Looking for what to do in Nagoya? You’ve come to the right place. We visited Nagoya during our third trip to Japan, in the middle of our second round-the-world journey. It was right after passing through Osaka and before heading to Sapporo.
We included Nagoya in our itinerary because we wanted to experience a less touristy side of Japan, with a more authentic vibe, and of course, because we were super curious about Ghibli Park. We knew many people also come for the Toyota Museum, but in our case, we chose to skip that visit.
Nagoya surprised us positively. It’s not a city with thousands of famous tourist attractions, but it has many interesting things to do, great food, and a pace of life that suited us well.
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How we got to Nagoya
We visited Nagoya during our third trip to Japan, right after Osaka and before heading to Sapporo. We wanted to explore something off the usual tourist trails and, of course, visit Ghibli Park. Many people also come for the Toyota Museum, but that was left out of our plan.
We arrived by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka. The trip on the Nozomi Super Express took less than an hour. We bought the tickets on Klook, which made things much easier – afterwards, we just had to exchange the tickets at the machine before boarding.
Where to stay in Nagoya
If you’re planning to visit Nagoya, one of Japan’s largest cities, you’ll want to know where it’s best to stay to make the most of your experience. We were there and explored the city well, so we’ve put together practical suggestions based on what we experienced and what really makes a difference when you’re traveling.
To find out where to stay, check out our dedicated post on accommodations in Nagoya – we share the best neighborhoods where to stay in Nagoya, transportation tips, and suggestions ranging from budget hotels to more comfortable options, based on our own stay.
6 recommended experiences in Nagoya
1. Visit Ghibli Park
This theme park, opened in 2022 at Aichi Expo Memorial Park, is a dream for Studio Ghibli fans. The experience is unique and requires some preparation. See our complete post about visiting Ghibli Park and how to plan your visit.
2. Explore the Nagoya City Science Museum and Planetarium
The museum is interactive and fun for all ages. The planetarium is one of the largest in the world, but tickets sell out quickly, especially during Golden Week. We recommend buying tickets for the Nagoya planetarium online in advance. The session is narrated live entirely in Japanese, but even if you don’t understand the language, it’s a unique experience.
Besides the planetarium, which is in the science museum, it’s an activity well worth doing. There are two buildings full of experiments, and you can even see a tornado simulation or enter a room at -30 degrees. The planetarium ticket already includes entry to the museum.
3. Admire the mirrored staircase at Tsutaya Bookstore
The Tsutaya Bookstore in Noritake Garden is known for its mirrored staircase that creates an impressive optical illusion. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. Even if you’re not a bookstore fan, it’s worth a visit.
4. Stroll through Hisaya-odori Park
Hisaya Ōdori Park is the green heart of Nagoya, stretching for about two kilometers in the busy Sakae district. After a renovation in 2020, it became a modern space combining green areas with cafes, shops, and cultural events. At the center of the park stands the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (formerly Nagoya TV Tower), 180 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the city from its observatory.
Right next to it, we found Oasis 21, a futuristic complex opened in 2002. Its glass structure, known as “Spaceship-Aqua,” floats 14 meters above the ground and is surrounded by a water mirror, providing a unique walking experience and stunning city views, especially at night when the lighting creates a magical atmosphere. On the lower level, the Galaxy Platform hosts events, shops, and restaurants, making it a vibrant meeting point for locals and visitors.
5. Visit Nagoya Castle
The Nagoya Castle is a symbol of the city and offers a journey into the past. Surrounded by Meijō Park, it’s an ideal place to walk and appreciate the historical architecture. The castle is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, with last entry at 4 PM.
6. Try Miso Katsu
Miso Katsu is a Nagoya specialty: breaded pork cutlet covered with a thick red miso sauce. It’s different from traditional tonkatsu and has a more intense flavor. Just search for Yabaton on the map to try this delicacy.
Useful tips for visiting Nagoya
- Public transportation: The subway reaches almost every point in the city. However, public transport doesn’t yet accept contactless credit card payments. You’ll need a Suica or Pasmo card, which you can get and top up with Apple Pay on iPhone.
- Trash bins: They’re rare on the streets. Carry a bag with you to store trash until you find an appropriate place to dispose of it, like at your hotel.
- Local etiquette: Be respectful on public transport and avoid speaking loudly.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.
- How many days to stay: Two full days (three nights) are enough to explore the city’s essentials.
