Nagoya, Japan
Nagoya, located in central Japan, is the country's fourth-largest city and a hub for manufacturing and technological innovation. It's famous for its delicious local cuisine, including hitsumabushi (eel on rice), as well as its historic attractions such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine.
Trip to Nagoya, Japan
Day 1: Arrival in Nagoya and Nightlife at Sakae
Upon arrival at Chubu Centrair International Airport, head to your hotel in the city to check in and rest after the journey. Later, make your way to the lively Sakae district in the heart of Nagoya and experience the nightlife. Sakae is a buzzing area filled with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, so there’s something for everyone. Try some of the local dishes such as tebasaki (chicken wings) or misokatsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) paired with a cold beer or sake.
Day 2: Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine
Start your day by heading to Nagoya Castle, a well-preserved 17th-century fortress that was once one of the greatest castles in Japan. Explore the castle’s impressive grounds, museums, and exhibitions, which provide a fascinating insight into the history of the region. After lunch, head to Atsuta Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. This shrine houses the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. The lush greenery surrounding the shrine offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
Day 3: Toyota Museum and Oasis 21
Take a trip to the Toyota museum in the morning, which showcases the history and development of the world-famous car manufacturer. Get to know the manufacturing process, innovation, technology, and the future of the brand. After the Toyota museum, head to Oasis 21, a futuristic glass-walled structure that houses a sprawling rooftop park with incredible views of the city. The park is a beautiful spot for relaxation with its fountains and green spaces and it also has various shopping and dining options.
Day 4: Shopping at Osu Kannon and Nagoya Station
Start the day with some shopping in the Osu Kannon district, which has a unique blend of traditional and modern shops. The area is perfect for picking up souvenirs and trying street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and taiyaki (sweet fish-shaped cake). In the evening, make your way to Nagoya Station, a hub of shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment complexes. If you’re up for a unique dining experience, try out a yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant, which serves mouthwatering grilled meats.
Day 5: Inuyama Castle and Meiji Mura
Take a day trip to Inuyama, a town located just outside of Nagoya, to see the magnificent Inuyama Castle. Inuyama Castle is one of the oldest surviving castles in Japan and is known for its stunning architecture and picturesque location on a hill. After visiting the castle, explore Meiji Mura, an outdoor museum that showcases buildings from the Meiji era (1868-1912) of Japan. The museum is filled with historical homes, shops, and public buildings that have been relocated from all over Japan.
Day 6: SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, and Noritake Garden
Visit the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in the morning to experience the history and future of trains in Japan. It is a great opportunity to witness the high-speed trains that Japan is famous for. Afterward, head to the Noritake Garden, a unique oasis of greenery in the midst of the bustling city. The garden is beautiful and is home to a Noritake Factory tour, art galleries, and tea ceremonies.
Day 7: Departure from Nagoya
On your final day in Nagoya, take some time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping and enjoy the local cuisine before checking out of your hotel and heading to Chubu Centrair International Airport for your departing flight.
We hope you had a wonderful time in Nagoya and that this itinerary has provided you with a sense of what the city has to offer.
