Nagoya

For the city in Batam, Indonesia, see Nagoya (Indonesia).

Nagoya (名古屋) is the capital and largest city of Aichi prefecture, in the Chubu region of Honshu. It's not one of Japan's top tourist draws as most tourists just zip through on the bullet train on their way between Tokyo and Kyoto. But if you do decide to stick around, there are plenty of car-related attractions, a restored castle, an ancient shrine, and a surprisingly happening nightlife.

Understand

The hub of the Aichi region, Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka and one of the nation's major economic centers. In terms of manufacturing, as home to auto-making giants Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors, Nagoya is to Japan what Detroit is to the United States — and it was completely flattened during World War II.

History

Now a modern metropolis, Nagoya gets its name from an old manor called Nagono which was built in the area in the 12th century. The manor prospered for two hundred years, and people began to refer to the area by the manor's name. Over time, the pronunciation of the Chinese characters in the name "Nagono" shifted to "Nagoya", by which the city is now known.

Three famous local figures later helped to put Nagoya firmly on the map of Japan. Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu all hailed from around Nagoya, and all shared the ambitious goal of unifying Japan under one government. Tokugawa finally succeeded in 1603 after winning in the Battle of Sekigahara, and established the Tokugawa Shogunate, which would rule Japan for the next 250 years.

Soon after uniting the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the construction of Nagoya Castle for his son. He then ordered the people of nearby Kiyosu (on the outskirts of Nagoya) to move to the area around the castle, and a town soon came into being. Cotton, ceramics and lumber were the main industries sustaining the town as it grew into a small city.

Following Japan's opening to the world during the Meiji era, Nagoya rapidly industrialized and established transportation links with the rest of Japan that would allow it to easily export its goods. During World War I, Nagoya became known for its foundries as well as its machinery and heavy industry exports, which would continue to grow throughout the 1930s.

The 1920s marked the beginnings of the automotive industry in Nagoya, which continues in importance to the current day. At the heart of the industry is the Toyota Motor Corporation. Starting from humble beginnings as a loom-making company, Toyota entered into the automobile business in the 1930s. It now stands as the world's largest automaker, and continues to dominate the local economy along with the car-making giants Honda and Mitsubishi.

During World War II, much of Nagoya's manufacturing infrastructure turned to the production of military goods, making it a prime target for bombing raids. Almost 25% of the city was destroyed during the war, with almost half the population fleeing to the countryside to avoid the attacks.

The end of the war marked a new start for Nagoya. Car-friendly wide streets and boulevards were bulldozed through the rubble of war, making for the city of today.

Nagoya now ranks as one of the nation's economic powerhouses, and is home to the head offices of Toyota Motor Corporation, Brother Industries, Daido Steel, Makita, Denso Corporation, INAX, Noritake, NGK Insulators and many others. Unlike other parts of Japan, which borrowed heavily for elaborate and expensive public works projects in the bubble years of the 1980s, kechi ("miserly") Nagoya held to a pay-as-you-go philosophy, and has not been as adversely affected by the post-bubble recession as other major centers.

The booming economy has also brought many foreigners to the area, and the region now hosts a thriving community of Japanese-descent Brazilian immigrants, who help to keep the wheels of the local economy spinning. With its strong economy and growing population, Nagoya is a city to watch in the coming years.

Climate

Nagoya's climate varies greatly throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 4 °C (39.2 °F) in January to a high of 27 °C (80.6 °F) in August. The city is known for its incredibly hot and humid summers like many cities in Japan, with high temperatures routinely surpassing 30 °C (86 °F) in August, so those with an aversion to heat would be better off visiting in the milder temperatures of the spring or autumn.

Orientation

While divided into 16 wards or ku (区), the focal points of this sprawling agglomeration are Nagoya Station (名古屋駅) to the north, Sakae (栄) to the east and Kanayama (金山) to the south.

Tourist information

35.16555136.898771 Nagoya Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nagoya Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bldg. 11F, 2-10-19 Sakae, Naka-ku, ☏ +81 52 202-1143 (Tourism Dept). Operates three tourist information centers across the city:
- 35.17115136.883332 Nagoya Station Tourist Information, 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku (JR Nagoya Station Central Concourse (towards Sakura-dori side)), ☏ +81 52-541-4301, fax: +81 52-571-1669. Daily 09:00-19:00, closed Dec 29-Jan 1.
- 35.14385136.900463 Kanayama Tourist Information, LOOP Kanayama 1F, 1-17-18 Kanayama, Naka-ku (at the N exit of Kanayama Station.), ☏ +81 52-323-0161, fax: +81 52-323-0162. Daily 09:00-20:00, closed Dec 29-Jan 1.
- 35.17091136.909534 Sakae Tourist Information, Oasis 21 B1F, 1-11-1, Higashisakura, Higashi-ku (by subway, get off at Sakae Station and take exit 4A; in Oasis 21 underground shopping concourse.), ☏ +81 52-963-5252, fax: +81 52-963-5262. Daily 10:00-20:00.

Tourist information site

The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

Get in

By plane

34.858333136.8052781 Chubu Centrair International Airport (中部国際空港 Chūbu Kokusai Kūkō, NGO^IATA). Japan's third major international gateway is on an artificial island 30 minutes south from the center of town. Facilities include two hotels, restaurants, a shopping concourse, and an onsen spa with views of the runways.

The best way of connecting between Centrair Airport and central Nagoya is the Meitetsu Airport Line. The fastest trains are the all-reserved "μSKY" trains, which depart for Nagoya every 30 minutes. The journey takes 28 minutes at a cost of ¥1230. Slower Limited Express trains offer first class (reserved) and ordinary class (non-reserved) seating and take 37 minutes for the run to Nagoya - the standard fare is ¥870. Japan Rail Passes are not valid for the Meitetsu, though you can exchange your rail pass voucher at either the airport or at Nagoya station.

Buses run hourly from Centrair Airport to the Meitetsu Bus Terminal, taking about 1 hr 20 min at a cost of ¥1200. The bus also stops at a few major hotels, including the Nagoya Tokyu, Nagoya Kanko and Hilton Nagoya.

For large groups, Tsubame Airport Limousine offers private van service between Nagoya and Centrair Airport. Vans seat between six and nine passengers, and the cost for the service depends on the destination. As an example, trips to Nakamura-ku, where Nagoya Station is located, cost ¥12000.

Slightly more expensive than the van is a taxi. A trip to Nagoya station will run ¥15000-16000.

Nagoya Airport

35.255136.9244442 Nagoya Airport (also known as Komaki Airport, NKM ^IATA) (to the north of the city). While all other companies have moved to Chubu, regional flights by Fuji Dream Airline still use the old Nagoya Airport (NKM ^IATA). Flights are available from a number of domestic destinations: Aomori, Iwate, Niigata, Kochi, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kumamoto, and Yamagata. Most flights are code-shared with Japan Airlines. Shuttle buses connect to Nagoya station in 30 minutes for ¥700.

By train

35.170772136.8816033 Nagoya Station (名古屋駅 Nagoya-eki). Nagoya Station is the confluence of all the major train lines and long-distance passenger bus services in the city. Underground and adjacent to the JR train station are the stations of the Nagoya Railway (Meitetsu Nagoya) and the Kintetsu Railway (Kintetsu Nagoya) (updated Jun 2020)

Shinkansen

Nagoya is along the Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. To the west are Gifu and Kyoto, and to the east are Hamamatsu and Shizuoka.

The fastest service on the Tokaido Shinkansen is the Nozomi. With the Nozomi you can travel from Tokyo in 1 hr 40 min (¥11090), Kyoto in 35 min (¥5800) and Shin-Osaka in 50 min (¥6560).

Users of the Japan Rail Pass cannot use the Nozomi, but can use the slightly slower Hikari services that run through Nagoya twice every hour. The all-stations Kodama services operate to/from Tokyo twice per hour.

Thru Nozomi trains from western Japan reach Nagoya from Okayama (1 hr 40 min, ¥11290), Hiroshima (2 hr 20 min, ¥14230) and Hakata station in Fukuoka (3 hr 20 min, ¥18540). If using the slower Hikari or Sakura you will need to change trains at least once, either at Okayama, Shin-Kobe, or Shin-Osaka. Note that while there are three direct Hikari trains that leave Nagoya in the morning towards Hiroshima and Fukuoka, there are no such direct Hikari trips from these cities to Nagoya.

If you wish to sacrifice travel speed for savings, you can take advantage of the Puratto (Platt) Kodama Ticket, which offers a discount for Kodama services if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a coupon for a free drink (including beer) which can be redeemed at a "Kiosk" convenience counter inside the station. With this ticket a trip to Nagoya costs ¥8300 from Tokyo (3 hr; 2 trains per hour), ¥4300 from Kyoto (1 hr; 1 train per hour) and ¥4400 from Shin-Osaka (1 hr 15 min; 1 train per hour). A few early-morning Kodama trains cannot be used with this ticket.

Discounted tickets can also be purchased in advance through Japan Railways' official SmartEX App, available in English and other languages - look for Hayatoku fares.

Limited Express Services

Nagoya serves as the terminal point for the hourly Wide View Shinano, a JR Chuo Line limited express train to the mountain resort town of Nagano (3 hr) via Matsumoto (2 hr). The Wide View Hida JR Takayama Line limited express connects Nagoya with Takayama (2 hr 30 min), with some runs continuing to Toyama (4 hr).

Local trains (which can be used with the Seishun 18 Ticket) take about 6 hours from Tokyo (¥6260), 2 hr 15 min from Kyoto (¥2590) and 2 hr 45 min from Osaka (¥3350). Multiple train transfers are required (three at minimum when traveling from Tokyo, at Numazu, Hamamatsu, and Toyohashi, and one in Maibara at minimum when coming from Kyoto or Osaka, although more are often required if travel is not optimally timed), and travel times do not include rest stops.

Nagoya is also served by the Meitetsu (名鉄) and Kintetsu (近鉄) private railways. If coming to Nagoya from Osaka, a travel option that comes cheaper than the Shinkansen is a Kintetsu limited express service called the Urban Liner (アーバンライナー), which runs from Osaka-Namba station. The Urban Liner departs at 0 and 30 minutes past the hour, covering the journey in about 2 hr 15 min at a cost of ¥4260. (The shinkansen, by comparison, makes the run from Shin-Osaka to Nagoya in under an hour for ¥6560.) Japan Rail Passes are not valid for the Urban Liner.

By bus

35°11′8″N 136°53′55″E

Map of Nagoya

Many day and overnight buses run to Nagoya from other locations throughout Japan. They can be cheaper than the shinkansen or local trains. Some of the main bus operators include Nagoya-based Meitetsu Bus and JR Tokai Bus, along with Willer Express. In addition to major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, highway buses run from places including Sendai, Fukushima, Koriyama, Utsunomiya, Tokyo Disneyland, Takasaki, Maebashi, Kofu, Fujiyoshida, Niigata, Toyama, Takaoka, Kanazawa, Fukui, Nagano, Matsumoto, Iida, Ina, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Shingu, Okayama, Kurashiki, Yonago, Matsue, Izumo, Hiroshima, Miyoshi, Takamatsu, Tokushima, Matsuyama, and Fukuoka.

Most buses will pick up and discharge passengers around Nagoya station, either near the station's shinkansen exit or at the nearby Meitetsu Bus Center. An exception is Willer Express, which will use either Sasashima Live south of Nagoya station or Noritake 1-chome west of Nagoya station.

Buses between Tokyo and Nagoya are very frequent. Direct trips take 5–6 hours, but some trips could take up to nine hours depending on the route and stops. Buses charge in the range of ¥3500-5000 for daytime trips and ¥4000-6500 for overnight trips. Discounted fares are sometimes available based on the date of purchase.

Many buses also operate from the Kansai region: Meishin Expressway buses leave several times per hour, operating from Kyoto (2 hr 30 min, ¥2550), Osaka (3 hr, ¥3000) and Kobe (4 hr 15 min, ¥3400). A few buses also travel from Nara (2 hr 30 min, ¥2550). Discounts are given on round-trip purchases.

Willer Express bus journeys can be booked online in English, and Willer's Japan Bus Pass is valid on all of their routes with some exceptions. Willer also sells tickets for Meitetsu Bus and other bus operators on their website, but these trips are not valid with Willer's Japan Bus Pass. Both the Willer and Meitetsu buses leave from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station, which is served by many of Japan's highway bus operators.

JR Bus reservations can be made in English through their Kousoku Bus Net web site. You can also make reservations in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. Buses depart from Tokyo Station - Yaesu Exit (八重洲口) and from Busta Shinjuku.

By boat

35.060063136.8450634 Taiheiyo Ferry (太平洋フェリー Taiheiyō Feri), Ferry Terminal, 40 Sorami-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya, ☏ +81 52-398-1023. Offers overnight car ferries from Sendai (21 hr 40 min) and Tomakomai in southern Hokkaido (40 hr) on the SS Ishikari and SS Kitakami from the Nagoya Ferry Terminal. (updated Jun 2020)

Ferry Port Access

A Meitetsu shuttle bus to the ferry is available from the downtown Meitetsu Bus Center (名鉄バスセンター) next to Nagoya Station. The bus departs from platform 22 on the 4th floor at 17:20 and arrives at the ferry terminal at around 17:55 (Adults: ¥550 Children: ¥280).

The ferry terminal is also accessible by train and city bus. Take the Aonami line (あおなみ線 Aonami-sen) south to Noseki stn (野跡駅). From there, you can board a city bus bound for the Feri futo (フェリーふ頭) bus stop (takes 7 to 10 min).

More details are available on the Taiheiyo Ferry access page.

Get around

Nagoya is a big automotive industry center, and it shows. The street network is extensive and even downtown locations can be easily reached by car. On the downside, trains and subways are less convenient than in Tokyo or Kansai, and more expensive. If you're travelling with a JR Rail Pass, the train network doesn't have many stations in the city and you'll probably find yourself using the bus or subway a lot, something your pass won't cover.

By subway

There are 5 main subway lines:

The red Sakuradōri Line (桜通線, S) curves southwest from Nagoya Station.
The purple Meijō Line (名城線, M) runs in a loop around the eastern side of the city, connecting Sakae and Kanayama.
The Meikō Line (名港線, E) spur branches from Kanayama to Nagoya Port.
The yellow Higashiyama Line (東山線, H) connects Nagoya, Fushimi, Sakae, and Fujigaoka.
The blue Tsurumai Line (鶴舞線, T) connects Fushimi and Osu Kannon, then goes south.

Subways run every several minutes between about 05:30 until about 00:30. Fares range from ¥200 to ¥320. One day passes can be bought for ¥620 (bus), ¥760 (subway), and ¥870 (bus & subway).

On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you can also take advantage of the cheaper Donichi-Eco-Kippu (ドニチエコきっぷ) one-day subway ticket which offers unlimited subway travel for ¥620. This pass is available from ticket machines, or can be purchased in person from a station employee at the ticket gate.

City transportation one day passes also offer discounted entry at various attractions in Nagoya, including Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Museum.

More information about public transportation in Nagoya can be found on the official website of the Nagoya Transportation Bureau.

By taxi

Taxis are a viable option in this car city, especially as the basic fee is only ¥500. The catch is that the basic fee only takes you 1.01 km compared to 2 km in most other parts of Japan. But for shorter distances within the city, a taxi is not only much more convenient than descending to those dark, unappealing subway stations, but also as cheap as the subway if there are at least two of you.

By bicycle

Most parts of central Nagoya were built on landfill just above sea level, making it a relatively flat city and seemingly easy to traverse by bicycle. However, downtown Nagoya is also known throughout Japan for its wide streets, fast moving traffic and crazy drivers. So it's no surprise that you will find most of the city's cyclists (especially mothers riding with young children and the elderly) riding on the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk is legal on most city streets in Japan (unless marked). However, the sidewalks can be bumpy, crowded and far from ideal for two-wheeled transport - leading an increasing number of riders to brave the city's roads.

Note: On wide roads, there are often parked cars in the left lane that force you to merge right into faster traffic. Be sure to signal whenever changing lanes and look behind and to the right for quickly approaching cars. If merging to the right is not safe, it is sometimes safer to get on the sidewalk rather than risking life and limb on the street with cars that may not yield. Beware especially of taxis, as they may make stops in front of you without much warning.

Secondary roads can be more enjoyable to ride and there are some major roads with protected cycling lanes - although these are rare and sometimes seem to have been designed without rhyme or reason. Cyclists have also been known to park their bicycles on some of the lesser sidewalk-adjacent "paths" downtown, making them largely impassible.

Parking

Bicycle parking near train and subway stations is strictly limited to designated and (usually paid) areas. Paid locking bike racks with fare collection machines are common and most charge around ¥100 for a day's worth of parking. There is also usually a window of free parking time (15–30 minutes) for cyclists making brief stops. Near the main train stations there are also attended and unattended indoor areas to park with short term and long term facilities. Be sure not to park in one of the long term facilities by mistake, as you will probably be fined more than it costs to park in a short-term area.

Cycle sharing

Nagoya has a cycle sharing serivice called Cariteco Bike^{[dead link]} (run by the Meitetsu train company). It requires returning bicycles to the nearest docking station. As of May 2024, there are 410 docking stations around the city. The service offers registration and information only in Japanese, so they are probably not a practical option for most visitors with limited Japanese ability.

Tours

Nagoya Adventure Cycle (tours meet just outside Exit 4 of Kurokawa Station on the Nagoya City Subway Meijo Line), nagoyaadventurecycle@gmail.com. Offers cycle rentals and tours of Nagoya in English. ¥5,500-8,500. (updated May 2020)

See

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

35.0906136.87821 Port of Nagoya Aquarium (名古屋港水族館 Nagoya-kō-suizoukan) (a short walk from Subway Nagoyakō Stn. (Meikō line)), ☏ +81 52 654-7080. Daily 09:30-17:00 (until 20:00 Jul 21-Aug 31). (site in Japanese) Large aquarium featuring a number of different marine environments, including killer whales. Adults ¥2,000.
35.1832136.8762 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (トヨタ産業技術記念館 Toyota-sangyō-gijutsu-kinenkan), 4-1-35 Noritake Shinmachi, Nishi-ku (3 minute walk from Meitetsu Sako Stn (Nagoya line), 10-minute walk from exit 2, Subway: Kamejima Station (Higashiyama Line)), ☏ +81 52-551-6115. Tu-Su 09:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30), (restaurant open until 21:00), closed M (Tu if M is a holiday), New Year's holidays. Built on the site of one of Toyota's original loom factories, this museum tells the story of the Toyota corporation, from its beginnings as an industrial loom manufacturer to its transformation into one of the world's largest car manufacturers. Includes large loom machinery and car display halls as well as a hands-on "Technoland" with interactive science exhibits. Museum also includes a library, video library with personal viewing booths, restaurant, cafe, and gift shop. Displays, brochures, and audioguides available in English and several other languages. Barrier-free access for disabled visitors. Freespot Wi-Fi access available. Adults ¥500, Jr. & Sr. high school students: ¥300, Elem. School Students: ¥200.
35.163889136.9011113 Nagoya City Art Museum (名古屋市美術館 Nagoya-shi-bijutsukan), 2-17-25 Sakae, Naka-ku (8 min on foot S of Fushimi stn (Higashiyama, Tsurumai Line), exit 5), ☏ +81 52-212-0001. Tu-Th Sa Su 09:30-17:00, F 09:30-20:00 (last admission 30 min before closing), closed M (Tu when M is a national holiday), Dec 29-Jan 3. Collection of 2,000 works including pieces by Modigliani, Laurencin, and Utrillo, as well as those of local artists, such as Takanori Ogisu and Tamiji Kitagawa. Permanent collection: adults ¥300, students over 16 ¥200, under 15 free.
35.185555136.8986114 Nagoya Castle (名古屋城 Nagoya-jō) (Subway: Shiyakusho Stn (Meijo line); 5 min walk from exit 7), ☏ +81 52-231-1700. Daily 09:00-16:30, closed Dec 29-Jan 1. Trumpeted as a famous landmark, particularly the two golden carp (金の鯱 kin-no-shachi) on the roof. The original castle was home to Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's famous warlords. Largely destroyed during World War II, the main keep was rebuilt in concrete in 1959, but is being demolished to make way for a more faithful reconstruction using traditional materials and methods. The honmaru goten, the main palace of the castle's lords, was reconstructed using traditional materials and methods in 2018. Free English tours with volunteer English-speaking Japanese guides are sometimes available. See also Japanese castles. Adults ¥500, Jr. high school students and younger free.
35.1275136.9083335 Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮 Atsuta Jingū) (Jingūmae station). This shrine houses the sacred Kusanagi no mitsurugi (草薙神剣) sword, one of the three Imperial regalia of Japan — but unfortunately nobody but the emperor and a few high priests get to see it. There are some 4,400 other artifacts on the grounds though and the shrine hosts some 70 festivals every year.
35.125878136.9008986 Shirotori Garden (白鳥庭園, Shirotori Teien) (Jingūnishi station, located relatively near Atsuta Shrine). In this Japanese garden you can see and feed koi fish in large ponds, take a look at the tea ceremony house, and also view the beautiful waterfall. On spring the plum trees bloom beautifully and on autumn you can enjoy the night illumination. Adults ¥300, middle-schoolers and younger free.
35.171667136.9552787 Nittai-ji Temple (覚王山日泰寺, kakuōzan nittai-ji), nittai-ji, 1-1 Hōhōchō, Chikusa-ku, ☏ +81 52-751-2121. Among the 165,000 m² of temple grounds is the 15 meter Gandhara-style Taian Pagoda, which houses relics of the Buddha that were presented to Japan by the king of Thailand. Unlike any other temple in Japan, Nittai-ji does not belong to a particular sect, and is instead managed by a different sect every 3 years.
35.163992136.9000228 Shirakawa Park (白川公園, shirakawa-kōen) (south of Fushimi subway station). Beautiful trees, Nagoya Science and Modern Art Museums.
35.183692136.9331899 Tokugawa Art Museum (徳川美術館), 1017, Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku (10 minutes on foot from the South exit of JR Ōzone stn; (JR Chuo line), or a 15-minute walk from exit 3 of Ōzone Subway Station (Meijo line)), ☏ +81 52-935-6262. Daily 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30). Displays some treasures of the Tokugawa family. Located next door to the beautiful Tokugawa-en Japanese gardens (additional admission charge required).
35.140556136.962510 Kōshō-ji Temple (興正寺) (5 min walk from Subway Yagoto stn (Meijo, Tsurumai lines)), ☏ +81 52-832-2801. Koshoji Temple was established in the 17th century by the Tokugawa family. The temple hosts the annual "1,000 Lantern Festival." There are numerous restaurants and universities surrounding the Koshoji Temple area.
35.1675136.95972211 Shiroyama Hakusan Shrine (城山八幡宮, shiroyama hachiman-gū) (5 min walk uphill N of Motoyama stn (Higashiyama, Meijo lines)). Formerly the Suemori Castle, the present day Shrine hosts festivals that feature Japanese dance and music.
35.1613136.96512 Tōgan-ji Temple (桃巌寺) (Motoyama stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines)). Dating back to the 16th century, this temple features a statue of the seated Buddha and has many ties to Hindu religion, particularly a temple honoring the Goddess Saraswati, who is honored in a Benzaiten Festival every May 7–8. Toganji also contains a huge wood block said to purge past sins if touched with one hand.
35.164772136.89966713 Nagoya City Science Museum (名古屋市科学館, Nagoya-shi Kagakukan) (Fushimi stn., exit 5). Tu-Su 09:30-17:00; closed Monday, third Friday every month, and Dec 29-Jan 3. Located in the city centre, this museum houses loads of interactive exhibitions and a planetarium. It's mostly geared towards children and there is very little information in English, although they offer a guide app. ¥400 (¥800 incl. planetarium).
35.136569136.85822514 Arako Kannon Temple (荒子観音), Arako-cho, Nakagawa-ku (SE of Takabata subway station (Higashiyama line); walk S from the major crossroads with Yagumo-dori; follow the sign to reach the temple, which is a few hundred meters down the street, on the S side), ☏ +81 52-361-1778. This small temple is the oldest building in Nagoya, with original construction on the site dating from the Heian Period (8th century). Despite several fires which destroyed older portions of the temple, the Tahoto pagoda on site remains intact after 472 years.
35.1598136.915 Ōsu Kannon Temple (大須観音), 21-47 Osu 2-chome, Naka-ku (S of Osu Kannon subway stn. (Tsurumai line), exit 2), ☏ +81 52-231-6525. Founded in the Kamakura era (1192-1333), this temple was moved to its current location by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612. The present main temple on the site was reconstructed in 1970. Check out the main hall or buy an お守り (omamori) charm in the gift shop for good luck. The grounds in front of the temple are host to a small flea market twice every month.
35.1822137.02216 Fujigaoka (by train, 65 min from the airport (¥1400); using the Higashiyama (yellow) subway line, it's 26 min from Nagoya Station and 21 minutes to Sakae -- it is the last stop on this line). Fujigaoka is known for its cherry blossoms (sakura) trees in the spring lining the streets. It is close to the site of the 2005 World Expo held in Nagakute, a 15-min linear motor car (Linimo) train ride from Fujigaoka station. This quaint little area at the edge of town has a plethora of shops, boutiques, patisseries and coffee shops. They also hold a market the 3rd Sunday of every month. (updated May 2018)

Sakae

35.1724136.90817 Nagoya TV Tower (名古屋テレビ塔 Nagoya-terebi-tō), Hisaya-ōdōri kōen, Naka-ku (Subway: Hisaya Odori Station (Meijo line/Sakura-dori line)), ☏ +81 52-971-8546, fax: +81 52-961-0561. Daily 10:00-21:00. Standing 180 meters tall, the Nagoya TV Tower is Japan's oldest - predating even the Tokyo Tower. Take an elevator to the 100-m-high sky balcony for great views of Hisaya-odori park and Sakae. Under the tower is a small terrace with tables and a number of small food stands. Adult ¥500, child ¥250.
35.168708136.90838318 Hisaya-Odori Park (久屋大通公園, hisaya-ōdōri kōen) (Sakae or Hisaya-Odori subway exits). Nice trees and fountains, Nagoya TV Tower observation deck. On weekend afternoons and evenings, local musicians set up in and around the park and strut their stuff for the passers-by. Shops and restaurants can be found around the area as well. (updated Nov 2020)
35.17115136.91130819 Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art (愛知県美術館 Aichi-ken-bijutsukan), Aichi Arts Center, 10F, 1-13-2 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku (3-min walk via Oasis 21 park from Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines) or Sakaemachi station (Meitetsu Seto Line)), ☏ +81 52-971-5511. Tu-Th Sa Su 10:00-18:00; F 10:00-20:00 (last admission: 30 min before closing), closed M (or Tu if M is a public holiday), Dec 28-Jan 3. Collection features international and Japanese 20th century art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Joan Miro, Max Ernst, German Expressionists, Surrealists, and postwar US artists. Japanese collection features the art of Yuichi Takahashi, Ryuzaburo Umehara, Sotaro Yasui, Taikan Yokoyama, and Shunso Hishida. Two private collections donated to the museum also include Edo-period paintings and traditional crafts. Permanent collection: ¥500; high-school/college students: ¥300; high-school groups, junior high-school students, children 12 and under, disabled visitors and escorts: free.

Do

Ride the gold and white Nagoya Sightseeing Bus Me-Guru (メーグル) past many of the city's main attractions. Operates T-Su. Offers hop-on-hop-off hourly service Tu-F from 09:30-17:30, and Sa Su every half hour. Closed M, year-end holidays. Daypass: adults ¥500, children ¥250. (includes discount on featured attractions). Single ride: adults ¥200, children ¥100. Daypasses may be purchased getting on the bus. 1-day transport passes also accepted.
Catch a traditional Japanese Noh play at the Nagoya Noh Theatre. (Subway: Shiyakusho stn.)
Go for a jog (or a walk) around beautiful Meijo Park (名城公園 Meijo Koen), one of Nagoya's largest green spaces, and take in the great view of Nagoya Castle (Subway: Meijo-Koen station, Meijo line). Showers and lockers available.
Higashiyama Park (東山公園 Higashiyama-koen). (Higashiyama-koen station). Features a zoo, conservatory, monorail, roller coasters, "sky tower" and a great deal of open space.

Events

35.183086136.9025611 Nagoya Sumo Tournament (大相撲名古屋場所 Ō-zumō-Nagoya-basho), Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka-ku (a short walk from Shiyakusho stn. (Meijo Line)), ☏ +81 52-221-0737, fax: +81 52 221-0739. 15 days mid-July. Watch the big boys of Japanese sumo battle it out in Nagoya. An annual tradition. Tickets are generally available at the counter unless it is the first or last day. Ticket prices start at ¥3,200 and up. The cheapest seats are fine for first-time sumo watchers and are not much worse than the ¥4,700 seats.
Osu Summer Festival (大須夏祭り Osu Natsu-matsuri) (Short walk from Osu Kannon Stn (Tsurumai line) exit 1). Yearly street festival held in the shopping streets around Osu Kannon temple. Featuring live stage performances, street performers, Brazilian samba parade and cosplay parade.
World Cosplay Summit (世界コスプレサミット Sekai-kosupure-samitto) (Parade: Osu Kannon (Tsurumai line) exit 1, World Cosplay Championship: Oasis 21, Sakae stn. exit 4A). An otaku's dream come true. Watch as anime fans from around the world dress up as their favorite characters and parade around the streets of Nagoya. The Summit culminates with the World Cosplay Championship (世界コスプレチャンピオンシップ Sekai-kosupure-championshippu), pitting teams from a number of countries as they show off their costumes and perform stage shows. Cheer on your nation's entry or just stare in wonderment at the strangeness of it all.
Nagoya Castle Summer Night Festival (名古屋城宵まつり Nagoya-jo-yoi-matsuri) (Nagoya Castle, Subway: Shiyakusho stn.), ☏ +81 52-231-1700, fax: +81 52-201-3646. A traditional-style summer festival, complete with lanterns, numerous styles of traditional bon-odori (盆踊り) circle dancing (to honour family ancestors), festival stalls, and a beer garden under an illuminated Nagoya castle. ¥500, ¥400 if wearing a yukata, free for middle-school students and younger.

Movies

35.16988136.88522 Midland Square Cinemas (ミッドランドスクエア・シネマ), Midland Square Bldg. 5F, Meieki 4 chome 7-1, Nakamura-ku (across from JR Nagoya Stn. (Subway: Nagoya Stn.)), ☏ +81 52-527-8808. On the 5th floor of the towering Midland Square building, this complex boasts 7 screens with stadium seating, and shows a range of popular Hollywood and Japanese mainstream movies.
35.16264136.88483 109 Cinemas Nagoya, La Vamo Sasashima 2F, 4-60-14 Hiraike-cho, Nakamura-ku (13-min walk south of JR Nagoya stn. or 5-minute walk from Sasashima Raibu stn (JR Aonami line)), ☏ +81 52 541-3109. Located in a relatively new entertainment complex, this large movie theater contains 10 cinemas with stadium seating and shows a mix of Hollywood and mainstream Japanese films.

Sports

The Chūnichi Dragons (中日ドラゴンズ　Chūnichi-doragonzu) , winners of the 2007 Japan Series, play in the Central League of Japanese Professional Baseball. Check out one of their games at the Nagoya Dome (Japanese) in Ōzone, northeast of downtown. (15 min walk E of JR Ōzone stn. (Chūō line) via S exit, Subway: Nagoya-dome-mae-yada (Meijō line))

Buy

Shopping areas

35.15899136.903421 Ōsu Shopping Arcade (subway Ōsu Kannon exit 2 (straight ahead one block, turn left into the temple grounds and go straight on through the gravelled temple area)). A series of old style shopping arcades packed with mom-and-pop stores, ¥100 shops, traditional crafts, used computers and a fantastic range of clothing stores. There is a little bit of everything. Ōsu is the shopping area and Osu Kannon the temple just to the west side. In fact, the shopping area extends from Ōsu Kannon temple in the west to Banshō-ji (万松寺) temple and Ōtsu-dōri street (大津通り) in the east. Outside of the main shopping arcade, there are also a number of streets with a wide array of different specialty shops. (updated May 2022)
- Akamon-dōri (赤門通り) is known for the bright red banners hung along the street, and hosts a variety of stereo and electronics stores as well as used record shops. On the 28th of every month, Daikō-in temple (大光院) hosts a small temple festival (縁日 ennichi) on Akamon-dori with traditional street food stalls and lots of burning incense.
- Ōtsu-dōri (大津通り) 　marks the eastern boundary of the Ōsu shopping area. On the lively stretch of Otsu-dori north of Kamimaezu subway station you will find the Ōsu 301 Building (大須301). The building is known for its small dragon sculpture and Chinese theme, and contains a number of small shops. Continuing north on Ōtsu-dōri, you will also find the small but funky Gatten-shōchi (合点承知) building, a mini-mall featuring fashion accessories, food stands, and various fortune tellers.

Sakae offers good department store shopping, restaurants and night-life. Take a walk atop the rooftop promenade of the Oasis 21 shopping arcade and get a nice view of the TV Tower.

Books

35.1672136.905642 Maruzen (丸善) (Subway: Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo Lines). Next to the Maruei department store). M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa Su 09:00-19:00. Offers a reasonable selection of English books, magazines, and newspapers on the 3rd floor, including travel guidebooks, maps, a wide array of books on Japan, and Japanese language study materials.
35.17216136.882873 Sanseido Books, 11F, JR Central Towers above JR Nagoya Station (Subway: Nagoya stn (Sakura-dori, Higashiyama, Tsurumai lines). From inside the station, walk towards the Sakura-dori exit and turn right before the exit. You will see a bank of express elevators. Board an express elevator to the 12th floor. Exit the elevator and head towards the open area with windows overlooking Nagoya. You will notice an escalator descending to Sanseido Books on the 11th floor.). Offers a corner with English books, magazines and newspapers. Features books on Japan plus a decent selection of current nonfiction titles and business books. A small selection of guidebooks are also available.

Electronics

Best bets for cameras and electronics include Bic Camera, a massive 5 story camera and electronics megastore across the street from Nagoya station (on the Taikō-dōri side). Ōsu Market also has a number of large and small electronics shops, including Goodwill (computers and peripherals - otaku culture fans will also want to check out the maid cafe in the basement), DOS Para and others. Unfortunately, some of the electronics shops in Osu (such as Goodwill) are not located on the main shopping streets, and you may have to ask around to find them. There are also two Eiden electronics superstores located in Fushimi and near JR Ōzone stn on the JR Chūō Line.

Eat

Nagoya is big on miso, a sauce made from fermented soybeans and grain. The preferred style is red miso (赤味噌 akamiso), fermented up to two years for a stronger taste than the usual "white" miso, with Hatchō miso (八丁味噌) particularly famous.

Classic Nagoya dishes include:

misokatsu (味噌カツ), fried pork cutlet with a rich miso sauce
miso nikomi udon (味噌煮込みうどん), a thick miso and chicken stew perfect for winter
tenmusu (天むす), shrimp tempura wrapped up in rice and dried seaweed and turned into a handy portable package
tebasaki (手羽先), fried chicken wings marinated in a sweet sauce
kishimen (きしめん), a flat, broad type of udon wheat noodle often served in a miso or soy sauce broth. Available in most restaurant-gai in shopping centres or close to major railway stations.
ankake supa(=spaghetti) (あんかけスパ), spaghetti with a starchy gravy-like tomato-based sauce with a kick of black pepper. Often with onions, green peppers, and ham, bacon, or sausage.
hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし), an eel dish served with rice in a small box. It can be eaten three ways: first, just the eel and rice; second, with green onions and nori, and third, with tea or soup stock poured over it.
uirō (外郎), a confectionery made out of rice flour and sugar; a little firmer than gelatin but not as sticky as mochi. Many different flavors are available, including red bean (小豆 azuki) and green tea (抹茶 matcha) .
doteni (どて煮), Beef tendons and pork intestine are simmered for a long time in soybean miso such as Haccho miso and mirin.

Budget

35.14414136.901341 Café de Metro, 1F Kanayama station (North Exit). Serves up basic curry and donburi dishes, including a decent misokatsu, for ¥480 with coffee/tea, or ¥680 with miso soup and pickles. (updated May 2022)
35.15832136.904452 Jerry's UNO (near Fureai Plaza in the Osu shopping district, to the giant manekineko statue's left (your right if you are facing the statue)). It's a nice little taco shop that will run you about ¥500 per taco. They also have a nice selection of international beers. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range

35.161677136.9062473 Yabaton, Osu, 3−6-18 (SW of Yabacho subway stn. (Meijo line)), ☏ +81 52-252-8810. 11:00-21:00. The place to try another Nagoya specialty - misokatsu, pork cutlet with red miso. The standard set is teppan tonkatsu, and it comes to your table on a sizzling hotplate over a bed of shredded cabbage; then a special person performs the ritual of drowning it in sauce. If you're really hungry, go for the waraji (straw sandals) - a huge portion of pork loin flattened before frying so that it overhangs the plate (sometimes it'll come cut in half, as two cutlets). From the subway station, go under the highway overpass and look for the building with the sumo champion pig stenciled on its side, to your right. This is the head store; there are five more around the city, including two at the Nagoya station. ¥1200-1800.
35.16838136.918334 Desperados (デスペラードス), Fujimatsu Building 2 FL, 1-8-11 Shinsakae, Naka-ku (SW of Shinsakae subway stn. (Higashiyama line)), ☏ +81 52-264-0663. Tu-Sa 18:00-00:00 (kitchen closes at 23:00) Closed Su, M. Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant and bar operated by Mexican-born and American-raised owner Rudy and his wife Takako. Features a variety of Mexican dishes and a selection of premium tequilas.
35.17442136.923415 La Marmite (ラ・マルミット), ALA Daikan-cho Bldg. 1F, 40-18 Daikan-cho, Higashi-ku (Subway: Kurumamichi Stn. (Sakura-dori line). 5-minute walk west of Exit 1 (towards Sakae) on N side of Sakura Dori street), ☏ +81 52-937-7474. Tu-Su lunch 11:30-14:00, cafe time 15:00-17:00, dinner 18:00-22:30; closed M. French bistro operated by long time expat chef Jean-Luc Ravion, (member, Culinary Academy of France). Offers home-made ham, sausages and other traditional French food. Wine from the Loire also available. ¥4,000-5,000.

Splurge

Nagoya's nouveaux riche are catered for by several luxury department stores and many first-class restaurants, which are sometimes difficult find for auto-less tourists.

35.17448136.922126 Antica Roma, Daikancho 39-18, Higashi-ku (Subway: Kurumamichi Stn. (Sakura-dori line). 5 minute walk west of Exit 1 (towards Sakae) on N side of Sakura Dori street), ☏ +81 52-930-2770, fax: +81 52-930-2771, info@anticaroma.jp. Cafe 14:00-16:00 (Terrazza, Pizzeria); dinner 17:30-23:30 (last order 22:30). Excellent high-class Italian food (like seafood risotto, broccoli pasta or herb-stuffed pork rolls), but also delicious oven-baked pizzas. All this in three superbly furnished rooms. The main room is baroque-style with chandeliers and has not only a live pianist, but also a live opera singer every night (dress code for this room). The course menus start at ¥4,000, the pizzas at ¥1,500, a half-bottle of house wine is ¥2,500.
35.18431136.932167 Garden Restaurant Tokugawa-en (ガーデンレストラン徳川園), 1001 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku (10-min walk from South Exit of JR Ozone Station (JR Chuo line). 15 min. walk from Exit 3 of Ozone Subway Station (Meijo line).), ☏ +81 52-932-7887, info@gr-tokugawa.jp. Restaurant: 11:00-14:00 (last order), 17:00-22:30 (last order). Bar & Lounge 10:00-17:00, 19:00-00:00. This eatery serves Japanese-French cuisine with views of the beautiful Tokugawa-en Japanese gardens located next door. ¥10,000-15,000.

Drink

Around Nagoya station, there are a lot of places for cheap drinking. Sakae is the big nightlife district, in a loose triangle formed by the Sakae, Yaba-cho and Osu Kannon stations. Sakae has a large red light district as well, but as with most of Japan, there's no sense of danger so don't worry about drifting around. There are countless izakayas around Kanayama station, both cheap chains and more upscale places.

If the bar and club scene is not for you, try Nagoya Friends and their bimonthly international parties. Always a dynamic mix of foreigners and Japanese. At the party it's all you can drink and eat (~¥3000).

35.17057136.902231 Serge Gen's Restaurant Group Nagoya, 11-26 Nishiki 3-Chome, Naka-ku, ☏ +81 52-209-2333. 11:00-03:00. Five top-quality restaurants in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. From Italian cafe, Yakiniku, Sushi, to catered party events. ¥3000.