Nagoya travel blog — The fullest Nagoya travel guide for a great trip to Nagoya for the first-timers

There are also thousands of important traditional cultural artifacts on display, all contributed by Japanese people, such as sacred costumes, wooden furniture, mirrors, antique masks and documents. Shrine of Atsuta Jingu is located in a large complex, along with a number of ceremonial buildings for weddings and vegetarian ceremonies, although the temple are quite busy on holidays, but not overcrowded.

Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Shrine, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585, Japan
Phone: +81 52-671-4151
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Getting there: You can getting here via Jingu Nishi station on the Meijo subway line, or Jingu-Mae on Meitetsu road.

Tōgan-ji Temple

This small temple is famous for its 15-meter-tall seated Buddha statue that painted in a vivid green color, or Daibutu. Many locals come to Toganji to touch the giant statue, saying it can cure and cleanse sin. The temple is often crowded during the Benzaiten Festival held every year in early May because artists and actors come to honor Goddess Saraswati.

Although the temple is located in the heart of Nagoya, but Toganji’s beautiful gardens bring a peaceful atmosphere of surprise; quite contrast with the hustle and bustle of the street outside. Oda Nobunaga, the warlord of Suemori castle, built this temple during the period(1532-1535) in memory of his father, Oda Nobuhide (1510-1551). The temple was named after Nobuhide after his death. It was moved to its present location in 1714.

Address: 2 Chome-16 Yotsuyatori, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0819, Japan
Phone: +81 52-781-1427
Getting there: Get out of Motoyama Station via exit 5, turn right and walk about 100 meters. Toganji Temple is on the left. There are English signboards pointing to the temple from the station.

Tokugawa Art Museum

The museum was built in the old house of the Owari family – one of the main branches of the Tokugawa clan. Tokugawa Art Museum is one of the famous Nagoya attractions opened in 1935 and displays artifacts of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The remaining of the Museum mostly illustrates the book The Tale of Genji (the first novel in the world) in which visitors can buy a copy. Other impressive artifacts you can see include samurai swords, long swords, arrows and armor, Shogun’s personal items, household tools and educational tools.

Other impressive artifacts you can see include samurai swords, long swords, arrows and armor, shogun personal items, household tools and educational tools. The museum’s garden is vividly arranged with beautiful Zen gardens and has many special exhibitions held throughout the year. Call to check the current schedule.

Especially, inside the campus of the museum also has a traditional teahouse and drama theater for visitors to better understand the ancient art and culture of the land of the rising sun. The museum’s garden is vividly arranged with beautiful Zen garden and has many special exhibitions held throughout the year.

Address: 1017 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023, Japan
Hours: 10AM–5PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +81 52-935-6262
Admission: Adults: 1.400 yen / Students: 700 yen / Children: 500 yen
Url: https://www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/en/

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

This will be the ideal destination for families with young children. Founded in 1937, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of Asia’s largest zoos and has different animals from polar bears to lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, koala, birds, fish and more.

Recently built Sky Tower Higashiyama, has an observatory and restaurant with a 100-meter-high overlooking the entire area. The botanical gardens have 3.000 gorgeous cherry trees blooming in spring, traditional Japanese gardens, English flower gardens, greenhouses and pest control. Many locals come here for picnic or just to relax in this quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This place is also an ideal place for visitors to enjoy watching the charming Japanese gold autumn.

The park covers a fairly large area (part of it is a amusement park.); You may need to take time to visit all areas. Note: bring mosquito repellent for you and your family.

Address: Japan, 〒464-0804 Aichi, Nagoya, Chikusa Ward, Higashiyama Motomachi, 3 Chome-70
Opened: 1937
Hours: 9AM–4:50PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +81 52-782-2111
Getting there: Take the Higashiyama subway to Higashiyama Koen station or Hoshigaoka station.

Tsuruma Park

Tsurumai Park is perhaps the busiest and most interesting place when cherry blossom season ends from late March to April. It is located in the center of Nagoya, this is where local residents spread green plastic sheets under trees and place their name cards to book camps.

Here, you will see many families and friends picnic, even men who sip a glass of wine after stressful work.

Address: 1 Chome-1 Tsurumai, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0064, Japan
Hours: 24 hours
Phone: +81 52-733-8340

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

An interesting thing for everyone to visit Nagoya in July is to watch Japan’s favorite sport: Sumo wrestling. This ancient sport has a long history, dating back about 1.500 years with deep connections in Shinto religion and today still plays an important role in Japanese culture.

Participants of the Sumo tournament will have the opportunity to witness the real Sumo ritual. The ritual only lasts a few minutes after the game ends, but is very important for everyone involved in this sport. There are six Sumo tournaments held in Japan each year and each tournament lasts 15 days.

Opening time: July. You can check the schedule of each year here.
Location: Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium (Address: 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0032, Japan / Capacity: 7.514 / Phone: +81 52-971-2516

Nagoya TV Tower

As the first television tower built in Japan, Nagoya TV tower was heavily influenced by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower. The tower has a height of about 180m and has an observatory at a height of 100m, from here you will admire the impressive panorama of the city from above.

Address: 3 Chome-6-15 先 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan
Height: 180 m
Opened: June 19, 1954
Hours: 10AM–7PM
Phone: +81 52-325-2951
Admission: 700 yen

Toyota Automobile Museum

Not only for car lovers but most people know the famous Toyota automaker of Japan and Nagoya is the capital of this kingdom. The museum founded by Toyota is a place to store and display its important car collections but also from other manufacturers. Surely coming here you will be extremely pleased and surprised about the value that the exhibition brings.

Address: 41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1118, Japan
Hours: 9:30AM–5PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +81 561-63-5151
Admission: 500 yen

Noritake Garden

Noritake Garden is located near JR Nagoya Station, which is one of the city’s main attractions. A special feature of this garden is the original red brick buildings, and the first kiln of Norikate ceramics factory. The grounds like the park are home to Noritake museum, Noritake craft center, Noritake store, restaurant and cafe. Noritake Garden’s playground is open for free, admission fees are for craft center and museums only, for 500 JPY.

Address: 3 Chome-1-36 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-8501, Japan
Hours: 10AM–6PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +81 52-561-7142
Url: https://www.noritake.co.jp/eng/mori/

Nagoya travel blog: What to eat?

Nagoya cuisine has created its own brand, with signature dishes called Nagoya Meshi. Below will be a few outstanding dishes of the city for you to enjoy.

Eel dishes

Eels in Nagoya are extremely popular ingredients and are very popular with diners. Almost visitors traveling to Nagoya cannot miss the wonderful taste of dishes make from eel.

Hitsumabushi

Hitsumabushi is a Nagoya-style eel dish, usually chosen by visitors. This meal includes grilled eel that is arranged on a bowl of hot rice. This is a traditional dish that is enjoyed in 3 ways: eating each piece of eel, then try with onions, Nori seaweed and other spices. The last way to eat is to pour soup onto eel.

Eel in Nagoya has a sweet and rich taste is prepared by chefs in various ways such as stew, stir-fry, porridge, soup … In addition, you can also eat eel with noodles or rice.

Tebasaki (Nagoya Fried Chicken Wings)

Nagoya cuisine is famous for chicken dishes, a regular selection of office workers in the city is the Tebasaki: Nagoya Fried Chicken Wings. Chicken wings will be fried, then covered with sauce and sprinkled with some white sesame. This combination creates an unforgettable taste for the dish. Tebasaki chicken wings when sipping with a cup of cool beer is great, so do not miss this delicious dish of Nagoya.

Tenmusu

Tenmusu is a unique dish of Nagoya, made from white rice, tempura fried shrimp and seaweed. The shrimp will be wrapped between the rice layer and the seaweed, sometimes leaving a part left to the outside. In Nagoya, Tenmusu is a convenient meal chosen by many people, and sold very popularly, you will even find it at convenience stores.

Ebi-furai

If Japanese Tempure is battered and deep fried, Ebi-furai is a creation. This is a super delicious crispy shrimp dish of Nagoya, often served with dipping sauce containing typical Miso sauce. The shrimp are covered with flour and deep-fried, with a special processing way, the oil will be removed from the shrimp, bringing the best food.

Uiro

Japanese rice cakes are a popular dessert, commonly known for its famous delicious Mochi cakes. In Nagoya, you will also find a delicious rice cake, it is Uiro. Uiro cakes are made from rice flour with a little sugar, often served as desserts, or snacks in shops and tea shops.

Kishimen

Kishimen is a signature udon noodle of the city but is famous throughout the country. The dish is the perfect combination of fish ball, fried tofu, dried squid, tuna, fried shrimp and scallions to make a super delicious dish.

Visitors to Nagoya will find many shops selling this dish mostly near the subway station area. The Kishimen restaurant located at the Atsuta Shrine is rated as the best. Japanese people and tourists are extremely fond of this dish because of its convenience and its nutritional content. Besides, the dish is very low in fat and very good for health.

Sugakiya

Sugakiya ramen noodles are dishes with a frugal flavor but very popular in Nagoya. So when visitors make a trip to the city, all want to enjoy a hot and delicious bowl of Sugakiya ramen noodles to feel the taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Ogura Toast

This Ogura toast is extremely loved by tourists. This dish is sold mainly in cafes and used as breakfast for office workers. The cake prepared not too elaborate is just baked and then spead with a little butter and red bean paste. With a light salty, sweet create a wonderful snack.

Miso Ice Cream

For more than 300 years, Miso Ice Cream is one of Nagoya’s most signature street food that you should not miss. Miso ice cream costs about 300 yen/popsicle, featuring a particularly attractive flavor, light fragrance, pleasant and cool.

Nagoya blog: What and where to buy?

Nagoya is a famous shopping paradise of Japan famous for street fashion. The shops, shopping spots here all have strong style, you can find here from clothes, bags, shoes, electronics … Some famous gifts and souvenir items and shopping places in Nagoya as follow.

Specialties in Nagoya

The delicious Gato cakes with green tea taste, candy bars … are unique specialties of Nagoya that any traveler who has ever tasted is interested and wants to bring back as a gift after the trip. You can buy these specialties at every supermarket, convenience store, grocery store … in Nagoya.

Some must buy sovenir items in Nagoya such as: Kishimen (flat noodle), Kishimen pie, Aoyagi Uiro (uiro mochi), Moriguchi pickles, Kiyome mochi, Dainagon sponge cake, Sasaragata, Matcha chocolates, Maboroshi-no-tebasaki-shittori-senbei (Phantom Chicken-wing Moisture Rice-cracker), Miso-oden Doteni-iri…

Central Park: An unique shopping area underground in Nagoya, where visitors can avoid the summer heat. You can find everything here from fashion, cafes, to restaurants and interesting check-in spots. (Address: 3 Chome-15-13先 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan / Hours: 10AM–9PM / Phone: +81 52-961-6111)

JR Central Office Tower: As a 245m skyscraper, this shopping mall is also a very luxurious hotel. Here, they mainly sell products of high-end brands. (Address: 1 Chome-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6090, Japan / Phone: +81 52-586-7999)

Oasis 21 Shopping Mall: This is one of Nagoya’s favorite shopping places. (Address: 1 Chome-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005, Japan / Hours: 10AM–10PM / Phone: +81 52-962-1011)

Osu Kannon: Famous as one of the best electronics selling points in Nagoya, you can choose from Osu Kannon good items at affordable prices. In particular, Japanese electronics are characterized by extremely durable. (Address: 2 Chome-21-47 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan / Phone: +81 52-231-6525)

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in Nagoya and from Nagoya you can refer to

• A Day in Shirakawa Village and Takayama
• Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Nagoya
• Nagoya Private Car Charter
• Nagoya City Walking Tour with 1-Day Subway Pass
• Central Japan International Airport to Nagoya City Railway Ticket (One Way/Round Trip)
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Japan travel guide and top things to do in Japan: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Check it out here.