Update-date: Mar 04 2025
Located in Central Japan, Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture. It’s the fourth most populated city in the country and is a manufacturing and shipping hub. During the Edo Period, it flourished into the castle town of the Owari Branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. There are loads to do here, be it history activities or modern entertainment.
1. Things to Know about Nagoya
During the Pacific War, the city became one of the leading aircraft manufacturers in the country. Hence, it became a prime target for allied bombing raids, which ultimately led to a quarter of it ending up in ruins.
After the war, it was rebuilt in such a way that made it a renowned example of modern city planning.
Unfortunately, Nagoya is rarely at the top of visitors’ lists, but rich with history, unique attractions and exquisite cuisine, it’s a city that’s definitely worth visiting.
After the war, it was rebuilt in such a way that made it a renowned example of modern city planning.
Unfortunately, Nagoya is rarely at the top of visitors’ lists, but rich with history, unique attractions and exquisite cuisine, it’s a city that’s definitely worth visiting.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Fans of trains will enjoy this railway museum established by Central Japan Railways (JR Central). Meant to educate visitors on the advances of high-speed rail in Japan, there are actual trains on display including historic steam locomotives and more.
You can partake in their interactive activities such as driving simulators for both conventional train and bullet train for an extra fee. Then, check out the massive train diorama, which would be an incredible experience.
You can partake in their interactive activities such as driving simulators for both conventional train and bullet train for an extra fee. Then, check out the massive train diorama, which would be an incredible experience.
Spot information
Spot name: SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Street address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi 455-0848, Aichi
Access: About 2 minutes’ walk from Kinjofuto Station
Spot name: SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Street address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi 455-0848, Aichi
Access: About 2 minutes’ walk from Kinjofuto Station
Tokugawa Art Museum
Built on the grounds of the former feudal residence of the Owari’s, several valuables such as samurai armour and swords, noh masks and costumes and other objects are preserved and displayed here. A place perfect for those who love Japanese history.
Next to the museum is the gorgeous Japanese landscape garden, Tokugawa-en. There are plenty of walking trails, a tea house, and rest houses. You can have a relaxing stroll here.
Next to the museum is the gorgeous Japanese landscape garden, Tokugawa-en. There are plenty of walking trails, a tea house, and rest houses. You can have a relaxing stroll here.
Spot information
Spot name: Tokugawa Art Museum
Street address: 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi 461-0023, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Morishita Station
Spot name: Tokugawa Art Museum
Street address: 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi 461-0023, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Morishita Station
Nagoya Castle
Formerly one of the biggest castles in the country, it was built as the seat for the Owari Branch for the ruling Tokugawa family in the beginning of Edo Period. You can delve into the captivating stories and details behind the artworks, and the history and the culture of the samurai in the newly restored Honmaru Goten.
Spot information
Spot name: Nagoya Castle
Street address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi 460-0031, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Shiyakusho Station
Spot name: Nagoya Castle
Street address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi 460-0031, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Shiyakusho Station
Nagoya City Science Museum
Astronomy fans would be absolutely delighted to visit this museum as it houses one of the world’s largest planetariums. The programmes held here differ monthly based on the current astronomical phenomena.
Shows are conducted only in Japanese, but don’t let this deter you as it should be a one-of-a-kind experience, being able to look at the ‘stars’ in the sky so clearly as it’s projected on the huge spherical screen. There are also many other interactive experiments in which you can partake so you can learn about science.
Shows are conducted only in Japanese, but don’t let this deter you as it should be a one-of-a-kind experience, being able to look at the ‘stars’ in the sky so clearly as it’s projected on the huge spherical screen. There are also many other interactive experiments in which you can partake so you can learn about science.
Spot information
Spot name: Nagoya City Science Museum
Street address: 2-17-1, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi 460-0008, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Fushimi Station
Spot name: Nagoya City Science Museum
Street address: 2-17-1, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi 460-0008, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Fushimi Station
Legoland Japan
If you have kids and would like to spend some quality time with them, then head to the outdoor amusement park, Legoland! It has many attractions aimed at young children and some are of interest to accompanying adults. You can find grand Lego models, rides, building stations, and eateries.
Spot information
Spot name: Legoland Japan
Street address: 2-2-1 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi 455-8605, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Kinjofuto Station
Spot name: Legoland Japan
Street address: 2-2-1 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi 455-8605, Aichi
Access: About 8 minutes’ walk from Kinjofuto Station
For more information on Fukuoka and its top attractions, check out the article on FUN! JAPAN.
source of quotations：FUN! JAPAN
2. Restaurants and Food You Should Check Out in Nagoya
Nagoya is well-known for its delectable cuisine. So, make sure to check some of these restaurants out and sink your teeth into these dishes!
Maruya Honten Meieki 3-chome Branch
Maruya Honten, a beloved eel restaurant, is located in GEMS Meieki 3-chome, a hub for diverse food cultures. The restaurant specializes in Hitsumabushi, featuring charcoal-grilled eel mixed with a traditional secret tamari soy sauce. The modern Japanese-style interior offers a comfortable, open atmosphere, perfect for first-time visitors. Private rooms are available, making it an ideal spot for both sightseeing breaks and business entertainment. Seat reservations are accepted, providing a chance to enjoy expertly crafted dishes made with tradition and care.
Maruya Honten Meieki 3-chome Branch
Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Kokusai Center Station (Exit 1) / 3-minute walk from Nagoya Station (Exit 10, Unimall)
Address: 5F, GEMS Meieki 3-chome, 3-18-19, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Kokusai Center Station (Exit 1) / 3-minute walk from Nagoya Station (Exit 10, Unimall)
Address: 5F, GEMS Meieki 3-chome, 3-18-19, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Kachaguriya
At Kachaguriya, you can experience top-quality teppanyaki with fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. The "Anagomaki," made with live conger eel, is a standout dish, carefully prepared with the right teppan temperature. Another must-try is the "Okonomiyaki," a savory pancake perfected over 10 years for a light, fluffy texture. The restaurant's interior boasts a relaxed, warm atmosphere with wooden elements and sunken kotatsu-style seating, perfect for various occasions, from after-work dining to family dinners, business entertainment, or dates.
Kachaguriya
Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,500 JPY
Access: Exit L2, cross the North intersection of the Central Post Office, and turn left. Turn right at the alley before the Nissay Dowa Insurance building, and the restaurant is on the 1st floor of the building at the end of the alley.
Address: 1F, VIA141, 2-23-14, Meieki, Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,500 JPY
Access: Exit L2, cross the North intersection of the Central Post Office, and turn left. Turn right at the alley before the Nissay Dowa Insurance building, and the restaurant is on the 1st floor of the building at the end of the alley.
Address: 1F, VIA141, 2-23-14, Meieki, Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Z/X coffee Shinsakae Branch
Z/X Coffee Shinsakae Branch offers a unique café experience with high-quality drinks in an elegant setting. Ideal for private time, dates, or group gatherings, it serves coffee made from the top 10% of beans, alongside food and handmade desserts. The menu also includes a variety of alcoholic beverages, such as original gin and cocktails, making it perfect not just for coffee hours but also for dinner or bar time on weekends. Conveniently located near Shinsakae-machi Station, it provides a multisensory experience that redefines café culture.
Z/X coffee Shinsakae Branch
Open: [Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday] 10:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O.8:30 pm), [Friday, Saturday] 10:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Shinsakae-machi Station
Address: 1F, Inofice Bldg., 2-2-1, Shinsakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Shinsakae-machi Station
Address: 1F, Inofice Bldg., 2-2-1, Shinsakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Kanizanmai Nagoya Sakae Branch
[Kanizanmai] is a restaurant specializing in all-you-can-eat crab, offering a variety from snow crab to red snow crab. The crabs, packed tightly and large, provide great satisfaction with their rich flavor and texture. You can enjoy the simply boiled crab, savoring its natural taste. The restaurant also offers a variety of à la carte dishes, including seasonal sushi, and a selection of alcoholic beverages, with an all-you-can-drink option available. Suitable for both casual dining and special occasions, it’s perfect for seasonal banquets. The luxurious all-you-can-eat course with king crab is a must-try, and it’s located conveniently in front of Sakae Station.
Kanizanmai Nagoya Sakae Branch
Open: [Monday-Friday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: Walk straight for 3 minutes from Sakae Station Exit 12 on Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Lime. The restaurant is on the 8th floor of the building, with "Furaibo" on the 1st floor.
Address: 8F, Eari Bldg., 4-5-8, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: Walk straight for 3 minutes from Sakae Station Exit 12 on Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Lime. The restaurant is on the 8th floor of the building, with "Furaibo" on the 1st floor.
Address: 8F, Eari Bldg., 4-5-8, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Sichuan Dentou Hinabe Shokukan Main Branch
Sichuan Dentou Hinabe Shokukan Main Branch offers an authentic Sichuan hotpot experience. The restaurant specializes in the iconic Sichuan Mala Soup, featuring Sichuan pepper and red pepper, providing a perfect balance of spice and numbing sensations. Non-spicy options, such as tomato and mushroom soup, are also available. Guests can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables, seasoning them with a selection of spices. The restaurant’s decor reflects Sichuan culture, providing an immersive and authentic dining experience.
Sichuan Dentou Hinabe Shokukan Main Branch
Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am), [Saturday, Sunday, Day Before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am), [National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: Located across the street from the Kisoji Kawaramachi Branch
Address: 1F, Washio Bldg., 5-8-6, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: Located across the street from the Kisoji Kawaramachi Branch
Address: 1F, Washio Bldg., 5-8-6, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
More Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
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