2025 Nagoya Japan, Travel Guide - Best Things To Do & See

The Best of Nagoya Japan

When it comes to choosing the best location for your next vacation, it is important to know everything about it. And in this case, you should know Nagoya.

Nagoya has been voted as the least exciting of the eight Japanese cities. However, several things will make you disagree with this thinking.

Nagoya History

During the 1600s, Oda Nabunaga and his followers, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa leyasu served in Nagoya as the most powerful warlords. It is, for this reason, they become famous across Japan. In 1610, Tokugawa shifted the Owari Province’s capita from Kiyosu to where Nagoya presently stands.

The Battle of Okehazama took place in Dengakuhazama, where Oda Nobunaga defeated Imagawa Yoshimoto, taking on as one of the most powerful warlords of the Sengoku period.

The Nagoya Castle was constructed during the Tokugawa period. It was also the time Atsuta Shrine was set aside as a waystation. A large number of travelers led to the rapid expansion of the town.

When the Meiji Restoration set for Japan’s provinces into prefectures, more changes took place in Nagoya. In 1889, the Nagoya was declared a city in Japan and had continued to witness great growth.

Today, the city stands as one of the biggest cities in Japan. It is also a wonderful tourist attraction area with thousands of people flowing in every year.

What is Nagoya Known For?

Even though Nagoya may not be the most popular place in Japan, it is known for a number of things. First, there is the Nagoya Meshi, a cuisine that is particular to the city.

There is a large number of other dishes that are only particular to the city. They include Hitsumabushi, Ako Mito, Tenmusu, Tebasaki, Taiwan Ramen, Teppan Spaghetti, and Kishimen.

Also, the city is known for its ceramics and pottery, baseball, the birthplace of Toyota, Maneki Neko (luck cat), and some of the best seafood.

How Famous is Nagoya Compared to Other Japanese Cities?

Nagoya is one of the biggest cities in Japan. However, if you ask anyone in Japan, they may tell you it is the least famous.

But the truth is, Nagoya could easily be among the top. It is the birthplace of Toyota Motors, and there is a huge showroom by the company. It is therefore easy to see why it is very popular with tourists.

It also carries some of the country’s history with a large number of historical sites in view.

Best Things to Do in Nagoya

When you each Nagoya, the first thing you may want to do is visit the Toyota Exhibition Hall. You will find more than 20 brand new vehicles made by the company, a tour that will last you about three hours.

Then explore the Atsuta-Jingu shrine, which is said to have been built more than 1,900 years ago. The afternoon should find you at Noritake Garden, where you will enjoy a number of activities.

You cannot miss out on the Nagoya TV tower. This is a major landmark in the city and the oldest of its kind in Japan.

For the food, there are lots of places to get the best meals. The city is known for its miso production. You should also try out more local cuisine from different joins in the city.

For art lovers, the Tokugawa Art Museum should be a good spot. It carries all the information about the history and culture of the city. And then there is the Nagoya City Science Museum for science enthusiasts.

Check out the Nagoya Castle too. It is one of the oldest structures that mark the city.

Best Historical Landmarks in Nagoya

Nagoya has a number of historical sites that put it on the map of the best tourist attractions in the world. They include the Nagoya Castle and the Atsuta Shrines, which were built close to two thousand years ago.

The Nagoya port area has recently been redeveloped as a leisure district but a great landmark too. It is not far from the Osu Kannon Temple, the most famous temple in central Nagoya.

Ise Shima is Japan’s most sacred shrines, and it is found to hear. It is echoed by the Shirakawago and Gokayama, a mountainous region is known for amazing farmhouses.

Best Modern Sites in Nagoya

If you are interested in modern architecture, the JR Central Towers and the Nagoya TV towers should be great for a start.

Midland Square is a tall skyscraper with an observation deck that makes Nagoya very lovely. It is not very far from the Legoland amusement park.

Then there is the Museum Meiji-mura, which seems ancient but has been renovated to a modern structure. Apart from this, we have The Port of Nagoya and the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens that create an incredibly beautiful scene.

Where to Eat in Nagoya?

If you are in for some exciting meals, head to Maidreamin, Nagoya Osu Manekineto Mae. Here you will find decorated food with lots of entertainment.

No one can resist the unagi (eel) at the Maruya Honten Meiekiten. And if you don’t want Japanese ant food, the Antica Roma should do you good.

Best time to Visit Nagoya

Nagoya is a beautiful city that has some of the best weather conditions in the world. However, certain times of the year will make you enjoy less.

For those searching for Nagoya’s best, Spring and Autumn are the best times. The summer is quite hot and humid. It is, therefore, not favorable for those who are not accustomed. But it an off-peak season, which means you get the cheapest deals on hotels and travel.

What Are the Best Temples in Nagoya?

Atsuta Shrine or Atsuta Sama is one of the top attractions in Nagoya. It was built close to two millenniums ago and continues to serve a great purpose. It is followed by Toganji Temple that dates from the 16th century too.

Other temples include:

 •  Koshoji Temple

 •  Osu Kannon Temple

 •  Banshiji Temple

 •  Nittaiji Temple

 •  Higashi Betsuin Temple

Best Hotels in Nagoya

Staying in Nagoya is quite fun. It has luxury hotels like:

 •  Hilton Nagoya

 •  Hotel Nagoya

 •  Nagoya Tokyu

 •  The Springs Hotel

 •  LEGOLAND Japan Hotel

 •  Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel

Conclusion

Visiting Nagoya should be fun. Now that you know what to expect, it should be comfortable getting around and enjoying your stay.

---