Activities in Nagoya

Nagoya suits travellers who like food, history and a balanced pace. It's a straightforward city with good subways and far fewer crowds than Tokyo or Kyoto, and it's a useful base for day trips into the mountains. Two days cover the city, and you can add more for Ise, Takayama or Shirakawa-go.

In the city

Nagoya Castle. Note that the main keep is closed to visitors, so you won't be able to go inside the tower. The rebuilt Honmaru Palace, with its painted screens, is the real highlight, and the grounds are lovely in cherry blossom season. In November 2026, adult tickets started from ¥1,000, following a price change on 1 October.

Atsuta Shrine. One of Japan's most important shrines, set in quiet forest in the south of the city. It's free to walk the grounds, and a local eel restaurant nearby makes this a good stop around lunchtime.

Osu. Osu Kannon temple is at one end of a long covered shopping street with vintage clothes, electronics and street snacks. Spend a couple of hours here, ideally on the temple's flea market days.

Sakae and Oasis 21. The glass-roofed Oasis 21 has a walkway over a shallow pool, with views of the TV Tower nearby. It's free and looks best after dark.

Industry and culture

Toyota Commemorative Museum. A surprisingly engaging look at the region's textile and car history, with working looms and machines. It usually closes on Mondays, so check before you go.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. Trains from every era of Japanese railway history, including record-breaking shinkansen and a large model railway. It's an easy half-day for families, and it's closed on some Tuesdays.

Tokugawa Art Museum. Samurai armour, swords and treasures of the Owari Tokugawa family. The famous Tale of Genji scrolls appear only for short periods, so check the schedule if they're the main reason you're going.

Ghibli Park. The park is in Nagakute, east of the city. Tickets are sold in advance only and go quickly, so buy before planning a day around it.

Food

Nagoya specialities. Look for hitsumabushi, which is grilled eel eaten three ways; miso katsu; tebasaki chicken wings; and miso nikomi udon. Red miso is strong and savoury, so try a small portion first.

Morning service. Many cafés serve free toast and an egg with a morning coffee, which is a cheap and very local way to begin the day. A guided food tour is a good option if you want help ordering.

Day trips

Inuyama. About half an hour by train, with an original castle keep that's a National Treasure and a pleasant old street below it. It's the easiest half-day trip.

Ise Jingu. About 90 minutes by limited express train, Japan's most sacred shrine complex is worth a full day. Visit the outer shrine first, then the inner shrine and Okage Yokocho's old-style lane.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Takayama is about two and a half hours away by limited express, and buses go from there to Shirakawa-go. A long day trip is possible, but it's better to stay overnight in Takayama, and you should reserve your bus seats early. Stay on the paths in Shirakawa-go, as people still live in the farmhouses.

Practical advice

Getting around. Subways cover most of the city, and the Me-guru sightseeing bus links the main sights. A day pass can be worthwhile if you're making several trips.

Closing days. Many museums close on Mondays or on the day after a public holiday, so check before you set out.

On the day. Carry some cash for small shops, and pack warm layers and good shoes for winter trips to the mountains, as heavy snow can affect buses.