also, the Imperial House of Japan has worshipped at the Atsuta Shrine for thousands of years.

The Shrine has been around for more than a century, so there are a lot of myths, legends, and other interesting facts about it.

Botanical gardens

Nagoya is home to some pretty cool botanical gardens that are a must-visit if you’re into plants or want to chill in nature.

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the biggest and best. It’s not just a zoo but also has a huge area filled with all sorts of plants from around the world.

You can walk through different sections.

There’s a greenhouse with tropical plants.

There’s even an excellent area for cherry blossoms.

It looks fantastic in the spring. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends or family, learn about plant species, and enjoy being outdoors.

Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park is near Nagoya in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture.

It’s a theme park based on the famous Studio Ghibli movies, like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away.”

It opened in 2023. It lets you step into the magical scenes from these films.

The park doesn’t have typical roller coasters or flashy rides.

Instead, it’s all about diving into movie settings.

They are beautifully recreated while keeping the area’s natural vibe.

It’s a great place to hang out if you’re a fan of these movies and want to experience their enchanting worlds in real life.

Tokugawa Art Museum

The Tokugawa Art Museum houses an extensive samurai armour, swords, and art collection.

You’ll find pieces deemed National Treasures.

They include delicate, hand-painted scrolls.

The scrolls bring centuries-old tales to vivid life.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Step into the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

You’re stepping back to when Japan became a manufacturing giant.

Here, technology and history greet you.

They show exhibits on Toyota’s past making textile machinery and its evolution into automotive power.

You’ll see how ingenuity transformed Japan and made Toyota a household name across the globe.

Legoland Japan

Legoland Japan is a must-visit for families or fans of the iconic bricks.

Here, you can explore a miniature Lego world showcasing famous Japanese landmarks and enjoy over 40 rides. 

Meiji-mura

Meiji-mura village museum in Inuyama, Japan, where you can look back and see what Japan was like during the Meiji era, from 1868 to 1912.

It’s like a giant park filled with over sixty buildings from that time.

They include old schools, a post office, and even the lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Imperial Hotel.

Visitors can explore these buildings, hop on a vintage streetcar, and see some cool historical stuff up close.

It’s a fun way to see and learn about Japanese history.

Things to do Near Nagoya

When you’ve had your fill of Nagoya, it’s time to check out the selection of day trips and nearby cities, which are just a train ride away. 

Day Trips and Nearby Cities

Inuyama Strike out to Inuyama to explore one of Japan’s oldest castles, Inuyama Castle.

Its towering presence and historical significance provide a rare glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

• Ise Grand Shrine, Mie Venture: Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s holiest sites. Nestled in Mie Prefecture, it’s a serene haven for the soul and the senses.
• Kyoto is just a Shinkansen ride away. It awaits with its timeless streets and overflowing charm. You can wander through bamboo groves, visit golden pavilions, or sit in Zen gardens.

If you have access to a car, Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture is well worth a day trip.

Also in Mie, Nagashima Resort a nearby theme park is a great day trip for families.

They have a water park open in Summer, a full-on amusement park open all year, and an excellent shopping mall.

Or try the Toyota Museum, owned by the famous Toyota Motor Corporation, next door to Nagoya.

Maybe now you’re tempted to visit Nagoya?

So when should you make that trip?

When to Visit Nagoya

Nagoya gets incredibly hot and humid from July to September.

Typhoon season follows, and the rainy season precedes it.

Despite what anyone says, it is NOT agreeable during those times.

So avoid them if you can.

The best times are the Cherry blossom season and the following weeks.

Along October to November.

The coldness of Winter does not hit until January and February.

 The Final word

Nagoya is a great place to live and one of the most underrated Japanese cities.

I would rather be here than in Tokyo or Osaka.

Is Nagoya worth visiting as a tourist, though?

Yes, if you can be flexible with your Japan trip.

Avoid Summer as the weather is super humid.

The best time to visit is Cherry Blossom season or Autumn.

And you’ll be able to stand out among everyone who visits Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exploring a new city can be thrilling, and Nagoya is no exception. This section answers some common queries to help you plan your adventure.

What makes Nagoya a destination worth considering for travellers?

Nagoya is a city that blends historical significance with modern innovation.

From its iconic castle to its rich industrial heritage, the city offers a spectrum of experiences for travellers.

In one visit, you’re guaranteed a taste of Japan’s past and future.

How much time would you recommend spending in Nagoya?

A stay of three to four days is ideal to really soak in Nagoya’s atmosphere.

This allows ample time to explore the main attractions without rushing and perhaps even take a day trip to nearby sights.

Can you experience the essence of Nagoya in just one day?

A single day is tight, but you can still enjoy a snapshot of Nagoya’s culture through its famous cuisine or by visiting a key landmark like Nagoya Castle.

What unique attractions does Nagoya offer?

Nagoya is home to significant cultural sites such as the SCMAGLEV, Railway Park, and Atsuta Shrine.

It also boasts unique culinary delights like the famed Nagoya Cochin chicken and Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice).

Why should someone include Nagoya on their Japanese travel itinerary?

Often overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya stands out with fewer crowds and an authentic urban Japanese experience.

It also serves as a strategic base for exploring the Chubu region.

What are the top must-see spots in Nagoya for a first-time visitor?

Be sure to visit the Nagoya Castle. Explore the Osu Shopping District.

Wonder at the tech at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

Each of these showcases an essential aspect of the city’s character.