10 Best Things To Do in Nagoya, Japan [with Suggested Tours]
Are you planning to travel to Nagoya, Japan soon? Read our tips below on the best things to do in Nagoya with suggested tours.
If you are going from Tokyo to Osaka or the other way around, you will always pass by Nagoya. Nagoya is the Chuubu region’s largest city and the capital of Aichi. It’s not as popular as big cities like Osaka and Tokyo, but it definitely has some interesting spots. If you want, you can stop here during your trip to Japan.
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Nagoya’s name is from the adjective Nagoyaka, meaning peaceful. You will definitely find peace and awe in this bustling city. Nagoya is Japan’s largest port area by international trade value. Why? Because this city’s primary industry is Automotive and guess what, Toyota and its brands like Lexus has its headquarters in Nagoya. They ship through Nagoya port. You should definitely come and stop by this city!
Table of Contents
List of things to do in Nagoya, Japan
1. Be in awe of the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Getting There: Me-guru Sightseeing Bus (Stop 1) or Walk from Sako Station, Nagoya Line
Everyone knows Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer of cars. If you want to learn how they make cars, their history, and a massive display of cars and robots, you should not Toyota Techno Museum. It’s one of the most interesting things to do in Nagoya, Japan. I’ve worked in a Manufacturing firm before making automotive parts and found that interesting, how much more this!
It opens from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM with an entrance fee of JPY 500. If you also go to Noritake, entrance for both is JPY 800. Audio guides are available for a price. There are also English guided tours in the afternoon. On Mondays or Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday, they are closed.
Suggested Tour: Nagoya Sunrise and Sunset Private Tour
2. See the buildings and tablewares at Noritake Garden
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Getting there: Me-guru Sightseeing Bus (Stop 2) or Walk from H07, Higashiyama Subway Line
Noritake is a ceramics company based in Nagoya. Their buildings are red-bricked as they reflect the modernization of the country during the 1900s. The gardens are not “Japanese-styled,” so it’s something entirely different but still beautiful. You can also check how they make ceramics and their collections.
They are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the shop closes at 6 PM while the restaurant at 4 PM. You can enter the gardens for free, but the Craft Center and Museum costs JPY 500. They are closed on Mondays or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.
Suggested Tour: Nagoya Half Day Tour
3. Visit Nagoya Castle
Getting there: Me-guru Sightseeing Bus (Stop 4) or Stop at M07, Meijo Subway Line
During the Edo Period in 1620, Nagoya Castle was built as decided by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Tokugawa’s first shogun. However, it got destroyed during the World War II bombing and got rebuilt. Though the main tower is closed, the Honmaru Palace just opened in 2018. Learn much history and walk of the grounds at this grandeur place. A great pillar of the city of Nagoya is worth visiting!
It is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Entrance fee is only JPY 500. From December 29 to January 1, they are closed.
Suggested Tour: Nagoya City Walking Tour with 1-Day Subway Pass
4. Go to Atsuta Jingu
Getting There: Stop at M27, Meijo Subway Line
After Ise Grand Shrine, the most revered shrine of the Shinto is Atsuta Jingu. Here lies one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures, the Kusanagi no Tsuguri that means Grass-Cutting sword. This 200,000 square meter complex is something you should not miss during your trip to Nagoya. If you want to see treasures up close, then the hall is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a fee of JPY 300.
Suggested Tour: Private 3-Hour Nagoya Walking Tour
5. Check out JR Central Office
Getting There: Nagoya Station
One of Nagoya’s pride is its twin towers, the JR Central Towers. Below is one of the world’s largest train station (by floor area), the Nagoya Station. This is the 2nd tallest building in the City after Midland Square. On the towers are Takashimaya, a department store, and even a hotel, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel. You should not miss the view from above!
Suggested Tour: Nagoya City Walking Tour with 1-Day Subway Pass
6. Eat Hitsumabushi
One of the specialties in Nagoya is Hitsumabushi. What’s that? Unagi on rice. Not usagi, rabbit, but unagi meaning freshwater eel. If you are not sure how to eat it, ask locals! Recommended restaurants are Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho (Lachic), Hitsumabushi Ino (Esca), and Hitsumabushi Hanaoka.
Suggested Tour: Nagoya Sunrise and Sunset Private Tour
7. Shop at Osu Shopping District
Getting there: Stop at T08, Tsurumai Line
One of the most fun shopping districts in the country is the Osu Shopping District. You can buy anything you want from clothes to souvenirs. In case you are hungry, don’t worry as there are many delicious restaurants. Don’t forget to also see the remarkable Osu Kannon Temple.
Suggested Tour: Private 3-Hour Nagoya Walking Tour
8. Roam around Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
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Getting There: Stop at H17, Higashiyama Subway Line
If you want to see the world’s most handsome gorilla, go to Higashiyama Zoo and meet Shabani. Other than him, you can see creatures when you visit here. The Higashiyama Botanical Gardens also offers you a variety of flora and scenic views. You could also see everything as you go up in the Sky Tower, which is in the center of the property.
The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens are open from 9:00 PM to 4:50 PM, 9:30 PM is the closing of the Sky. If you want to enter both, it will cost JPY 640, which will save you money as the Zoo/Garden’s fee is JPY 500, and the sky tower is JPY 300. They are closed on Mondays or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday.
9. Learn more in the Nagoya City Science Museum
Getting there: Walk from Me-guru Sightseeing Bus (Stop 11) or Walk from H09, Higashiyama Subway Line or T07, Tsurumai Line
Want to experience science up close through exhibits or maybe through displays? Visit the Nagoya City Science Museum, where there are more than 200 displays, science shows, and live demos. As per the Guinness Book of World Records, this is also where the largest Planetarium is! It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Nagoya, Japan.
They are open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 OM. If you want to go to the Museum, it will cost JPY 400, if you want to go also to the Planetarium, then the entrance fee is JPY 800. They are closed on Mondays or the following day if Monday is a holiday and on the 3rd Friday of the month, 4th if that one is a holiday.
Suggested Tour: Nagoya Half Day Tour
10. Enjoy night views of Night Oasis21
Getting there: Me-guru Sightseeing Bus (Stop 9) or H10, Higashiyama Subway Line or M05, Meijo Subway Line
Across Nagoya TV Tower is Oasis 21. It’s a shopping complex, bus terminal, park, and performance center. The most prominent thing here is a spaceship-like roof which lights during the night. After your whole day adventure, why not relax and enjoy the view and lights here during the night!
Suggested Tour: Private 3-Hour Nagoya Walking Tour
11. Find accommodation in Nagoya, Japan
Where to Stay Nagoya, Japan
Budget Hotel
Hotel Wing International Nagoya
Hotel Wing International Nagoya is a 3-minute walk from Marunouchi Metro Station, or a 5-minute drive from Nagoya Train Station. Guestrooms offer air-conditioning and heating facilities. Each room comes with a fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with satellite channels. A hairdryer and toiletries are included in the en suite bathroom.
Price: Starts at USD 44 per night for a Double Room for two.
Luxury Hotel
Rising high above Nagoya Station, the Marriott Associa offers rooms with sweeping city views. They are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a personal safe. The attached bathroom offers toiletries and a hairdryer, while complimentary green tea is provided.
Price: Starts at USD 222 per night for a Standard Double Room for two.
How to go to Nagoya, Japan
From Tokyo Station: Ride Shinkansen Nozomi for JPY 11,300 including Reserved Seat Fee.
From Shin-Osaka Station: Ride Shinkansen Nozomi for JPY 6,680 including Reserved Seat Fee.
When you stop by this city, I hope you enjoy these things to do in Nagoya, Japan. There are many exciting activities here; I surely would not miss the Science Museum, because I’ve never been to a planetarium. If you were to visit, what’s something you would prioritize? Comment below!
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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