Top Attractions in Nagoya, Japan’s Heartland
The capital of Aichi is known for powerful samurai lords and massive industry.
Cover photo: Mirai Tower shines at night in Hisaya Odori Park, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (2022). Photo by Danny With Love.
Intro
With a population of some 2.2 million residents, Nagoya (名古屋) is the fourth-largest city in Japan. Surrounding Aichi Prefecture (愛知県) is home to the largest number of the nation’s foreign residents outside Toyko, giving Nagoya a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Yet despite its size and convenient location, the prefectural capital is often overlooked by tourists.
While Nagoya lacks the excitement of trendy Tokyo or the historic charm of Kyoto, it’s a relaxed city offering a wealth of attractions. The prefectural capital is home to the legacies of powerful samurai (侍) lords and many of the nation’s leading industries.
Nagoya developed as a castle town in the 17th century. An astounding 70% of Japan’s early daimyo (大名) [feudal lords] hailed from Aichi and Nagoya is the birthplace of Japan’s San Eiketsu (三英傑) or “Three Unifiers,” Nobunaga Oda (織田 信長), Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣 秀吉), and Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川 家康).
Centrally located between the capitals of Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya evolved into a major industrial area, boasting impressive technologies. Though the city was devastated in World War II, today the Port of Nagoya is Japan’s busiest, handling 10% of the nation’s total exports. In 2008, UNESCO certified Nagoya as a “City of Design” in recognition of local manufacturing including the Toyota Motor Corporation and the Noritake Company.
Despite Nagoya’s national reputation as “the most boring city in Japan,” tourism in Aichi Prefecture increased by 40% in the decade prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic (2011-2019).
Nagoya is home to both the world’s largest planetarium and sexiest gorilla, as well as Japan’s most beautiful palace, oldest TV tower, and second-most important shrine. Major events include the World Cosplay Summit and Domannaka Matsuri, one of Japan’s largest dance competitions. Nagoya is also one of only four cities which host professional sumo (相撲) tournaments nationwide.
Prompted by the recent opening of Ghibli Park, American magazine Time declared Nagoya one of the “World’s Greatest Places” in 2023. Nagoya is deserving of the attention! Read on for a list of the area’s best attractions.
Disclaimer
The following list is considered in terms of popularity, uniqueness, value, and my personal recommendation. All prices are for adult visitors. Accompanying dollar estimates are based on exchange rate prior to publishing. All prices are subject to change.
#1 Nagoya Castle Grounds & Honmaru Goten (Palace)
Experience the legacy of daimyo Ieyasu Tokagawa at the grounds of Nagoya Castle. Known for its massive kin-shachihoko (金鯱) or golden sea monster ornaments, Nagoya-jo was the first castle designated a National Treasure. While the main keep is permanently closed* due to structural concerns, visitors can walk through the grounds, including the exquisite Honmaru Goten, adorned in gold leaf.
Considered the most beautiful palace in Japan, the 2018 reconstruction features gorgeous painted partitions, decorative fittings, and carved transom windows. It’s a jaw-dropping sight. The castle grounds also host seasonal festivals!
Castle Grounds Entrance: 500 yen (approx. 3.50 USD)
Honmaru Goten (Palace): Free (Grounds Entrance Required)
Treasure Museum: Free (Grounds Entrance Required)
*Nagoya Castle is set to be rebuilt by 2032 at the earliest.
#2 Hisaya Odori Koen
Renovated in 2022, Hisaya Odori Koen is Nagoya’s premiere urban park. The area stretches about two kilometers (1.2 miles), centered around Japan’s oldest TV Tower, built in 1954. The park features an array of international cuisine and it’s also a popular spot for live music. Don’t miss the nearby Spaceship-Aqua Observation Deck! Hisaya Odori Koen hosts Nagoya Festival in October and Domannaka Matsuri — one of Japan’s largest dance competitions — in August.
Park Entrance: Free
Mirai Tower (Formerly Nagoya TV Tower) Observation Deck: 1300 yen (approx. 9.00 USD)
Spaceship-Aqua Observation Deck at Oasis 21: Free
#3 Osu Kannon Temple & Shopping District
Osu Kannon Temple enshrines the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Relocated here at the order of Ieyasu Tokagawa himself, the temple remains an iconic gathering place in Nagoya, regularly hosting flea markets on the 18th and 28th of the month, and a summer festival in August. Osu Kannon is also popular for the nearby classic arcade, referred to as the Osu Shopping District. Don’t miss the regular White Dragon light and fog show at Banshoji (Temple)!
Osu Temple Entrance: Free
Banshoji White Dragon Show: Free
#4 Ghibli Park in Nagakute
Enter the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli, considered the pinnacle of Japanese animation! Though the recently opened park is incomplete* visitors can enjoy detailed photo-backdrops, short films, and gift shops with exclusive merchandise. Despite limited English language support and a frustrating ticket system, the park is sure to delight any Ghibli fan!
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased directly through the Ghibli Park’s international website, with slots released on the 10th of every month. Alternatively, visitors can purchase a package including a hotel stay with groups such as Sunrise Tours.
Entrance to Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse: 2,000 to 2,500 yen (approx. 14.00 to 17.50 USD)
Entrance to Hill of Youth: 1,000 yen (approx. 7.00 USD)
Entrance to Dondoko Forest: 1,000 yen (approx. 7.00 USD)
*The remaining two sections are scheduled to be open by mid-2024.
#5 Tokugawa Art Museum & Garden
Established by the 19th generation of Tokagawa, this museum boasts a collection of Tokugawa family treasures, including arms, armor, and even hina-ningyo (雛人形) [dolls]. The museum also holds the oldest surviving illustrations of The Tale of Genji, with the fragile scrolls only exhibited on rare occasions. Don’t miss nearby Tokugawa-en (Garden), which is beautiful in every season!
Tokugawa Art Museum: 1,600 yen (approx. 11.00 USD)
Tokugawa Art Museum and Tokugawa-en (Garden) Combined Ticket: 1,750 yen (approx. 12.00 USD)
Entrance to Tokugawa-en (Garden) Only: 300 yen (approx. 2.00 USD)
#6 Atsuta Jingu (Grand Shrine)
With 1,900 years of history, Atsuta Jingu is considered the second-most important shrine in all Japan. The site claims to enshrine the Shinto kami (神) [deity] Amaterasu in the form of the sacred sword, Kusanagi no Tsurigi (草薙の剣) or “The Grasscutter,” declared one of three imperial relics. While the artifact’s existence is doubted, visitors can enjoy rotating collections of other swords and treasures kept at the shrine. The temple’s main festival, Atsuta Matsuri, takes place in early June!
Temple Grounds: Free
Kusanagi Kan (Sword Museum): 500 yen (approx. 3.50 USD)
Bunkaden (Treasure House): 500 yen (approx. 3.50 USD)
Kusanagi Kan (Sword Museum) and Bunkaden (Treasure House) Combined Ticket: 800 yen (approx. 5.50 USD)
#7 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology
Learn about Toyota’s history, from its early days as a loom manufacturer to the world’s largest car producer it is today. The staff are knowledgeable and English support is excellent. This extensive museum includes interactive elements, technology demonstrations, and a gift shop with model cars!
Museum Entrance: 500 yen (approx. 3.50 USD)
Combined Ticket with the Craft Center & Noritake Museum: 800 yen (approx. 5.50 USD)
#8 Kabuki Cafe Nagoya Za (Theater)
Experience contemporary kabuki (歌舞伎) theater at this intimate playhouse. Audience members are encouraged to buy and throw ohineri (おひねり) [offerings] and shout omuko (大向う) [cheers] at key moments during the two-hour show. A complimentary drink is included. Though conducted entirely in Japanese, visitors will enjoy the high-energy performances, featuring creative sets, costumes, and choreography!
Show Ticket: 3,500 yen (approx. 24.00 USD)*
*Reservation Recommended
#9 Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden
Spend the day at the sprawling combined Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden. With over 500 species, Higashiyama Zoo is one of the largest in Asia, and the second-busiest in Japan. Don’t miss internet-sensation Shabani, declared the world’s sexiest gorilla! The gardens are especially popular in sakura (桜) [cherry blossom] season, around early April.
Zoo and Garden Entrance: 500 yen (approx. 3.50 USD)
Entrance with Sky Tower: 640 yen (approx. 4.00 USD)
#10 Sakae Clubs
Nagoya’s downtown district of Sakae comes alive as evening falls. After a day of hard work, locals gather for dinner, drinks, and dancing. Two of the most popular clubs are T2 and iD Cafe, both featuring multiple floors with a wide variety of music. Further east, Metro Club hosts a dedicated gay & lesbian night on the second Saturday of the month!
Club Cover Charge: Depending on gender, day, and event ranges from about 1,000 yen (approx. 7.00 USD) to about 3,000 yen (approx. 21.00 USD)
#11 Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
Home to over 500 species of sea creatures, the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is one of the best in Japan. The aquarium boasts the largest outdoor tank in the nation, accommodating 3,000 seats. Watch the training of orcas and belugas, and the spectacular dolphin performance! Nagoya Port Festival takes place mid-July.
Entrance: 2,030 yen (approx. 14.00 USD)*
*Reservation Recommended
#12 Sky Promenade at Midland Square
Stroll above Nagoya in one of Japan’s tallest buildings, offering 360 degree views of the city. 220 meters (722 feet) above ground, enjoy the sight of Nagoya Castle, light installations, and even Italian-style barbeque in the open air!
Promenade Entrance: 1,000 yen (approx. 7.00 USD)
#13 Craft Center & Noritake Museum
Discover world-class porcelain at Noritake, Japan’s first company to perfect western-style ceramics! The sprawling complex includes a museum, garden, shop, café and restaurant. The museum features a large variety of pieces, including a set designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Learn about the production process, watch masters in action, and paint your own souvenir dish.
Craft Center & Museum Entrance: 500 yen (approx. 3.50 USD)
Combined Ticket with Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology: 800 yen (approx. 5.50 USD)
Porcelain Craft Experience: Starting at 2,000 yen (approx. 14.00 USD)
#14 Nagoya City Art Museum
Designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurakawa (黒川 紀章) — known for the National Art Center in Tokyo and the recently-demolished Nakagin Capsule Tower — this modern art museum features local and international art in both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Permanent Collection Entrance: 300 yen (approx. 2.00 USD)
Special Exhibition Entrance: Prices Vary
Additional Attractions to Consider (Alphabetical)
Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art
Antarctic Museum (icebreaker ship)
Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Tie-Dyeing Museum
Banshoji (temple)
Cultural Path (heritage district)
Kawabun (historic kaiseki restaurant)
Kirin Beer Nagoya Factory (tours)
Legoland Japan Resort (theme park)
Mazak Museum of Art (western painting)
Meijo Koen (public park)
Misokatsu Yabaton (local fried pork restaurant chain)
Misono-za (theater)
Museum Meiji-Mura (architectural park)
Nagoya City Science Museum
Nagoya Dome (baseball stadium)
Pokemon Center Nagoya (merch shop)
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park (transportation museum)
Shirotori Teien (Japanese garden)
Sky-Boat Ferris Wheel
Toganji (temple)
Tsutaya Bookstore at Aeon Mall
