View of the castle with cherry blossoms and a wall along the outside of the castle in Nagoya, Japan
21ST-CENTURY CASTLE TOWN

Cruise to Nagoya, Japan

The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth-largest city in Japan, Nagoya is the historical heartland of ancient samurai as well as Japan's modern industry. Explore the elegant samurai fortress Nagoya Castle, with cherry blossoms surrounding the castle's understated turrets. During your Nagoya cruise, visit Osu Kannon Buddhist temple and see the statue of the goddess of mercy within. Then stroll through the bustling Osu Market nearby, with its stalls selling everything from antiques to anime pop art. Or head to Tokugawa Garden and stroll among the black pines, cherry trees and peonies surrounding a calm lake, then pop into the nearby Tokugawa Art Museum and see Edo-period artifacts.
National Language Japanese
Currency Accepted Japanese Yen (JPY)

Things To Do in Nagoya

Visit the castle in Nagoya, Japan

Samurai Sanctuary

Visit the castle in Nagoya, Japan

Visit the castle in Nagoya, Japan

Samurai Sanctuary

Built in the early 17th century by order of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle served as a bulwark against enemies traveling on the Tokaido road to Edo (today's Tokyo). Damaged in World War II, the rebuilt concrete main keep is now being restored to its original wooden architecture, but the castle grounds and some facilities are open during reconstruction.

Osu Kannon temple in Nagoya city, Japan

Eat, Pray, Shop

Osu Kannon temple in Nagoya city, Japan

Osu Kannon temple in Nagoya city, Japan

Eat, Pray, Shop

Originally established in the 14th century but moved here in 1610, Osu Kannon Temple was rebuilt in the 20th century and enshrines the bodhisattva of mercy, Kannon. The streets to the east of the temple comprise the Osu shopping district and are packed with bargain shops and restaurants.

The buildings around Toyota's Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya, Japan
The buildings around Toyota's Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya, Japan

Evolution of Machines

Toyota, one of the world's largest automakers, began as a textiles company, and the superb Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is housed in its 1911 weaving factory. Displays include not only metal processing and textile machinery but Toyota cars from the original 1936 Toyota AA sedan as well as sophisticated humanoid robots that play musical instruments.

Japanese food miso buta katsu pork cutlet set with rice
Japanese food miso buta katsu pork cutlet set with rice

Local Cuisine

Nagoya's delectable specialty foods are a must-try. You can't miss miso katsu, breaded deep-fried pork cutlet. Cruise to Nagoya and be on the lookout for kishimen, flat handmade wheat noodles typically served in a sake-flavored broth. Snack on the local rice cake uiro or tebasaki chicken wings flavored with ginger, garlic, mirin and vinegar. Enjoy the fruits of the local waters with hitsumabushi, charcoal-grilled eel.

Porcelain crockery at Flea Market near Osu Kannon temple in Nagoya, Japan
Porcelain crockery at Flea Market near Osu Kannon temple in Nagoya, Japan

Shopping

Head to Noritake Square Nagoya shop, where you can visit the century-old factory of one of Japan's best porcelain makers and take home some unique wares, such as beautifully designed dinnerware and tea sets — you can even try your hand at porcelain painting. Stroll through the stalls at the Osu shopping arcade for anime-themed items and other unique trinkets.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 While there is no tipping in Japan, be sure to carry enough cash to cover bills at smaller restaurants, cafes and bars that may not accept credit cards.
2 Some sights can be crowded with travelers and school tours, so arrive as early as possible to avoid congestion.

My Personas

code: