Nagoya blog. The ultimate guide to Nagoya guide for all kinds of travelers

What do you need to prepare for a self-guided trip to Nagoya? Let Klook tells you useful Nagoya travel guide with this Nagoya blog: The ultimate guide to Nagoya guide for all kinds of travelers below!

Nagoya – the capital of Aichi Prefecture is an ideal destination for tourists who love the intersection between the past and the present. The city is famous for Nagoya Castle, Ghibli Park, Meiji-Mura Museum, and typical delicacies such as hitsumabushi and miso katsu. The pleasant climate and unique festivals such as Nagoya Matsuri will bring you an unforgettable experience.

Let’s explore the complete Nagoya travel experience for a truly memorable journey!

Where is Nagoya? (#Nagoya blog)

Nagoya – the “heart” of Aichi Prefecture – is located in the center of the Chubu region, on Honshu Island, Japan. This is the fourth largest city in the land of the rising sun and belongs to the third largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and Osaka. With its strategic location, Nagoya has long been an important commercial and cultural center, connecting regions inside and outside Japan.

The name “Nagoya”, meaning “peace” in Japanese, partly reflects the peaceful, harmonious beauty of this city. This place is a blend of modernity and tradition: from the ancient Nagoya Castle to the old town and sacred temples such as Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Japan. The city is also famous for its traditional festivals, attracting millions of tourists every year.

Today, Nagoya is an ideal destination for those who love the combination of vibrant urban life and fresh nature. Coming to Nagoya, you can explore unique architecture, enjoy specialties such as hitsumabushi (grilled eel served in a unique style), and immerse yourself in the unique cultural space that only this city has. Nagoya is not only an ideal stopover but also a gateway to explore the entire fascinating Chubu region.

How to Get to Nagoya from Vietnam?

Airplane is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Nagoya from Vietnam. Currently, major international airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) operate direct flights to Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya. Airlines serving this route include Vietnam Airlines, ANA and Japan Airlines.

Flight time from Vietnam to Nagoya is only about 5 – 6 hours, with round-trip ticket prices ranging from 8 – 12 million VND depending on the time of booking and promotional programs. To save costs, you should book tickets 2-3 months in advance and regularly update promotions from Vietnam Airlines or Japan Airlines.

From Chubu Centrair Airport to Nagoya city center (about 40 km), you have many transportation options. The Meitetsu Express Train is the fastest and most popular option with a travel time of about 30 minutes and a cost of about 1,200 Yen. In addition, you can also take the bus at a similar cost. For large groups or those with a lot of luggage, airport shuttle service is also a convenient and worth considering solution.

How to Get From Tokyo to Nagoya City?

Nagoya is about 350km from Tokyo, and you can choose from many means of transportation that suit your budget and travel needs. If you want to save time, the Shinkansen train will definitely be the most reasonable choice. But if you want to save money, you can consider buses or local trains. Details of each means of transportation are as follows:

Take the Shinkansen High-Speed ​​Train to Nagoya

The Shinkansen high-speed train is the most popular and convenient choice when traveling between major cities like Tokyo and Nagoya. The Tokaido Shinkansen train includes three types: Nozomi (fastest), Hikari (medium speed) and Kodama (slowest). The advantages of the Shinkansen are comfortable seats, clean and convenient space with free wifi, charging sockets and a beautiful view through the window.

Travel time by Nozomi train is only about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Cost ranges from 10,000 – 11,500 Yen/way (about 1,680,000 VND – 1,940,000 VND). If you use JR Pass, choose Hikari or Kodama train to get a better price, because JR Pass does not apply to Nozomi train.

Take Local Train to Nagoya (#Nagoya blog)

For travelers who have a lot of time and want to save money, local train is a choice worth considering. Although the speed is not as fast as Shinkansen and may have to change trains many times, in return, you can admire the rural scenery and small towns along the way.

Travel time is from 5 – 6 hours, cost about 6,000 – 7,000 Yen/way (about 1,015,000 VND – 1,182,000 VND). This means of transport is suitable for those who like to experience slowly and explore local life in Japan.

Domestic Flight to Nagoya

If you don’t mind traveling between airports, domestic flights are a quick way to get to Nagoya from Tokyo. Airlines such as ANA or JAL often operate this route with a flight time of only about 1 hour.

The cost ranges from 6,000 – 10,000 Yen/way (about 1,015,000 VND – 1,680,000 VND) if you can find a promotional ticket. Note that domestic flights in Japan require check-in 1 hour in advance, so arrange your time reasonably to avoid missing your flight.

Travel by Express Bus

Express buses are the most cost-effective option, especially suitable for independent travelers or those with limited budgets. Express bus seats can often be reclined, providing comfort for long trips. This is also an opportunity for you to rest and enjoy the scenery throughout the journey.

The travel time takes about 5 – 6 hours, with a cost of only about 3,000 Yen/trip (equivalent to 506,000 VND). To ensure a good seat, you should book tickets in advance through online channels or bus companies.

Popular Means of Transportation in Nagoya

Nagoya boasts a modern and synchronized transportation system, making travel convenient and easy for both residents and visitors. In addition to subways and buses, taxi services, rental bicycles and friendly walkways also contribute to creating a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Japan Subway In Nagoya

Nagoya has 6 subway lines connecting most of the famous attractions such as Nagoya Castle, Osu Shopping Street and the central station. Of which, the Higashiyama line takes you to bustling areas like Sakae, while the Meijo line operates in a circle around the city.

Train fares range from 200 – 400 Yen/trip (about 35,000 VND – 70,000 VND). If you travel a lot, you can buy a One-Day Pass for 870 Yen, unlimited use during the day. In addition, the Manaca transportation card is also very convenient, can be paid on the subway, buses and some other public transportation.

(*) Note, the JR Pass is only applicable to train lines operated by Japan Railways and cannot be used on local subways in Nagoya.

Explore Nagoya by Bus

Buses are a great way to get around areas without subways, especially the Me~guru line, which is popular with tourists as it passes by popular spots like Nagoya Castle, the City Science Museum, and the Sakae downtown area. Bus fares in the downtown area are around 210 yen per trip (equivalent to 35,000 VND) for adults and 100 yen for children.

If you plan to use the bus a lot during the day, a 500 yen/day pass will save you a lot of money. In addition, you can use the Manaca transportation card to quickly pay for buses and other public transportation.

However, not all bus routes have English instructions, so you should prepare a route map, use Google Maps or a translation app to avoid confusion during your trip.

Japanese Taxi

Taxi is an ideal means of transport if you are traveling in a group, carrying a lot of luggage or need to move quickly over short distances. Taxi drivers in Japan are famous for being polite, professional and hospitable, providing a comfortable experience for passengers. However, taxi fares in Japan are quite high.

The starting price is about 600 Yen for the first 2 km (equivalent to 100,000 VND), then the fare will gradually increase according to the distance traveled. To save costs, you should use a taxi when traveling with many people or when there are no suitable public transport options.

Rent a Bicycle in Nagoya

If you want to explore Nagoya slowly and comfortably, renting a bicycle is an option not to be missed, especially in areas such as Osu and Sakae. Cycling allows you to freely move through small streets, see local life and is also environmentally friendly.

Bicycle rental costs range from 500 – 1,000 Yen/day (about 85,000 VND – 170,000 VND), depending on the type of bike and service. Some hotels and shops in the city also offer bicycle rental services, which is very convenient for visitors who want to explore Nagoya in their own way.

Rent a Car in Nagoya

If you want to explore the suburbs of Nagoya or travel in a group, renting a car will be the most convenient and flexible option. With a car, you can freely arrange your itinerary, stop anywhere without depending on the public transport schedule. However, the driver needs an international driver’s license and should get used to driving on the left, which is quite typical in Japan.

Car rental costs range from 5,000 Yen/day (equivalent to 850,000 VND) excluding gas and road tolls. To save money, you can choose a small, fuel-efficient car or share the cost with group members. Many car rental companies such as Toyota Rent a Car and Nippon Rent-A-Car offer convenient services with simple procedures and English support.

What is the best season to visit Nagoya?

Nagoya is most beautiful in spring (March – April) and autumn (October – November). In spring, the city is filled with the gentle pink color of cherry blossoms in full bloom, the weather is cool at around 10 – 20°C, ideal for walking around and participating in traditional festivals.

In autumn, Nagoya is brilliant with the yellow and red colors of the maple leaves changing color, creating a romantic and peaceful scene, suitable for walking or cycling to explore the city. The average temperature is around 15 – 23°C.

Famous Nagoya Tourist attractions

Nagoya offers a perfect picture, where the ancient features of historical heritages blend harmoniously with the excitement of modern entertainment areas. Your journey to explore Nagoya will be more complete when you visit the seven prominent locations below, each with its own unique appeal that cannot be missed.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 under Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period, is one of the city’s prominent symbols and an important historical witness of Japan. Coming here, visitors have the opportunity to admire the magnificent Honmaru Palace with its exquisitely restored architecture, highlighted by traditional paintings on a brilliant yellow background.

In addition, the Ninomaru Garden surrounding the castle is an ideal stopover, with the peaceful beauty typical of Japanese gardens. This is a great place to take a walk, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and in the fall when the maple leaves change color.

If you love exploring historical sites, don’t miss the nearby Atsuta Shrine. This famous shrine is home to the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword, one of Japan’s three legendary imperial treasures. Not only is Atsuta Shrine sacred, it also has profound cultural and historical value.

LEGOLAND Japan Resort In Nagoya

LEGOLAND Japan Resort, opened in 2017 in Nagoya, is an ideal amusement park for families, especially children. With more than 40 games, attractions and diverse shows, it offers a colorful and exciting experience for all ages.

Visitors can admire meticulously assembled giant Lego models, participate in exciting games such as roller coasters or adventure in the world of “Lego® Ninjago World”. The park is divided into several themed areas, making it a great place for the whole family to explore in a day.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Japan. With over 500 species of marine life, visitors can see unique animals such as killer whales and penguins, and enjoy fascinating dolphin shows. The North Building focuses on the evolution of crustaceans, while the South Building offers a look at the animal life of Antarctica.

Ghibli Park Near Nagoya

The Ghibli Park in Aichi (near Nagoya) opens in November 2022, offering visitors a magical adventure into the magical world of Studio Ghibli. The park includes areas such as “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” and “Dondoko Forest”, where you can experience familiar scenes from famous movies such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Sky Promenade Outdoor Observatory in Nagoya

The Sky Promenade Observatory is located in the Midland Square building, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city, especially at night when the city lights are lit up. You can enjoy the open space and take stunning photos. After visiting, you can visit the nearby shopping areas and restaurants to enjoy Japanese cuisine.

Meiji-Mura Museum – Nagoya

The Meiji-Mura Museum is an ideal open space to explore Meiji-era architecture. Located on a beautiful hill, the museum houses more than 60 buildings, including national heritages such as St. John’s Cathedral and the Imperial Hotel. In particular, visitors can explore the museum by steam train or the Kyoto Shiden tram that is still in operation. The ticket price is about 1,700 yen and the museum is open seasonally.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a must-see destination for those who love Japanese cars and technology. Here, you will admire the impressive development journey of Toyota, from the first cars to modern, innovative car models.

A special highlight is the introduction activities, where you can directly experience advanced car technology and learn the secrets behind Toyota’s constant innovation. The entrance fee is only about 500 yen/person, very reasonable for an interesting tour.

Food and Drink Suggestions When Traveling to Nagoya – Enjoying Top-notch Cuisine

If you think that Japan is only famous for sushi and ramen, then Nagoya will bring you a completely different flavor feast. Discover the “memorable” delicacies of this city.

Hitsumabushi Grilled Eel Rice

Hitsumabushi is an extremely famous grilled eel rice dish in Nagoya, with fragrant grilled eel and covered with a special spice layer. You can eat it as is, with spices or add broth as you like. The rich, delicious flavor of eel combined with hot rice will make you remember it forever. Hitsumabushi Uya Restaurant is the “number one” address to enjoy this dish.

Miso Katsu

Miso Katsu is a special version of tonkatsu, with crispy fried pork covered in a rich miso sauce. Nagoya’s miso sauce is made from red beans, giving it a distinctive sweet taste. This dish is often served with white rice and raw vegetables, creating a perfect meal. When you come to Nagoya, don’t forget to try Miso Katsu at Yabaton to experience this wonderful combination.

Kishimen Udon

Kishimen udon attracts visitors with a combination of flat udon and toppings such as fish cakes, fried tofu and squid. The sweet and rich broth makes this dish a favorite choice of many visitors. In particular, Kishimen noodles are prepared on the spot, helping you feel the freshness. Let me tell you, the ESCA underground shopping mall is where you can find delicious Kishimen noodles!

Doteni & Doteyaki Beef Tendon Stew

Doteni and Doteyaki are two great Nagoya stews, with beef tendons simmered tenderly in a rich miso broth. The sweetness of the meat combined with the umami flavor of miso creates an unforgettable dish. This is a traditional dish loved by many people in Nagoya eateries, especially in the cold season.

Green Tea Cake

It would be a pity to come to Japan and miss out on the famous matcha dishes, right? Besides matcha drinks, you can also enjoy cakes and candies made from premium green tea. Nagoya’s green tea cake is a very typical sweet with a smooth dough and a light green tea flavor. The cake can be combined with other flavors such as chocolate, strawberry or lemon, bringing a new taste to diners. The green tea cake here is not only delicious but also good for your health, very suitable for those who love the taste of green tea.

Famous Festivals in Nagoya – Japan

Nagoya is colorful with traditional festivals throughout the year, offering the opportunity to experience rich Japanese culture. This is not only an opportunity to enjoy special performances, but also an opportunity to feel the history and pride of the local people.

Nagoya Castle Summer Festival

Every summer, Nagoya Castle lights up with a unique summer festival, lasting from August 10 to 18. Here, you will participate in the traditional Bon Odori festival with dances combined with the echoing sound of Taiko drums. This time, the castle is open later, offering the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture in sparkling lights.

Osu Street Performance Festival

Every October, the Osu Kannon area in Nagoya turns into a vibrant street stage with the Osu Street Performance Festival. Hundreds of talented acrobats, musicians, and street performers attract thousands of visitors with their eye-catching performances. Are you ready to explore Japan’s unique art culture, enjoy street food, and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere?

Nagoya Matsuri Festival – Famous in Japan

The Nagoya Matsuri Festival, held on the weekend of October, is an occasion to celebrate the three famous samurai heroes of the Nagoya region: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Highlights include a parade with classic warrior costumes, colorful floats, and traditional performances. Save the address of Hisaya-Odori Park to enjoy the full festival atmosphere.

Nagoya Winter Illuminations

From October to May, the Nabana no Sato light festival in Mie Prefecture near Nagoya offers a warm, magical winter party. More than 8 million LED lights recreate natural and artistic scenes through vivid light shows. In particular, the more than 100-meter-long light tunnel is an ideal check-in spot for visitors.

Hana Matsuri Flower Festival – Immerse Yourself in a Super Romantic Space

Hana Matsuri, held in April, welcomes spring in Nagoya with a colorful flower festival. The flower parade, countless local stalls and art activities make the atmosphere bustling. This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about Buddhist culture through traditional rituals such as bathing Buddha statues with perfume.

Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival in Japan

Held on July 23-24, the Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival offers not only splendor but also a journey to explore nearly 600 years of history. During the day, the boats are lavishly decorated with hand-woven carpets and traditional Noh costumes. With over 400 lanterns sparkling on Makiwara boats, the night view of Tenno River is enchanting.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Nagoya?

If you are planning to explore Nagoya, budgeting is an important first step. Here are some details on the necessary expenses and some money-saving tips for you:

• Visa: The fee for a Japanese visa is around 1,000,000 VND (depending on time and exchange rate). You can use the all-inclusive visa application service from Klook to save time.
• Airfare: Round-trip tickets range from 7,000,000 to 17,000,000 VND, depending on time and airline. Book tickets early or look for deals from airlines like Vietjet to reduce costs.
• Accommodation: Nagoya has a wide range of accommodation options from capsule hotels (around 400,000 VND/night) to 5-star hotels (~5,000,000 VND/night). You can also find deals on Klook.
• Transportation: A one-way subway ticket costs 210 – 340 Yen (around 40,000 – 70,000 VND). If you travel further, you can consider buying a JR Pass (~100,000 VND/day) to save money.
• Food: Meals at popular restaurants cost from 600 – 1,200 Yen (~120,000 – 250,000 VND). Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart have meals from 100 – 300 Yen (~20,000 – 60,000 VND), or you can cook for yourself at hotels/hostels with shared kitchens.
• Currency exchange: Exchange Japanese Yen in Vietnam in advance to get a better exchange rate.
• Sightseeing: Free attractions like Meijo Park and Atsuta Shrine are great options.
  Thus, with a reasonable spending plan, a trip to Nagoya lasting about 5 days will cost about 20 – 30 million VND, depending on each person’s entertainment, recreation and financial needs.

Nagoya is an ideal destination for independent travelers, thanks to the wonderful combination of traditional and modern culture. This city stands out with many historical sites and bustling shopping districts. Here, you can easily discover special dishes, participate in interesting activities, and enjoy the unique beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun.

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.