Nagoya: Japan's Best Kept Secret?
Nagoya?
It's that place you zoom past on the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto, right? Well, yes and no.
Yes, if your Japan travels only take you to the Golden Route of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka. But hear us out, we’ve got some compelling reasons why you ought to get off the shinkansen at Nagoya in one direction, and spending a couple of days on your Japan self-guided tour in this the fourth largest city in Japan.
Nagoya is an industrial powerhouse, birthplace of Toyota. It’s an excellent off-the-beaten path travel option to get a glimpse into the workaday life of a typical Japanese city – minus the tourist crowds.
A Trip to Nagoya Could Surprise You!
Nagoya's naysayers will tell you that Nagoya is boring. They’ll say you can skip Nagoya and continue on the shinkansen from Tokyo straight to Kyoto.
But they’d be wrong.
What sets Nagoya apart is its rhythm. Unlike the frenetic pace of Tokyo or Osaka, life here is a little more chill.
People in Nagoya actually take their time to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee. It's a nice change of pace if you've been battling the crowds in other major cities.
But don't mistake laid-back for boring. Nagoya's got plenty going on, from its amazing comfort food scene to its thriving arts community. It's just not in your face about it.
The locals here may have a bit of a reputation for being reserved at first, but crack that shell and you'll find some of the most down to earth people in Japan.
A trip to Nagoya rewards the curious. Nagoya's best secrets aren't handed to you on a silver platter; you've got to seek them out. But trust us, it's worth the effort.
Top Travel Experiences in Nagoya
Nagoya's got some heavy hitters that you shouldn't miss.
Nagoya Castle, a formidable structure rebuilt after World War II, offers a juxtaposition of concrete exterior and opulent gold interiors. While the main keep is closed for renovations until 2028, the castle grounds harken back to feudal Japan and its architectural ingenuity.
But if you’ve got a little more time, we’d recommend skipping Nagoya Castle (which is right in the city) and making your way out to the town of Inuyama, home of Inuyama Castle. One of the 12 original castles remaining in Japan (that’s right, it’s OG not a replica), Inuyama-jo is well worth a visit. You can climb up to the top, then enjoy the Shinto shrine and town shopping street right in the same area.
Two other Shinto shrines along the way can be visited if you’re making the trip by rental car: Tagata Shrine and Oagata Shrine. The rice fields & small towns in the vicinity just scream “wow, we’re really in Japan!” If a car is not in the works, you can get to Inuyama Castle by train from Nagoya. Either one makes a great half-day or full day tour.
Back in the City: Nagoya by Day & Night
For a more futuristic experience, Oasis 21 in the Sakae district presents a striking vision of modern Japan. Its spaceship-like structure, crowned by a water-filled rooftop known as the "Spaceship-Aqua," is particularly captivating when illuminated at night.
Art enthusiasts will find solace in the Tokugawa Art Museum, home to priceless samurai artifacts and one of the oldest existing copies of "The Tale of Genji." Meanwhile, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology offers a fascinating journey through Japan's industrial evolution, from textile looms to automotive marvels.
For panoramic views of the city, ascend to the Sky Promenade of Midland Square. From the 44th to 46th floors, Nagoya unfolds beneath you, a sprawling urban scene that stretches to the horizon.
Those seeking a more traditional atmosphere should wander through the Osu Shopping District, a labyrinth of covered shopping arcades where modern shops, longstanding cafes and street food stalls are right next to a centuries-old temple. For a spiritual and cultural experience, visit Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines, rumored to house the sacred sword of the imperial regalia.
Nagoya is compact enough to be manageable but big enough to keep you exploring. Like most Japanese cities, Nagoya has an efficient public transport system that makes getting around pretty smooth & straightforward. Plus it's easy to get around on foot or by bike.
Nagoya Eats: Home of Japan’s Soul Food
Nagoya's food scene is a hidden gem in Japan's culinary offering.
While miso katsu (fried pork cutlet with miso sauce) may be the city's claim to fame, it merely scratches the surface of Nagoya's diverse food culture.
Sticking with miso (bean paste) for a moment, there’s also miso nikomi, a stewy soup with thick noodles and even thicker miso-based broth. If you like udon, try kishimen, Nagoya’s trademark noodle soup.
Indulge in hitsumabushi, a local treat centered around grilled eel. Or dig into some Taiwan ramen, a local invention that belies its name with its distinctly Japanese spice profile.
For a more casual repast, crispy tebasaki (chicken wings) at Nagoya’s famous pub chain Yamachan pair perfectly with a cold local brew.
Begin your day with ogura toast, a sweet-savory breakfast treat that combines thick-cut bread with red bean paste and butter. It’s an unlikely combination that somehow works brilliantly. It’s all part of “Nagoya morning,” the tradition of local cafes and coffee shops giving you toast or a sandwich with your coffee.
Coffee aficionados will find themselves spoiled for choice. From the legit roasts at Trunk Coffee to the time-honored brews at Konohana, a kissaten (traditional coffee shop) operating since 1930, Nagoya offers a caffeine solution for pretty much everyone.
Day Trips from Nagoya
Nagoya's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the heart of Japan.
A short train ride brings you to Inuyama, home to one of Japan's oldest original castles and the mesmerizing spectacle of cormorant fishing.
For those interested in Japan's artisanal heritage, Seto provides insight into the country's celebrated ceramics industry, with opportunities to try your hand at pottery making.
Further afield, Nagoya has train connections to Takayama, in Gifu prefecture, which has a great old town that makes you feel like you’re on a movie set. You can spend a night here and take a side trip to Shirakwa-go as well.
A Whimsical Wonderland: Ghibli Park
The most popular day to spend outside Nagoya is at Ghibli Park.
Located in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, about an hour from central Nagoya, this imaginative wonderland brings the beloved worlds of Studio Ghibli to life.
Unlike traditional theme parks, Ghibli Park doesn’t offer typical amusement park rides, but rather presents immersive environments that capture the essence of Hayao Miyazaki's films. Wander through the European-inspired Hill of Youth, reminiscent of "Howl's Moving Castle," or explore the antique shop from "Whisper of the Heart." The Dondoko Forest recreates the rural landscape of "My Neighbor Totoro," complete with a life-sized Catbus for children to play in.
The Grand Warehouse, a hangar-like indoor space, houses exhibitions and recreations from various Ghibli films, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the studio's creative process. Mononoke Village (inspired by "Princess Mononoke") and the Valley of Witches (featuring elements from "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle") provide calm, nature-filled spaces for contemplation and play.
A Nagoya day trip to Ghibli Park is a unique, whimsical experience that perfectly complements Japan’s fourth largest city.
Note that admission is by advance reservation only, so be sure to plan ahead. The park's popularity means tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
Shopping in Nagoya
Nagoya caters to shoppers of all stripes. From the ontemporary stores of Oasis 21 and Sakae to the eclectic offerings of Osu Shopping District, retail options abound. Midland Square is a luxury haven, while tech enthusiasts will do well in the sprawling Bic Camera at Nagoya Station.
Don't leave without perusing some of the region's renowned crafts. The tie-dyed textiles of Arimatsu and the ceramics of Seto and Tokoname make for nice souvenirs that encapsulate the area's artistic heritage.
Seasonal Spectacles: Nagoya Festivals & Events
Nagoya's event calendar brims with festivals and celebrations that showcase the city's vibrant culture.
Spring heralds the Nagoya Festival, painting the city with parades and performances. Summer brings the World Cosplay Summit, transforming Nagoya into a living anime convention.
Autumn is marked by the Nagoya Great Japan Beer Festival, a celebration of the country's burgeoning craft beer scene. As winter descends, the Nagoya TV Tower Star Light Illumination turns the city's iconic landmark into a beacon of holiday cheer.
In nearby Suzuka, the Formula One (F1) Japanese Grand Prix is held every year. Nagoya is the most popular place for spectators to stay, and while you’ll need reservations for hotels in Nagoya well in advance during F1 week, it’s a fun time to be here!
Nagoya Awaits Your Visit
Nagoya is not a city that broadcasts its highlights. Instead it reveals them gradually to those willing to look beyond the surface.
From world-class museums to its hidden culinary gems and more, Nagoya offers a nuanced, authentic experience of modern-day Japan life.
As you plan your trip to Japan, look to stay for a while in Nagoya. Immerse yourself in its unique rhythm, savor its distinctive flavors and connect with its warm-hearted residents. In doing so, you'll discover a side of Japan that many travelers miss. Consider yourself lucky you did!