Nagoya

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Nagoya

As testified by epic movies like Shogun and Ran, Nagoya City is pure history, centred around Nagoya Castle. It was the Expo 2005 that put Nagoya on the world map. Post-Expo, Nagoya is positioning itself both as a centre for hi-tech industries and as a tourist gateway. Toyota Cars, old and new famed ceramics, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, dolls and robots castles, feudal villas and farmhouses pearls, and a plethora of shopping and nightlife spots await you in this not-so-obvious choice of a Japanese destination.

The City

Nagoya, the vibrant capital of Aichi Prefecture, boasts a rich history that dates back to the Sengoku period. The city rose to prominence in the 16th century under the rule of the Oda clan, notably Oda Nobunaga, a key figure in the unification of Japan. One of Nagoya's most iconic landmarks, Nagoya Castle, was constructed in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and stands as a testament to the city's strategic and political significance. Throughout the Edo period, Nagoya thrived as a castle town and a commercial hub, benefiting from its strategic location between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The city developed a unique culture, blending traditional crafts with burgeoning industries. This period saw the rise of Nagoya’s famous porcelain and textile industries, which still play a significant role in the city's economy and cultural identity today. In the modern era, Nagoya has transformed into an industrial powerhouse, particularly renowned for its automotive industry. Home to Toyota’s headquarters, the city is a centre for innovation and technology. Despite the devastating air raids during World War II, Nagoya has rebuilt and evolved, seamlessly blending its historic heritage with contemporary urban life.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Let the city guide you. You don't have to put much effort into finding what to do or where to go in a city like Nagoya. Kick off your trip from Nagoya Castle and end it walking the Nakasendo Kiso Valley.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is where the Tokugawa shogun made their home for over 250 years up until 1868, the year in which Japan’s partial isolation from the West came to an end with the beginning of the Meiji period. The castle was nearly destroyed in bombing raids of 1945 and authentically rebuilt only in …

Atsuta-jingu Shrine

The Atsuta Shrine is one of the most important sacred places in Japan, ranking second only to the Ise Shrine. It stores one of the so-called Imperial regalia, the sacred sword Kusanagi, and is well known for its peaceful and relaxing …

Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower

Nagoya TV Tower, the oldest broadcasting radio tower in Japan, stands proudly in the heart of the city since its construction in 1954. Renamed 'Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower' on 1 May 2021, this iconic structure offers breathtaking views from its Sky Deck at 90 metres and Sky Balcony at 100 metres. Located in …

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The huge Toyota Museum is a must-visit for all those interested in automotive history. The automotive pavilion features a great range of vintage trucks and cars, while kids will love spending their time in the Technoland, a hands-on series of interactive displays. The Textile Machinery Pavilion offers a throwback to the time when the …

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a vast green expanse right in the heart of Nagoya City. The 20-hectare open-range zoo is one of Asia’s largest, featuring lions, tigers, giraffes, bears, and many other species. Gaze out onto the park from the Higashiyama Sky Tower and enjoy a good meal in the restaurant …

Tokugawa Park & The Tokugawa Art Museum

These lavish gardens were constructed in 1694 as a residential retreat for Mitsutomo, the second Lord of the Owari clan. Sadly, however, most of the garden and its buildings were destroyed during World War II. The restoration took a long time, with the garden being finally opened as a public park in 2004. If …

Kiso Valley

The enchanting Kiso Valley, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a timeless treasure, where history breathes through its ancient pathways and rustic architecture. Four centuries ago, the picturesque villages of Magome and Tsumago served as crucial staging posts along the 500 km Nakasendo Highway, where feudal warlords journeyed annually to Edo (now Tokyo). Today, …

Yanagibashi Central Market

Yanagibashi Central Market is home to over 400 shops and fish stalls, dating back to the Edo era (1603–1868) and second in size only to Tokyo’s giant Tsukiji Fish Market. Giant tuna, octopus, shrimp and many other varieties of fish are on sale here from early morning (around 6 am is …

Hamanako Garden Park

About 30 minutes by rail from downtown Nagoya via Hamatsu City, Hamanako Garden Park is what remains of Pacific Flora, a floral exhibition that ran as a precursor to Expo 2005. Now the site, superbly located on a peninsula in Lake Hamana, has become a permanent civic attraction. Flowing through the grounds, just as …

Nadya Park

Take a culture break in the Design Museum and Design Gallery. These cover everything from industrial and commercial to historical design, and have the visitor wondering (as happens every few minutes or so in Japan): 'Just where does this astonishing creativity come …

Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, one of Japan's premier aquatic attractions, is a must-visit destination at Nagoya Port. This expansive and captivating aquarium is home to an array of marine life, including majestic Orca killer whales, playful dolphins, and enchanting Beluga whales, to name but a …

Dining

'Nagoya meishi' is the way Nagoyans define their cuisine. The range of dishes includes miso-flavoured pork cutlets, fresh local seafood, and, naturally, the misonikomi udon: thick wheat noodles boiled in miso broth with leeks, chicken, and other ingredients. Spoil yourself with one of the best unagi dishes in the entire country.

Atsuta Horaiken

Atsuta Horaiken is famous for their delicious grilled eel, the"hitsumabushi". Tourists can enjoy their meal even more by familiarising themselves with the instructions in English of how to eat the Nagoya histumabushi. The restaurant is very popular, especially during weekends, lunch and dinner time. If you come during rush hour, be prepared to …

Kyoto Tsuruya

Located on the 18th floor of the Marriott Nagoya Hotel, Kyoto Tsuruya transports you to a miniature Kyoto the moment you step through the door. Amidst cobblestones, townhouse-like private rooms, and a lovely courtyard, you’ll forget you’re in a hotel directly linked to Nagoya Station. Besides kaiseki cuisine, there are sushi counters where skilled …

Maruya Honten

Unagi is taken very seriously at this popular lunch spot in Nagoya, where a wait for a table is well worth it. The menu is sure to impress, featuring grilled freshwater eel, Japanese set meals, sushi, and convenient takeaway boxes. The star attraction is the eel, grilled to perfection with crispy skin, making it …

Sanfuku

Sanfuku is a restaurant with a homey feel that is known for its unparalleled eel dishes. It is located within a short walk from the Kanayama …

Pizzeria Braceria Cesari

If you're craving pizza while in Nagoya, Pizzeria Braceria Cesari is the place to go. This charming and popular spot offers delicious Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizza, alongside mouth-watering steaks and pasta …

Ichiran Nagoya Sakae

Ichiran is a nationwide chain specialising in noodles, so if quality Japanese tonkotsu ramen is what you're after, Ichiran will not disappoint. Customize your dish and choose your level of spiciness, amount of green onions and softness of noodles. A visit to this country-wide chain is an experience in itself: guests sit at individual …

Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms is an expat magnet and is a good choice for anyone who feels they have been on a diet of noodles and eel for a little too long. The establishment is a restaurant and a pub, so perfect for an evening drink while listening to good live music or for a …

Sky Lounge Zenith

Located on the 52nd floor of the Marriott Associa hotel, the Sky Lounge Zenith is a bar and restaurant that offers diners splendid birds-eye views of the city. Perfect for a special meal or an evening …

Cafés

When visiting Nagoya, you will find plenty of cafés ranging from small local places to big coffee shop chains offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are a cake lover, you will not have problems finding a café serving delicious cakes: try Café Gentiane JR Nagoya Station, they serve the cutest animal-shaped desserts in the city.

Air Café

Air Café is a Parisian-style upmarket café serving European-inspired mains, gourmet coffee, and cakes. The red brick walls, climbing vines and the outdoor terrace further add to the French …

Jazz & Coffee Yuri

The coffee shop Jazz & Coffee Yuri is not just a coffee shop, but, as its name implies, also a place to enjoy jazz music. They serve not only coffee but also delicious food. If you have the chance to go here don't forget to order the chicken rice, their number one …

Kato Coffee

If you're looking for an authentic Japanese breakfast experience, come have the first meal of the day at the Kato Coffee Shop. Here, you will find high-quality coffee at very low prices. The number one set, loved by both tourists and locals, is the 'Nagoya …

Café Gentiane JR Nagoya Station

After a long day of visiting temples, there is nothing better than a good coffee with a delicious cake. The Café Gentiane JR Nagoya Station is famous all over Nagoya for its adorable and incredibly photogenic 'pyorin chick' …

Bars & Nightlife

The best nightclubs dot the Sakae and Nishiki precincts, where bars and clubs regularly host world-famous DJs and musicians. Here, you can go to a local bar, the so-called 'izakaya', and spend your time with the locals or opt for a more international bar if you don't feel too confident with your Japanese skills yet.

Club Quattro

The Nagoya branch of this three-city nightclub chain (with two other branches in Tokyo and one in Hiroshima) is well known for Its quality live music from both international and domestic bands. As for foreign artists, some big names need to be mentioned, such as Lanny Kravitz, Nirvana, OASIS and more, all of which …

Zepp Nagoya

Zepp Nagoya is a famous live music venue in Nagoya with six other concert halls all around the country. The place boasts the largest dance hall in Nagoya and holds live concerts on a regular basis. It lies just a ten minute walk from the Central Station. So, if you are in search of …

Tokuzo

“Open house to live house” describes the gamut of music at this new night space. Latin-influenced music and dance (including tango) often feature in the line-up. Snacks from a basic menu are offered until late …

Y Market Brewing Kitchen

This bar and eatery is located not far from the Nagoya station, and is a safe bet when it comes to beer and Japanese food to go along. In this bar you are all but guaranteed to have one of the best craft beers in the …

Shooters Sports Bar & Grill

Shooters is a sports bar that is very popular among expats and draws a very international crowd in the evenings. This friendly and welcoming bar is also a great place to play pool and …

Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms is an expat magnet, and is a good choice for anyone who feels they have been on a diet of noodles and eel for a little too long. The establishment is a restaurant and a pub, so perfect for an evening drink while listening to good live music or for a …

Sky Lounge Zenith

Located on the 52nd floor of the Marriott Associa Hotel, the Sky Lounge Zenith is a bar and restaurant that offers diners splendid birds-eye views of the city. Perfect for a special meal or an evening …

Shopping

As its size and status suggest, there are plenty of shopping opportunities in Nagoya, particularly in the Sakae district. Located next to Nagoya Station, you'll find the Meitetsu department store for high fashion boutiques and designer and accessory outlets. Other malls, which also double up as places for entertainment, include Central Park, located beneath the TV towers, and Osu Shopping Arcade on Niomon Street. On the mornings of the 18th and 28th of each month, close by Osu Kannon station, the fun-to-browse-through Osu Flea Market takes place with its mishmash of genuine antiques.