Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Japan's fourth-largest city sits roughly midway between Tokyo and Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It's home to Toyota's corporate heartland and a strong manufacturing heritage, which shows in excellent museums.
Nagoya works best as a 1–2 day stop or as a base for central Japan: the Japanese Alps, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Ise Grand Shrine are all reachable.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Nagoya Station (Meieki)
Twin towers, department stores and many hotels.
Sakae
Shopping and nightlife, Oasis 21 and the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (former TV tower).
Osu
Lively shopping arcades with electronics, vintage shops and street food around Osu Kannon temple.
Atsuta
Home of Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan's most important shrines.
Top sights & experiences
Nagoya Castle
Famous for its golden shachihoko (tiger-fish) roof ornaments and the reconstructed Hommaru Palace. The concrete main keep has been closed to visitors while plans for a wooden reconstruction are discussed — check before visiting.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Looms to cars in a historic red-brick factory.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
JR Central's museum of Shinkansen, maglev and historic trains.
Ghibli Park
Studio Ghibli-themed park in Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Nagakute). Entry requires advance timed tickets.
Atsuta Jingu
Said to enshrine the sacred sword Kusanagi, one of Japan's imperial regalia.
Tokugawa Art Museum
Samurai-era treasures of the Owari Tokugawa family.
What to eat
Hitsumabushi
Grilled eel over rice eaten three ways: plain, with condiments, then with dashi poured over.
Miso katsu
Pork cutlet with rich red-miso sauce.
Tebasaki
Peppery, sweet-savoury fried chicken wings.
Kishimen & miso nikomi udon
Flat noodles in broth, and udon simmered in a clay pot of miso.
Morning service
Many cafés include toast and egg free with a morning coffee.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Hostels near Nagoya Station and Osu.
Mid-range
Business hotels around Meieki and Sakae.
Luxury
High-floor hotels in the station towers.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Nagoya is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo and around 35 minutes from Kyoto on the fastest Shinkansen. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) connects by Meitetsu limited express (around 30 minutes).
Getting around
Six subway lines plus the Meitetsu and Kintetsu railways. The Me~guru sightseeing bus loops past major attractions. IC cards (manaca, plus Suica etc.) are accepted.
Day trips & side trips
Inuyama
One of only a dozen original castle keeps in Japan, plus a historic castle town.
Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Alpine old town and thatched-roof villages; better overnight (around 2.5 hours to Takayama by limited express). See our Takayama and Shirakawa-go guides.
Ise Grand Shrine
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex, around 1.5 hours by Kintetsu.
Magome & Tsumago
Preserved post towns on the old Nakasendo road, linked by a scenic hiking trail.
Gujo Hachiman
Water town famous for its summer dance festival.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are best. Summer is very hot and humid. The Nagoya Festival in October features historical processions.
Local tips
- Ghibli Park tickets go on sale in advance on a set schedule — check the official site.
- Combine Nagoya with a night in Takayama for a great central-Japan loop.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: