top things to do in Nagoya japan

Introduction : Top Things to Do in Nagoya, Japan

Hey there, fellow Japan enthusiast! So you’re planning a trip to Nagoya? Awesome choice! Often overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya is honestly one of Japan’s most underrated gems. I spent a month exploring this incredible city a few years back, and let me tell you – it’s packed with amazing experiences that deserve way more attention than they get.

Ever wondered why Nagoya doesn’t make it onto more Japan itineraries? Me too! But that just means fewer crowds for us, right? 🙂

Let’s dive into the absolute must-dos in Nagoya that’ll make your trip unforgettable. I’ve curated this list based on personal experiences, local recommendations, and a whole lot of wandering around this fascinating city.

Explore Nagoya Castle

First things first – you can’t visit Nagoya without checking out its iconic castle! This historic fortress was originally built in the early 1600s under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, though what you see today is largely a concrete reconstruction from the 1950s (the original was sadly destroyed during WWII).

The castle’s golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish creatures) perched on the roof are practically the symbol of the city. I remember standing in the castle grounds just staring up at them, completely mesmerized by how they glinted in the sunlight.

Inside, you’ll find an excellent museum with artifacts, historical displays, and even samurai armor. The top floor offers some seriously impressive views of the city skyline. FYI – they’re currently working on rebuilding parts of the castle using traditional methods, which is pretty cool to see in progress!

Wander Through Osu Shopping District

Need a break from temples and museums? Osu Shopping District is where it’s at! This sprawling network of covered shopping streets gives you that perfect blend of traditional and modern Japan.

You’ll find everything here – vintage clothing stores, electronics shops, quirky cafes, and even Buddhist temples tucked between the retail spaces. The atmosphere is electric, with street performers, food vendors, and an incredibly diverse crowd.

I spent hours just getting lost in these streets, discovering tiny ramen joints and hunting for unique souvenirs. My favorite find? A shop specializing entirely in Studio Ghibli merchandise that had me emptying my wallet faster than you can say “Totoro.”

Visit the Toyota Museum

Did you know Nagoya is the birthplace of Toyota? The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (try saying that five times fast!) is surprisingly fascinating – even if you’re not particularly into cars.

The museum is housed in Toyota’s original factory buildings, which is pretty neat in itself. It chronicles the company’s journey from textile machinery to automotive giant. They have amazing demonstrations of working looms and manufacturing equipment that will blow your mind with their complexity and precision.

What I loved most was seeing the evolution of car manufacturing technology through the decades. They’ve got robots doing their thing right before your eyes! It’s one of those attractions that sounds kind of boring on paper but ends up being a highlight of your trip.

Feast on Nagoya-Style Cuisine

Omg, the FOOD in Nagoya! This city has its own distinct culinary identity that will absolutely rock your taste buds.

Hitsumabushi (grilled eel served three different ways) is the regional specialty you absolutely must try. The first experience I had with properly prepared hitsumabushi was a revelation – I still dream about that perfect caramelized glaze!

Then there’s miso katsu (fried pork cutlet with rich miso sauce), tebasaki (spicy chicken wings), and kishimen (flat udon noodles in broth). Each dish tells a story about Nagoya’s cultural heritage.

For the best local experience, head to Yabaton for miso katsu or Hitsumabushi Bincho for, well, hitsumabushi. Just be prepared to wait – these places are popular with locals and tourists alike. Trust me, the wait is 100% worth it.

Discover Atsuta Shrine

Need some spiritual vibes? Atsuta Shrine is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, housing the sacred sword Kusanagi, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan. The shrine itself is set in a beautiful forest that feels miles away from the bustling city, despite being right in Nagoya.

I visited early one morning when mist was still floating between the ancient trees, and it felt like stepping into another world. The shrine buildings are elegant in their simplicity, with that classic Japanese architecture that somehow manages to be both minimalist and deeply ornate at the same time.

Take your time wandering the grounds, and don’t miss the treasure hall, which contains fascinating historical artifacts. The shrine hosts various festivals throughout the year – if you happen to catch one, consider yourself lucky!

Get Your Science On at Nagoya City Science Museum

Science nerds, rejoice! The Nagoya City Science Museum houses one of the world’s largest planetariums in a distinctive silver globe structure that’s become a city landmark.

But it’s not just about space – the museum has amazing interactive exhibits on everything from tornados (they create one inside the building!) to deep sea creatures. I spent way more time here than I’d planned because every exhibit was so darn engaging.

The tornado demonstration happens at scheduled times throughout the day, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s pretty spectacular watching this swirling vortex form right before your eyes!

Take a Day Trip to Inuyama

Technically not in Nagoya proper, but only about 30 minutes away by train, Inuyama is absolutely worth a day trip. The town’s castle is one of only twelve original medieval castles remaining in Japan (unlike Nagoya Castle’s reconstruction).

Perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle dates back to 1537. It’s smaller than some other Japanese castles but considerably more authentic. The wooden interior creaks with history as you climb the steep stairs to the top floor, where you’re rewarded with stunning views.

While in Inuyama, don’t miss the Little World Museum of Man, an open-air ethnographic museum with replicas of traditional buildings from around the world. It sounds cheesy, but it’s actually incredibly well done and fascinating.

Shop and Dine at Sakae

Sakae is Nagoya’s downtown district and commercial heart. This is where you’ll find the city’s best shopping, from massive department stores to underground malls. The iconic TV Tower (Nagoya’s answer to Tokyo Tower) stands tall here, offering observation decks with panoramic city views.

Oasis 21, a modern architectural marvel with its floating “Water Spaceship” glass roof, houses shops and restaurants and often hosts events and markets. Grabbing a coffee and watching the sunset from here was one of my favorite simple pleasures in Nagoya.

For night owls, Sakae transforms after dark with countless bars, clubs, and izakayas. The district has a vibrant energy that attracts both locals and visitors looking for entertainment after hours.

Experience Traditional Crafts at Noritake Garden

Ever wondered where some of the world’s finest porcelain comes from? Noritake, the renowned ceramics company, opened its factory grounds to the public as Noritake Garden. Here you can observe the painstaking craftsmanship that goes into creating their famous tableware.

The museum showcases the company’s history and artistic evolution, with some truly stunning pieces on display. What I found most fascinating was watching the artisans at work, applying delicate hand-painted designs with incredible precision.

There’s also a craft center where you can try painting your own piece of porcelain to take home as a souvenir. Fair warning though – your creation will definitely highlight the gap between amateur enthusiasm and professional skill! :/

Connect with Nature at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

When city fatigue hits, head to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a refreshing dose of nature. It’s one of Japan’s largest zoos, home to over 500 species of animals including koalas, tigers, and elephants.

The adjoining botanical garden features beautiful seasonal displays, including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. The greenhouse contains exotic plants from around the world, perfect for plant lovers like myself who can spend hours examining unusual species.

Don’t miss the Sky Tower within the park grounds – it offers some of the best panoramic views of Nagoya you’ll find anywhere in the city.

So there you have it – my top recommendations for making the most of your time in Nagoya! This city surprised me in the best possible way with its perfect balance of history, modernity, incredible food, and unique attractions. Give Nagoya the time it deserves, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite Japanese destinations.

Have you been to any of these spots in Nagoya? Or maybe you’ve discovered some hidden gems I didn’t mention? Either way, I hope this guide helps you fall in love with this amazing city just like I did!