Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, offers something different to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Due to its strong links with the previous Tokugawa era, Aichi Prefecture’s capital has a unique gastronomic culture and a lengthy history.
It’s a research and industry hub with historical charm.
Toyota, the largest automaker, is there.
It’s also a castle town.
So, if you are planning a visit to Nagoya, there really is a lot to do if you know where to go.
Which this post will help you with.
Places to Visit in Nagoya
Although we all have different interests and tastes, I’ve tried to compile a list of the best places.
Some can be done in an hour or two, while others require more time.
While it’ll be nearly impossible to try them all, I hope this gives you an idea of what to do.
These are not in any particular order but are favourite attractions in Nagoya.
Atsuta Shrine
Atsuta Shrine, or Atsuta Jingu, is a fascinating and historic place in Nagoya.
It’s one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with a rich history that dates back over 1,900 years.
The shrine is a peaceful place to relax and break from the busy city.
You can learn about the shrine’s history and see its beautiful buildings, including the main hall and the treasure house, which contains over 4,000 sacred objects.
There’s also a traditional Japanese garden that’s perfect for a stroll.
If you’re lucky, you might even see a traditional Shinto wedding.
Thinking of visiting Nagoya? Here are some recommended tours and experiences:
Studio Ghibli Park
Studio Ghibli in Aichi offers a magical experience inspired by beloved animated films.
You’ll walk through recreations of scenes from movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
The park has five areas, each offering unique attractions that bring Ghibli’s world to life.
Fans can enjoy life-sized character poses, explore Totoro’s house, and enjoy the views.
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a historic landmark and a great destination for anyone visiting Nagoya.
The castle, built in the 1600s, has a rich history deeply entwined with Japan’s history.
You can explore the castle’s beautiful grounds and see the magnificent main tower, which offers stunning city views.
The castle’s museum is a fascinating place to learn about Nagoya’s history and the role the castle played in Japanese history.
The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats, making it a peaceful and serene place to explore.
Osu Kannon Temple & Shopping Arcade
This area offers a unique blend of history, culture, and shopping.
The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and design.
It’s home to a large statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon.
The temple is surrounded by a vibrant street market with shops selling various goods.
It has everything from traditional Japanese crafts and second-hand clothing to modern souvenirs.
You can explore the temple and the surrounding shops and experience the lively atmosphere of this unique destination.
Shirotori Garden
The 3.7-hectare Shirotori Garden offers a glimpse of historic Japan.
The gardens and its charming architecture provide varied views each time according to tide flows, sunshine on the lakes, and seasons.
Many Japanese garden designs use nature and the local environment.
The garden’s main pond depicts Ise Bay, the high hill in the southwest quadrant is volcanic Mt. Ontake, and the stream from the hill is the Kiso River.
Walking pathways surround the lakes, crossing Japanese wooden arched bridges, through little waterfalls and rocks, and into the forest.
Eat out and shop in Sakae
The Sakae area in Nagoya is a bustling shopping and dining hub.
It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a vibrant and exciting experience in the city.
There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it the perfect destination for a day of eating and shopping.
Some popular places in the Sakae area include Oasis 21, a futuristic shopping and dining complex.
The PARCO and LOFT department stores offer many shops and dining options.
You can also find a variety of restaurants offering local Nagoya food.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
If you’re interested in vehicles and how they’re created, the Toyota Museum is a must-see.
The museum contains a lot of exciting stuff to view and learn about.
For example, ancient automobiles, manufacturing operations, and even cutting-edge technology.
You can see how automobiles have evolved throughout time.
As well as how the Toyota corporation has expanded and significantly influenced the globe.
Interactive exhibits and activities are available to make learning about vehicles more enjoyable.
Noritake Garden
Noritake Garden is a great place to go if you like nature and beautiful things.
It’s a huge garden with many different kinds of plants, flowers, and trees.
It’s a great place to relax and have a picnic.
There is also a museum that tells the story of the Noritake company and how they made beautiful dishes and pottery.
Toganji Temple
Toganji Temple is a historic and peaceful destination that offers a unique cultural experience for visitors to Nagoya.
The temple dates back to the 1600s and is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and design.
You can explore the temple’s peaceful grounds and see the magnificent main hall, home to a giant Buddha statue.
Beautiful gardens and peaceful walking paths also surround the temple.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in trains and technology.
The park showcases the latest high-speed rail technology, including the famous SCMAGLEV trains reaching up to 500 km/h.
You can learn about the history of trains in Japan and see a variety of old and new trains on display.
There are interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences, making it fun and educational.
You can even try your hand at driving a train simulator!
Nippon Gaishi Hall
Nippon Gaishi Hall is a modern and impressive destination in Nagoya that offers a unique blend of sports, culture, and entertainment.
The hall has various events, from sports games and concerts to exhibitions and trade shows.
You can experience the excitement of a live game or performance and enjoy the modern facilities of the hall if your timing is lucky.
Many years ago, I saw Oasis play here.
Try Nagoya Food
For anyone visiting the city, the food scene is great.
Here are some of the most famous dishes from Nagoya:
Hitsumabushi: This dish consists of grilled eel on top of a bed of rice and is a speciality of Nagoya.
It is often served in four different styles, allowing you to enjoy it in various ways.
Tebasaki: Tebasaki are crispy chicken wings, a popular snack in Nagoya.
They are often coated in a savoury sauce and grilled to perfection.
Miso Katsu: This dish consists of a breaded pork cutlet covered in a rich, savory miso sauce.
It is a popular local dish that many people in Nagoya enjoy.
Kishimen: Kishimen are flat noodles that are a speciality of Nagoya.
They are often served in a light, flavorful broth and are a popular choice for a quick and delicious meal.
Tenmusu: Tenmusu is a popular street food in Nagoya. It consists of steamed rice wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet filled with shrimp tempura.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Nagoya’s famous food is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is a world-class facility that showcases the amazing diversity of marine life.
The aquarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the underwater world.
With everything from colourful tropical fish to fascinating sea mammals like dolphins and sea lions.
Visitors can interact with the animals through hands-on exhibits and informative presentations.
The Nagoya Public Aquarium is a fun place to visit.
Furthermore, it is a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in marine biology, ecology, or the natural world.
The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium also has a great night show in summer.
JR Central Towers
The JR Central Towers is a towering skyscraper located at Nagoya station.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the city’s modern and innovative side.
The towers offer a range of activities and attractions that will keep you entertained and engaged.
Observation Deck – The tower’s top floor observation deck offers breathtaking views of Nagoya and its surroundings.
The 360-degree panoramic windows allow you to take in the sights, making it a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos.
Restaurants and cafes: The JR Central Towers also features a range of restaurants and cafes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxing sit-down meal, there’s something for everyone.
Shops: The towers also house a range of shops and boutiques, offering a great selection of souvenirs and gifts to take home.
You can also find local products, such as traditional crafts and snacks.
Meeting and Conference Facilities: The JR Central Towers also offers meeting and conference facilities, making it a great option for business travellers.
Fun fact: Nagoya station is the largest in the world, where you can walk from one end to the other all underground.
Nagoya City Science Museum
This is a fun and educational place to visit for anyone interested in science and space.
The museum features a wide range of interactive exhibits that showcase the latest in science and technology, including robots, virtual reality experiences, and more.
The planetarium is a highlight of the museum. It offers stunning shows that take visitors through the stars and beyond.
It’s currently the largest planetarium in the world.
You can explore the universe’s wonders and learn about our place in the cosmos.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an excellent destination for anyone interested in animals and nature.
It’s one of Japan’s best zoos.
With a diverse collection of animals, from lions to koalas, you can observe and learn about different species from up close.
The petting zoo offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to touch and feed some animals.
Moreover, the botanical garden boasts a collection of plants from all over the world.
This showcases the diversity of nature found on different continents.
Right now, they even have a Komodo dragon!
Legoland Japan
Legoland is an exciting and entertaining destination in Nagoya, perfect for families and kids of all ages.
The park is filled with a variety of interactive rides and attractions, including LEGO-themed experiences.
You can explore the park and see amazing LEGO creations, from towering skyscrapers to famous landmarks and iconic scenes from popular movies.
The park also features a variety of hands-on activities.
These include LEGO building and engineering workshops.
Just be careful, as they do not allow food to be taken inside.
What’s on offer inside is not the best nor the cheapest.
Nittaiji Temple
Nittaiji Temple is a beautiful and historic destination in Nagoya that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Nagoya’s 1904 Buddhist temple honors Thailand-Japan connections.
As expected, King Rama V of Thailand contributed many artefacts representing Japanese and Thai traditions.
The temple is one of the oldest in the region and is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
You can explore the temple grounds, admire the intricate carvings and sculptures, and learn about its history and significance.
Bonus: Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima Spa Land is a unique amusement park that offers a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.
There’s something for everyone here with roller coasters, water rides, and a huge Ferris wheel.
At the ticket gate, you can choose between a pass for the amusement park or the water park (in the summer months).
Or, if you have time, do both!
You can also enjoy a variety of food options.
From classic park treats to sit-down dining and shop for souvenirs at the park’s many shops.
In addition, there is an Anpanman museum for little ones and a large outlet shopping mall.
And one more thing.
This is just outside Nagoya in neighbouring Mie prefecture, just 30 km away.
It’s a simple day trip from Nagoya.
Before You Go
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Nagoya.
From shopping and entertainment to eating out to parks to more.
And without the huge number of tourists you’ll encounter in Kyoto or Tokyo.
Enjoy this lesser-known Japanese city for a day or two if you have time.
