nagoya city tour from airport

NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

If it isn’t too obvious yet, Japan is The Poor Traveler ‘s most-loved destination. Between Yoshke and myself, we have been to the Land of the Rising Sun a total of 30 times. Sometimes, it can be easy for us to think that we’ve experienced the best that Japan has to offer, but every once in a while, we get slapped hard by a giant something that reads: “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” And just recently, that something was Nagoya.

When somebody mentions Japan, the first cities that come to mind are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nagoya, more often that not, is an afterthought. I had considered traveling to Nagoya many times before, but then I would see the cost of shinkansen or the time it takes to travel by bus and the plan of going to Nagoya would remain just that — a plan. But here’s the thing, Nagoya and its surrounding regions are more than just a side trip destination. It is home to some of the best sights in Japan! The best part, for those who do not have that much time or budget, Nagoya is becoming more and more affordable and accessible.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING NAGOYA

Understandably, when we hear Japanese historic cities, Kyoto is usually the first to mind. But what many foreign tourists don’t realize is that the Nagoya area played a key role in Japan’s history. At one point in their lives, the country’s three most influential warlords and daimyo — Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyazu — were based in Owari Province, which is now the present-day Nagoya City and surrounding areas. It is even claimed that Oda Nobunaga himself was born at the Nagoya Castle, although this has been a subject of debates among historians.

Strategically located in between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Nagoya developed from a small castle town into a powerful stronghold. Today, Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the biggest city in the Chubu Region (also known as Central Japan). Home to over 2 million residents, it is also the fourth most populous city in the archipelago, next only to Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka.

Nagoya offers a lot of both urban and cultural attractions: from the Tokugawa period Nagoya castle, Sakae shopping area, and Legoland. It is also a good base for travelers wanting to explore attractions in nearby destinations like the postcard-worthy Shirakawago and Takayama City in Gifu, the Laguna Ten Bosch theme park in Gamagori, and Nagashima Resort (Nabana no Sato) in Mie.

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

• Language: Japanese (Nihongo). English isn’t widely spoken. However, most signs have English translations.
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). JPY 1000 is roughly USD 9, EUR 7.4, PHP 458 (as of Jan 2018).
• Modes of payment: Cash is king in Nagoya and the rest of Japan. But some establishments accept credit cards.
• Electricity Info: 100V. Type A sockets and plugs (with two flat pins).

WHERE TO STAY IN NAGOYA

As far as tourism is concerned, Nagoya can be divided into four areas: Meieki, Sakae, Osu, and Kanayama.

The most ideal places to stay in the city are following:

• Meieki (Nagoya Station area). A lot of the attractions that you can enjoy in this part of Japan are located not in Nagoya but around it. You might find yourself taking the train a lot. This makes the area surrounding Nagoya Station a great place to stay. Nagoya Station will connect you with many other destinations in Shoryudo and Kansai regions, including Chubu Centrair Airport.
• Sakae District. Sakae is the shopping and restaurant district of the city, so you’ll not run out of things to enjoy here. Most tourist attractions like Oasis 21, Nagoya Castle and Nagoya TV Tower are located. It also has a major bus terminal, which is directly connected to the airport and other destinations in Central Japan.

When it comes to accommodations, Nagoya is less expensive than Osaka or Tokyo. Still, expect some variations in prices depending on the season. For backpackers and long term travelers, you can find hostel dormitories that offer a bed for as low as ¥2000. If you want your own room, budget hotels can provide one for under $60 per night.

Top Nagoya Budget Hotels

Here are the top-rated budget hotels on Agoda as of March 2019.

• Vessel Inn Sakae Ekimae. Check Rates & Availability!
• Sanco Inn Nagoya Nishiki. Check Rates & Availability!
• VIA INN Nagoya Ekimae Tsubakicho. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel Wing International Select Nagoya Sakae. Check Rates & Availability!
• Daiwa Royal Hotel D-CITY Nagoya Nayabashi. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Nagoya Hostels

Here are the top-rated hostels on Agoda as of March 2019.

• Leo Star Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Trip & Sleep Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hostel Nico. Check Rates & Availability!
• Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• First Cabin TKP Nagoya Station. Check Rates & Availability!

Photos above were provided by the hotels via Agoda.

Search for more Nagoya Hotels!

How to get to nagoya.

There are two airports serving Nagoya: the Nagoya Airport and the Central Japan International Airport. These are separate airports, so don’t confuse them with each other.

• Nagoya Airport (NKM) is also sometimes referred to as Komaki Airport or Nagoya Airfield. This used to be the main gateway to Nagoya until 2005 when Centrair was opened. It is situated 20 minutes away from the city center. However, there is only one commercial carrier that operates here, which is Fuji Dreams Airlines.
• Central Japan International Airport (NGO) is also known as Chubu Centrair International Airport or simply Centrair ). It is now the primary gateway to Nagoya and the rest of Central Japan. It is also the biggest in the region, serving over 11 million passengers a year.

If you’re flight originates outside Japan, then you’re most likely flying in via Centrair. So when we mention “airport” in this post, we are also very likely referring to Centrain and NOT the other airport.

MANILA TO NAGOYA

The cheapest direct flights from Manila are offered by JetStar. Here’s a sample random search on SkyScanner.

Flight time is 5 hours and 10 minutes.

TOKYO TO NAGOYA

• BY BUS. From Tokyo, the cheapest way to reach Nagoya is by bus. Willer Express runs daily buses from Shinjuku Station or Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo to Nagoya Station or Meitetsu Bus Center (also in Nagoya). Willer’s bus stop labeled Nagoya Station isn’t really at the station itself but at NTT Nishinihon Noritake biru (West Japan Noritake Building) along an adjacent road. Travel time: around 6 hours. Fare: ¥3700-¥4200.
• BY SHINKANSEN. If you’re coming from Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station. There are 3 types of Shinkansen that ply this route: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Nozomi is the fastest, taking only about 1 hour 20 minutes. The second fastest is Hikari, around 2 hours. The slowest shinkansen is Kodama, 2 hours 40 minutes. However, please note that Nozomi trains are not covered by JR Pass. Fare is almost the same at around ¥6260. An additional seat fee is required: ¥4620 to ¥4830 for a reserved seat; ¥4100 for an unreserved seat. Total cost for an unreserved-seat journey is around ¥10,360.
• BY PLANE. All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have direct flights from Tokyo to Nagoya for around ¥7000. Travel time: 1 hour. It’s a good price, but also consider the journey to and from the airport.

OSAKA TO NAGOYA

• BY BUS. Willer Express Bus runs trips from Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) in Namba or Umeda Sky Building to Nagoya Station Noritake (or NTT Nishinihon Noritake biru or West Japan Noritake Building along an adjacent road). Travel time is 3-4 hours. Fare: ¥2000-2500.
• BY SHINKANSEN. From Shin-Osaka Station, you can take the shinkansen to Nagoya. You’ll find 3 types of bullet trains: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Note that Nozomi trains do not accept JR Pass. Travel time is 53-70 minutes. Fare: ¥3350. An additional seat fee is collected: ¥2480 for unreserved seat, ¥3000 for a reserved seat. Total cost for an unreserved-seat journey is around ¥5830.
• BY TRAIN. At Osaka-Namba Station (different from Namba Station), take Kintetsu Limited Express Train to KINTETSU-NAGOYA Station. Travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes. Fare: ¥2360. Seat Fee: ¥1900.

If you’re also visiting Kyoto, Nara or Mie, you might want to consider getting a KINTETSU RAIL PASS and just take the train. This pass will give you unlimited access to the Kintetsu Railway network, which covers much of the Kansai Region and Nagoya.

There are two pass types that cover both Osaka and Nagoya.

• KINTETSU RAIL PASS (regular) , which is valid for 5 days for Kintetsu train lines. Cost: ¥3600.
• KINTETSU RAIL PASS plus (emphasis on the plus), which is valid for 5 days for Kintetsu trains as well as buses in Nara and Mie areas. Cost: ¥4800.

Both types can work on the Limited Express train that connects Osaka and Kyoto, but it covers only the fare. You will have to shell out for the seat fee.

The KINTETSU RAIL PASS also gives you special deals and discounts at various attractions and stores in Kansai and Nagoya including BIC Camera stores and Nabana no Sato. For the complete list of participating establishments, visit this page .

Because the KINTETSU RAIL PASS is valid for five days, the itinerary below is best added to your Nagoya or Nara itinerary. This way, you can really maximize the pass.

Chubu Centrair Airport to Nagoya City Center

The Chubu Centrair Station is connected to a train station, which is part of the Meitetsu Airport Line. At the Arrival Hall of the Airport Terminal, simply walk to an area called ACCESS PLAZA, which is where you’ll find the train station.

You can ride any of these trains to get to the city center:

• Regular Train. This may be local or semi-express train. It takes a relatively long time because it makes a lot of stops along the way. No reservation required. Travel time: 48-60+ minutes Fare: ¥870
• Limited Express Train. Makes much fewer stops. These trains have both reserved and non-reserved seats. Travel time: 37 minutes. Fare: ¥870 (additional ¥360 if you choose to reserve a seat)
• μ-SKY (MU SKY) Limited Express Train. Running at 120km/hr, this is the fastest option. All seats are reserved so an additional ¥360 charge applies on top of the fare. Travel time: 28 minutes. Fare: Fare: ¥870 + ¥360 reserved seat fee

On Hyperdia, the airport station is tagged as “CENTRAL JAPAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT” while the Meitetsu Nagoya Station as “MEITETSUNAGOYA”.

You can also travel by bus. Take the Meitetsu Airport Limousine Bus to get to several parts of the city. The bus leaves Platform #6 of the Centrair Bus Terminal and makes stops at a few areas in the city including Sakae and Fushimi-cho before terminating at Meitetsu Bus Center at the Meitetsu Nagoya Station.

Travel time: 50 minutes to Sakae and 78 minutes to Meitetsu Nagoya Station.

Fare: ¥1200 (adult), ¥600 (child)

There’s a bus every hour from 08:15 am to 10:15 pm.

For a step-by-step guide and full schedule, read: CENTRAIR AIRPORT TO NAGOYA CITY CENTER .

WHERE TO RENT POCKET WI-FI IN NAGOYA

For tourists, language barrier exists in Japan. Getting lost is fun sometimes but not when you have limited time and working within a limited budget. It helps to stay connected online so you could easily use Google Maps, Hyperdia, translator app, and currency converter.

You can rent a pocket wifi easily so you’re connected to the Internet as you explore. Pocket wi-fi rental units get sold out fast so it’s best to reserve one even before your trip. Just reserve online via Klook and pick it up at Centrair Airport so it’s convenient for you. Klook’s pocket wi-fi offer the following:

• Unlimited data
• Can accommodate up to 5 devices
• Battery life: 9 hours
• Airport pick up and return

If your entry airport is different from the exit airport, it’s completely fine too. Just indicate your entry and exit points when you book. They have a list of covered airports, but most major airports in Japan is included.

If there is no available pocket wifi on your travel dates, you can also consider a 4G DATA SIM.

THINGS TO DO IN NAGOYA

Legoland japan.

The first ever Legoland amusement park in Japan! The outdoor park is divided into seven (7) themed areas: Miniland, Factory, Bricktopia, Adventure, Lego City, Knight’s Kingdom, and Pirate Shores. It also features a rotating Observation Tower, offering you a view of the whole park. Most attractions and rides are for kids, but there are some that adults would enjoy too.

Entrance Fee:  ¥4,700; Free (children below 2 years old)


Getting There:  From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line train to Kinjofuto Station. Travel on foot to Legoland from Kinjofuto Station. It will take around five minutes on foot to reach Legoland from Kinjofuto Station.

• Nagoya Castle

One of the largest castles in Japan. Built in the early Edo Period. Sadly, the castle’s current main keep will undergo restoration this year. It will be open to the public until November 2017. There’s also an ongoing construction beside the castle, but no need to worry. It does not greatly affect or obstruct the beauty of the main castle.

Admission Fee: ¥500 (adults); ¥100 (senior citizen); Free (students from junior high school and below)

Hours open: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (daily)


How to get there: Get off at Higashi-ote Station via Meitetsu Seto Line or board a Me-guru Sightseeing Bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal’s Platform 11 and alight at Nagoya Castle stop.

TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry

If you’re a car enthusiast, you might enjoy this. FACT: Toyota originally was not a car manufacturing company. It was an automatic looms manufacturer in the early 1900s. You know, those machines that create fabrics. Here, you’ll discover the company’s humble beginnings to what it is today. Admission Ticket price: ¥1000 ($8.80 or P443)

Entrance Fee: ¥500 (adults); ¥200 – 300 (students); Free (senior citizens)

Hours open: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (daily, except Mondays and holidays)


How to get there: Take a three-minute walk from Sako Station via Meitetsu Nagoya Line or ride a Me-guru Sightseeing Bus at Nagoya Station Bus Terminal’s Platform 11 and alight at Toyota Commemorative Museum stop.

Railway Museum (SCMAGLEV and Railway Park)

A museum made by Central Japan Railways (JR Central) and located outside Nagoya city. Trains and railways is Japan’s main transportation go-to of locals and tourists. Because it’s fast and reliable. This museum is just 7 years old and was built to educate visitors about the railway system in Japan. You’ll see the evolution from Tram to bullet trains to Magnetic Levitated (MAGLEV) trains and how Japan’s massive railway system managed to set train speed records. Admission Ticket price: ¥1000 ($8.80 or P443)

Entrance Fee: ¥1,000


Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (daily, except Tuesdays and holidays)

How to get there:

• Take the Aonami Line, ticket price is ¥350 ($3 or P155). 27 minutes train ride from Nagoya station (not covered by JR Pass)
• Stop at Kinjofuto Station
• Walk 200 meters, SCMAGLEV and Railway Park will be on the left

Sakae Downtown District

The shopping and restaurant district of Nagoya. This is also the district where you can find the following attractions:

How to get there: From Nagoya Station, take a subway train on Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station.

Flight of Dreams (Centrair Airport)

The Chubu Centrair International Airport is not just a gateway. It is also a destination on its own. Of all the Japanese airports I have set foot in, it’s definitely one of the most memorable in terms of design and the amenities they built for the convenience of the passengers.

The check-in hall alone is fascinating. Statues of ninja, whose roots can be traced back to the Shoryudo region, are scattered around the area. I was ninja-spotting while waiting for my flight.

But if you have more time before your flight or after you land, explore the rest of the airport, which is packed with a lot of entertaining features. While most airports only have dining and shopping areas, Centrair has two lanes of stores and restos: one boasts western/international establishments while the other fosters a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

In winter, there are also illuminations installed on the open-air area just outside the dining/shopping hall.

But what really sets Centrair apart from other aiports in Japan is the Flight of Dreams , an aviation-themed amusement park located just a short walk away from the main hall of the airport. Flight of Dreams features many interactive zones designed by teamLab that all types of travelers can enjoy — especially kids!

The centerpiece is a Boeing 787 Dreamliner — the first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner test plane launched in 2009 — that visitors may access. An accompanying 3D projection show also takes place multiple times per day, giving a fantastic out-of-this-world flight illusion. Best viewed from the 4th floor viewing deck!

Here are some of the other features you may enjoy!

Other Attractions

• Osu Kannon Temple . This Kamakura-period Buddhist temple is located in Central Nagoya and is next to Osu Shopping Arcade.
• Shike-michi District . For Tokugawa period feels. Old houses and old cellars remain intact.
• Nagoya City Art Museum
• Tokugawa Art Museum

Day Trips from Nagoya

Shirakawa-gō village.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site 2.5 to 3.5 hours away by bus from Nagoya station and located in Ōno District in Gifu Prefecture. You’ll find traditional fgassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. The roofing style of these houses are called “praying hands”.

Although the village is also great in spring and autumn, it is most magical in winter. The snow crowning the farmhouses and the night lights make it look like it’s straight from a hallmark card. But if you’re in Nagoya or in the village on the month of October, don’t miss the Doburoku festival from October 14-19, with the main celebration on 14th and 15th of October.

For lunch, you can try the Irori restaurant. At a price of ¥1620, you’ll have a complete set meal — fish, rice, miso soup, vegetables, tofu, pork or beef cooked with special sauce, and rice crispies for dessert. The restaurant is a few walks away from the bus station.

How to Get There :

• From Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya, take the Gifu Bus (Shirakawa-gō Express Line). Ticket price is ¥3,900 ($35 or P1,740)
• Get off at Shirakawa-gō bus stop

For more info, read: SHIRAKAWAGO TRAVEL GUIDE!

Takayama Old Town

Located in Gifu’s Hida Region, it is accessible via a 2.5 to 3 hours bus and train journey. Aside from its wonderfully preserved buildings, it is most famous for the Takayama Festival every April and October, the start of spring and autumn.

How to Get There by Bus:

• From Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya, take the Nohi/Meitetsu/JR Tokai on the Takayama-Nagoya line. Ticket price is ¥2,980 ($26.18 or P1,318)
• Get off at Takayama Nohi Bus Center

How to Get There by Train (Expensive):

• From Nagoya Station, take the JR Limited Express Wide View Hida train. Ticket price is ¥6,030 ($53 or P2,668)
• Get off at Takayama Station

Nagashima Resort

An amusement park, flower park, and shopping district all in one, which is why it’s famous for vacationers. Here some of the facilities inside the resort.

Nabana no Sato , a flower park that houses various seasonal flowers. We are in the right time of the season because we were able to see different species of flowers in full bloom. But perhaps the most impressive of the attractions here is their winter illumination. You walk inside the tunnel made of millions of illuminating LED lights.

Ticket Price: ¥2,300 in winter illumination season, ¥1000 in summer, and ¥1,600 the rest of the year.

Nagashima Spaland , one of the world’s most visited amusement parks in the world and home to one of the highest ferris wheel “Aurora Wheel” which stands at 90 meters.There are also roller coasters like the Steel Dragon 2000, the sixth fastest in the world. If you love adventure and thrill, this park is for you.

Ticket Prices:

• ¥6,400 – entrance fee + unlimited rides at Spaland and waterpark
• ¥5,000 – entrance fee + unlimited rides at Spaland
• ¥3,500 – entrance fee + unlimited rides at waterpark
• ¥1,600 – entrance fee only
• Individual fees per ride range from ¥300 ($2.60 or P133) to ¥1000 ($8.80 or P443).

How to get to Nagashima Park:

• From Meitetsu Bus Center, take the Nagashima Onsen bus route. Get off at Nabana no Sato for ¥890 or Nagashima Onsen for ¥1,060.

Laguna Ten Bosch

Laguna Ten Bosch is divided into several zones including Lagunasia, an amusement park with thrilling rides; Laguna Flower Lagoon, a giant garden featuring beautiful blooms; Laguna Illumination and 3D Mapping; Laguna Spa, featuring hot springs; a Festival Market, with a wide selection of shopping and dining options; and Henn Na Hotel, a strange hotel that appears to be run by robot dinosaurs! The last one was particularly interesting. I first heard about it in an episode of Dark Tourist on Netflix, so I was stoked to be able to see it in person. The hotel isn’t really staff-less — there are a few human workers involved — but most of the check-in and reception tasks can be done on your own through the assistance of talking electronic Jurassic friends.

Other Nearby Destinations

We have created a separate post enumerating other destinations that you can easily visit from Nagoya.

READ: DAY TRIPS FROM NAGOYA

HOW TO GET AROUND NAGOYA

Train is the main and the most convenient transportation mode in the city. If it’s your first time in Japan, the train system can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here.

Nagoya Subway Lines .

The subway network is ideal for exploring the city center of Nagoya.

• Sakura-dori Line – Fastest way to get to Nagoya TV Tower and Nagoya Castle (transfer to Meijo Line)
• Higashiyama Line – if you’re going to Nagoya City Science Museum
• Tsurumai Line – if you’re going to Tsurumai Park
• Kami-iida Line
• Meijo Line – if you’re going to Meijo Park (after Nagoya castle)

Nagoya JR Train Lines This line is perfect for side-trips that are outside Nagoya but not advisable when in comes to touring and exploring the inner city of Nagoya.

• Chuo Line – Tsuruma Park & Tokugawa Park
• Meitutsu Line – Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
• Kansai Line – line connecting Nagoya to Osaka
• Takayama Line

If you have an internet connection, train travel around the city can be a walk in the park. All you need is access to Hyperdia and it will show you exactly how to get to your destination by train.

If it’s your first time in Japan, the train system can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here. It’s quite simple, really. Here’s how to use it:

• On your web browser, go to Hyperdia.com/en/ . Input your origin and the station nearest your destination. It will then display possible route options including the fare, travel time, and transfers. We created separate post that can guide you on how to use the train easily: HOW TO USE HYPERDIA FOR JAPAN TRAIN TRAVEL!
• Once you know how much you’re gonna pay, approach the ticket machines. By default, these machines display everything in Japanese characters. Press the button that reads ENGLISH.
• Follow the steps onscreen . Usually, you will need to press the button (next to the screen) that displays how many passengers you are and then press the corresponding price on the screen.
• Get your tickets. If you realize you made a mistake after getting your tix, just use the same ticket. There are fare adjustment machines at every station anyway. When you get to your destination, just make the station before exiting the station.
• Insert your ticket to the slots at the gate . It will be released at the end of the gate so be sure to get it again. You will still need that to exit the station
• Go to the right platform . To check if you’re in the right direction, check the list of stations usually displayed on a wall before the platforms.
• Wait for the right train . The estimated time of arrival of the next few trains and the train type (Rapid, Local, etc) are displayed on electronic screens above the platform.

That’s it! If you get lost or you encounter any problem, don’t hesitate to approach the staff at the window. Every station has one.

There are also buses available if you want to get a good view of the city while in transit. Here are the bus and train lines in Nagoya, starting point of the suggested locations in the train lines are in Nagoya Station. The train lines you’ll use will vary on the location of your accommodation.

Meguru Loop Bus If you want to see the city’s usual tourist attractions, this is a great option. One stop fare is around ¥210 or you can buy a ¥500 for a 1-day Meguru pass. The journey starts at Nagoya Station. Here are the stops:

• Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
• Noritake Garden
• Tokugawaen, Tokugawa Art Museum, Hosa Library
• Cultural Path, Futaba Museum
• Nagoya City Archives South
• Nagoya TV Tower
• Hirokoji-Sakae
• Hirokoji-Fushimi

The Meguru Loop Bus is available from Tuesdays to Sundays. Here’s the schedule:

• Weekdays. A bus leaves Nagoya station every 30 minutes to 1 hour from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
• Weekends and public holidays. A bus leaves Nagoya Station every 20-30 minutes from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

It doesn’t operate on Mondays and New Year holidays . If public holiday falls on a Monday, it is not available the following day.

Nagoya Tourist Passes

Most major destinations in Japan offer tourists passes so they could explore the city conveniently. Nagoya is no exception. Here are some passes that you may avail of:

• Meguru 1-Day Pass. This pass will grant you unlimited rides on the Meguru Loop Bus for one day. Cost: ¥500.
• 1-Day Subway and Bus Pass. This is a special ticket that will allow you unlimited access to city buses and subway lines for a day. Cost: ¥850, adult; ￥430, child under 12. If you’re only interested in the subway and NOT the buses, here are the rates: ¥740, adult; ￥370, child under 12.
• Donichi Eco Kippu (Weekend Eco Ticket). This will enable you unlimited access to subway lines and city buses on weekends, holdays, and the 8th day of every month (Environmental Conservation Day). Cost: ¥600, adult; ￥300 for child under 12.
• Manaca Card. This isn’t really a pass but a reloadable IC card. This won’t give you unlimited access, but this will let you bypass purchasing a ticket each time you use the subway or bus. You just need to hover the card to the reader at the entrance. It’s much like Osaka’s ICOCA and Tokyo’s PASMO and SUICA.

Central Japan Bus Passes

If you’ll be visiting multiple destinations across Central Japan, consider getting a SHORYUDO BUS PASS , which can get you a lot of savings!

Meitetsu offers various Shoryudo bus passes that allow unlimited travel to and from many of the region’s key destinations, including access to the Chubu Centrair International Airport. This means that if you have this pass, you can use it immediately upon your arrival at the airport.

There are three courses available but these two are the most popular!

• 3 Day Pass: Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa Course. This bus pass enables unlimited travel on highway buses to and from the airport, Nagoya, Gifu City, Takayama City, Shirakawa-go and even as far as Kanazawa and Toyama. Price: ¥7500.
• 5 Day Pass: Wide Course. This ticket gives you unlimited access to both highway buses and route buses to and from major attractions like the Central Japan Airport, Gifu City, Gero City, Takayama, Gokayama, Shirakawago, and Shinhotaka. Aside from these, Toyama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, and Takaoka are also covered.

Klook offers discounted rates for these bus passes!

Sample Nagoya Itinerary

Below is a sample 4-day itinerary which will take you to Nagoya City, Shirakawago and Takayama. This assumes the following:

• You’re a group of two , and you’re splitting shared costs like pocket wifi and hotel room.
• You’re spending your first night in Takayama City . This will be your base when you explore Shirakawago and other attractions in Takayama City. On succeeding nights, you’re staying near Nagoya Station.
• Your accommodation budget is ¥8000 per night. Since you’re a party of two, you’ll only be paying ¥4000 per night.
• You’re skipping breakfast. It’s healthy (according to intermittent fasting advocates, hehe)!
• You’re using a Meguru 1-Day Pass (MP) to tour Nagoya City.
• You’re flying to Centrair Airport with JetStar , arriving at 05:25am.

Feel free to make any adjustments to match your flight schedule and other needs and preferences.

DAY 2: SHIRAKAWAGO 06:00 am – Takayama Morning Market 08:00 am – Early check out 08:30 am – Leave bags in locker at bus station, ¥700 08:50 am – Bus to Shirakawago, FREE (SBP) 09:40 am – Arrival at Shirakawago, explore 12:00 nn – Lunch at Irori, ¥2000 01:30 pm – Wada House, ¥300 03:15 pm – Bus back to Takayama 04:05 pm – Pick up luggage, grab dinner takeout 06:00 pm – Bus to Nagoya, FREE (SBP) 08:40 pm – Arrival in Nagoya, hotel check-in 09:00 pm – Rest

DAY 3: NAGOYA CITY TOUR For this tour, you will be needing a Meguru 1-Day Pass ( ¥500 ), which will allow you unlimited access to the loop bus, which connects most attractions. Make sure this tour doesn’t fall on a Monday, when the loop bus is not operational. Here are your suggested stops: 09:40 am – Toyota Museum, ¥500 011:00 am – Nagoya Castle, ¥500 01:00 pm – Lunch, ¥1000 02:00 pm – Explore Sakae District, shopping 06:30 pm – Dinner, ¥1000 07:30 pm – Walk to hotel 09:00 pm – Rest

The itinerary above will cost you around ¥28,000 (USD253, SGD343, PHP13,500) per person, excluding airfare. travel taxes, and hotel accommodations.

If you’re able to stick to a ¥4000-per-person-per-night budget on accommodations, the itinerary above will set you back ¥40,000 (USD361, SGD490, PHP19,100) per person, excluding airfare and travel taxes.

If you’re not interested in Legoland, you can replace it with other attractions in Nagoya City or go straight to the airport, where you can enjoy the Flight of Dreams. This will significantly bring the cost down.

Make sure to add some allowance to cover any changes in the prices or anything else we might have missed. The times and costs are also estimates only. Actual schedules and costs may vary.

Other Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Try hitsumabushi , an eel dish that is served with rice and special sauce. Hitsumabushi Bincho restaurant in the 7th floor of Lachic Shop building in Sakae serves one of the most delicious eel dishes I ever had in my life. The smoked eel with its coated sweet sauce and perfect cooked meat will make you want to order more.
• There are lots of japanese restaurants and fast food chains to choose from in the Sakae area and in the Oasis complex.
• Spend your 1-yen coins when paying at supermarkets or convenience stores . You won’t be able to use them at vendo machines. I always end up going home with a pocketful of 1-yen coins and now I don’t know what to do with them. Hahaha.
• Many vending machines serve both cold and hot drinks . Most people are surprised to learn about the hot options. Really helpful when you’re out in the cold.
• Japanese bills look alike (same color). What varies is the size of the bill. The ¥1000 and ¥10,000 can be confusing so be careful. However, the Japanese are highly UNLIKELY to take advantage. They will even be the first to tell you.
• When using the escalator, keep left if you’re not moving .
• If you have a cold or cough, wear surgical masks in public . Locals wear those not because they don’t want to get sick but because they don’t want to pass on the illness to others.
• Learn a few Japanese phrases . The most useful would be Sumimasen (Excuse me, sorry) and Arigatoo gozaimasu (Thank you).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to visit nagoya.

Japan in general is tourist-friendly year-round. Each season has its own charms, but spring and autumn are arguably the best and are my favorites. I’ve spent most of my life in the tropics so summer is not doing it for me anymore, and winter just doesn’t fit my sunny disposition in life. Whut. Hahaha. Word vomit.

Spring (March-May) has great weather and the city turns into a giant garden, with the streets lined with flowers of different colors. The Nabana no Sato (Winter Illumination) remains lit until the end of May, so you can still get to experience these famous lights without the extreme cold.

Fall (September-November) is also pleasant weather-wise. And just like spring, it transforms the city into a life-size painting as the foliage turns orange and bright red. Perfect for #OOTDs and totally Insta-worthy.

What is the tipping policy in Nagoya?

Tipping is not common in Nagoya . To settle your bill, you are expected to approach the cashier on your way out. The cashier is usually stationed by the entrance/exit.

If you’re planning a multi-city tour of Japan, check out our guide for that here :

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣8️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 1️⃣5️⃣ (first up)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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NAGOYA is the great place as you shared information in your blog. I will definitely visit the listed places of Nagoya. It will be amazing! Great Read!

How much you spent on Nagoya tour?

Have a great day..

Based on your itinerary of Nagoya Trip. You stay same hotel from Day 1 to Day 6, coz Takoyama is far from nagoya i think?

Glad i’ve found this blog before i go to Nagoya on next March. You gave me a brilliant reference. Thank you so much! Mucho Love

Thanks too! Enjoy Nagoya!

Hi, I’m planning to purchase Shoryudo bus pass for our upcoming trip. Do you have any idea if the ticket counter (where I can exchange the pass) is open 24 hours? Will be arriving around 9PM.

By the way, thanks for all the info about Nagoya and the sample itineraries as well. Great help!

Sa airport mo ba ike-claim? According sa Klook page, hanggang 11pm bukas ung redemption counter so aabot pa naman unless super delayed yung flight nyo.

Naka-indicate naman sa Klook yung hours sa airport and other redemption centers: https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/820-shoryudo-highway-bus-pass-nagoya/?adid=40843&af_wid=825

Yes, sa airport sana ako mag-claim kasi I’ll be using the airport access tickets na rin to get to Nagoya station. I’ll check the Klook link you gave.

Will be coming to Nagoya this June na, this blog really helped. Thanks a lot! :)

Yay!!! Enjoy Nagoya. :)

Thanks Vins. You make everything so easy to understand. You clearly explained where and how to travel, with a cost breakdown each. Your blog is great with all the necessary information for someone who wants to know about travelling in Nagoya. Because of your blog, now I intend to go there! Thank you again and please continue blogging!!!

Hi! I’m planning to go to Nagoya with my family this October (in a super tipid style)! How’d you get the free bus passes: DAY 1 08:15 am – Platform 6, Bus to Meitetsu Bus Center, FREE (SBP) 10:30 am – Meitetsu Bus to Takayama Nohi Bus Center, FREE (SBP)

DAY 2: SHIRAKAWAGO 08:50 am – Bus to Shirakawago, FREE (SBP) 06:00 pm – Bus to Nagoya, FREE (SBP)

Looking forward to your reply!

Ohh got it! Thanks so much!

I think you misunderstood. It’d not a free bus pass. I tagged these rides FREE because the assumption is that you have a Shoryudo 3-Day Highway Bus Pass, which covers these rides.

Scheduled to visit Nagoya this coming March 2020. We are eight (8) going to Chubu region. From Chubu Airport we go direct to Takayama as our first base as there are attractions to enjoy. After 3 days, we will travel to Nagoya as our main base. Can you give us advice where we can spend our 8 days vacation around Nagoya or suburbs? By the way, we have already booked our hotels in Takayama and Nagoya. Thank you in advance.

Hi Ismael, meron naman po kaming list of Things to Do sa article. Lahat naman po yan ay senior-friendly. :)

Hi! About sa redemption counter sa klook, you can exchange the pass on Central Japan International Airport Station: 6:00am -7:00am, 8:00pm-11:00pm kasi we are arriving at 9PM. What exact counter kaya? So we can still use our airport access to Nagoya.

Hello..thanks for travel guide..Saan po kau nagstay during your japan stay?wala po kc kaming idea where to stay..Thank you

Hi I’d been following and reading all your blogs ..very informative…we’ll be travelling to Japan this coming Nov. .we’re first timer yet DIY..is it okay and allowed to arrived or land in Osaka KIX and exit at Nagoya Chubu? Im planning to buy a ticket Manila to Osaka and back in Nagoya Chubu to Manila..wala bang issue yun?

Hi Jean, okay lang yun. No issue at all.

Very informative! Thanks for this. Wondering if we should purchase Klook day tour of Takayama and Shirakawa-go instead of SBP? I’m afraid we won’t enjoy the two sites because of limited time.. but it is cheaper than SBP..

Hi Nikki, if that’s the only place outside Nagoya that you would visit and you have limited time, okay na rin naman ung organized tour para wala ka nang aalalahanin.

Hi. Thank you for all the helpful info. Wanted to ask of lockers are available in all bus stations? Or what bags do you recommend of we intend to travel between Nagoya, Takayama (overnight) and Shinhotaka, and Shirakawago?

Hi Tina, there are lockers at Nagoya Station and SHirakawago, that I’m sure. But Takayama Station and Shinhotaka, I don’t remember. :(

Appreciate your response. Thank you :)

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THE 10 BEST Nagoya Tours & Excursions

Nagoya tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Day Trip for Shirakawago ,Takayama & gujo hachiman from Nagoya

2. Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

3. Nagoya Highlight Tour guided by a friendly local

4. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Kyoto Private Tour

5. Day Tour with Ghibli Park Admission Ticket Round Trip from Nagoya

6. Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

7. Private All You Can Drink Sake Nagoya Nightlife Tour

8. Nagoya Street Food Walking Tour of Osu

9. Nagoya Culture Path: Tour of Three Cultural Properties

10. Half-day tour to enjoy Japan's largest illumination and outlet

11. Eat Like A Local In Nagoya: Private & Personalized

12. Nagoya Private Tours with Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted

13. Full-Day Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour from Nagoya

14. Shirakawa-go From Nagoya One day Bus Self-guided Tour

15. Private Antique Kimono and Hakama Dressing at a Hidden Salon

16. Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya

17. Nagoya Half Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

18. Ghibli Park Ticket and Accommodation 2 Days Package (No Guide)

19. Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Noritake Garden & Toyota Commemorative Museum

20. Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour

21. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group

22. Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing Tour with Tickets

23. Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour

24. Pub Crawl in Nagoya

25. Nagoya Samurai & Toyota Tour guided by a friendly local

26. Nagoya Grand Sumo Watching Tour 2024 (Chair A Seat or Box B Seat)

27. Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama Private Day Trip from Nagoya

28. Shibori Tie-Dye Workshop and Arimatsu City Tour

29. Nagoya Custom Half Day Tour

30. Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Day Trip for Shirakawago ,Takayama & gujo hachiman from Nagoya
• Nagoya Highlight Tour guided by a friendly local
• Day Tour with Ghibli Park Admission Ticket Round Trip from Nagoya
• Nagoya to Takayama & Shirakawa World Heritage English Guide
• Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Kyoto Private Tour
• Tourism Designers
• Nagoya walking tours
• City Unscripted
• Nippon Navigators

Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour

• City Tours , Nagoya , Private Tours , Tour Reviews

Are you ready to join us on a truly immersive and unforgettable journey through Nagoya?

Our Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour is the perfect way to explore this vibrant city.

With a dedicated guide by your side, personalized attention, and a tour tailored to your interests, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the rich history and culture of Nagoya at your own pace.

Don’t miss out on this amazing experience – book now and get ready for a day filled with discovery and adventure.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour is a 6-hour walking tour of Nagoya, including highlights such as the Sakae district, Osu Kannon Temple, and Nagoya Castle.
• The tour offers personalized attention from a dedicated guide, allowing travelers to travel at their own pace.
• All entrance fees are included in the tour, and it operates in English, with the possibility of Mandarin or French guides.
• The tour has received positive reviews, with previous travelers praising the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, as well as the tour’s flexibility and provision of interesting historical information.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

• Private Transfer From Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (Ngo)
• Private Transfer From Nagoya Int Airport (Ngo) to Kanazawa Port
• Private Transfer From Nagoya Airport (Ngo) to Toyama Port
• Private Full Day Nagoya Tour

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights of the Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour include exploring the vibrant Sakae district, visiting the historic Osu Kannon Temple, and experiencing the majestic Nagoya Castle.

Our tour itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Nagoya’s local attractions, providing you with an immersive and informative experience.

First, we’ll take you to the Sakae district, known for its bustling streets and modern shopping centers. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant atmosphere and discover the local shops and restaurants that make this area so unique.

Next, we’ll visit the historic Osu Kannon Temple, a sacred Buddhist temple that dates back centuries. Here, you can admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance.

Finally, we’ll take you to Nagoya Castle, a symbol of the city’s feudal past. As you explore the castle grounds, you’ll be transported back in time, marveling at the grandeur and beauty of this architectural masterpiece.

Join us on the Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour and experience the best of Nagoya’s local attractions in a personalized and engaging way.

Tour Details

For the tour details of the Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour, we provide a comprehensive and immersive experience of Nagoya’s top attractions.

Our tour duration is 6 hours, allowing you to fully explore and appreciate the beauty and history of the city.

We offer language options in English, and if available, Mandarin or French guides can be arranged upon request.

Our knowledgeable and dedicated guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing personalized attention and sharing interesting historical information along the way.

With us, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

All entrance fees are included, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket for convenience.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Nagoya’s highlights.

Cancellation Policy

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, we’ve implemented a clear and straightforward cancellation policy for our Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour.

We understand that plans can change, so we aim to provide flexibility while also maintaining fairness for both our guests and our guides.

Our refund policy is as follows: full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 7 days in advance. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 2 days before the start time. Plus, any booking changes made less than 6 days before the start time won’t be accepted.

For cancellations made 3-6 days before the start time, we offer a 50% refund. We kindly ask all guests to note that these cut-off times are based on local time.

We strive to provide exceptional service and appreciate your understanding.

Customer Reviews

Now let’s delve into the customer reviews of our Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour. We’re proud to say that our tour has received positive feedback from numerous customers, highlighting their satisfaction with the experience.

• Customers praised the knowledgeable and friendly guide who provided personalized attention throughout the tour.
• Many visitors appreciated the flexibility of the tour, allowing them to travel at their own pace and explore the best attractions of Nagoya.
• The guide’s ability to share interesting historical information about the city was highly valued by the customers.

These reviews reflect the high level of customer satisfaction with our Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour.

We’re thrilled to have received such positive feedback and will continue to strive for excellence in providing an informative and enjoyable experience for all our customers.

Viator Information and Support

Continuing from the previous subtopic, let’s explore the Viator Information and Support for our Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour.

When it comes to booking this tour, Viator offers excellent customer service and support. If you have any inquiries or concerns, you can visit the Viator Help Center for assistance. Viator is committed to providing you with all the information you need about the tour, so feel free to contact them for any further details.

As a trusted and reputable travel booking platform, Viator has been operating since 1997 and offers a wide range of tours and activities worldwide. They’ve different pricing options based on the number of participants, so make sure to check their website for detailed pricing information.

Rest assured, Viator’s terms and conditions apply when booking through their platform, ensuring a smooth and reliable booking process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Number of Participants Allowed on the Private Full-Day Nagoya City Tour?

The maximum number of participants on our private full-day Nagoya city tour is 8. We have group size restrictions to ensure personalized attention and a comfortable experience for all travelers.

Is Transportation Included in the Tour, or Will Participants Need to Arrange Their Own Transportation?

Transportation arrangements are included in the tour, so participants don’t need to worry about getting around. The tour duration is 6 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore Nagoya’s highlights.

Are Meals or Snacks Provided During the 6-Hour Tour, or Should Participants Bring Their Own?

Meals or snacks are not provided during the 6-hour tour. Participants should bring their own meals or snacks. It’s important to stay nourished and hydrated throughout the day for a comfortable experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Attractions or Landmarks That Are Not Listed in the Tour Highlights?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional landmarks or attractions not listed in the tour highlights. We offer customization options to cater to your specific interests and preferences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for our tour. We offer personalized full-day Nagoya City tours with a dedicated guide. Our tour is suitable for most travelers and can be customized to include additional attractions.

Experience the best of Nagoya on our Private Full-day Nagoya City Tour. With our knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the vibrant Sakae district, visit the stunning Osu Kannon Temple, and marvel at the majestic Nagoya Castle.

Our tour is personalized to your interests and includes all entrance fees. Don’t miss the chance to discover Nagoya’s hidden gems with our highly recommended guide, Yuki.

Book now and get ready for an unforgettable journey through this vibrant city.

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NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 10, 2023 | Japan , Nagoya , Travel Guide | 8 comments

Nagoya is booming. Much of the buzz in Japan’s 4th largest city is due to the fact that it is home to some of the world’s biggest automobile companies such as Toyota, Mitsubishi and Honda. These companies helped shaped Nagoya’s landscape. Perhaps because of its industrial core, most tourists traveling to Japan hightail Nagoya for its more famous neighbors like Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. But Nagoya is more than just a bustling economic powerhouse, it is also a perfect base for touring Central Japan. My recent travel to Nagoya and Central Japan convinced me this region has some of the most beautiful destinations in the country.  Without further ado, here’s my Nagoya travel guide to help you plan your trip.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE 

Where is nagoya.

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture situated in Chubu Region, in Central Japan.  Chubu is composed of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Gifu, Nagano, Toyoma, Gifu, Shizuoka Ishikawa, Niigata, Fukui and Yamanashi.

In this blog, I will discuss about Nagoya including the best sidetrips when visiting this largest city in Chubu Region.  This includes a visit to Gifu, Nagano and Toyoma Prefecture.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NAGOYA

We visited Nagoya and Central Japan during spring (March to May), and I must say it’s one of the best seasons to visit since the colorful flowers are in bloom almost everywhere. Best place to see a variety of flowers though is at Nabano no Sato, don’t miss their Tulips Festival and Winter Illumination that run until early May.  Weather is pleasant too, so you can explore Nagoya without worrying of too much humidity or too much cold.

I reckon it will also be lovely to visit Nagoya and Central Japan during autumn (October to November), I can imagine how Nagoya will transform into a kaleidoscopic world when the foliage turn tangerine and crimson!  If you are planning to visit the top foliage spots in Nagoya and Aichi, book your trip around mid to late November.

Nonetheless, Nagoya and Central Japan is a year-round destination, offering tourists a varied surprise whatever the season is.

JAPAN VISA FOR FILIPINOS  

Currency exchange.

Nagoya uses Japanese Yen (JPY).  The current rate is around JPY 1 = PHP 0.45 / USD .0091.  You can exchange money at the airport, money changers or withdraw from ATM machines at convenience stores like 7Eleven, Lawson or Family Mart.  There are also International ATM machines in some main train stations. There’s an International ATM at the ground floor of Oasis 21 i Center bus terminal.  Make sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling to Japan to avoid any hassle when withdrawing money from your card.

Though most establishments take cards, stack up Japanese Yen, since they prefer cash.

LANGUAGE IN NAGOYA

Most people speak Nihongo (Japanese), so prepare your Google Translate App.  If you plan to travel to certain destinations, ask the hotel staff to write the Japanese character in a piece of paper. This way, you can show it to the locals, in case you get lost and need to ask directions. But of course, if you have Wi-Fi, Google Maps and Hyperdia.com are your best friends in Japan.

WI-FI IN NAGOYA

Since English isn’t widely spoken in Nagoya and Central Japan, you need to rely on the internet for directions and Google maps.  It is recommended to have Wi-Fi access as soon as you land in Nagoya.  You can get one at the airport, but devices may run out quickly, so best to rent a portable Wi-Fi device ahead of time.  You can  RENT A POCKET WI-FI HERE  and just claim the device at the airport (all Japanese International Airport) upon arrival.  It’s the cheapest rate I’ve seen so far.

  HOW TO GET TO NAGOYA

Chubu International Airport also called CENTRAIR is the main airport of Nagoya and Central Japan.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES TO NAGOYA BY AIR

If coming from the Philippines, there are regular flights from Manila to Nagoya (Chubu International Airport) and JETSTAR airline offers the cheapest rate I’ve seen so far. You can book your flights here https://www.jetstar.com/ .  Jetstar flies 4 times weekly from Manila to Nagoya, they offer one of the cheapest airfare to Japan.

TOKYO TO NAGOYA

From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen train to Nagoya for 1 hour 44 min. Fare is JPY 10, 680 (PHP 4,826/ USD 98).  Alternatively, you can take a Willer Bus for about JPY 2,500 (PHP 1,130 / USD 23) from Tokyo to Nagoya. Travel time is roughly 7 hours.  You can also take Meitetsu Bus, JR Bus and other highway buses.

  KYOTO TO NAGOYA

From Kyoto, take a Shinkansen train to Nagoya.  Travel time is about 36 minutes, fare is JPY 5,600 (PHP 2,530 /USD 51). Alternatively, you can take a Willer Bus for roughly JPY 3,600 (PHP 1,627 / USD 33), transit time is about 2 hours. You may also take JR Bus, Meitetsu or other highway buses.

OSAKA TO NAGOYA

From Osaka, you can take the Shinkansen train to Nagoya for JPY 6,360 (PHP 2,874/USD 58), transit time is 66 minutes. You may also board a Willer Bus for about 2 hours 20 minutes.  Fare is approximately JPY 2,500 (PHP 1130 / USD 23).

HOW TO GET FROM NAGOYA AIRPORT / CENTRAIR (Chubu International Airport ) TO NAGOYA CITY (Nagoya Station)

BY AIRPORT TRAIN

The fastest way to get from Nagoya Airport (Chubu Centrair) is by taking the express train to Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Line) for approximately 28 minutes.  The train leaves for Nagayo Station and Sakae every hour from 9:15 AM to 10: 15 PM.  Airport train fare is JPY 1, 230 (PHP 550 / USD 11).  For the airport train time table, check here. 

There are buses that run from Nagoya Airport/ Chubu Centrair to downtown Nagoya.  See table below for bus fare and destinations in Nagoya area.  For airport bus fares and transit time to other destinations outside Nagoya area, you can  check here.

The bus has 7 stops. Refer to the table below.

BY CENTRAIR LIMOUSINE

For hassle-free transfer from Nagoya Airport (Chubu Centrair) to your hotel or shopping malls.  Fare is JPY 1,200 (PHP 536 / USD11) for adults.  JPY 600 (PHP 267/ USD 5.43) for kids.  Transit time is roughly 55 minutes to Sakae Station and about 88 minutes to Nagoya Station.

Airport buses arrive at the first floor of the Passenger Terminal Building. The only way to get to the airport bus boarding point is via the Access Plaza.  You can get to the Access Plaza from the Airport Arrival Lobby. See Centrair Limousine bus schedule and routes here

    BY AIRPORT LINER

Since the airport train last trip is around 10:15 PM.  If you are arriving at Nagoya Airport late at night or early in the morning, you can ride the Airport Liner.   Fare is JPY 1,500 (PHP 670 / USD 14) for adults and JPY 750 (PHP 335 / USD 7) for kids. Travel time is about 55 minutes.  See the timetable below for trips between Nagoya Airport (Centrair) and Nagoya Station (West Gate).  The airport buses is at the 1 st floor of the Passenger Terminal Building in Centrair. The only way to get to the airport bus boarding point is via the Access Plaza. You can get to the Access Plaza from the Airport Arrival Lobby.  Pay to the driver upon boarding the bus.  See Airport Liner’s schedule below.

GETTING AROUND IN NAGOYA

BY SUBWAYS/ TRAINS

Just like the rest of Japan, the subway is a convenient way to get around Nagoya.  The subway runs from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM.  One way fares range from JPY 210 to JPY 300.

JR train has many local trains and the famous Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo and Osaka.  For foreign tourists, it is recommended to get a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) if you plan to travel to multi-cities in Japan, you will save a lot.  You can only purchase the JR Pass outside Japan,  PURCHASE A JR PASS HERE

Meitetsu Lines connects Nagoya to Gifu, Inuyama and Okazaki.

Kintetsu Lines connects Nagoya to Mie and Kansai Areas (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.)

Nagoya Station is the main hub, this is where you can find the JR Bus Center and the Meitetsu Bus Center where you can ride the buses going to different destinations outside Nagoya.

BY ONE DAY BUS AND SUBWAY PASS

Another way to get around Nagoya is the One Day Bus and Subway Pass as it entitles you to unlimited rides on subways and city buses.  Fare is JPY 850 (PHP 380 / USD 8).  You can purchase this pass at the ticket machines in subways stations, inside city buses, Kanayama Tourist Information and at Oasis 21 i Center.

BY WEEKEND ECO-PASS

If you are in Nagoya on a weekend, you can save JPY 250 (PHP 112 / USD 2.26) by purchasing the Weekend Eco-Pass for unlimited rides around Nagoya. Aside from weekends, you can also use the Weekend Eco-Pass during national holidays and on the 8 th of each month. You can buy the Weekend Eco-Pass at the ticket machines inside city buses, subway stations, Oasis 21 i Center and at Kanayama Tourist Information.

IMPORTANT: You can’t use the One Day Bus & Subway Pass and the Weekend Eco-Pass at Meitetsu Buses, Aonomi Line, Linimo and the elevated section of the Yutorito Line. You can get discounts at selected establishments and sites when you show your pass.

Here’s my suggested route if you want to explore Nagoya City attractions by train:

BY ME GURU (NAGOYA SIGHTSEEING BUS)

One of the most convenient ways to get around Nagoya City is by riding the Meguru Sightseeing Bus , available from Tuesday to Sunday (no Monday, sorry).  The bus departs every 20 to 30 minutes on weekends (and holidays) and every 30 minutes to 1 hour on week days.  One Day Pass is JPY 500 (PHP 223/ USD 5) for adults and JPY 210 (PHP 94 / USD 0.85) for children.  The ticket also offer discounts to admission fees on various tourist destinations.

Tickets can be purchased inside the bus, in major hotels, Kanayama Tourist Information Center and at Oasis 21 i Center.

Here’s the Meguro Sightseeing Bus Route, it will stop at the following destinations:

HOW TO GET TO MEGURU BUS STOP AT NAGOYA STATION

Head to platform #8 of the City Bus Terminal where Meguru buses depart.  Exit from Nagoya Station Sakuradori exit area.  Once you are outside the station building, turn left and keep walking until you pass the taxi terminal.  Take a right turn and walk straight until you see the large road intersection and turn left.

IMPORTANT: Just follow the route as it is when you leave Nagoya Bus Station.  The bus returning to Nagoya Station at 5:00 PM will not stop at Nagoya Castle, Noritake Garden and Toyota Commemorative Museum.

BY MANACA CARD

If Osaka has  ICOCA Card ,  Nagoya has Manaca Card.  You can purchase this rechargeable card at the subway stations in Nagoya.

WHERE TO STAY IN NAGOYA

I recommend staying near the subway station for convenience.  Nagoya Station is the main hub, here, you can you find the Meitetsu Bus Center and JR Bus Center.  Sakae Station in downtown Osaka is also a good choice because it is near most attractions in Nagoya like the Nagoya TV Tower, Art Café Sakae and Oasis 21 i Center bus station, and it is just one train ride away to Nagoya Castle and Nagoya City Hall (take the brown line subway/ private line).

Hotel Cent Main Nagoya

5-5-10 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Nagoya Travellers Hostel

4-8-10, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya

Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel

1-21-3 Noritake, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya

Eco Hotel Nagoya

14-5 Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya

This is where we stayed at

Hotel Wing International Nagoya

1-4-11 Nishiki, Naka-Ku, Aichi , Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya

Hotel Silk Tree Nagoya

2-20-5 Nishiki, Nakaku, Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya, Japan

Daini Fuji Hotel

2-10-24 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya Station / Downtown, Nagoya

WHAT TO EAT IN NAGOYA

Hitsumabushi

My fave food in Nagoya is the delicious Nagoya-style eel called Hitsumabushi.  This meal is composed of chopped broiled eel on top of a bowl of rice.  This is traditionally eaten in 4 stages: first, you can eat it as it is, then try it with sprinkled onion, nori seaweed and other condiments.  Then, pour the broth soup over the eel.

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN NAGOYA

NAGOYA CASTLE

One of the most renowned castles in Japan is Nagoya Castle built through the orders of Ieyasu Tokugawa. Its rooftop is decorated with golden dolphins/grampus (kinsachi), which is the symbol of Nagoya.

Entrance Fee: JPY 500 (PHP 226 / USD 5)

Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Entry to castle and buildings until 4:00 PM) Daily. Closed on Dec 29 – Jan 1.

How to get to Nagoya Castle:

Take the subway train (Meijo Line/Purple) to Shiyakusho (City Hall) Station (M07).  Walk for about 5 minutes to Nagoya Castle.  Fare is roughly JPY 240 (PHP 108 / USD 2.19).   If you are taking the Meguru sightseeing bus, Nagoya Castle is the 3 rd stop and it’s about a 3 minute walk from the bus stop.

TOKUGAWA ART MUSEUM

Built in the confines of the erstwhile house of the Owari family, one the major branches of the Tokugawa family.  The Tokugawa Art Museum showcases the treasures of the Owari’s including armos, samurais, swords, maps, scrolls and masks.

Entrance Fee: Adult: JPY 1,200 (PHP 542 / USD 11)

Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

How to get to Tokugawa Art Museum:

Take Meijo Subway, Meitetso Setu Line or JR Chuo to Ozone Station.  The Tokugawa Museum is just a stone’s throw away.

NAGOYA TV TOWER

Nagoya TV tower is the poster boy of Nagoya.  Head to the Sky deck for a panoramic view of Nagoya City, best to come here at night for the romantic nightscape.

Entrance Fee:

Adults: JPY 700 (PHP 316 / USD 6)

College and Highschool Students: JPY 600 (PHP 271 / USD 5.48)

School Students: JPY 300 (PHP 136 /USD 3)

TOYOTA COMMEMORATIVE MUSEUM

Adults: JPY 500 (PHP 226 / USD 5)

Students JPY 200 (PHP 90.37 / USD 2)

Seniors (65 y.o – above): Free

Open Hours:

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

How to get to Toyota Commemorative Museum:

From Nagoya Station, walk for about 20 minutes to Toyota Commemorative Museum. If you have the Meguru Sightseeing Bus Pass, Toyota Commemorative Museum is the 1 st stop.

NORITAKE GARDEN

Entrance Fee: Free

For Craft Center: JPY 500 (PHP 226/ USD 5) Adults / JPY 300 (PHP 136 / USD 3) Highschool Students

Open Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

How to get to Noritake Garden:

From Nagoya Station, walk for about 15 minutes to Noritake Garden.  If you are taking the Meguru Sightseeing Bus, this is the 2 nd stop.

SCMAGLEV AND RAILWAY PARK

As the name suggests, SMAGLEV museum showcases the advances of high speed trains though 39 rolling stock displays from different periods.   The first Shinkansen train in Japan is also displayed here.

Entrance Fee: JPY 1000 (PHP 6 / USD 9)

Open Hours:  Daily except Tuesday 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

How to get to SMAGLEV and Railway Park

Take the Aonami Line and alight at Kinjofuto Station. Travel time is about 25 minutes and fare is JPY 350 (PHP 158 / USD 3).  SMAGLEV and Railway Park is near Legoland.

Legoland is Japan’s newest theme park, which opened last April 2017. You can BUY LEGOLAND TICKETS HERE  to experience its 40 different attractions including varied shows, activities and rides!  Best for families and kids traveling to Nagoya.

How to get to Legoland Nagoya Japan

Ride the Aonami Line to Kinjofuto Station. Transit time is about 25 minutes and fare is JPY 350 (PHP 158 / USD 3).  Legoland is near SMAGLEV and Railway Park.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

JR CENTRAL TOWERS

Dubbed as the twin towers of Nagoya, located just beside Nagoya Station.  Rush to the 15 th floor called “Sky Street” for a panoramic view of Nagoya City.

Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

How to get to JR Central Tower:

Alight at Nagoya Station. JR Central Tower is right beside this subway station.

This stylish building that looks pretty much like a space ship is fringed by shops, cafes and bus terminal for city buses and highway buses to destinations like Tokyo.  Head to the rooftop for a scenic view of Nagoya Tower and surroundings. There’s a Tourist Information Center at the Galaxy Platform where you can get helpful pamphlets.

Entrance Free: Free

Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

ATSUTA SHRINE

One of the most significant Sinto Shrine in Nagoya is the Atsuta Shrine where the Sun Goddess Amaterasu is enshrined and the sacred sword kusunagi (not open to the public).  While you are it at, try Nagoya’s local dish – kishimen noodles at the restaurant in the shrine ground.

How to get to Atsuta Shrine

Take Meijo Subway Line and alight at Jingu Nishi Station (M27) and walk towards the shrine for approximately 3 minutes.   If you have a JR Pass, ride the JR Tokaido Line from Nagoya Station to Atsuta Station.  Walk towards the shrine for about 10 minutes.

NAGASHIMA RESORT (Nabano no Sato)

9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday during winter illumination)

Entrance Fee

JPY 1600 (PHP 723/USD 15)- spring and autumn

JPY 1000 (PHP 452/USD 9) – summer

JPY 2300 (PHP 1,039/USD 21)  – winter illumination

The admission fee includes a  JPY 1000  (PHP 452/USD 9) gift certificate to be used inside the park.

How to get to Nagashima Resort (Nabano no Sato):

Take JR Kansai Line local for Kameyama.  Alight at Nagashima Station (during Winter Illumination) or Kuwana Station. Travel time is about 29 minutes.  Fare is JPY 320 (PHP 145 / USD 3).

Alternatively, you can also take a bus bound for Nagashima Onsen at Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station.  Alight at Nabano no Sato or Nagashima Onsen.  Fare is about JPY 890 (PHP 402 /USD 8 ) to JPY 1,060 (PHP 479 / USD 10).

NAGOYA + CENTRAL JAPAN TOURS

Nagoya is the gateway to Central Japan, so it is highly recommended to include a tour to some of Central Japan’s most beautiful attractions including Shirakawago, Takayama, Nagayashima and Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.

GOKAYAMA SUGANAM AND SHIRAKAWAGO BUS TOUR

With this tour, you’ll be able to visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Suganama is part of Gokoyama known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It is composed of Gokayama Gassho no Sato and Suganuma Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Ainokura Village and Ogimachi, the largest village in Shirakawago.     BOOK GOKAYAMA SUGANUMA AND SHIRAKAWAGO BUS TOUR HERE.

SHIRAKAWAGO AND TAKAYAMA TOUR

This tour is highly recommended, as you will get to the old district of Takayama and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawago Village.  Lunch buffet is included. You can  BOOK YOUR SHIRIKAWA VILLAGE + TAKAYAMA TOUR HERE .

NAGOYA DAY TRIPS

Shirakawago.

If you want to do a DIY Tour of Shirakawago plus Takayama and other destinations in Chubu Hokuriku region of Japan.  You can PURCHASE THE SHORYUDO HIGHWAY BUS PASS HERE  which enables you to hop on board an unlimited number of bus rides around the Chubu Hokuriku region of Japan. The 3 or 5 day bus ticket is a convenient way to navigate around the Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazama, Toyama and Nagoya areas.

HOW TO GET TO TAKAYAMA:

Take a bus bound for Takayama from Nagoya via JR Bus, Meitetsu or Nohi Bus.  Bus Terminal is at Nagoya Station or Oasis 21 Bus Terminal. One Way fare for Meitetsu Bus is JPY 2,980 (PHP 1,347 /USD 27), roundtrip fare is JPY 5,140 (PHP 2,323 / USD 47).

I suggest getting a 3 Day Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass  for about JPY 7,000 (PHP 3,199 / USD 65), because you get to enjoy a discount of over 35% from your travels around the Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazama, Toyama and Nagoya areas – all with one pass. So you don’t just visit Takayama, you can also visit the aforemntioned destinations.  There’s also a 5 day Pass.

Enjoy a discount of over 35% from your travels around the Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazama, Toyama and Nagoya areas – all with one pass.   PURCHASE THE SHORYUDO HIGHWAY BUS PASS HERE  

How to get there:

I recommend purchasing the Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass because you’ll save a lot.  The 3 day pass costs around JPY 7,000 (PHP 3,199 / USD 65).   PURCHASE THE SHORYUDO HIGHWAY BUS PASS HERE  

OTHER NAGOYA SIDE TRIPS

Magome and tsumago.

KUROBE TATAME ALPINE ROUTE

NAGOYA ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary for a 3 days 2 nights trip to Nagoya + Central Japan.  Feel free to tweak it depending on your schedule. I also blogged here our itinerary for 5 days 4 nights:   Nagoya Itinerary

NAGOYA BUDGET

Here’s a sample budget for a 3 day 2 night trip to Nagoya and Central Japan.  Of course, budget will vary depending on how long you’ll be staying, the activities and tours that you will try, the food, hotel and shpping.

  SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE

Nagoya 5 days 4 nights itinerary,  shirakawa-go from nagoya, osaka travel guide (budget + itinerary),   kyoto travel guide (budget + itinerary).

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Hi! I’ve just one question about the wifi rental, what if I arrive after their office in the airport closes? Do I have another option of claiming the wifi device? TIA

Hi Cherry, for Nagoya, looks like you can only claim it sa airport. 🙁

Good day Gael, it is possible not to book bus ticket in advance going to takayama from nagoya? Thanks!

Yep. But I think it’ll be more expensive if you don’t book in advance. When we crossed from Nagoya to Tokyo, we booked the day we were traveling and it was way more expensive. The price is almost double. 🙁

hi! we are planning to go to osaka, nara and kyoto from nagoya, what pass should we buy?

You can buy the Kansi Thru Pass or ICOCA Card. Read this https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/japan-ic-cards/ and this https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/jr-pass/

Hi, I have been to Osaka-Kyoto last year Nov. 2017. On Jan. 2019, we plan to experience winter in Japan and we will be staying in Takayama and Nagoya. Can I still use my ICOCA card when we travel by trains within Nagoya City by that time?

Kindly read this https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/japan-ic-cards/

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Nagoya Itinerary: Budget Planning And Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on May 10th, 2024

Looking for how to plan for your Nagoya itinerary? This Nagoya travel guide blog will give you some ideas on what to do and useful transportation information when visiting Nagoya.

Being the third-largest city in Japan, Nagoya (名古屋) is the busiest and largest city in the Chubu region. Strategically located between Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya is the capital city of Aichi prefecture and the main entry point to most of the attractions in the Chubu region. It is a historical and culturally rich city with many attractions awaiting you to explore. Moreover, Nagoya is also known for its manufacturing and is home to the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation.

In this Nagoya travel guide blog , we listed down some of the things to do, places to visit, food to eat, and useful transportation guide that help you travel around. Our 2-days Nagoya itinerary included.

Table of Contents

Nagoya Pre-Trip Essential

There are many ways to get to Nagoya by flights, trains, and buses. It can be easily accessed by Tokyo, Osaka, and even foreign countries. The Chubu Centrair International Airport welcomes thousands of visitors per day via international and domestic flights. However, take note that it takes about an hour to get to Nagoya city from the airport.

Getting To Nagoya

From Tokyo to Nagoya :

• By Domestic Flight: Nagoya and Tokyo are well-connected with Haneda Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. The plane fare is about ¥7,000 for a domestic flight. But, please consider the traveling train to and from the airport. You can always check for the cheapest flight ticket from Skyscanner to fly to Nagoya.
• By Shinkansen: The most convenient way to get to Nagoya from Tokyo is by Shinkansen (bullet train). It takes about 90 minutes and costs about ¥11,290 to reserve seats.
• By Highway Bus: It is the most inexpensive option to get to Nagoya. Travelers can take a night express bus and arrive at Nagoya the next morning.

From Osaka to Nagoya :

• By Shinkansen: The bullet train from Shin Osaka Station takes about 50 minutes and costs about ¥6,760 for reserve seats. Again, take note that JR Pass is not covered for the Nozomi trains.
• By private railway: The Kintetsu railway runs between Osaka-Namba Station and Kintetsu-Nagoya Station. It takes about 120 minutes at ¥4,260. If you are visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Mie prefecture (part of Nagoya), consider getting the Discounted Kintetsu Rail Pass from Klook which gives you unlimited Kintetsu train access (non-reserved seat) to most of the Kansai region and Nagoya.
• By Highway Bus: Express bus runs frequently between Nagoya and Osaka. It takes about 3 hours to reach Nagoya. Fare is about ¥2,000 to ¥3,000.

Nagoya Travel Tips : if you are planning to take the Shinkansen, consider getting the JR Rail Pass . It will cover to Shinkansen ride from Tokyo/Osaka to Nagoya. However, take note that Nozomi trains are not included in JR Pass.

From Chubu Airport To Nagoya City

There are two ways to get to Nagoya City from Chubu Centrair International Airport by using public transport, either by airport bus or Meitetsu train:

• The Cheapest and fastest way to/from the airport is by Meitetsu limited express (¥890, 33 minutes) and u-sky (Reserved seat, ¥1,250, 28 minutes). Get discounted Ticket from Klook . Fuss-free redemption and convenience.
• Take the Meitetsu Airport Limousine Bus to Nagoya downtown (¥1,200, 50 minutes). The buses leave from platform#6 and stop at a few areas including Sakae, Fushimi district before entering the Meitetsu Nagoya Station.

Alternatively, get the private Nagoya Airport Transfer from Klook .

Nagoya Travel Tips : if you are arriving in Nagoya by flight, it is best to pick up all the travel essentials at the airport. You can pre-order and pick up the unlimited Wifi router  or  4G Sim Card from the airport. It is important and convenient to stay connected when visiting Nagoya.

Getting Around in Nagoya

Nagoya is well-connected with public transport. It is easy and best to explore Nagoya by subway and bus. For the first-time visitors, we recommended getting the one-day transport pass to enjoy the unlimited transport ride in Nagoya city.

There are a few transport options available for foreign visitors:

• Nagoya 1-Day buses and subways pass at ¥850 for an adult and ¥430 for children under 12.
• Nagoya 1-Day subways pass ¥740 for an adult and ¥370 for children under 12.
• Meguru 1-Day Pass for Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus in Nagoya ( Detail Routebus )

Nagoya Travel Tips : Get the Donichi Eco Kippu (Weekend Eco Ticket) for unlimited buses and subway rides on weekends at ¥600.

Where To Stay

Finding the best stay in Nagoya can be head-ache due to limited choices. Most of the popular choices of hotels in Nagoya with strategic locations are always fully booked especially during the weekend. So we recommended booking your accommodation once you’re done with your Nagoya itinerary.

We stayed in Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya and highly recommended it. Strategic location and next to the subway station. Alternatively, here are some additional ideas if you are looking for the best stay in Nagoya:

Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel is directly connected to Nagoya JR Station, making it one of the great choices for travelers looking for a convenient stay. You can find a lot of great restaurants and eateries in the same building or nearby. The unbeatable location makes it an ideal location for travelers to plan to travel and sightseeing by train.

Richmond Hotel Nagoya Shinkansen-guchi is one of the popular choices in Nagoya. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Nagoya station. Newly opened in 2016, this Richmond hotel offers clean rooms, comfortable beds, and well-equipped amenities. The price is also reasonable.

Daiwa Royal Hotel D-CITY Nagoya Nayabashi is another good value hotel for travelers. This 3-star hotel is centrally located in Nagoya city. The room is relatively spacious based on the price tag. Breakfast is included for your stay.

Alternatively, check out our complete accommodation guide on where to stay in Nagoya.

Nagoya Itinerary Planning

The lively Nagoya offers a great combination of cultural attractions and urban development. You can easily spend several days in Nagoya city to fully explore the lively city. Even with one day in Nagoya, you are never run out of things to do and food to eat in Nagoya. During our visit to Nagoya, we enjoyed our time wandering in town, visiting the interesting sites, and taste on various Nagoya local dishes.

Nagoya Travel Blog: How To Plan Your Nagoya itinerary

• Arrived Nagoya. Spend time in Nabano no Sato. (3-4 hours)
• Start your day with Nagoya Style Breakfast.
• Nagoya Castle (2-3 hours)
• Atsuka Shrine and lunch with Nagoya Must Eat Hitsumabushi. (2-3 hours)
• Evening Oso Kannon and Oso Shopping Street. (1-2 hours)
• Night Oasis 21. (1 hour)
• Tebasaki for dinner/supper.

Nabano no Sato

Don’t miss the Nabano no Sato (なばなの里) in your Nagoya itinerary for its spectacular winter illumination. The Nabano no Sato is part of the Nagashima Resort. It is an amusement complex in Mie Prefecture is located about 30 minutes from Nagoya. The resort consists of an amusement park called Nagashima Spa Land, an outlet shopping mall called Mitsu Outlet Shopping Mall, and Nabana no Sato a flower park.

Among them, the Nabana no Sato is especially famous for its illumination which lasts from October to May each year. You can spend your whole day in Nagashima Resort by planning your visit to Nagashima Spa Land in the morning, shopping at Mitsu Outlet Shopping Mall at noon, and visiting the Nabano no Sato for its winter illumination at night. One of the popular attractions in Nagoya.

We arrived in Nagoya in the afternoon and checked in to Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya before kick starts our Nagoya itinerary. The location is strategically located in the central town and next to the metro station. Good sizing room and clean bed. One of the best value hotels in Nagoya.

Due to the limited time, we only visited the Nabano no Sato for its winter illumination at night. The traveling time to Nabano no Sato is less than 1 hour but we spend the entire night inside to enjoy the winter illumination including the flower tunnel, lighting shows, and more. Highly recommended if you are planning for the Nagoya itinerary in winter.

Getting There : From Nagoya station, take the 25 minutes train ride with Kintetsu express train to Nagashima Station. Then, transfer to 10 minutes on a non-stop direct bus to Nabana no Sato.

Nagoya Travel Tips : Get the Nabana no Sato Ticket for Winter light Illumination + Complimentary coupon worth JPY1,000. Make sure to check on availability.

Start Your Day With Nagoya Style Breakfast

The next day morning, we kicked start our day with the Nagoya Style Breakfast . Nagoya has a unique breakfast culture called morning service (mouninugu saabisu, モーニングサービス). That means you can just order a cup of coffee/tea in the shop but received the food for free.

There are lots of unique breakfast shops in Nagoya. But we highly recommended visiting Komeda Coffee, Japan’s famous chain of coffee shops that origin in Nagoya. Komeda Coffee serves a simple yet delicious breakfast meal set. During our Nagoya visit, we ordered the coffee and it came with complimentary toast and hard-boiled egg at about ¥500. Such a bargain!

You can easily find Komeda Coffee near your accommodation. We visited Komeda’s Coffee close to Nagoya Station, which is a great place to start our Nagoya itinerary.

Nagoya Castle

After breakfast, it’s time to proceed with our Nagoya visit. The Nagoya Castle (名古屋城, Nagoyajō) is the must-visit attraction for any Nagoya itinerary. It is an important castle and landmark of Nagoya city. This historical castle was destroyed in an air raid during WWII. Thankfully, the castle area was rebuilt using traditional construction materials and techniques and re-opened in 1957.

The golden dolphin or kinshachi is one of the best well-known statues. It is Nagoya Castle’s guardian deity and you can easily be spotted in most of the area in Nagoya Castle.

One of the must-sees in Nagoya Castle is the Honmaru, or Hommaru Palace (名古屋城本丸御殿). It was the residence and audience chambers of Lord Tokugawa Yoshinao. The Hommaru Palace is featured with extravagant Fusumae (sliding doors) applied with gold paper and beautifully replicated paintings. It created a gorgeous, luxurious sight that represents the Japanese painting and art culture.

Getting there : From Nagoya Station, take the subway to the Shiyakusho Station (Meijo Subway Line) with a one-time transfer required at Sakae Station. From there, 3-minutes walk to Nagoya Castle’s entrance.

Operating hours : Open daily from 9:00 to 16:30. Closed from Dec 29 to 1 Jan. Admission : ¥500. Get a ¥100 discount by showing 1-day Nagoya Subway&Bus 1 Day Pass. Website : http://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/

Atsuta Shrine

Similar to most the cities in Japan, Nagoya also has a historical shine in the city. The Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮) is one of the important Shinto shrines in Japan with 1,900 years of history. Worth a visit if you are interested in a Japanese cultural shrine.

The shrine yard is huge. Spend some time walking through the row of trees in the yard. When you reach the center, you will find Atsuta Shrine and several smaller shrines. The Atsuta Shrine houses the sword Kusanagi, one of the three imperial regalia. But unfortunately, it is not open to the public.

Try the Nagoya Must Eat: Hitsumabushi

Before visiting the Atsuka Shrine, we were headed to Atsuta Houraiken Honten to taste the Nagoya must-eat food, Hitsumabushi. The Atsuta Houraiken Honten (あつた蓬莱軒 本店) was originally founded in 1873 for around 140 years. It is extremely popular for its Hitsumabushi with grilled eel rice that was served on top of rice in a wooden tub.

Due to the long waiting crowd, we wrote down our names and visited the Atsuka Shrine before this. But we still need to wait for almost one hour before getting to our table. But trust me, your wait for the hitsumabushi is truly worth it.

The extravagant hitsubamusbi can be tasted in four different ways. You can enjoy it in original, with hot broth (chazuke) and lastly your most liked way. We tried all the way and the chazuke is our liking.

We have documented our food review to Atsuta Houraiken Honten. Check it out.

Osu Shopping Street

Next, we boarded the subway back to Nagoya downtown to the Osu shopping district . Osu is one of the popular shopping areas in Nagoya with many shops which specialized in boutique brands, vintage clothing, and all sorts of items. You can also find a lot of unique shops such as anime or maid cafes, local and international cuisine restaurants, and even entertainment.

Besides, take some time to visit the Osu Kannon (大須観音), which is located beside the entrance to the Osu shopping street. The Osu Kannon is a popular Buddhist temple in Nagoya.

Getting there : Get off at Fushimi Station on Tsurumai Line. Alternatively, Osu shopping street is about a 10-minute walk from Kamimaezu Station on the Tsurumai and Meijo Subway Lines.

Oasis 21 is a futuristic three-dimensional park with a massive elliptical-shaped roof. This impressive building complex comes with the theme of “Space ship Aqua”. You can find the Green park space on the ground floor, a bus terminal in the basement, and a wide range of shops and restaurants inside the building.

There is a rooftop open area with a water-filled glass roof where visitors can walk on top of it. At night, the Spaceship Aqua is illuminated with LED lights and is very photogenic. You can even see the Nagoya tower and surrounding places. It is fun to admire the night view in Nagoya.

Getting there : Get off at Sakae station, a 5-minutes subway ride from Nagoya Station.

Popular Tebasaki For Supper

Lastly, we ended our Nagoya itinerary with tebasaki for supper. Nagoya is particularly famous for mouthwatering tebasaki (手羽先). The deep-fried chicken wing comes with original, salty, spicy, and various flavors. The crispy exterior with tender meat is perfectly matched with a cold cooling beer in izakaya. It was so addictive!

We enjoyed the tebasaki in the famous Sekaino-Yamachan in Nagoya city. Sekaino-Yamachan has many branches scattered around Nagoya and even Japan. Check the Yamachan website if you are looking for the nearest one.

Related Read : Sekai no Yamachan: Nagoya Famous Tebasaki

Day Trip From Nagoya

Thanks to its strategic location in the center of the Chubu region. Nagoya is the perfect place to plan a day trip to nearby attractions. There are many interesting places to visit in Nagoya. Among them, we listed down the top three recommended places to visit to include in your Nagoya itinerary.

Takayama is a historical city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu prefecture. It retains a traditional touch with a well-preserved wooden building in the old town district since the Edo period. Don’t forget to sample the famous Takayama food during your visit there.

Shirakawago is a UNESCO world heritage site village. It is located about a 1-hour drive from Takayama and is perfect to couple together with a Takayama visit. The Shirakawago is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses which build in a unique architectural style.

We visited the Shirakawago and Takayama during our visit to the Chubu region. Instead of a day trip, we stayed there to fully explore the places. You are opting to plan for a one-day trip if you are limited in time. Alternatively, consider taking the day tour from Klook for hassle-free arrangements.

Nagoya Legoland is the first amusement park in Japan. It is the best place to visit for families with younger children. There is a total of up to seven parks for kids to spend a whole day here. The entrance fee is ¥4,700 and children below 2 years old are free to enter.

• Entrance fee: ¥4,700 (Free for children below 2 years old). Get a discounted ticket from Klook . Easy redeem and free Sea Life 1-Day Pass!
• Getting There: From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line train to Kinjofuto Station. From there, waiting for 5-minutes will get you to the Legoland.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium – Get in touch with amazing sea life such as killer whales, beluga whales, orcas, belugas, dolphins, and other interesting sea creatures at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. Definitely worth the visit especially for travelers with kids. Don’t forget to check the performance time and feeding time when visiting Nagoya Aquarium! Check for more detail on admission ticket from Klook at discounted price.

Overview: Nagoya Travel Blog Itinerary

Last but not least, hopefully, my Nagoya itinerary is helpful. This amazing city is underrated. There are so many things to do and see in this lively city. We enjoyed all kinds of local delicacies during my visit to Nagoya.

If you only have limited time to plan for a 1-Day Nagoya itinerary, we recommended visiting the Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and a food tour in Nagoya. It will give you a great overview of Nagoya.

If you have more time, we highly suggest including the Nabano no Sato if you are visiting Nagoya in winter. Alternatively, you can include the nearby attractions of Takayama or Shiragawago.

Being the central hub for travelers when visiting the central Japan region, Nagoya is the fourth largest city in Japan and the capital city of Aichi Prefecture. It is famous for manufacturing and known for the automotive industry.

The distance from Tokyo to Nagoya is 258.57km with about 2 hours of traveling time by Shinkansen. It required 100 minutes with Nozomi trains, 110 minutes for Hikari trains, and 180 minutes for Kodama trains.

Nagoya is worth the visit, even if it is one day. This underestimated city is full of attractions and mouthwatering food. It is the entry point in central Japan to nearby attractions such as Takayama, Shirakawago, Kamikochi, and more.

Nagoya is cheaper compared to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Still, it is not a cheap city compared with nearby places such as Kanazawa, Takayama, and Toyama.

We plan for ¥4,000 – ¥6,000 on meals and ¥1,500 for local transport for 1 day in Nagoya.

Continue Read On

Lastly, we visited Takayama, Shirakawago, Kamikochi, Tateyama, and many interesting places in the Chubu region. Free feel to continue to read on our Chubu travel blog if you are looking for a travel blog outside Nagoya. Enjoy your trip to Nagoya.

Related Nagoya Travel Guide Blog :

• Where To Stay in Nagoya: The Best Hotels and Areas
• Nagoya Food Guide: What To Eat in Nagoya
• Hitsumabushi Atsuta Houraiken: Nagoya Must Eat Food
• Sekai no Yamachan: Nagoya Famous Tebasaki

Complete read in Chubu travel blog:

• 8-Days Chubu Itinerary: Complete Central Japan Travel Guide

Takayama and Shirakawago Travel Blog:

• Shirakawa-go Travel Guide
• Shirakawago Itinerary: A Walk Into Cultural Japan Village
• Takayama Itinerary: What To Do and Eat in Takayama
• Takayama Food Guide: 10 Must-Try Food in Takayama
• Where to Stay in Takayama: Best Hotel or Traditional Ryokan

Tateyama Alpine Route and Kamikochi Travel Blog:

• Complete Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Travel Guide + Itinerary)
• Kamikochi Itinerary: One Day Hike in Japan Alps

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Private Tour

Nagoya 1 day tour (8 hours).

Nagoya, situated in between Tokyo and Osaka is a city that was built by the most famous warlord in Japan.

The road in this city is wider than in other cities, so why don’t you go sightseeing at a leisurely pace by hiring one of our charter vehicles or charter buses. If you’re in Nagoya, you should visit Nagoya Castle at least once. Although the castle was destroyed in World War II, it has since been restored to its former glory. In the castle you can see some valuable cultural assets such as paintings on room partitions by painters of the time, and restored paintings on sliding doors. If you’re lucky, you may be able to meet ninjas and samurai warriors at Nagoya Castle, so don’t forget to take a photo to remember this moment. Tokugawa Garden is a Japanese garden with a pond in the center and every other aspect revolves around it. Let’s spend some time strolling the garden, surrounded by seasonal flowers and plants. In the garden, you can also check out Japanese style houses, fences and wells.

After lunch, we will head to Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous shrines. You will get a feeling of calmness when surrounded by lush nature and tranquility. In Japan, it is known as a shrine that businessmen and athletes visit to bring good luck. Next stop will be the Osu area, which will be easy to access with your charter vehicle. Let’s take a walk around Osu Kannon and the shopping district. Osu Kannon is a Buddhist temple with statue of Nioh and belfry, and things you can wish for includes your health, business prosperity, academic success and protection against misfortune. The bustling Osu shopping street is lined with variety of shops that sell popular products. You can feast on cheap everyday food locals love, while immersed in the atmosphere of modern Japan. Even if you end up eating or drinking more than you should, you can take a leisurely ride back to the hotel in our charter vehicle.

■Above price includes toll fee, parking fee, fuel and tax. It excludes tour guide service, meal and entrance fee.

■Please let us know your rough plan as we can create a package tour based on your request in Japan.

■Please send your request to [email protected] as our staff will reply you within 24 hours.

■Interpreter-guide in this area is very rare so price will be more expensive than other major city such as Tokyo or Osaka.

■To find more fleet lineup and tour information please check our company official Facebook page and Instagram page:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JLS718/

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Comfort & Security: Benefits of using Package Tours on your trip to Japan

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2023 nagoya japan travel guide blog: things to do, tourist spots, sample itinerary, hotels, and more.

Planning a trip to Nagoya, Japan?

Nagoya japan travel essentials.

• Private Nagoya Airport Transfer - Enjoy hassle-free and convenient transfer from Chubu Centrair International Airport to your hotel.
• Airport to Nagoya City Railway Ticket - Get from Central Japan International Airport to Nagoya City in as fast as 28 minutes with this railway transfer. This is one of the fastest options to get to the city from the airport, be sure to book your tickets in advance!
• 4G WiFi Device or a 4G eSIM for Japan from Softbank - Don't forget to rent a portable WiFi device or get an eSIM to stay connected to the internet in Japan, for your Instagram moments, and also for navigating the streets of Nagoya.
• Hotels in Nagoya - Search for the best hotels in Nagoya. From budget hostels and capsule hotels, to luxurious 5-star hotels, you'll certainly find the best hotels in Nagoya that will meet your needs and preferences.
• Japan Rail Pass - If you wish to travel to other prefectures, I highly recommend getting a JR Pass! It is available 7, 14 or 21 days unlimited travel around Japan including bullet trains or Shinkansen!

JAPAN: NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG

Useful tourist passes in nagoya.

• JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass - Enjoy 5 days of unlimited travel in Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagoya, Osaka, and more with a this pass! Get unlimited rides aboard limited express, express, rapid, and ordinary trains on JR conventional lines including buses and Hokuriku Shinkansen!
• JR Osaka - Nagoya 'Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass' - Take train & bus rides from Nagoya to Ise, Kumano, and Osaka with the Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass. Access 5 consecutive days of unlimited travel in Ise, Kumano, and Wakayama with a single area pass!
• Whole Japan Rail Pass - If you're planning a visit to Nagoya as part of a bigger Japan trip that covers multiple cities and prefectures, I highly recommend that you get a nationwide Japan JR Pass - available in 7, 14 and 21 days validity.

Nagoya Tourist Spots and Things to Do in Nagoya in Winter

1. kariya highway oasis.

2. Magome-juku

3. Matsumoto Castle

4. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

5. Shirakawa-go historic village

6. Takayama City

7. Gujo City/Gujo Hachiman

8. Winter illumination at Nabana no Sato

9. TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry

10. Legoland

11. scmaglev and railway park.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Hotels in Japan are compact but well-furnished.
• You can expect that your room will have a bath tub, yukata (Japanese-style robe), towels, and Japanese toiletries.
• If you are smoker, you can request smoking rooms. For non-smokers, be sure to request a non-smoking one (sometimes they tend to overlook that part).
• You will always find a kettle in your room and green tea sachets.

1. Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto

2. APA Hotel Toyama Ekimae

3. Business Hotel Gujo Hachiman

4. Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Nishiki

Where to Eat?

• The Japanese curate food from anything they deem edible. So expect to taste a lot of bizarre dishes with seafood and vegetables, ranging from a little weird to disgusting. For example, we were served tiny, raw octopus, and raw squid with mustard and gelatin in one plate.
• If you’re out in a formal Japanese dining facility, rice is served last. The set meals can be expensive, around 20,000 yen and up, and includes mostly vegetables and broth. You will rarely see fried food and the usual Japanese dishes we've grown up with like tempura and tonkatsu. Fortunately, there is always sashimi.
• What dessert? Dessert is not that popular here.
• Unlike the Philippines, it's rare to see a restaurant in Japan that has juices and soft drinks in the menu. They don't have it on display either. You will aways be served hot tea, as it is the norm in Japan.

2. Magomeya

3. Gomangoku

6. Yoshidaya

7. Kawasemi Japanese Restaurant

8. Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho

9. Kurobedaira

Where to Shop?

1. sakae area.

2. Jazz Dream Nagashima

Best Time to Go?

Getting In?

For ease and convenience in getting to your hotel in nagoya from the airport, you may book a private nagoya airport transfer or buy a central japan international airport to nagoya city railway ticket ..

What time is it?

Contact person for tours, sample 5 days 4 nights nagoya itinerary, day 1:flight to nagoya/ explore matsumoto, day 2: tateyama kurobe alpine route, day 3: shirakawa-go + takayama, day 4: gujo hachiman, day 5: nagoya city/sakae, nice-to-know facts about japan and the japanese.

• The Japanese are honest. You may forget your belongings, but you can and expect to find them in the same place after hours. If there are instances of people taking something that is not theirs, it is almost always a tourist.
• Zero crime. You won't encounter a robber, a hawker, or anyone similar even when you walk at night or at dawn. Japan is extremely safe.
• Locals are out-of-this-world helpful and polite. If you stepped on somebody's toe, he/she will apologize for it.
• It is normal to see male and female escorts in the Sakae area at night. They are harmless and are not nearly as pushy as hawkers in Boracay.
• Toilet bowls in Japan built-in bidet and are heated. You throw your used tissue into the bowl. INTO, not in the bin.

Nagoya Travel Blogs

• Shirakawa-go Travel Guide with Itinerary, Tours, How To Get There and Travel Tips
• 10 Best things to do in Nagoya
• Takayama Autumn Festival in Gifu Prefecture
• Japanese Food Sample Making at Sample Village Iwasaki in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Japan
• Top 5 Best Things To Do at Laguna Ten Bosch in Gamagori, Aichi Japan
• Orange Picking at Gamagori Orange Park, Aichi Japan
• Toyota Museum and Plant Tour in Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture

Japan Travel Guide Blogs

• Tokyo Travel Guide Blog with ₱10,000 DIY Itinerary & Budget
• Nagoya Travel Guide Blog with Things to do, Tourist Spots, Itinerary, Hotels, and More!
• Kyoto Travel Guide Blog with Itinerary, Things to do, Tourist Spots, and More!
• Osaka and Kyoto Japan 4D3N Tour Itinerary
• Things to do in Osaka, Tourist Spots and Attractions

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1 comment :.

Hi, how much was your total budget for the 5 day itinerary you posted? Inclusive of all the tours and hotel accommodation?

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE: A Japanese City Well Worth Visiting

Your ultimate travel guide to nagoya city, japan.

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Nagoya Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Insider Tips

Table of Contents

Nagoya is a bustling city located in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan. It is Japan’s fourth most populated city, after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, and is considered the capital of Aichi Prefecture. Nagoya is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition and is home to many tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world.

This Nagoya travel guide aims to provide helpful travel insights and tips for anyone planning to visit this beautiful city. This guide includes valuable information on the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay.

With its rich history, culture, and tradition, Nagoya is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. So, if you plan a trip to Japan, include Nagoya in your itinerary and use this Nagoya travel guide to make the most of your time in this fantastic city.

Getting There

Traveling to Nagoya is easy and convenient thanks to its central location in Japan. There are several options available when it comes to getting to Nagoya.

Nagoya is served by Chubu Centrair International Airport, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay. The airport is one of the busiest in Japan and is served by many domestic and international airlines. From the airport, travelers can take the Meitetsu Airport Line to Nagoya Station, which takes around 30 minutes. There are also buses and taxis available at the airport.

Nagoya Station is one of the busiest train stations in Japan. It is served by several JR Central lines, including the Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Nagoya to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama. The journey from Tokyo to Nagoya takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes on the Nozomi Shinkansen, while the trip from Osaka takes around 50 minutes on the same train. Several limited express trains connect Nagoya to other parts of Japan.

Several bus companies operate services to and from Nagoya, including Willer Express and JR Bus. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel around Japan, and many routes are available. For example, a bus from Tokyo to Nagoya takes around 5 hours, while a bus from Osaka to Nagoya takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Navigating the City

Navigating Nagoya can be a breeze if you know the right transportation options and understand the city’s layout well. This section will guide you through the different modes of transportation and provide you with some helpful tips to easily get around the city.

Public Transportation

Nagoya has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. The most convenient way to get around the city is by train. The JR Nagoya Station is the main hub for trains, and it connects to other major cities in Japan. The station is also connected to the Nagoya Subway, which has six lines that cover most of the city.

Buses are another option, but they can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors. The city has a complex bus system, and figuring out which bus to take and where to get off can be challenging. However, if you’re up for the challenge, buses can be a great way to explore the city’s more remote areas.

Maps and Directions

To navigate Nagoya, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the city’s layout. You can find maps of the city at most tourist information centers or download them online. Google Maps is also an excellent resource for getting directions and finding your way around the city.

If you’re traveling by train, check the train schedules and maps before you go. The trains can be crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to avoid traveling during rush hour if possible. The Nagoya Subway also has a helpful app that provides real-time information on train schedules and delays.

When traveling by bus, check the bus route and timetable before you go. The buses can be a bit confusing, but most bus stops have maps showing the bus routes and stops. If you’re not sure which bus to take, ask the bus driver or a local for help.

In summary, Nagoya has a reliable public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and subways. The JR Nagoya Station is the main train hub, and the Nagoya Subway covers most of the city. Maps and directions are essential to navigate the city, and Google Maps and the Nagoya Subway app are excellent resources.

Accommodation

When planning a trip to Nagoya, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference. Luckily, Nagoya offers a wide range of options for all budgets and preferences.

The Tower Hotel Nagoya is an excellent option for those looking for a luxurious stay. Located in the heart of Nagoya, this hotel offers stunning views of the city skyline and is just a short walk from Nagoya Station. Another great option is the Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower , which boasts a prime location and modern amenities.

Read: Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Nagoya, Japan

For budget-conscious travelers, Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel is a great choice. Located just a few minutes from Nagoya Station, this hostel offers dormitory and private rooms. The Grand Base Osu is another option for a budget-friendly stay. This hostel is located in the trendy Osu neighborhood and provides a variety of room types.

Budget Options

If you’re looking for affordable accommodation without sacrificing quality, Vessel Inn Sakae Ekimae is a great choice. This hotel is located in the heart of Nagoya and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. For backpackers, there are various affordable options throughout the city, including the aforementioned Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel.

Attractions

Nagoya has much to offer for those interested in exploring its rich culture and history. Here are some of the top attractions to visit in Nagoya, categorized by type.

Historical Sites

Nagoya Castle

Visitors to Nagoya Castle will be treated to a breathtaking experience! Built in the early 17th century, the castle was once the residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan and has since been named a National Treasure.

From the top of the castle, visitors can take in stunning views of the city and the surrounding gardens. The castle also features the largest floorspace of any tower keep and two golden shachihoko and votive tiger-fish roof devices. Make sure to add Nagoya Castle to your list of must-see historical sites!

Osu is another historical site that is worth visiting. It is a shopping district that has been around since the Edo period. It is home to Osu Kannon Temple, a popular spot for tourists and locals.

Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine is also a famous historical site in Nagoya. It is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan and is said to house the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan.

Nagoya has several museums that are worth visiting.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a famous museum that showcases the history of the Toyota Motor Corporation. It is a great place to learn about the development of the automobile industry in Japan.

Nagoya City Science Museum

The Nagoya City Science Museum is another famous museum that is worth visiting. It has several interactive exhibits that are fun for children and adults.

Tokugawa Art Museum

For those seeking an immersive experience of the art and culture of Japan, the Tokugawa Art Museum is an absolute must-see. Housed in the former residence of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family, this museum boasts a collection of national treasures and other important cultural artifacts from the Edo Period (1603-1868).

Visitors can explore a wide array of samurai armor and swords, tea utensils, noh masks and costumes, poems, scrolls, and maps, all of which are from the family’s immense wealth that was only surpassed by four of the 200 feudal domains of the Edo Period.

Parks and Gardens

Shirotori Garden

Shirotori Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Nagoya’s heart. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Japan.

Shopping Districts

Sakae district.

Explore the vibrant Sakae district in Nagoya, home to many department stores, shopping centers, parks, and the iconic Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. Stroll through the parks near the tower and enjoy the bustling shopping scene during the day.

Then, when the sun sets, experience the vibrant nightlife with its eclectic mix of dining options, hole-in-the-wall bars, and multistory nightclubs. Climb up the 100-meter sky deck of the MIRAI TOWER for breathtaking views of the area and sample Nagoya’s specialties and international fare.

With its unique blend of shopping, dining, bar-hopping, and entertainment, Sakae is the perfect place to have fun and explore.

Osu Shopping District

Experience the hustle and bustle of Nagoya’s Osu Shopping Street, a vibrant shopping district with over 1,200 shops and restaurants! From electrical appliance shops to secondhand clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, there are many exciting events held throughout the year, such as the Osu Summer Festival in August, the Osu Daido-chonin Festival in October, and the Osu Setsubun Takarabune Gyoretsu (treasure ship parade) in February.

Don’t miss the antique market held on the 18th and 28th of each month at the Osu Kannon Temple, which was moved from Osu Village, Mino Province, to its current location by the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612.

Food and Drink

Nagoya is known for its unique and flavorful cuisine. The city’s local specialties are hearty and comforting, perfect for travelers seeking delicious comfort food.

Restaurants

Plenty of restaurants in Nagoya serve local specialties like hitsumabushi, miso katsu, and tebasaki. Misokatsu Yabaton Nagoya is a popular restaurant chain specializing in miso katsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet with thick miso sauce. Another must-visit restaurant is Atsuta Horaiken Honten , famous for its hitsumabushi, a grilled eel dish served on a bed of rice.

Nagoya has a thriving cafe culture, with plenty of cozy cafes dotted around the city. If you’re looking for a breakfast spot, head to Komeda’s Coffee for their famous ogura toast, toast topped with sweet red bean paste and butter. For a more modern cafe experience, check out Cafe Stay Happy, which serves delicious coffee and cakes in a stylish setting.

Nagoya has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and pubs to choose from. If you’re looking for a unique drinking experience, check out Bar Ichi, which serves delicious cocktails made with local ingredients. Another popular bar is The SG Club, which has a wide selection of craft beers and a cozy atmosphere.

Nagoya is a great destination for shoppers, offering a wide range of options from department stores to street markets. Here are some recommendations for shopping in Nagoya.

When it comes to souvenirs, Nagoya has plenty of options to choose from. Visitors can find traditional Japanese items such as pottery, tea sets, and kimonos. Additionally, Nagoya is known for its local specialty foods, including miso and hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice).

One popular shopping destination for souvenirs is the Osu Shopping District. This area is known for its wide range of shops selling everything from anime merchandise to traditional Japanese crafts. Visitors can also find a variety of street food vendors and restaurants in the area.

Another option for souvenir shopping is the Nagoya Castle souvenir shop. This shop offers a range of items related to the castle and its history, including postcards, books, and traditional Japanese toys.

Department Stores

Nagoya is home to several large department stores, offering a wide range of shopping options. One of the most popular is the Matsuzakaya Department Store, located in the heart of Nagoya’s shopping district. This store offers a range of luxury brands and more affordable options.

Takashimaya Department Store

Another popular department store is the Takashimaya Department Store near Nagoya Station. This store offers a range of fashion and beauty brands and a food hall featuring a variety of Japanese and international cuisine.

Parco Department Store

For those looking for a more affordable shopping experience, the Parco Department Store in Sakae offers a range of trendy fashion and beauty brands at more affordable prices.

Nagoya is centrally located in Japan, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. Here are some of the most popular day trips from Nagoya.

Toyota City

Located just a short train ride from Nagoya, Toyota City is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts. The city is home to the Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the world’s largest car manufacturers. Visitors can tour the Toyota Kaikan Museum to learn about the company’s history and see some of their latest models on display. The museum also offers factory tours where visitors can see how cars are made.

Legoland Japan

Book Your Tickets Here

Take your family to the exciting world of Legoland Japan Resort! Located in Nagoya’s neighboring city, Nagoya Kinjo-futo Station, this theme park features over 40 thrilling rides and attractions, from roller coasters and water rides to a unique Lego-themed aquarium.

Kids will also have a blast building and playing with Lego bricks. Since its opening on April 1, 2017, Legoland Japan Resort has been a hit with visitors, with over two million visitors annually. Plan a fun-filled day trip today and experience the magic of Legoland Japan Resort!

Nagashima Resort

Nagashima Resort is a large amusement park located about an hour’s drive from Nagoya. It features over 60 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a Ferris wheel. In addition to the amusement park, the resort also has a hot spring spa, outlet shopping mall, and flower park. Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring what Nagashima Resort offers.

Events and Festivals

Nagoya is a city that loves celebrating, and visitors will find various events and festivals throughout the year. There is something for everyone, from traditional Japanese festivals to modern music events.

Nagoya Festival

The vibrant Nagoya Festival draws in thousands of visitors yearly to its spectacular procession of the Three Heroes of Nagoya: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The parade is a sight to behold, with its 700+ participants adorned in traditional armor and carrying banners and weapons, followed by a captivating band.

But that’s not all – the festival also features over 100 intricately decorated floats, each representing a different city district, traditional Japanese food, and games. Held in the central Hisaya Odori Park in Sakae, the Nagoya Festival is an event not to be missed!

World Cosplay Summit

Another popular event is the World Cosplay Summit, held in August. Cosplayers worldwide come to Nagoya to compete in a series of events, including a parade through the city. Visitors can also attend workshops and meet-and-greets with their favorite cosplayers.

Music Festivals

Throughout the year, visitors can also enjoy a variety of music festivals in Nagoya. The Summer Sonic festival, held in August, features some of the biggest names in Japanese and international music. The Nagoya Jazz Festival, held in September, showcases some of the best jazz musicians worldwide.

Practical Information

Nagoya has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences heavy rainfall during the summer months. The best time to visit Nagoya is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant.

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, most people in Nagoya can speak English to some extent, especially those in the tourism industry. It is recommended to learn a few basic Japanese phrases before visiting Nagoya.

The currency used in Japan is the Japanese yen (¥). Visitors can exchange their currency at banks, post offices, and exchange offices. Credit cards are widely accepted in Nagoya, but carrying some cash for small purchases is always recommended.

The plug type used in Japan is Type A and Type B. The standard voltage is 100V, and the standard frequency is 50/60 Hz. Visitors from countries with different plug types will need to bring a plug adapter.

Exploring the city’s rich history and culture is recommended when visiting Nagoya. The city was an important center during the Edo period and is home to many historical landmarks, such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. Visitors can enjoy the city’s modern attractions, such as the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should i spend in nagoya.

The ideal duration of a trip to Nagoya depends on your interests and the places you want to visit. However, a 3-4 day trip is sufficient to explore the city’s major attractions.

What are some must-see tourist spots in Nagoya?

Nagoya has many popular tourist attractions, including Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Tokugawa Art Museum, and Osu Kannon Temple. The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a must-visit for car enthusiasts.

What is Nagoya famous for?

Nagoya is famous for its unique cuisine, including miso-katsu, hitsumabushi, and tebasaki. The city is also known for its manufacturing industry, with Toyota being one of the most prominent companies based in Nagoya.

What are some things to do in Nagoya at night?

Nagoya has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and karaoke establishments to choose from. The Sakae district is particularly popular for its nightlife, with many establishments staying open until the early hours of the morning.

What is the best way to travel from Nagoya to Tokyo?

The fastest way to travel from Nagoya to Tokyo is by taking the Shinkansen bullet train, which takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Is Nagoya worth visiting?

Nagoya has a lot to offer visitors, with its rich history, unique cuisine, and modern attractions. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s cultural heritage or experiencing its vibrant nightlife, Nagoya is worth visiting.

Nagoya, Japan Travel and Tour Packages

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Nagoya City, Japan, that you can add to your itinerary?

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• Top 15 Best Things to do in Nagoya, Japan
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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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What To Do And See At Chubu Centrair International Airport

Japan is one of the few countries that recognizes the fact that many people like to spend some time watching aircraft and airports in action. The Japanese airports are far from being only transportation hubs and the Chubu Centrair International Airport is no exception.

Chubu Centrair International Airport, commonly called Centrair, is the closest major airport to Nagoya and it is built on an artificial island in Ise Bay, near Tokoname City (Aichi Prefecture). Centrair is the main international gateway for the central Chubu region of Japan’s main island. Because Nagoya is a bustling hub of commerce and manufacturing, Centrair has daily business travelers from all over the world.

In this article, you will find a few good reasons to spend some extra hours at Centrair.

Article Contents

Have Fun Shopping While en Route to Business and Holiday Destinations

Centrair’s international departures lobby has a bunch of dining and shopping options for you to enjoy before or after a flight or even just during a visit to the airport.

Terminal 1 has 2 main shopping areas on the 3rd and 4th floors. On the 3rd floor, you will find drugstores, duty-free and souvenir shops. The 4th floor is divided into two themed areas: Asian and Western. In both areas, you will find many brand-name shops such as Uniqlo, MUJI, and Tsutaya.

On the same floor, you’ll discover yb.Friend’s, a haven for character enthusiasts that offers an array of renowned characters such as Studio Ghibli, Pokemon, Disney, Super Mario, and a variety of assorted goods.

Multiple excellent restaurants are also located on the 3rd and 4th floors. There is a wide selection of food, ranging from Japanese to Chinese cuisine, fast food, and coffee shops as well as several of the Nagoya classic such as Komeda’s Coffee, Sekai no Yamachan, and Misokatsu Yabaton.

Get to know more about Nagoya local food with our Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour .

Relieve Your Travel Stress in the Spa and Relaxation Area

A spa visit is a great alternative to waiting in a food court, a crowded gate area, or an airline lounge. On Terminal 1’s 4th floor, you’ll discover two relaxation facilities: the Japanese-style spa “Fu no Yu” and the “Sanatio Spa.”

SOLA SPA Bath Fu no Yu

This is the first onsen in Japan with a runway view. While soaking in the bath, you can closely watch planes taking off and landing, and enjoy panoramic views of Ise Bay. Fu no Yu also provides a complimentary Baggage Service, allowing you to store your luggage and unwind without concerns.

SOLA SPA Bath Fu no Yu (SOLA SPA 風の湯) Entry Fee:   Adult 1500 yen, child 900 yen, under 6 years 600 yen Opening Hours: Weekdays 8:00 – 21:00 (last entry 20:00); Weekends and holidays 8:00 – 22:00 (last entry 21:00) Address: Passenger Terminal 1 4F, 1-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi 479-0881 Phone: (+81) 0569-38-7070 Tattoo-friendly: No, but they sell stickers to cover them up. Website | Google Maps

For more Onsen, hot springs, and more relaxing Japanese bathing options in Nagoya, have a look at this selection that we have carefully curated.

Sanatio Spa

The Sanatio Spa is an Asian spa located in the general relaxation area that offers massages and aesthetic services, including reflexology and facials.

Sanatio Spa (サナティオ スパ 名古屋) Opening Hours:   13:00 – 21:00 Address: Terminal 1 4F Sky Town, 1-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi 479-0881 Phone: (+81) 569-84-0326 Website

Looking for a Great View of the Runway? Get Some Fresh Air Before Boarding Your Flight on the Amazing Sky Deck

While you’re at Chubu Centrair International Airport, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Centrair Sky Deck. The Sky Deck area is truly expansive, and the views are simply breathtaking. Whether or not plane spotting is your thing, you’ll be impressed by the proximity to aircrafts arriving and departing on the main runway, with the Nagoya Port serving as a picturesque backdrop. You’ll have the chance to capture incredible photos of the aircrafts as well. And the best part? It’s free!

It is located in Terminal 1, 4th Floor and it’s open from 7:00 to 21:30.

Don’t miss the Ninja Performances and Seasonal Events

Did you know that every 22nd of the month is Ninja Day?

Chubu Centrair International Airport celebrates this special day by holding many events focused on Ninja. Special guests such as the Hattori Hanzo’s Ninja Squad® offer acrobatic shows, and the Segway Guided Tour instructors dress up as Ninja on this day of the month. This day is a special opportunity to get closer to the Ninja world.

Winter illuminations and Bon Festivals are a popular seasonal attractions across Japan, and Chubu Centrair Airport is no exception. Take a look here to learn how to make the most of these events.

Watch the Planes Takeoff and Land from Up Close

Centrair offers two paid guided tours. The Segway Guided Tour explores the Terminal building, Sky Deck, and the outdoor Centrair Garden. The alternative option lets you venture to the airport runway , offering an exhilarating 40m proximity to the planes. If you want to learn more about Centrair Airport or simply are looking for a great way to kill some time before your flight, this is a great way to make some final memories in Japan. Learn about these tours in more detail by clicking here . (Both tours are offered in Japanese only)

Enjoy an Airplane Theme Park at Flight of Dreams

The Flight of Dreams, located adjacent to the Chubu Centrair International Airport, is an interactive theme park that focuses on the Boeing 787 aircraft and aviation in general. You can learn about both like never before in a fun and interactive way visiting the Flight Park and Flight Simulator.

Inside the Flight of Dreams, there is a second area, inspired by the urban landscape of Seattle, with many restaurants and shops. This area brings Seattle’s gastronomic culture to life in Japan.

Flight of Dreams (フライト・オブ・ドリームズ) Entry Fee: the Flight Park is free, but some other areas require a fee. Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30); open every day. Address:  1-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi 479-0881 Phone: (+81) 0569-38-1195 Website | Google Maps

E-Sports, Concerts, and Big Events at Aichi Sky Expo International Exhibition Center

Aichi Sky Expo is a massive international exhibition and convention venue that opened on 30th August 2019 at the Central International Airport.

Aichi Sky Expo can accommodate concerts, shows, sports, and live events and it is the first Convention & Exhibition Center in Japan with direct access to an international airport. Since its aperture, it held international E-Sports competitions and live concert events from domestic and international music bands.

Aichi Sky Expo International Exhibition Center (愛知県国際展示場) Address:   5-10-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi 479-0881 Phone: (+81) 0569-38-2361 Website | Google Maps

Stay Overnight at One of the Airport Hotels

If you want to stay overnight in Nagoya and need to be close to the airport, there are several hotels directly connected to the terminal building. 

There are some luxurious options to make your last night in Nagoya unforgettable, such as the Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya , the Centrair Hotel or the Comfort Hotel . Alternatively, you could opt for a unique experience at Capsule Hotel TUBE Sq , a modern capsule hotel nestled within the Chubu Centrair International Airport terminal. Check the websites of each hotel to find out about prices and availability.

This post has last been updated in August 2023 .  Although we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please note that changes may occur nonetheless. We recommend you confirm any relevant information such as event cancelations or changes, opening hours, or possible restrictions using a direct source. Please keep in mind that these sources might be in Japanese only.

Did you enjoy this article?

Make sure to also check out our other posts about Nagoya and trust us if we say Nagoya is not boring!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for regular updates on Nagoya, and see our Instagram for pictures and stories about the city!

If you have visited Centrair please share your experience and tag us on social media with #nagoyaisnotboring

Elisabeth Llopis

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Nagoya Sightseeing & Nagoya Attractions

• Published on : 24/12/2012
• by : Japan Experience
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Things To Do In Nagoya & Its Surroundings 名古屋

Nagoya Castle

Tokugawa Art Museum

• Tokugawa-en
• Noh Theatre

Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

• Atsuta Shrine
• Shiroyama Shrine

Toganji Temple

• Museum of Industry & Technology

Toyota Automobile Museum

Nagoya/boston museum of fine arts, nagoya city museum.

Nagoya City Science Museum

Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum

• IdcN Design Center
• Higashiyama Zoo
• Villaggio Italia

Pachinko Museum

Nittaiji Temple

Nunoike Cathedral

Toyota Municipal Museum of Art

Nagoya City Tram & Subway Museum

Nagoya Agricultural Center

Little World

• Magome & Tsumago
• Gujo Hachiman
• Food & Drink

Nanachan - a popular meeting spot outside the main entrance to Meitetsu Nagoya Station

Nagoya unfairly gets a bad rap from most guidebooks and usually only enters the traveller's consciousness as a brief stop on the shinkansen (bullet train) journey from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Once a beautiful wooden town in historical times, Nagoya is one of the few modern Japanese cities to have been carefully planned and zoned after the destruction of World War II.

In fact, the city is a spacious, well-planned, urban center that oozes prosperity due to the location of Japan's largest company - Toyota - in the town as well as a substantial number of blue-chip precision-engineering companies driven by Toyota's success.

In 2005, Nagoya's new off-shore Centrair Airport opened and Nagoya City & Aichi Prefecture played host to Aichi Expo 2005 .

Nagoya is easily accessible from Tokyo by shinkansen and takes under an hour to get to from Kyoto and Osaka - or a more leisurely 2 hours by Kintetsu railway's Urban Liner from Osaka's Tsuruhashi and Namba stations - and has a lot to offer the first time visitor.

Nagoya, located in central Japan, is ideal as a base for exploring the historic towns and onsens of nearby Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka and Nagano Prefectures.

Nearby places of interest within a radius of around two hours by train include Gifu City , Inuyama , Ise-Toba , Gujo Hachiman , Takayama , Toyohashi , Gero Onsen and Magome and Tsumago .

Nagoya Castle (first completed in 1612) was built on the orders of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and houses a worthwhile museum displaying Edo period armor, fusama-e (paintings on sliding doors) and other art treasures that escaped bombing in World War II. The adjacent Hommaru Palace is presently being restored to its original glory and the first stage is now open to the public.

Meijo Koen, the park surrounding Nagoya Castle, is famous for its cherry blossoms. Ninomaru Garden just to the east of the castle is an original Japanese-style garden.

Less than five minutes walk from Meijo Park and Shiyakusho-mae subway station, the luxurious Five Star Westin Nagoya Hotel makes for an excellent central base for any business or pleasure trip to Nagoya.

Other accommodation nearby to Nagoya Castle includes the much recommended Kyoya Ryokan with an excellent spa, Japanese food and garden. This is a must if you want to experience a truly, traditional Japanese inn.

Nagoya Castle Admission 500 yen. Access : Shiyakusho subway station on the Meijo Line or Sengen-cho on the Tsurumai Line .

Nagoya Castle with its distinctive, fan-shaped, sloping walls

The hip area of Osu Kannon in Nagoya known for its flea markets and electronics stores

Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya

The nearby Tokugawa Art Museum is the city's must-see attraction, housing the old ruling Owari family's legacy of art and heirlooms, which include maki-e (gold lacquer work), fearsome samurai armor, swords and helmets, a Noh stage and theater costumes and the original twelfth-century painted scroll of The Tale of Genji by Takayoshi Fujiwara. The original is kept locked away most of the time but is represented by video and panel displays. Photography is not allowed inside the exhibition. The museum, which dates from 1935, is set in the beautiful Tokugawaen (Tokugawa garden), which can be visited separately. Admission 200 yen. 10 am-5 pm, closed Monday. Access : Ozone subway station. Read more about Tokugawa Art Museum

Tokugawaen Garden

Tokugawa Garden

Adjacent to the Tokugawa Art Museum is the beautiful Tokugawaen (Tokugawa Garden), which can be visited separately from the museum. The garden was built in 1695 as a retirement villa for Mitsutomo, Lord of the Owari Tokugawa, but was destroyed in World War II and only opened as a Japanese garden again in 2004. A large lake forms the strolling garden's centerpiece which is also noted for its waterfalls, wooden bridges, a samurai teahouse, restaurant and its peonies and irises. Visitors can enter through the wooden Kuro-mon (Black Gate) which survived the bombing and dates from 1900. Admission 500 yen. 10 am-5.30 pm, closed Monday. Tel: (052) 935 8988 Access : Ozone subway station. Read more about Tokugawa Garden

Nagoya Noh Theatre

Noh drama is a prominent feature of Nagoya and the Nagoya Nohgakudo is the venue for regular monthly performances. There is also an exhibit room of precious Noh artifacts (free). Admission from 500 yen. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Access : Shiyakusho subway station.

Interested in sumo ? The annual Nagoya basho (tournament) is held in July at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. Day tickets (from ,200) are available there 9 am-5 pm, or you can phone 052 962 9300 for advance sales. Access : Shiyakusho subway station.

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Osu Kannon - TVs and Temples

Located just south of Sakae and Fushimi, Nagoya's main shopping centers, is Osu Kannon Temple - a great place to stroll and take in the mix of old and new. Osu Kannon Temple is Nagoya's oldest and the surrounding area of Osu Kannon or just "Osu" is home to a vibrant fusion of old-style arcades selling everything from discount electronics to second-hand kimono, antique markets on the 18th and 28th of each month, and a number of intriguing Brazilian shops and cafes. Brother Computer Solutions is a foreigner-friendly new and used store in Ameyoko Biru #1. Access : Osukannon subway station. Bars & Restaurants in Osu

Atsuta Jinja

Atsuta Jinja ('jinja' meaning Shinto shrine) is one of the most important shrines in Japan. Lined with attractive cypress trees, it dates back to the third century and is supposed to house the sacred imperial sword, one of the three regalia of the imperial family, the others being a sacred mirror at Ise and sacred jewels in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The shrine is Nagoya's number one must-visit shrine at New Year and is also a popular venue for shichi-go-san festivals. Shichi-go-san , literally 'seven-five-three', is a celebration held on November 15 for when a girl turns 3 or 7 and when a boy turns 5. Atsuta Jingu is said to visited by over 8 million people per year. The shrine was bombed in World War II and subsequently rebuilt. Atsuta Jingu is seen as a protector of the area's agriculture and the shrine's festivals include an opulent planting ceremony. The precincts include a 1,300 year old giant camphor tree said to be planted by the renowned Buddhist priest Koubou Daishi, a Noh theater, and the 'Bunka-den' treasure storehouse museum full of important cultural assets, especially swords. (9 am-4.30 pm, closed last Wed and Thu of every month. Closed Dec 25-31. No admission after 4.10 pm). Access : Jingu Nishi Meijo Subway Line, 8 minutes walk from JR Atsuta (Tokaido Honsen line) or 5 minutes from Meitetsu Jingumae station .

The soaring Twin Towers of Nagoya Station - the world's largest station building by area

Shinkansen bullet train at Nagoya Station

Koshoji Temple

Koshoji Temple Pagoda, Yagoto

Koshoji Temple , which was established by the Tokugawa family, dates from the 17th century and consists of a number of fine buildings including an impressive five-storey wooden pagoda completed in 1808. The temple and grounds of its attached graveyard are situated in pleasant woodland on Yagoto Hill just a few minutes walk towards Imaike from Yagoto on the Iida-kaido. Koshoji temple hosts an annual "1,000-Lantern Festival" at the harvest moon on the third Saturday of October and is a pleasant place to walk or just relax. There are small flea-markets on 5th and 13th of every month. Nearby Yagoto has some good restaurants, bars and shops catering to the many university students in the area. Nagoya University, Chukyo University, Nanzan University and Meijo University are all within easy reach of Yagoto. Tel: 052 832 2801 Access : Yagoto subway station (5 minutes walk)

Shiroyama Hakusan Shrine

Shiroyama Hakusan Shrine, formerly Suemori Castle, is located to the north west of Motoyama station on the Higashiyama subway line. The original Suemori castle dates from the sixteenth century and the present-day shrine now hosts colorful night-time festivals (matsuri) in both July and October featuring traditional Japanese music and dance performances. Access : Motoyama subway station (5 minutes walk uphill to the north).

Toganji Temple in the Motoyama area also dates from the sixteenth century and includes an impressive 15m high statue of the seated Buddha. Toganji has many links to India as one of the high priests completed his studies there. The temple grounds contain a Shiva-Lingam and a shrine dedicated to 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. Access : Motoyama subway station.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Toyota, now world famous for its cars, started life as a textile firm and the fascinating Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology , housed in an old red-brick textile factory, displays textile looms and a history of automobile design in its two pavilions. Check out their hi-hi-hi-tech car-making robots. Admission 500 yen. 9.30 am-5 pm; closed Monday. Access : Sako Station on the Meitetsu line or Kamejima subway station.

Toyota Automobile Museum, Nagoya

If you need even more of a car fix, head out east of the city to the amazing Toyota Automobile Museum , which has separate floors dedicated to European/American motors and Japanese cars. Never seen a 1926 Bugatti Type 35B or a 1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost in mint condition? You can here. 500+ different miniature cars, and other assorted souvenirs available in the museum shop. Admission 1000 yen; 9:30 am-5:00 pm; Closed Monday. Access : Fujigaoka subway station, then Meitetsu bus.

The former Nagoya - Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Kanayama

Rumors abound that the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts - the sister museum of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - may be closing, so see it while you can ( Update : the museum did close in 2018). Displays of both Japanese and Western art from the Boston museum's peerless collection. This is the first example of an American museum having a "sister" institution in Asia. The museum opened in 1999. Admission 200 yen; 10 am-5 pm (to 9 pm Friday); closed Monday. Access : Kanayama subway station.

This museum in the city center houses some interesting permanent collections, including some striking samurai armor and weaponry, and hosts international class exhibitions, a notable example being that of Gandhara sculpture in 2003. Admission 500 yen; 9.30 am - 5 pm; closed Monday. Access : Sakurayama subway station.

Nagoya City Science Museum houses one of Japan's largest planetariums and has interesting sections on modern technology, life sciences and general science with a variety of hands-on exhibits which will appeal to children, especially the extremely well-done model railways on the third floor in the transport section and the kids' play area on the ninth floor. The museum also has features on the local Chubu area's links to science and industry. English materials and a floor-plan are available at the entrance. Recommended for visitors and residents with children alike. Admission fee; 9.30 am-5 pm; closed Monday/3rd Friday of the month. Access : Fushimi subway station (Exit 5).

The Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum exhibits a vast collection of pottery ranging from the Jomon period (circa 10,000 BC - circa 300 BC) to contemporary ceramics produced by some of Japan's most famous potters. Some historians claim that the world's first pottery was produced in Japan and the country has a rich tradition of ceramic art. The museum is located in Seto City, which has been producing fine ceramics ( setoyaki ) for well over a 1,000 years. The museum also contains a restaurant, a traditional tea-ceremony room where visitors can drink from tea bowls made by famous artists and a studio for guests to try their hand at making and decorating their own pottery. Open 9.30 am-4.30 pm; Closed Mondays. Tel: (0561) 84 7474. Access : From Fujigaoka station on the Higashiyama subway line, take a Meitetsu bus to Toji Shiryokan (Ceramic Museum) stop.

IdcN International Design Centre

Tracing the history of design from Art Deco to the present day, the museum is housed on the 4th floor of the Nadya Park Building, which also contains an impressive library dedicated to design. Admission free. 11 am-8 pm; closed Tuesday. Access : Yabacho subway station.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Nagoya's zoo - first established in 1937 and set in Higashiyama Koen (Park) - is one of the largest zoological gardens in Asia with around 125 species of mammals, over 70 species of reptiles and more than 86 species of birds. This spacious, well-planned zoo is adjacent to the city's Botanical Gardens (complete with an extensive greenhouse and Insect Hall), an amusement park and the recently opened Higashiyama Sky Tower, which has spectacular views of the city from its observation decks and restaurant 100 meters above ground. (Extra admission charge necessary). The park also contains a 10 meter high statue of Kannon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) which was transferred from Nittaiji Temple. The zoo and botanical gardens offer a good day out for all the family, with good eating and drinking in the upmarket Motoyama area nearby. Admission 500 yen. 9.30 am-4.30 pm daily. Tel: (052) 782 2111 Access : Higashiyamakoen subway station or Hoshigaoka subway station on the Higashiyama Line.

Port of Nagoya Aquarium

Legoland in the port area of the city

The modern Nagoya Aquarium is one of several attractions at the still-developing Garden Pier area of Nagoya port in the south of the city, which includes Legoland , a maritime museum and Port Tower. The aquarium is divided into five different ecosystems all found in the Pacific Ocean. Don't miss the popular penguin tank. The aquarium is well known for its involvement in marine research and conservation. Admission fee (reductions for children); 9.30 am-5 pm (to 8 pm July 21-August 31). Access : Nagoyako subway station.

Little Italy - Villaggio Italia

Little Italy

Opened in the spring of 2005, Little Italy (Villaggio Italia) was a shopping/restaurant complex situated at Nagoya Port across from the aquarium, which closed in May 2008. There were facades of classical Italian buildings, gondola rides on a mini Venetian canal, Italian dining al fresco and lots and lots and lots of shopping: both for Italian designer goods and more prosaic pasta, olive oil and Parmesan cheese in the supermarket. There were also occasional live performances by a traditional Italian band. Admission charge; 10 am-9 pm (for shopping); 10 am-11 pm (for dining). Tel: 052 659 1422 Access : Nagoyako subway station.

Villaggio Italia - Photos

Urban legend has it that Nagoya is home to the modern gambling pursuit of pachinko , and there used to be a small museum on the 3rd floor of the Masamura Building dedicated both to the game itself and to Takeichi Masamura, the godfather of the post-war pachinko boom. Admission free. Weekdays 11 am-4 pm. Access : Joshin subway station. (The building were the museum was housed was demolished in 2014 and rebuilt).

Koma (Spinning Tops) Museum

Koma Museum

The "Japan Koma (Spinning Tops) Museum" is a must-see for enthusiasts of koma (spinning tops) and modern-day gyroscope toys and gyroscopes. The pastime of 'spinning toys' originated in Ancient Egypt and spread worldwide, especially throughout Europe and Asia and has gained particular enthusiasm in Japan. This family-run shop-cum-shrine to spinning tops exhibits spinning tops from numerous countries from throughout the ages as well as being a meeting-place and purchasing center for collectors and traders. Admission free. Tel: (052) 661 3671 Access : A 10-12 minute walk from Tsukijiguchi subway station on the Meiko Line (change at Kanayama subway station on the Meijo line) or closer from Inaei station on the Aonami Line. Japan Spinning Top Museum (in Japanese)

The Nittaiji Temple (lit. Japan-Thailand Temple) in Kakuozan in the north east of the city was established in 1904 and rebuilt in 1984 as a repository for a Thai-style golden image of Buddha and Buddhist relics present by the King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1900. The Temple is maintained by various sects of Buddhism as an international, non-sectarian temple. The 21st of each month sees the approaches to the temple play host to a large flea-market. Admission free. Access : Kakuozan subway station (Higashiyama Line).

The Nunoike Cathedral is Nagoya's Catholic Cathedral and the large Gothic-style building with two impressive spires was completed in 1962. The church holds masses everyday with multiple services on Sundays. There are also monthly masses celebrated in both English and Tagalog. Next door is St. Mary College - an English language college. The diocese of Nagoya includes churches in Aichi, Gifu, Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. 12-23 Aoi 1chome, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, 461-0001 Tel: 052 935 6305 Access : Shinsakae-machi subway station (Higashiyama Line) or Kuramamichi subway station (Sakuradori Line).

Toyota Municipal Museum of Art features works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Edvard Munch, and others. Not only strictly for art lovers, it is worth the trip just to see the building. The architect, Yoshio Taniguchi, better known for his recent work on the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)'s renovations in Manhattan has created a building that appears to float on water. Spectacular. Adults 300 yen, high school/university Students 200 yen for the permanent collection (reductions for groups over 20). Elementary/junior high school students free. 10 am-5.30 pm (entrance until 5 pm), closed Monday. Access : From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama line to Fushimi station. Then take the Tsurumai line bound for Toyota city and get off at the last stop. Approximately 12 minutes walk. Tel: 0565 34 6610

Nagoya City Tram & Subway Museum , a few minutes walk from Akaike subway station, houses a collection of the city's old subway trains and streetcars. The museum is popular with children (and their fathers!), who can practice driving Nagoya's present-day subway trains and older models of streetcars using Playstation-style computer simulators, watch model train displays as well as run around inside the carriages and try on railway staff uniforms and hats. Outside the museum is a giant drill used to dig Nagoya's subway lines. Admission free. Access : 5 minutes walk from Akaike Station on the Tsurumai line. Open 10 am-4 pm; closed Wednesday. Tel: 052 807 7587

Nagoya Agricultural Center is free to get in, there's a cafe, a shop selling often organic vegetables as well as plants and health foods, temperate glass houses, streams and even a model farm with battery chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and cows. The grounds are a popular picnic center for families and couples and everything gets very busy at plum and cherry blossom time. Admission free. Access : 15 minutes walk east from Hirabari Station on the Tsurumai line. Open 10 am-4 pm. Tel: 052 801 5221

Inuyama is located just outside the city on a beautiful river often referred to as Japan's Rhine. The toy-like castle on the hill is Japan's oldest dating from 1537. Nearby Tagata shrine plays host to an annual fertility festival on March 15th when through the shrine grounds freshly carved 3m-long wooden phalluses are drunkenly paraded, which women trying to have children come in hope to touch. Access : Meitetsu train from Nagoya station.

Little World Museum of Man

This large (approximately 1,230,000 square meters) open-air anthropological museum contains 33 homes from 22 countries in South East Asia, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world transported all the way to Inuyama . You can sample not only food, but beer and wine, from the different countries as well as catch a variety of ethnic shows and musical performances as you stroll through the pleasant grounds set in the countryside. More fun for the whole family. Admission 1,700 yen (1,500 yen for foreign visitors). 9.30 am-5 pm daily. Summer evening openings. Access : Bus from Inuyama Meitetsu Station or Nagoya Station.

Also near Inuyama, Meiji Mura , opened in 1965 the brainchild of Yoshiro Taniguchi and Motoo Tsuchikawa, is another fascinating open-air attraction. It features buildings preserved in their original state from the Meiji Period of Japanese history (1868-1912) when the country fully opened up to the West. You can stroll through the pleasant parklands (approximately 1,000,000 square meters) or ride the steam train or Kyoto street car, taking in the various architectural delights, including the lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel (built in 1923 and demolished in 1965), Lafcadio Hearn's summer house and the smooth, shiny all-wood Maebashi Prison. Altogether 67 structures have been carefully and tastefully renovated and preserved. Each building has an explanation in both English and Japanese of the history behind the structure. There are also performances on site by a kabuki troupe in the Kurehaza Theater and sake tastings in Kyoto's former Nakai brewery. Admission 600 yen. 9.30 am-5 pm (Mar-Oct) 9.30 am-4 pm (Nov-Feb). Access : 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama Station. Tel: 0568 670 314

Kasadera Kannon

Kasadera Kannon or Ryufukuji was founded by the priest Zenko and belongs to the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple has a fine Niomon entrance gate, a number of small subsidiary temples and a two storey pagoda. Kasadera Kannon stages a colorful Setsubun Festival on February 3 each year and a temple flea market on the 18th of every month. Listen to a Buddhist prayer at Kasadera Access : A five minute walk from Moto Kasadera Meitetsu Station.

Arimatsu is famous for its shibori textiles

Arimatsu , just outside central Nagoya in Midori-ku, was an old Edo-period (1603-1867) post station town on the Tokaido highway between Kyoto and Tokyo. Arimatsu's claim to fame are its intricate Arimatsu shibori (tie-dyed fabrics). The technique is used to produce colorful designs for cotton kimonos and yukata . As the industry is still carried on to this day, many of the original merchant houses have been preserved. There are a number of shops and shibori museums where visitors can purchase both traditional and more contemporary tie-dyed products as well as try their hand at producing them. Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Kaikan is a good place to start. The technique found its way to the Nagoya area when craftsmen from Oita in Kyushu skilled in shibori were ordered to help in the construction of Nagoya castle by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and later settled in the area. Arimatsu's festival is held on the first Sunday of October and consists of a street parade with floats and participants in traditional costume. Access : Arimatsu station on the Meitetsu Honsen Line from Nagoya station.

Oda Nobunaga statue at JR Gifu Station

Gifu , around 30 km north of Nagoya city, and accessible by either the Meitetsu or JR Line from Nagoya station is worth visiting for its twin attractions of cormorant fishing ( ukai ) on the Nagara River and Gifu castle (Gifujo), perched on top of Kinka-zan, which affords great views of the surrounding area even as far as the Hida mountains and Mt. Hakusan. The cormorant fishing takes place at night from May 11 to October 15 and visitors can book a place on the long, canopied boats hung with paper lanterns to watch the birds in action as they catch, but can't swallow, the local ayu sweet fish. Gifu is famous for its production of paper umbrellas and lanterns and it is possible to visit the workshops and purchase directly. Other attractions include Shohoji Temple which contains an impressive 13 meter Buddha made of lacquered paper and Zuiryuji Temple near the cable car station in Gifu Park at the foot of Kinka-zan. Gifu Park also contains Nawa Insect Museum with over 300,000 specimens on display making it one of the largest such museums in the country. Gifu tourist office is located on the 2nd floor the JR station (Tel: 0582 62 4415).

Street cars may no longer run in the city streets, but the town retains an unhurried and relaxed air. Last July, however, the Mayor of Gifu, Shigemitsu Horie, announced the city could not continue to operate the streetcar system, which is deep in the red. Meitetsu, the operator of the 36.6- kilometer-long system, said service would discontinue at the end of March 2005. With the city unwilling to pump taxpayer yen into the system, municipalities along tram routes floated a plan where they would purchase the Meitetsu assets and entrust operation of the system to Okayama Denki Kido. But negotiations broke down over the transfer price. A provisional estimate put the cost of infrastructure development and operation at 8.4 billion yen over 10 years. Though street cars are making a comeback around Japan, they may be a thing of the past in Gifu very soon. Access : Meitetsu or JR Lines from Nagoya station. Bars & Restaurants in Gifu

Read a detailed guide to Gifu city

Book Hotels in Nagoya

Accommodation in nagoya.

Nagoya has a nice range of accommodation including hotels and ryokan. Most of Nagoya's hostels cluster near Nagoya Station in the Meieki district of the city. Other groupings of hotels are in Fushimi and Sakae , the financial and entertainment areas of the city, respectively.

Some recommendations near Nagoya Station include the luxury Nagoya Marriott Associa in the JR Central Towers, the 3-star Hotel Resol Nagoya, the Meitetsu Grand Hotel, the Castle Plaza Hotel, the Chisun Inn, the budget Toyoko Inn Nagoya-eki Shinkansen-guchi, the Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Eki-mae, the large Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Eki Mae, the basic and cheap Eco Hotel Nagoya and the Royal Park Hotel.

In Fushimi try the Hilton Nagoya, the  Nagoya Kanko Hotel , a deluxe five-star hotel, the landmark Hamilton Hotel Black, Nagoya Rich Hotel Nishiki (formerly Green Hotel), Fushimi Montblanc Hotel and the 3-star Nagoya Grace Inn with complimentary breakfast.

Some of Sakae's best hotels include the b Nagoya, the Hotel Creston, the stylish Hotel Trusty business hotel, the no-frills but affordable Hotel Econo Nagoya Sakae, the four star Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya near Hisaya Odori Station and the reliable Tokyu Inn.

Food and Drink

Don't leave town without slurping down some kishmen : the flat noodles that are a city specialty available in any noodle restaurant.

Recommended Bars, Restaurants, Cafes and Clubs in Nagoya

• Bars, clubs & restaurants in Sakae
• around Yagoto

Anadolu Turkish kebabs - authentic Turkish restaurant and kebab takeaway.

Casablanca - Nagoya's one and only Moroccan restaurant.

The 59's - American style bar and diner.

My Bar - elegant cocktail bar.

STEPS - cool club and bar.

Red Rock - Aussie bar & grill.

The Elephant's Nest - a spacious British style pub.

Shooters - American style sports bar and grill.

Osu, Kamimaezu & Tsurumai

Jerry's Uno - Mexican tacos and world beers.

Yagoto, Irinaka, Shiogamaguchi, Hara

Torikomachi - delicious beer and yakitori in Hara.

The 12th and 13th floors of the Twin Towers at Nagoya station also have a good choice of Japanese and international cuisine coupled with stunning views. For further information on where to eat and drink in Nagoya visit our entertainment page or inquire at the tourist information center at Nagoya Station.

Related Nagoya Features

Nagoya Highlights

Nagoya Hotels

Books on japan.

Sightseeing in Nagoya: read a Nagoya city guide with information on temples, shrines, theme parks, museums, day-trips to Inuyama and Gifu, hotels and attractions.

Our activities in Nagoya

Nagoya Sumo Tournament (July) Nagoya

• Duration : 3 hour
• Location : Nagoya

Our tours in Nagoya

Discover Japan Group Tours in Japan

• Duration : 13 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima

The Tokaido Road Group Tours in Japan

• Duration : 14 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka

Autumn Leaves Photography Group Tours in Japan

• Duration : 12 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara

Cherry Blossoms Photography Group Tours in Japan

• Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo

Urban and Rural Japan Group Tours in Japan

• Duration : 21 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima

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Nagoya is Japan’s third most populated metropolitan area. It is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the principal city of the Nobi plain. As one of the country’s major transport hubs and industrial centers, Nagoya also has Japan’s leading port for international trade. Additionally, Nagoya has its own state-of-the-art airport Centrair , located only half-an-hour from the city center. But what is there to do in ‘the city that every tourist skips’? Trust us, there are plenty of attractions, and you get to enjoy them without the tourist crowds!

Nagoya Attractions

Nagoya doesn’t feature heavily on foreign tourists’ itineraries, not being as varied and metropolitan as Tokyo . Not having the traditional allure of Kyoto and mainly being an industrial city, people usually opt to skip it. You might, however, still find yourself in Nagoya, for example, to see the Sumo Grand Tournament in July.

Or because you are crazy about cars and are visiting the nearby Toyota plant for a free tour, fret not. There are plenty of other interesting places to see in Nagoya. The province of Aichi also boasts many amazing destinations, so chances are you will pass through Nagoya when visiting, for example, Takayama or the pearl divers in Ise.

Nagoya is not only about industry, transport, and trade. For those more interested in samurai history , the Tokugawa Museum provides a wealth of in-depth information and fascinating exhibits on the most famous of Nagoya families. Arcade shopping center Osu-Kannon in the heart of the city is a bustling area with a splendid temple at its heart. The seemingly endless covered arcades make the area one of the most interesting shopping areas in Japan.

The Atsuta-jingu shrine has a history that dates all the way back to 1900 years ago. The famous treasure hall has some very interesting items on display.

Ceramics & Good Food

Nagoya is famous for its porcelain and ceramic , so a visit to the Noritake Garden should definitely be included in your itinerary. It is not only a charming area, but you can also try your hands on painting your own china. If you don’t have the chance to see a castle elsewhere on your trip to Japan you should check out the recently renovated Nagoya Castle . In the middle of August, it is a must-visit, as this is the time when the yearly Nagoya Castle Summer Festival is held. Especially the evenings are dreamily beautiful with the light-ups.

Every region in Japan has its own distinctive cuisine, and Nagoya is no different. You can’t leave the city without having tried their dark red version of miso , with an extra-strong flavor compared to Tokyo-style white miso. Misokatsu, a fried port cutlet covered in a thick red miso sauce, is surely a dish you won’t easily forget! For those who like slightly more accessible flavors, everybody loves Nagoya-style tebasaki spicy chicken wings from Yamachan .

Nagoya also offers many excellent day trip options, one of the best being the castle at Inuyama. You will also want to see the historical village Meiji Mura , and the large Nagashima Spaland amusement park being just three of the options.

Your Japan Tour

If you are thinking about making a trip to Japan, as seasoned Japan experts we can help you create your perfect Japan tour. We can include destinations like Nagoya and experiences like a visit to the Toyota factory or watching a sumo match for you. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Recommended Articles

Nagoya Airport To/From Nagoya City: One-Way Private Transfer

As travelers step off the plane onto the bustling runway of Nagoya Airport, a smooth transition to the heart of the city becomes essential.

A private transfer service offers more than just a ride; it encapsulates a tailored experience, personalized for each visitor’s convenience. From the moment luggage is collected to the final drop-off at the accommodation, every detail is meticulously arranged.

But what sets this service apart and why should one consider this seamless journey through Nagoya’s vibrant streets?

Just The Basics

• Seamless journey from Nagoya Airport to the city with personalized service.
• Door-to-door luxury transfers ensuring a smooth start to the visit.
• Professional drivers and local insights provided for a comfortable experience.
• Flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 7 days for peace of mind.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Nagoya: Shirakawa-go Village and Takayama UNESCO 1-Day Trip
• Chubu Itn Airport To/From Nagoya City Private Transfer
• From Nagoya: Takayama and Shirakawa World Heritage Day Trip
• Hida Takayama From Nagoya Bus Ticket Oneway/Raundway

Activity Details

Regularly, travelers can take advantage of the Nagoya Airport Private Transfer, which offers a seamless and convenient experience from the airport to their accommodations in Nagoya city.

This private transportation service ensures a comfortable journey for individuals or groups, with specific group size restrictions in place to cater to varying needs.

The activity details highlight the benefits of a private group setting for the transfer, allowing passengers to enjoy personalized service and flexibility.

On top of that, the option of free cancellation up to 7 days in advance provides added peace of mind for travelers.

Transfer Experience

Travelers utilizing the Nagoya Airport Private Transfer will experience a seamless transition from the airport to their accommodations in Nagoya city, ensuring a convenient and personalized journey.

The transfer efficiency is highlighted through the door-to-door service provided, where customers are met at the airport for arrival transfers, guaranteeing a smooth start to their visit.

Customer satisfaction is a top priority, with personalized meet and greet services and flexibility in case of flight delays without incurring extra charges. Plus, passengers can benefit from local insights and travel tips during the journey, enhancing their overall experience.

Booking a charter service or a private transfer within the 052 area code ensures a stress-free and enjoyable transfer experience for visitors to Nagoya.

More Great Things To Do Nearby

Service Highlights

Experience the convenience of door-to-door service with a personalized touch when utilizing the Nagoya Airport Private Transfer service. Travel in style and comfort in luxury vehicles, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey.

The service caters to both arrival and departure transfers, with professional drivers waiting with a distinctive Cherry Tomato sign for easy identification. Whether heading to the airport or the city, the seamless transfer process allows you to relax and enjoy the ride.

Plus, the service provides an excellent opportunity to explore local attractions in Nagoya, making your journey not just a transfer but a part of your travel experience. Book in advance to secure your spot and enjoy a stress-free transfer experience.

Booking Details

When considering booking details for the Nagoya Airport Private Transfer service, travelers are advised to select a vehicle that accommodates the size of their group to ensure a comfortable and efficient transfer experience. Payment options are typically flexible, allowing for secure transactions.

Customer reviews can offer valuable insights into the quality of service provided. It’s essential to consider weather conditions, especially during seasons prone to rain or snow, to plan for a smooth journey.

While en route, passengers can enjoy glimpses of local attractions , adding a touch of sightseeing to their transfer experience. By booking in advance and ensuring the vehicle suits the group size, travelers can streamline their journey from Nagoya Airport to the city or vice versa.

Additional Information

For those seeking convenience and efficiency, the Additional Information section provides crucial details about the Nagoya Airport Private Transfer service. Travel tips include the recommendation to book at least 72 hours in advance for ample processing time and that bookings can be made up to 13 months ahead.

Local cuisine in Nagoya is a must-try, with hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice) and miso katsu (breaded pork cutlet with miso sauce) being popular choices.

When booking a private transfer, remember that the product ID is 101549, and the location is Japan, Chubu Region , Nagoya. This activity takes place at Chubu Centrair International Airport, ensuring a smooth transition to or from your Nagoya city accommodation.

Vehicle Options

Choosing the suitable vehicle for your group size is an essential step when planning your Nagoya Airport private transfer. Different vehicles are available to accommodate varying group sizes , ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.

For smaller groups, a sedan or minivan might be ideal, providing ample space for passengers and luggage. Larger groups may opt for a spacious van or even a bus to ensure everyone travels together seamlessly. By considering the number of individuals in your group, you can select the most suitable vehicle that meets your needs for the transfer.

Whether traveling with a few companions or a larger party, there are options available to cater to different group sizes efficiently.

Meeting Points

To ensure a smooth and convenient Nagoya Airport private transfer experience, knowing the designated meeting points is key for a seamless start to your journey. Convenient options and nearby alternatives are available for efficient arrangements and easy logistics . Here’s a quick reference guide to the meeting points:

These meeting points offer flexibility and accessibility, ensuring a hassle-free transition to your destination.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Shirakawa-Go From Nagoya One Day Bus Self-Guided Tour
• Nagoya (NGO): Chubu Centrair International Airport Lounge
• Nagoya: Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour
• Nagoya: Hida Takayama & World Heritage Shirakawa-go Day Tour
• Nagoya: Mitsui Outlet Park, Nabana No Sato Illumination Tour
• Nagoya Airport To/From LEGOLAND Private Transfer

Common questions

Are child seats available for the transfer service.

Child seat options are provided for the transfer service, ensuring safety and comfort for young passengers. Transfer vehicle cleanliness is maintained at a high standard to offer a pleasant and hygienic journey for all travelers.

Is There a Limit to the Amount of Luggage Allowed per Passenger?

Luggage restrictions are in place for the transfer service. Passengers are advised to adhere to weight limitations and suitcase capacity . This ensures smooth travel and efficient handling of baggage. Enjoy a stress-free journey with proper luggage management.

Can the Transfer Service Accommodate Passengers With Special Needs or Disabilities?

Passengers with special needs or disabilities can enjoy accessibility accommodations through wheelchair-friendly vehicles and special needs assistance. The transfer service ensures a smooth experience, catering to diverse requirements with care and efficiency.

Is There Wi-Fi Available in the Vehicles During the Transfer?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi coverage in the vehicles during the transfer, ensuring connectivity on the go. Passengers can enjoy entertainment options and other amenities while traveling. Stay connected and entertained throughout the journey.

Are Pets Allowed to Travel in the Vehicles During the Transfer Service?

Pet friendly vehicles are available for this transfer service. Ensure compliance with pet transport regulations. Book in advance, meet the driver with a personal touch, and enjoy a hassle-free journey with your furry companion.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Day Trip for Shirakawago ,Takayama & Gujo Hachiman From Nagoya
• Private Half-Day Tour to Atsuta Jingu Nagoya
• Private Transfer From Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels
• Private Full-Day Tour to Takayama and Shirakawa From Nagoya
• Excursion to Ise Jingu Shrine From Nagoya
• Private Nagoya Airport Transfers for Kanazawa/Toyama/Tateyama Kurobe (7 Seater)
• Shared Departure Transfer : Nagoya City to Chubu Airport
• Private Nagoya Airport (NGO)Transfers for Downtown Nagoya （10 Seater）
• Private Transfer From Nagoya Int Airport (Ngo) to Kanazawa Port
• The Best Of Nagoya Walking Tour
• Nagoya/Kanayama: Eiho-ji, Enakyo, Magome-juku, and Tsumago-juku Day Tour

Experience the convenience and comfort of the Nagoya Airport To/From Nagoya City: One-Way Private Transfer service for a seamless journey in this vibrant city.

With personalized service, door-to-door transfers , and meet and greet at the airport, travelers can relax and enjoy the journey without any hassle.

Book in advance and rest assured that your transportation needs will be taken care of efficiently and reliably.

Enjoy a stress-free travel experience with this private transfer service in Nagoya.

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Shirakawago & Gokayama: Getting there and around

Getting to shirakawago & gokayama.

• ¥ 8,600

1) How to travel between Nagoya and Takayama 2) How to travel between Takayama and Shirakawago

• ¥ 3,400 - 4,200

Gifu Bus, Meitetsu Bus and Hokutetsu operate multiple direct buses per day between Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station) and Shirakawa-go . Travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours, and the fare is 3400-4200 yen one way depending on the day of travel. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on this bus. Online bookings can be made through Willer .

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two formerly remote regions in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture and Toyama Prefecture respectively. These days, the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway has brought them to within an hour of the nearby cities of Kanazawa , Toyama and Takayama .

Both regions cover a large area of mountainous terrain with a few small villages here and there. Among the villages, Ogimachi has the largest number of old farmhouses and is most easily accessible by public transportation. Ainokura and Suganuma are the nicest villages in Gokayama, but a little bit more time-consuming to access.

Ogimachi is the region's transportation hub, with bus connections to Takayama , Kanazawa , Nagoya , Takaoka and Toyama . The Shirakawa-go IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway is located just outside of the village.

The Gokayama region is located in Toyama Prefecture along the bus route that connects Takaoka with Ogimachi . Bus service along this route has much improved in recent decades; nevertheless, a rental car can still provide more flexibility and convenience for getting around, except during winter when driving can be hazardous. From Gokayama IC along the expressway , Suganuma is only two minutes by car, while Ainokura can be reached in about 15 minutes.

Ogimachi , Suganuma and Ainokura are all small enough to be explored on foot. Coin lockers are provided at the Shirakawago bus stop in Ogimachi.

Passes and Tickets

Many tickets and passes are offered to tourists for accessing and exploring Shirakawago, Gokayama and surrounding destinations. Below are some of them:

• Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (19,800 yen) Unlimited use of JR trains between Nagoya , Takayama and Toyama , and between Osaka , Kanazawa and Toyama, as well as of buses between Takayama, Shirakawago , Kanazawa, Toyama and Takaoka . More details...
• Shoryudo Bus Pass (from 11,000 yen) Unlimited use of highway buses between Nagoya , Takayama , Shirakawago and Kanazawa and airport access to/from Nagoya's Central Japan Airport , Toyama Airport and Komatsu Airport near Kanazawa. More details...
• Shirakawago Gokayama Route Ticket (3,980 yen) One way trip between Takaoka and Takayama in either direction, using Kaetsuno Bus between Takaoka and Shirakawago and Nohi Bus between Shirakawago and Takayama. Ticket holders can get on an off the bus freely between Takaoka and Shirakwago, but no backtracking is allowed. The ticket is valid for up to three consecutive calendar days and can be purchased at the Takayama Bus Terminal, the bus ticket counter at Takaoka Station and the tourist information desks at Shin-Takaoka and Johana stations.
• Gokayama Free Kippu (2,500 yen) Unlimited use of Kaetsuno buses between Takaoka and Gokayama on two consecutive calendar days, but not as far as Shirakawago.
• Gokayama-Shirakawago Free Kippu (3,500 yen) Unlimited use of Kaetsuno buses between Takaoka and Gokayama on two consecutive calendar days.
• Takaoka-Shirakawago One Way Free Kippu (2,000 yen) One way trip from Takaoka Station to Shirakawago on Kaetsuno buses with stopovers allowed, but no backtracking. The ticket is valid for up to two consecutive calendar days.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Kaetsuno bus, hotels around shirakawago & gokayama.

How to Get to Nagoya

Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan. Serviced by the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, multiple rapid train services to other destinations and Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya is easy to reach and a convenient launching point from where to explore Central Japan. On this page you will find the following information:

— Where is Nagoya?

— How to Get to Nagoya

— Best Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay

— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator

Many international visitors will pass through Nagoya enroute to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, without thinking to stop. Those who do will discover one of Japan’s great metropolises, one of the country’s financial and industrial hubs. A modern and youthful city, Nagoya also has a rich history and great food scene well worth exploring for a day or two.

25 Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay

Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises and one of the country’s financ…

Nagoya is a great starting point from where to head into Central Japan – with destinations including the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo, Matsumoto and Nagano all accessbile using the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ service along with Gero Onsen, Takayama and as far as Toyama using the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service. Nagoya is also a convenient point from where to head west to the Kii Peninsula. Boasting some of Japan’s most important religious sites including the Ise Grand Shrine, the pilgrimage trails, shrines and temples of the Kumano Kodo and the temple-mountain of Koyasan, the Kii Peninsula is a destination all to itself. For more information and suggestions, see ’25 Things To Do Around Nagoya & Where To Stay’ below .

WHERE IS NAGOYA?

Located around 350KM to the west of Tokyo and 130KM to the east of Kyoto, Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan and fourth largest in Japan. Nagoya Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, making it easy to reach the city from the capital in only 95-minutes. The Limited Express ‘Shinano’ service also runs from Nagoya Station into Central Japan including the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo, Matsumoto and onto Nagano City; while the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service runs to Gero Onsen, Takayama and onto Toyama on the north coast. The city is also serviced by one of Japan’s main airports, Chubu Centrair International Airport , located around 50KM to the south of Nagoya Station. As a major transport hub between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, many international visitors will pass through Nagoya without stopping. Those who do take the time to visit Nagoya discover an industrious and vibrant city with a great food scene and a mix of historic and contemporary attractions. An ideal launching point from where to head into Central Japan, Nagoya also places you within easy reach of the multiple religious destinations of the Kii Peninsula.

HOW TO GET TO NAGOYA

As a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line and terminus of other rapid and regional services, Nagoya is an easy city to travel to and from. In this section you will find information on how to reach Nagoya from the following starting points:

CHUBU CENTRAIR AIRPORT – NAGANO – MATSUMOTO – NAKASENDO TRAIL – JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK – TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT – HANEDA AIRPORT – KARUIZAWA – TAKAYAMA – KAMIKOCHI – SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA – TATEYAMA KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE – KYOTO & OSAKA

We endeavour to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.

FROM CHUBU CENTRAIR AIRPORT (NAGOYA) / approx. 30 to 35 minutes

Chubu Centrair International Airport is one of Japan’s four major international airports and lies within close proximity of Nagoya City. To reach Nagoya from the airport, take the Meitetsu Limited Express Line running from the airport to Meitetsu-Nagoya Station – connected to Nagoya Station. We recommend using the μ Sky Limited Express which takes 28 minutes and costs JPY1250 between the airport and Nagoya Station. This service only includes first-class, reserved seating. Alternatively, the Meitetsu Limited Express takes 35 minutes and costs JPY890 and has both first-class and ordinary carriages. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines or window at Nagoya Station, Meitetsu-Nagoya Station, and the airport.

FROM NAGANO CITY / approx. 3 hours

Nagano City is the largest city in Nagano Prefecture and a major transport hub for anyone exploring the northern areas of Central Japan. Running from Nagano Station to Nagoya Station – via Matsumoto – the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ connects two of the regions major cities at stops at the following stations:

Nagoya / Kanayama / Chikusa / Taijimi / Ena / Nakatsugawa / Nagiso / Agematsu / Kiso-Fukushima / Shiojiri / Matsumoto / Akashina / Hijiri-Kogen / Shinonoi / Nagano

The Limited Express ‘Shinano’ operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagano and Nagoya in approximately 3 hours and costs JPY6930. For further details including daily timetable, please refer to our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page .

FROM MATSUMOTO / approx. 130 minutes

Another of Central Japan’s most popular destination cities, Matsumoto is a stop on all Limited Express ‘Shinano’ services. To reach Matsumoto Station takes approximately 130 minutes and costs JPY5610.

FROM THE NAKASENDO TRAIL / between 60 to 95 minutes

Visitors to the Nakasendo Trail are likely to use the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ via either Kiso-Fukushima Station – 95 min / JPY4170 – or Nakatsugawa Station – 60 min / JPY2540.

FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK / between 4 to 5 hours

To reach Nagoya from the Jigokudani Monkey Park takes time but is relatively straight-forward when done via Nagano Station. From the park, you have the option of: 1. a direct express bus from the park to Nagano Station or 2. a local bus to Yudanaka Station followed by an express train to Nagano Station. Starting from the park, the express bus costs JPY1500 each way and takes 55 minutes to reach Nagano Station. In comparison, taking the local bus from the park to Yudanaka Station followed by the train, takes 15 minutes and costs JPY310 before the limited express train to Nagano takes 45 minutes and costs JPY1290 – a total journey of around 60 to 70 minutes and costing JPY1600. Once at Nagano Station, simply transfer to the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ bound for Nagoya – see the directions above.

FROM TOKYO / approx. 100 minutes

For most international travellers, you will almost certainly be spending time in Tokyo , from where it’s quick and easy to reach Nagoya from Tokyo Station using the Tokaido Shinkansen . Running from Tokyo to Osaka, via Nagoya and Kyoto, the shinkansen stops at the following:

Tokyo / Shinagawa / Shin-Yokohama / Odawara / Atami / Mishima / Shin-Fuji / Shizuoka / Kakegawa / Hamamatsu / Toyohashi / Mikawa-Anjo / Nagoya / Gifu-Hashima / Maibara / Kyoto / Shin-Osaka

Nagoya can be reached from Tokyo in 100 minutes / JPY10,560. There are frequent services running from Tokyo Station throughout the day.

FROM NARITA AIRPORT / between 3 to 4 hours

Nagoya can be reached in a two-stage journey from Narita via Tokyo Station. Two rapid train services connect Narita Airport to central Tokyo – the Narita Express running to Tokyo Station and the Keisei Skyliner running to Ueno Station. For visitors headed to Nagoya, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station.

The Narita Express (NEX) runs from Narita to Tokyo Station. It takes 55 minutes to reach Tokyo Station (depending on the service) and costs JPY3070 with trains departing every 30 to 60 minutes. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.

FROM HANEDA AIRPORT / between 2 to 3 houurs

Nagoya can also be reached in a two stage or three-stage journey from Haneda Airport. The fastest route is to take the rapid service on the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station and once there, switch to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya – a total journey of 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on which service you choose) / JPY10,860. Alternatively, you can make the journey via Tokyo Station using the following services:

1 / the Tokyo Monorail connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Hamamatsucho Station in around 30 minutes. From the airport take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (20 min/JPY170) and then switch to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Rapid bound for Tokyo Station (5 min/JPY160) – a total journey of around 30-minutes / JPY660 one-way. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.

2 / the Keikyu Railway connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Shinagawa Station. Take the Keikyu Airport bound to Shinagawa Station (approx.11 min/JPY300) and transfer to the Yamanote Line bound for Osaki to reach Tokyo Station- 13 min / JPY170 or a total journey of around 30 min / JPY470. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.

FROM KARUIZAWA / approx. 4 hours

A stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, take the shinkansen from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station – 25 min / JPY3210 – and follow the directions above. Alternatively, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen south to Tokyo Station – 75 min / JPY5490 – and follow the directions below.

FROM TAKAYAMA / between 145 to 160 minutes

Running from Takayama Station to Nagoya, the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service is another convenient train line that stops at the following stations:

Nagoya / Owari-Ichinomiya / Gifu / Unuma / Mino-Ota / Shirakawaguchi / Hida-Kanayama / Gero / Hida-Hagiwara / Kuguno / Takayama * / Hida-Furukawa / Inotani / Etchu-Yatsuo / Hayahoshi / Toyama

*Please note, stations marked in bold are stops on all services . Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day. It takes approximately 145 to 160 minutes and costs JPY5610 to travel between Takayama and Nagoya.

FROM KAMIKOCHI / 5+ hours

Nagoya can be reached from Kamikochi via Takayama Station, with frequent services running to and from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center – located next to Takayama Station. From the Kamikochi Bus Terminal , take the bus to the Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal – 25 to 30 minutes – and then switch to the bus headed to Takayama – another 60 minutes. See the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama. Once at Takayama Station, transfer to the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service bound for Nagoya (as above).

FROM SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA / 4+ hours

The World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama rank among some of the most popular destinations in Central Japan. The Nohi Bus company operates multiple daily services to and from the main village of Ogimachi, from their terminal located next to Takayama Station. Roundtrip tickets are available to Ogimachi only or with the option of all three villages, including Suganuma and Ainokura, with options of multiday tickets. For adults, expect to pay between JPY4800 and JPY9500 depending on which option you choose. See the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama. Once at Takayama Station, transfer to the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service bound for Nagoya – as detailed above.

FROM THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE / 5+ hours

The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be accessed from the Toyama-side via Tateyama Station . To reach Kanazawa, take the Toyama Chiho Railway from Tateyama Station to Dentetsu Toyama Station – 60 minutes / JPY1230. Once at in Toyama, walk the short distance to Toyama Station , take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa and switch to the Limited Express ‘Shirasagi’ bound for Nagoya – total time of around 215 min / JPY8580 – or the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano and switch to the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ – total travel time of 235 min / JPY12,320. Alternatively bus and train services connect Toyama to Takayama, from where you can take the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service onto Nagoya.

FROM KYOTO & OSAKA / between 35 to 50 minutes

The nearby cities of Kyoto and Osaka are easy to reach from Nagoya. Both cities are on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, making Nagoya readily accessible: taking 35 min / JPY5170 from Kyoto Station and 50 min / JPY5940 from Shin-Osaka Station .

BEST THINGS TO DO AROUND NAGOYA & WHERE TO STAY

The largest city in Central Japan, Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises. One of the country’s financial and industrial hubs, Nagoya is a modern, industrious and youthful city with rich history and great food scene. As a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo, and the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ running to Matsumoto and onto Nagano, many travellers use Nagoya as a transport hub as they move from east to west, west to east and deep into Central Japan. But those who choose to stay and explore the city discover one of Japan’s best cities with plenty of keep you entertained. Our ’25 Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay’ page has some great suggestions of what’s on offer in and around the city, including accommodation listings.

BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR

Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator , offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any destination in Central Japan.

Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified , allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks , allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!

Why choose us?

Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our  1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour  – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.

Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!

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