Planning a trip to Japan and wondering if Nagoya is worth visiting? The short answer: yes.
Often overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, Nagoya is Japan’s underrated gem – blending samurai history, futuristic innovation, and some of the country’s best food. Whether you’re here for a day trip, family vacation, or a foodie adventure, this guide covers the best things to do in Nagoya (plus hidden gems you won’t find on most itineraries).
From Nagoya Castle to quirky neighbourhoods like Kakuozan, winter illuminations, Pokémon shopping, and mouthwatering local dishes, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Nagoya in 2025.
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📚 Table of Contents
- What is Nagoya Famous For?
- Is Nagoya Near Tokyo or Osaka?
- How to Get to Nagoya:
- ✈️ Other ways to reach Nagoya
- Is Nagoya Worth Visiting for a Day?
- Top Things to Do in Nagoya
- Nagoya Restaurants and Local Delicacies
- Nagoya FAQs
What is Nagoya Famous For?
Nagoya is famous for three things:
- History: Birthplace of Japan’s “big three” unifiers — Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Landmarks like Nagoya Castle and the Tokugawa Art Museum reflect this samurai legacy.
- Innovation: Home of Toyota, with three dedicated museums showcasing its rise from textiles to world-class cars.
- Food: “Nagoya Meshi” is legendary—try miso katsu, hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice), tebasaki chicken wings, and the quirky ogura toast for breakfast.
Is Nagoya Near Tokyo or Osaka?
Nagoya is roughly halfway between Tokyo and Osaka:
- Nagoya ⇆ Osaka: ~50 minutes on the Shinkansen (166 km).
- Nagoya ⇆ Tokyo: ~1 hr 40 min on the Shinkansen (350 km).
This makes Nagoya a perfect stopover city when travelling across Japan.
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How to Get to Nagoya:
Nagoya is well-connected to other major cities in Japan, making it a convenient destination to visit whether you are coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or other parts of the country.
Image Credits: Japan Guide
🚄 From Osaka to Nagoya:
- Fastest option: Nozomi Shinkansen (~50 mins)
- Japan Rail Pass users: Hikari or Kodama (~1–1.5 hrs)
- Frequency: Trains depart every few minutes
- Budget option: Highway bus (~2.5–3 hrs, cheaper than train)
🚄 From Tokyo to Nagoya:
- Nozomi Shinkansen: ~1 hr 40 mins
- Hikari/Kodama: ~2–3 hrs (covered by JR Pass)
- Budget option: Highway bus (~5–6 hrs, night buses available for early arrival)
✈️ Other ways to reach Nagoya
- By air: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Airport to city: ~30–40 mins by train or bus
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Is Nagoya Worth Visiting for a Day?
Absolutely. A one-day Nagoya itinerary lets you:
- Morning: Nagoya Castle & gardens
- Afternoon: Osu Shopping District + street food lunch
- Evening: Sakae district for dinner, city lights, and shopping
If you’re into cars, swap in the Toyota Museum.
Top Things to Do in Nagoya:
🏯 Historic & Cultural Sites
1. Nagoya Castle
Image Credits: Nagoyajo city
Nagoya Castle is Nagoya’s iconic landmark and a symbol of Japan’s feudal history. Built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle features the famous golden shachihoko (tiger-headed carp) atop its main tower. Visitors can explore samurai armour exhibits, historical artefacts, and the beautifully landscaped gardens, especially scenic during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.
- Address:1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Admission: From 400 JPY (S$3.51~)
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2. Atsuta Shrine
Image Credits: Cheng on Pexels
Atsuta Shrine is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, enshrining the legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword, part of the Imperial Regalia. Surrounded by a peaceful forest, the shrine offers a tranquil escape from the city, with smaller shrines, a treasure hall, and seasonal festivals showcasing traditional Japanese rituals.
- Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585, Japan
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
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3. Tokugawa Garden and Tokugawa Art Museum
Image Credits: Visit Nagoya
Tokugawa Garden and Tokugawa Art Museum combine natural beauty with rich history. The Japanese garden features ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and seasonal flowers, while the museum houses samurai artefacts, swords, armour, Noh theatre masks, and Edo-period documents, offering a serene cultural experience in Nagoya.
- Address: 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023, Japan
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Admission: From 300 JPY (S$2.63~)
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4. Kakuozan Neighbourhood (Hidden Gem)
Image Credits: Nagoya is not boring
Kakuozan Neighbourhood is a hidden gem for art and architecture lovers. Explore quaint streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and historic sites like the Furukawa Art Museum, Tamesaburo Memorial, and Yokiso Villa. Nittaiji Temple adds a unique Japanese-Thai cultural touch, making Kakuozan perfect for a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path day trip
📍 Furukawa Art Museum & Tamesaburo Memorial
- Address: 〒464-0066, 2-50 Ikeshita-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
- Opening Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 AM to 5 PM. (Closed on Mondays, if Monday is a public holiday, closed Tuesday instead)
- Admission: 1,000 JPY (S$8.80~) combined ticket for both
📍 Nittaiji Temple
- Address: 〒464-0057 Aichi, Nagoya, Chikusa Ward, Hoocho, 1 Chome−１
- Opening Hours: Daily, 5 AM to 5 PM
- Admission: Free
📍 Yokiso Villa
- Address: 〒464-0057, 2-5-17 (South Garden) / 2-5-21 (North Garden) Hoo-cho, Chikusa-Ward, Nagoya-City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
- Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 9:30 AM – 4:30PM, closed on Mondays
- Admission: 300 JPY (~S$2.62)
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🪐 Museums & Science
5. Nagoya City Science Museum
Image Credits: Aichi Now
Nagoya City Science Museum is a must for families and science enthusiasts. Home to the world’s largest planetarium, interactive exhibits cover physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and robotics. Visitors can experience tornado simulations, lightning experiments, and other hands-on activities that make learning fun.
- Address: Japan, 〒460-0008 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Sakae, 2 Chome−17−1 芸術と科学の杜・白川公園内
- Opening Hours: Wed to Sun, 9:30 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mon & Tues
- Admission: From 400 JPY (S$3.51~)
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6. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Image Credits: TCMIT
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology highlights Japan’s industrial innovation. Housed in a former textile factory, the museum traces Toyota’s journey from weaving machines to advanced automotive robotics, with live demonstrations and driving simulators.
- Address: 4 Chome-1-35 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0051, Japan
- Opening Hours: Wed to Sun, 9:30 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mon & Tues
- Admission: From 1,000 JPY (S$8.77~)
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7. Studio Ghibli Park (Hidden Gem)
Image Credits: Erika’s Travelventures
Studio Ghibli Park, opened in 2022, is a magical destination for anime fans. Located near Nagoya, the park recreates scenes from beloved Ghibli films with immersive themed areas and interactive exhibits. Tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.
- Address: Japan, 〒480-1342 Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama, 乙１５３３−１
- Opening Hours: Mon, Wed to Fri, 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat & Sun, 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Tues
- Admission: From 1,500 JPY (S$13.15~)
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🌿 Nature & Gardens
8. Shirotori Garden (Hidden Gem)
Image Credits: Aichi Now
Shirotori Garden is a serene Japanese-style garden spanning 3.7 hectares near Atsuta Shrine. Its ponds, seasonal cherry blossoms, autumn maple leaves, and winter snow-covered landscapes make it a peaceful retreat in Nagoya.
- Address: 2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036, Japan
- Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 9 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mon
- Admission: From 300 JPY (S$2.63~)
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9. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden
Image Credits: www.nagoya-info.jp
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a mix of wildlife and horticultural beauty across 60 hectares. With 7,000+ plant species, traditional thatched houses, and seasonal flower displays, it’s perfect for nature lovers seeking a calm escape in the city.
- Address: Japan, 〒464-0804 Aichi, Nagoya, Chikusa Ward, Higashiyama Motomachi, 3 Chome−７０
- Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed on Mon
- Admission: From 500 JPY (S$4.39~)
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🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment
10. Osu Shopping District
Image Credits: Japan Travel
Osu Shopping District is Nagoya’s lively shopping area, featuring a mix of modern stores, vintage shops, and traditional Japanese craft outlets. It’s also famous for street food like takoyaki, taiyaki, and karaage. The nearby Osu Kannon Temple provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets.
- Address: 3 Chome Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
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11. Sakae District
Image Credits: YOUinJapan.net
Sakae District is Nagoya’s downtown hub for shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Explore futuristic landmarks like Oasis 21, the Nagoya TV Tower, and rooftop parks. Evening visits come alive with restaurants, bars, and clubs, offering a dynamic urban experience.
- Address: Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
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12. Nagoya Pokémon Centre
Image Credits: Nagoya is not boring
Nagoya Pokémon Center is a must-visit for fans of the franchise. The recently renovated centre features exclusive merchandise, plush toys, apparel, trading cards, and themed events, making it a fun destination for both kids and adult collectors.
- Address: Nagoya PARCO East Building 2F3-29-1, Sakae, Naka-ku,Nagoya-shi, Aichi, 460-0008
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 9 PM
- Admission: Free
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Nagoya Restaurants and Local Delicacies
- Miso Katsu – Pork cutlet with rich miso sauce
- Hitsumabushi – Grilled eel rice, eaten three ways
- Tebasaki – Crispy chicken wings
- Kishimen – Flat udon noodles
- Ogura Toast – Sweet bean paste on toast (Nagoya breakfast staple)
💡 Pro tip: Don’t leave without eating at a local Nagoya restaurant that specializes in hitsumabushi — some have been perfecting the dish for over 100 years.
Nagoya FAQs:
Q: Things to do in Nagoya with kids
Top picks: Studio Ghibli Park, Science Museum, Pokémon Center, Zoo.
Q: What to do in Nagoya for adults?
Enjoy sake tastings, museums, and the nightlife in Sakae.
Q: What to do in Nagoya at night?
- Oasis 21 & Nagoya TV Tower – Best night views
- Midland Square Sky Promenade – Romantic skyline spot
- Izakaya in Sakae – Local food + drinks
Q: Things to do in Nagoya in Winter & December
- Winter Illuminations (Nabana no Sato)
- Christmas shopping in Sakae 🎄
- Onsen day trips (Gero Onsen nearby)
- Shirotori Garden’s snow scenes
Q: What is the coldest month in Nagoya?
January, averaging lows of 1°C.
Q: What are the unique things to do in Nagoya?
Explore Kakuozan, the SCMAGLEV Railway Park, and food tours.
Q: What to do in Nagoya for a day?
Nagoya Castle, Osu District, and dinner in Sakae.
Q: Is Nagoya worth visiting for a day?
Yes, especially if you’re into history, food, or unique shopping.
Q: Where to go shopping in Nagoya?
Osu for quirky finds, Sakae for big malls & luxury brands.
Ikimashou!
Nagoya might not scream “bucket list,” but it’s one of those cities that surprises you. Whether you’re into samurai castles, anime, shopping, or just food that slaps, Nagoya delivers.
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Happy travels!
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