Things To Do
in Nagoya
Nagoya, located in the Aichi Prefecture, is Japan's fourth-largest city and a significant industrial and economic hub, known for its automotive and technology industries, including giants like Toyota. It is rich in cultural heritage with landmarks such as the Nagoya Castle, the Atsuta Shrine, and the Tokugawa Art Museum, offering a blend of historical and modern attractions.
Nagoya also serves as a gateway to the central Japan region, providing easy access to the Japanese Alps, Ise Shrine, and the historic towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Nagoya Castle, where you can admire its beautiful architecture and gardens. Don't forget to check out the historical exhibits inside the castle.
Head to Osu Kannon Temple for a cultural experience. Explore the bustling streets filled with shops and street food nearby.
Enjoy dinner at a local teppanyaki restaurant to experience the amazing flavors of Nagoyan cuisine. Take a stroll through Sakae and see the glittering city lights.
Visit Atsuta Shrine, known for housing one of Japan's three sacred treasures. Enjoy the serene surroundings and participate in a traditional prayer.
Explore the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to learn about the history of this major company. Engage with interactive exhibits suited for all ages.
Savor hitsumabushi, a grilled eel dish that Nagoya is famous for. Relax at a nearby café to unwind from the day's activities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with numerous museums and historical sites.
- Convenient transportation system, including the Shinkansen (bullet train).
- Vibrant food scene, famous for dishes like hitsumabushi and tebasaki.
- Strong economy with various industries, including automotive and aerospace.
- Proximity to other major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto for easy travel.
- High humidity and hot summers can be uncomfortable.
- Less international compared to cities like Tokyo, which may lead to language barriers.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Air pollution can be an issue due to industrial activities.
- Cost of living can be high in certain neighborhoods.
Best Activities in Nagoya
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the bustling Sakae district, known for its shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
Visit the historic Nagoya Castle and its beautiful gardens for a leisurely outdoor experience.
Experience the serene atmosphere at Atsuta Jingu Shrine and take a stroll through its peaceful grounds.
Wander through the vibrant Osu shopping district and visit Osu Kannon temple for a cultural and outdoor adventure.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nagoya with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nagoya
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the city and beautiful photo opportunities of the traditional Japanese architecture.
Provides a panoramic view of Nagoya from its spacious observation deck.
Known for its serene surroundings and picturesque gardens, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Features a scenic waterfront area with great views for photography.
Food in Nagoya
Nagoya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled eel served over rice, typically eaten in three different ways - as is, with condiments, and as a broth-based ochazuke.
Must-Try!
A deep-fried pork cutlet with a rich miso-based sauce, offering a delightful blend of crunchy and savory flavors.
Flat and broad udon noodles in a savory broth, often served with a range of toppings such as green onions and tempura.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nagoya better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering an array of street food including miso nikomi udon (thick udon noodles in a rich miso-based soup), kishimen, and various grilled skewers.
This lively street food area provides an assortment of local specialties like kishimen, tebasaki (chicken wings), and hitsumabushi.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nagoya, it is common to bow as a sign of respect when greeting someone, particularly when meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting.
When entering a home, traditional ryokan, or certain restaurants in Nagoya, it is customary to remove your shoes at the entrance as a sign of respect for the cleanliness of the indoor space.
Japanese culture values personal space, so it's important to be mindful of physical boundaries and not to stand too close to others when having conversations or interacting in public spaces.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Nagoya with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Nagoya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan, including Nagoya. It is not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for services.
In Nagoya, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit cards are accepted at larger stores and hotels, but it's always advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and traditional markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Nagoya.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nagoya, Japan is in spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild. Expect crowded tourist spots and higher hotel prices during this time.
Another good time to visit Nagoya is in autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and the autumn foliage is beautiful. This is also a popular time for local festivals and events.
Summer (June to August) in Nagoya can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. Expect outdoor activities and events, but be prepared for the heat and potential rainy days.
Winter (December to February) in Nagoya is cold, with occasional snowfall. Expect fewer tourists and lower hotel prices, as well as the opportunity to experience winter illuminations and seasonal activities.
Nagoya at Night
Hiking in Nagoya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A historical park featuring over 60 buildings from the Meiji era, situated in a hilly area with several walking trails.
A large urban park with walking trails that provide beautiful views and a variety of flora and fauna.
Famous for the Nakasendo Trail, this area offers scenic hiking routes between traditional post towns.
A mountain offering a range of trails with panoramic views, located northeast of Nagoya.
A national park with diverse landscapes ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
Known for its cave and waterfalls, this park provides a unique hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Nagoya through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Nagoya by plane.
The main international airport serving Nagoya, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay.
Situated near Osaka, this is one of Japan's major international airports and serves the greater Kansai region.
A domestic airport serving the Osaka area, but it also handles some international flights.
Formerly the main airport for Nagoya, now primarily serves domestic flights.
Located in the Miyagi Prefecture, serves the Sendai area and offers some international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Nagoya, comprising the vast majority of the population.
A significant minority group, many of whom have lived in Japan for generations.
Another notable minority group, with many recent immigrants as well as long-established communities.
A growing community in Nagoya, consisting of both students and workers.
Includes people from countries such as the Philippines, Nepal, and Thailand.
A smaller group, including workers, students, and families from various Western countries.
The Soul of Nagoya
Discover the essence of Nagoya through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Nagoya, with the Chunichi Dragons being the local professional team. The team has a passionate fan base and plays at the Vantelin Dome Nagoya.
Football is also popular in Nagoya, with Nagoya Grampus being the city's professional team. The club has a strong following and competes in the J1 League.
Basketball has a notable presence in Nagoya, with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins as the local professional team, competing in the B.League.
Rugby has been growing in popularity in Nagoya, with local clubs and university teams contributing to its development in the region.
Sumo wrestling has cultural significance in Nagoya, especially during the Nagoya Basho, a major sumo tournament held annually in the city.
Various forms of martial arts, such as judo and kendo, are practiced in Nagoya and have a dedicated following.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nagoya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Nagoya's cuisine is meat-centric, some restaurants offer vegetarian options like kishimen noodles and vegetable tempura.
Vegan options may be limited, but certain places offer vegetable-based dishes such as yudofu (tofu hot pot) and salads.
Locating gluten-free options can be challenging, but some restaurants provide rice-based dishes and gluten-free menus upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Nagoya with these cultural adventures.
