Nagoya is Japan’s third-largest city and one of the country’s most important industrial centers, uniquely combining its historical heritage with modern technological development.
The capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya is strategically located in the central part of Honshu Island, between Tokyo and Osaka. The city’s special atmosphere is defined by the harmonious coexistence of traditional Japanese architecture and 21st-century innovation. This is home to Toyota’s headquarters, which has made the city a stronghold of modern technology, while numerous ancient shrines and historical monuments preserve the values of the past.
Table of Contents
Nagoya attractions
Nagoya Castle
One of Japan’s most imposing castle fortresses was built in 1612 by Yoshinao, son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The golden dolphins (kinshachi) on top of the white-walled, five-story main building have become the symbol of the city and are visible from far away.
The castle’s specialty is the wooden structure created during the modern restoration using traditional Japanese architectural techniques, assembled with wooden pegs and wedges without using a single metal nail. The interior spaces bring the atmosphere of the Edo period to life with rich wall paintings and original furniture.
Together with the surrounding Meijō Park, the castle is particularly popular in spring when more than 1,000 cherry trees bloom. The castle museum showcases the history of the Tokugawa clan and memories of samurai culture, including original swords, armor, and calligraphic works.
Meijō Park
Meijō Park is an 81-hectare urban park surrounding Nagoya Castle that serves both recreational and cultural purposes. The park opened in 1931 and has since become one of the city’s most beloved leisure destinations.
In spring, the park transforms into a true cherry blossom paradise when nearly 1,000 different varieties of sakura trees burst into bloom. During the hanami (flower contemplation) season, hundreds of thousands of visitors come here to participate in traditional picnics and flower festivals.
The park also houses the Nagoya Nōgakudō traditional theater, where nō and kyōgen performances are regularly held. Various themed gardens, including a rose garden and a Japanese garden used for tea ceremonies, offer diverse attractions throughout the year.
Atsuta Shrine (Atsuta Jingu)
One of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines, looking back on more than 1,900 years of history. The shrine is home to one of the three imperial regalia, the sacred Kusanagi sword, which according to Japanese mythology originates from the deity Susanoo.
The shrine complex is located on a 200-hectare area surrounded by forest, where massive trees up to 1,000 years old preserve the sacred atmosphere. Along the path leading to the main building, there are numerous smaller shrines and torii gates, each dedicated to different deities or natural forces.
Atsuta Shrine’s treasury preserves more than 6,000 national treasures, including swords, mirrors, and ancient manuscripts. The shrine attracts several million pilgrims and tourists annually, especially during New Year when masses arrive for blessings according to the hatsumode New Year prayer tradition.
Kiyosu Castle
The castle’s historical significance far exceeds its modest size: this was the former seat of Oda Nobunaga, the famous warlord in the 16th century. The original castle was built in 1405, but today’s reconstruction dates from 1989.
The three-story castle’s specialty is that it authentically presents the life and culture of the Sengoku (Warring States) period. The armor, weapons, and period artifacts displayed in the museum bring the atmosphere of Nobunaga’s era to life.
The surrounding Kiyosu Park is particularly spectacular in spring and autumn, when changing leaves or cherry blossoms frame the historical building. A beautiful panorama of the castle opens from the nearby Gojo River bank.
Osu Kannon Temple
A Buddhist shrine located in the heart of one of Nagoya’s liveliest districts, built in 1333. The temple was originally erected in Gifu Prefecture but was moved to its current location in 1612 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The temple’s main building was built in honor of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and is visited by several million believers annually for prayer. The temple’s treasury preserves more than 15,000 old manuscripts and books, including Japan’s oldest surviving copy of the Kojiki mythological chronicle.
The area around Osu Kannon is a lively shopping district where traditional shops and modern stores mix. Festivals and cultural events are regularly held in the square in front of the temple, especially during spring and autumn celebrations.
Tōgan-ji Temple
One of the important centers of Sōtō Zen Buddhism in Nagoya, built in 1532. The temple’s specialty is the massive wooden Buddha statue, which is 10 meters high and carved from a single ginkgo tree.
The temple complex is located in a peaceful environment where visitors can participate in meditation ceremonies and tea ceremonies. The composition of the zen garden perfectly reflects the simplicity and harmony of zen philosophy.
Tōgan-ji is particularly famous for the autumn momiji (maple tree) colors, when the temple courtyard is covered with red and golden leaves. The temple library preserves valuable zen Buddhist texts, among which several national cultural treasures can be found.
Tsuruma Park
Opened in 1909 as Nagoya’s first public park, it has since become one of the most important parts of the city. The 24-hectare park is particularly famous for its spring cherry blossoms, when more than 1,400 sakura trees bloom simultaneously.
In the center of the park stands the Tsuruma Central Library, an impressive Art Deco style building built in 1928. The area around the library contains one of Nagoya’s most beautiful rose gardens, where more than 80 different varieties of roses bloom from May to October.
Cultural events, concerts, and flower festivals are regularly held in the park. Its specialty is also the large number of bird species that occur, making it a favorite observation site for urban ornithologists and nature lovers.
Shikemichi District
One of the best-preserved parts of Nagoya’s historic district, where the architectural style of the Tokugawa period comes to life. The traditional machiya (urban) houses lining the streets now house museums, craft workshops, and tea houses.
The district’s specialty is the authentic stone and wood street paving that has preserved the original Edo-period atmosphere. The craft workshops in the area showcase traditional Japanese crafts: ceramics, calligraphy, and textile dyeing.
The Shikemichi district is an excellent starting point for exploring the city’s historic center. Numerous traditional restaurants and tea houses operate in the area, where visitors can taste local specialties and participate in traditional tea ceremonies.
Endo-ji Shotengai Shopping Street
One of Japan’s oldest covered shopping streets, built after 1945 as part of post-war reconstruction. Along the covered walkways of the 1.7-kilometer-long passage, there are more than 300 shops and restaurants.
Its specialty is the nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere that evokes 1950s-60s Japan. Walking among the small family shops, traditional candy stores, and antique dealers, visitors get the experience of traveling back in time.
The shopping street is famous for numerous local specialties, including Nagoya-style miso katsu and kishimen noodles. Different sections of the street have different characters: there are sections selling vintage clothing, book markets, and traditional craft shop sections.
Nagoya TV Tower
At 180 meters high, it was the city’s tallest structure for many decades. The tower was built following the model of the Eiffel Tower in Paris but supplemented with unique Japanese elements.
The tower’s two observation levels, the 90-meter Sky Deck and the 100-meter Sky Balcony, offer an unparalleled panorama of Nagoya city and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, even the contours of Mount Fuji are visible in the distance.
At night, it lights up with LED lights of various colors that relate to different seasons and holidays. The Hisaya Ōdōri Park beneath the tower was renovated in 2020 and has now become one of the city’s most modern leisure centers, with restaurants, cafes, and cultural events.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden
Opened in 1937, it is now one of Japan’s largest and most diverse zoos. On the 60-hectare area, more than 500 animal species can be found, including rare and endangered species.
The zoo’s specialty is the lifelike habitat reconstruction for koalas and Asian elephants. The new gorilla building opened in 2019 with modern glass houses provides perfect conditions for West African gorillas.
The botanical garden section showcases more than 7,000 plant species, including a 1,500-square-meter conservatory where tropical and subtropical plants live. The garden is particularly famous for its spring tulip exhibition and autumn chrysanthemum festival, which features more than 500 different varieties.
All information available here!
Legoland Japan
Opened in 2017 as Asia’s second Legoland theme park. The 13-hectare park is specifically designed for children aged 2-12 and their families, with more than 40 interactive games and attractions.
The park presents the Lego universe in seven themed zones, including a Miniland area where Japan’s famous buildings and cities are built from mini-sized Lego blocks. The Lego versions of Nagoya Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are particularly popular.
Its specialty is the Lego Factory, where visitors can observe how the world-famous blocks are made and can also design their own Lego figures. The Dragon’s Apprentice roller coaster and Submarine Adventure underwater journey are among the park’s most popular attractions.
All information available here!
Best musuems in Nagoya
Toyota Museum
The museum comprehensively presents the history of the world-famous automotive company and the development of automobiles. It consists of two buildings: the main building focuses on Toyota’s history and technological innovations, while the second building is dedicated to general automotive history.
Its collection contains more than 160 classic and historically significant vehicles, from 19th-century horse-drawn carriages to the most modern hybrid cars. Toyota’s first mass-produced model, the 1936 AA Sedan, and the legendary Supra sports cars are particularly spectacular.
Interactive exhibitions demonstrate the technological processes of car manufacturing, environmentally friendly technologies, and future mobility solutions. In the museum’s simulators, visitors can try race car driving and learn the basics of traffic safety.
All information available here!
Nagoya Science Museum
One of Japan’s most comprehensive natural science institutions. The museum’s greatest pride is one of the world’s largest planetariums, located under a 35-meter dome.
Its exhibitions range from Earth’s history to space exploration. The dinosaur section contains more than 20 original skeletons, including a 26-meter-long Diplodocus replica. The geological collection showcases Japan’s volcanic activity and earthquake history.
The planetarium program changes every week, and special laser shows accompany the astronomical presentations. The museum’s specialty is the Science Park, where children can experiment with physical and chemical phenomena interactively.
All information available here!
Tokugawa Art Museum
The museum preserves the largest collection of art treasures formerly owned by the Tokugawa family. It opened in 1935 and contains more than 10,000 artifacts from the Edo period.
Among the most valuable pieces in the collection is the 12th-century illustrated manuscript of Genji monogatari, an original copy of what is considered the world’s oldest novel. In addition to samurai armor, swords, and calligraphic works, the museum also boasts a unique collection of tea ceremony utensils.
The museum’s garden is a masterpiece of traditional Japanese gardening art that shows different character in four seasons. The garden’s tea house hosts authentic tea ceremonies where visitors can learn the subtleties of this ancient Japanese tradition.
All information available here!
SCMaglev and Railway Park
JR Tōkai railway company’s museum presents the history and future of Japanese railway technology. It opened in 2011 and specializes particularly in magnetic levitation (maglev) train technology.
Its central attraction is the MLX01-1 maglev prototype, which set a speed world record of 581 km/h in 2003. Visitors can try high-speed train driving in simulators and learn the physical principles of magnetic levitation.
The museum presents the development of Japan’s railway network from the Meiji Restoration to the present day. The Shinkansen section details the technological innovations of high-speed trains and their social impact on Japan’s modernization.
All information available here!
Nagoya weather: when is the best time to travel?
Nagoya has a subtropical monsoon climate that results in four well-distinguishable seasons, each with special characteristics and attractions.
Spring (March-May): Temperatures range between 15-25°C, and this is the most beautiful time of the year due to cherry blossoms. From late March to early April, the city transforms into a sea of pink flowers.
Summer (June-August): Characterized by hot and humid weather with temperatures between 25-35°C. June-July is the monsoon season when frequent rainfall can be expected.
Autumn (September-November): Pleasant, dry weather between 15-25°C. This is the momiji (autumn leaves) season when the city’s parks and temples shine in beautiful colors.
Winter (December-February): Dry and cool weather between 5-15°C. Snow rarely falls, but clear, sunny days are excellent for sightseeing.
Best time to travel:
The optimal travel period is April and May, as well as October and November.
In spring (April), cherry blossoms make the visit special when Nagoya Castle park and Tsuruma Park burst into bloom. The autumn period (October-November) is also ideal when temperatures range between 18-22°C with little precipitation. This period is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions.
Summer months should be avoided due to high humidity and monsoon rains.
