Nagoya is located in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, and is famous for its unique food culture. Located just 1 hour away from Chubu Centrair International Airport within the same prefecture, it is a convenient destination as public transport can bring you to almost all of the tourist destinations within the city.
There are also various historical artifacts in Nagoya, such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, as well as family-friendly places like the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Check out the things you must do in Nagoya, Japan!
1. Nagoya’s famous cafe breakfast
Nagoya is renowned for the “Kissaten Morning”, where Kissaten means a Japanese-style cafe and morning refers to breakfast. A famous Kissaten chain is Komeda’s Coffee, but Nagoya’s streets, such as the Sakae and Nagoya Station area, have numerous Kissaten for you to choose from. The breakfast sets usually come with free toasted bread or sandwiches when you order a cup of coffee, with some places serving you ogura toast, a Nagoya breakfast dish with red beans and butter on toasted bread. This is definitely a great way to kick start a day of sightseeing!
2. The golden dolphins of Nagoya Castle
Nagoya, though a huge city, is a place filled with immense history. One of the best places to learn more about Nagoya’s history is at Nagoya Castle. It was built in 1612 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the ruler who ushered in Japan’s Edo period (1603 - 1868). Located at Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Line subway, among the important artefacts found in Nagoya Castle are the Kinshachi, or the golden dolphins, that are found on both ends of the main ridge of the castle’s roof. There are English explanations within Nagoya Castle, as well as guided tours in English.
Nagoya Castle
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
Access info: 5 minutes’ walk from Shinyakusho Station, Meijo Line subway
Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00
Fixed holiday: Dec 29th to Jan 1st every year
Contact: +81 561-75-6977
Entrance fee: 500 JPY (4.50 USD)
3. The oldest television tower in Japan
Built in 1954, the 180-metre-high (590-foot-high) Nagoya Television Tower is the oldest television tower in Japan. With an indoor observatory at the 90-metre (295-foot) mark and an outdoor observatory at the 100-metre (328-foot) mark, you will enjoy a splendid view of the whole of Nagoya city and the mountains surrounding it. Not only is the view from the observatory fantastic, the tower is also beautifully illuminated at night. Nagoya Television Tower can either be accessed from Hisayaodori Station of the Meijo Line subway or Sakae Station of the Higashiyama Line subway, both 10 minutes from Nagoya Station.
Nagoya TV Tower
Address: 3-6-15, Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya
Access info: 10 minutes’ ride from JR Nagoya Station via Hisayaodori Station of the Meijo Line subway or Sakae Station of the Higashiyama Line subway
Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:30
Fixed holiday: please ask
Contact: +81 52-971-8546
Entrance fee: 900 JPY (8.20 USD) from 10:00 to 17:30 and 1,300 JPY (11.80 USD) from 19:00 to 21:30
4. Walking on a spaceship at Oasis 21
If you access Nagoya Television Tower via Sakae subway station, you will notice a unique building in front of the tower. Don’t worry, there are no aliens on board! The spaceship-like building is called Oasis 21, and is a 4-storey eco-friendly complex with a bus terminal, shopping mall, and a park. The “Spaceship-Aqua” located on the top floor allows you to walk around the glass roof and is also lit up at night. The sight of Nagoya Television Tower and Oasis 21 together is one of the iconic views of Nagoya. It is recommended that you visit both places together.
Oasis 21
Address: 1-11-1,Higashisakura,Higashi Ward, Nagoya
Access info: 3 minutes’ walk from Sakae metro station
Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:00
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 52-962-1011
Entrance fee: free
5. Nagoya’s best shopping district - Osu
Located near Kamimaezu subway station, just 20 minutes from Nagoya Station, Osu has everything you can ask for. Cafés, restaurants, and street food to fill your stomach, subculture shops for your favourite manga items, shops with the latest fashion products, and even arcades. There is also an awarded Napoli Pizza chef’s restaurant and casual food stall on the backstreet of Osu shopping arcade. On top of that, Osu Kannon, a historical temple, is also found within Osu district. You definitely have to visit this place.
Osu Shopping District
Address: Tachibana, Naka Ward, Nagoya
Access info: 20 minutes’ metro ride from JR Nagoya Station
Opening hours: depends on shop
Fixed holiday: depends on shop
Contact: nil
Entrance fee: free
byFood Experience
Immerse yourself in Nagoya’s vibrant culture with an expert guide leading the way. Your journey begins at the revered Osu Kannon Temple. Then, step out to you will explore the lively Osu Shopping Street, savoring delectable treats such as Goheimochi (grilled rice cakes), Karaage (fried chicken), and the sheer delight of bubble tea.
Prepare your palate for an adventure as you will relish Nagoya’s local specialties, such as Uiro (steamed dessert) and Miso Kushi Katsu (skewered meat), lovingly crafted in charming street food stalls along your path. For a touch of mystique, draw an Omikuji fortune, providing intriguing insights into what the future holds for you on this captivating expedition.
Book Tours : Osu Street Food Tour in Nagoya
6. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanic Gardens
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanic Gardens has over 500 species of animals and even an amusement park within the compound. It was also the first zoo in Japan to have a koala exhibit, one of the favourites today. There are various events carried out throughout the year, such as the Sakura Festival in spring. It is accessible via Higashiyama subway station, just 30 minutes from Nagoya Station.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Address: 3-70, Higashiyama-motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
Access info: 30-minute metro ride from JR Nagoya Station
Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:50 (last entry 16:30)
Fixed holiday: Mondays and Dec 29th to Jan 1st every year
Contact: +81 52-782-2111
Entrance fee: 500 JPY (4.50 USD)
7. The historical Atsuta Shrine
Just 6 minutes from Nagoya Station via the Meijo subway line, Atsuta Shrine is located right outside Jingumae Station. The serene atmosphere from the tall trees and chirping birds once you step into the shrine compound makes it hard to believe you are still in the city. With over 1,900 years of history, Atsuta Shrine has been a place of worship for a long period of time, making it one of the most important shrines in Japan. You can also try the kishimen noodles - another of Nagoya’s famous dishes - at the eatery within the shrine compound.
Atsuta Shrine
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya
Access info: In front of JR Atsuta Station, which is 2 stops from JR Nagoya Station
Opening hours: all day
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 52-671-4151
Entrance fee: free
8. Nagoya’s original pork cutlet - miso katsu
Miso katsu is a dish with miso gravy poured over pork cutlet, and is another one of Nagoya’s dishes. Among the numerous canteens and restaurants in Nagoya that are famous for miso katsu is a restaurant chain called Yabaton, with outlets located at convenient places such as Nagoya Station and in Osu district.
9. Nagoya’s best chicken wings: Furaibou vs Yamachan
Another of Nagoya’s famous dishes is tebasaki, or chicken wings. The two greatest franchise stores in Nagoya are Furaibou and Yamachan, both located at various places around the city. If you do not have time to visit both stores, you can make your way to Nagoya Station where there are takeaway stalls of both Furaibou and Yamachan at the station’s building, Kintetsu Pass’e, and Meitetsu Hyakkaten Department Store respectively.
10. Explore Nagoya's regional culinary wonders
1) A regional food tour
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the city’s most iconic dishes, many of them infused with the rich flavors of Aka Miso, Nagoya’s signature red soybean paste. Your journey begins at a famous eatery where miso katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet with miso sauce) takes center stage.
But that’s just the beginning! The tour’s highlight is Miso Nikomi Udon, a hearty noodle dish brimming with savory miso goodness. With stops at three local eateries and the choice of an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, this Nagoya food tour guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience.
2) Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour
Indulge your taste buds and feed your curiosity on this delectable and enlightening Nagoya food tour. In a cozy group of no more than six fellow adventurers, you’ll embark on a three-hour culinary journey through the streets of Sakae.
Your adventure commences with a captivating introduction to Nagoya’s storied history, setting the stage for an immersive experience. Prepare your taste buds for the unforgettable sensation of Hitsumabushi, an irresistible eel delicacy cherished by locals and visitors alike. And as the sun dips below the horizon, your culinary journey reaches its zenith. Savor the moment with a refreshing beer or any other beverage, perfectly complemented by the iconic Tebasaki chicken wings, at a renowned izakaya (pub).
Book Tours : Regional Nagoya Food Tour
Book Tours : Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour
11. All-You-Can-Drink Nagoya Nightlife Tour
Learn the art of drinking sake and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Nagoya on this unforgettable all-you-can-drink adventure. Led by an expert tour guide, you and your party will embark on a captivating journey through the city’s izakayas (pubs), where you’ll discover the essence of Japanese culture.
You’ll have the opportunity to indulge in unlimited sake while savoring an array of delectable snacks carefully chosen to complement your tasting experience. It’s not just about the sake - it’s about the art of drinking and the rich etiquette that accompanies it. As you sip and savor, you’ll also have the chance to meet and mingle with friendly Nagoya locals, creating memories and connections that will last a lifetime.
Book Tours : All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour in Nagoya
Nagoya - convenient yet filled with excitement
Miso katsu, tebasaki, ogura toast, kishimen noodles … the food list goes on! Nagoya is overflowing with delectable dishes. With delicious food to keep your stomach filled throughout the day, you should definitely consider travelling around Nagoya. Furthermore, all the popular destinations are located close to Nagoya Station and are mostly accessible via subway, saving a lot of travelling time. Conveniently located in the middle of other tourist destinations, such as the Kyoto / Osaka region and Tokyo, Nagoya is a great place to spend about 2 to 3 days before continuing to your next destination!
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