Recommended sightseeing spots and gourmet food in Nagoya

A trip to enjoy Nagoya City

Related Event Information

Toyotomi Museum

About Nagoya City

A major city filled with the energy of manufacturing and gourmet food,
where history and modernity intersect.

Nagoya City is located almost in the center of Japan and is the central city of the Chubu region, which has long flourished as a key transportation hub. While historical heritage such as Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s three major castles, and Atsuta Jingu Shrine, which enshrines one of the Three Sacred Treasures, is alive here, the city also has another face as a sacred place of manufacturing that boasts world-class industrial technology. In recent years, redevelopment around the station area has progressed in preparation for the opening of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, and the ever-evolving cityscape is also one of its attractions. In addition, Nagoya’s unique Nagoya-meshi cuisine, represented by hitsumabushi and miso katsu, is a treasure trove of gourmet food that captivates visitors. In Nagoya, where urban convenience and a rich history and culture coexist, why not enjoy a trip that stimulates all five senses?

Access from Osaka to Nagoya Approximately 50 minutes by train
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car

Access from Nagoya City to destinations across Japan is also convenient.

Famous Places You Can Visit on a Day Trip from Nagoya City

Shirakawa-go

A World Heritage village where rows of gassho-zukuri houses create a unique mountain landscape.
Its winter snowy scenery and light-up events are also popular.

Access: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Nagoya City
Takayama

A little Kyoto where you can enjoy Edo-period atmosphere in its old townscape and morning markets. A town where you can also savor Hida beef and local sake.

Access: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Nagoya City
Kanazawa

A trip to experience Kaga culture at Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District. Seafood, Japanese sweets, and art are also plentiful.

Access: Approximately 3 hours from Nagoya City

Its unique food culture,
Nagoya-meshi cuisine, is also a draw.

Simmered Miso Udon Noodles

A local specialty dish characterized by the rich umami of hatcho miso and firm, chewy udon noodles that do not fall apart even when simmered in an earthenware pot.
Chicken Wings

You can enjoy a crispy exterior and juicy interior, characterized by a sweet-and-savory sauce and a peppery seasoning.
Eel Rice

Chopped grilled eel is mixed with rice, allowing you to enjoy different flavors using condiments and broth from a single wooden rice tub.

See model course

History and technology
Entertainment too!
The charm of Nagoya
Enjoy the whole thing
Hybrid Course

From historic sites with a strong tradition to cutting-edge technology and exciting entertainment. In Nagoya, a wide variety of attractions is condensed into a single city.
This time, we introduce a model course that covers facilities that stimulate intellectual curiosity, nature that changes with the seasons, and blissful gourmet food, so you can enjoy the depth of this city to your heart’s content.

See model course

Recommended Tourist Destinations in Nagoya

Tourist Destinations
Eat
Experience
Stay
Seasonal Events

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya’s iconic golden shachihoko shine atop the city’s most recognizable symbol. Nagoya Castle is a must when it comes to sightseeing in Nagoya. Feel the power of the restored castle keep, and take a relaxing stroll around the vast grounds as you embrace the spirit of the Sengoku era. The castle is also known as a cherry blossom spot, and in spring, the illuminated night blossoms create a truly enchanting scene.
Naka Ward, Nagoya City
Nagoya Castle: Hommaru Palace

Step into the lavish world of the Hommaru Palace, where Japanese aesthetics come to life! Admire gold leaf sliding-door paintings, intricate wood carvings, and fragrant tatami rooms. You can experience the refined architectural beauty of the Edo period up close. It is one of the most popular areas in Nagoya Castle.
Naka Ward, Nagoya City
The Tokugawa Art Museum

The museum houses around 10,000 masterpieces, including the National Treasure The Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls, as well as arms and armor and tea ceremony utensils. Enjoy Edo-period aesthetics at your own pace in a quiet, serene setting.
Higashi Ward, Nagoya City
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Step into the world of 500 km/h travel! Experience the history and future of transportation at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. From the Tokaido Shinkansen and conventional lines to the latest maglev technology, this museum packs the excitement of railways into one place.
Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Toyotomi Museum

A limited-time exhibition held to coincide with the broadcast of the 2026 Taiga drama series, "Toyotomi Brothers!" Through displays of drama costumes and props, special feature panels, and original videos, you can experience the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his younger brother Hidenaga, who achieved the unification of Japan, with a strong sense of realism.
Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City
Toyokuni Shrine

A shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The calm grounds include historic sites and materials related to Hideyoshi, letting you learn about his life as a Sengoku-era leader who rose to unify the nation. It is also a well-known good-luck spot in Nagoya. Why not pray for success and good fortune in a place connected to Hideyoshi?
Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City
Atsuta Shrine

With a history of over 1,900 years, this shrine enshrines the Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures. Within the lush, green grounds, you can feel its timeless history through sights such as the great camphor tree said to be over 1,000 years old and the Nobunaga Wall. Enjoy a moment that clears and centers the mind in this sacred, serene space.
Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City
Taigetsukyo Bridge

A vermilion bridge that serves as a symbol of Korankei. Its beautiful arch blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, making it a popular photo spot. Spanning the Tomoe River that flows through Korankei, the views of fresh greenery and autumn leaves along the river from this bridge are truly spectacular. It will build anticipation for your Korankei stroll.
Toyota City
Korankei

A nature-rich gorge centered around Koshoji Temple. In spring, katakuri bloom, and in autumn, the gorge is colored by fall foliage, with vibrant scenery unfolding in every season. Autumn is especially breathtaking, with around 3,000 trees changing color and a spectacular nighttime illumination. As one of the Tokai region’s premier autumn foliage destinations, it is well worth a visit.
Toyota City
Kojakuji Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple that gave Korankei, a famous autumn foliage spot, its name. It stands as if watching over Korankei, and the approach is thick with maple trees and cedar groves. You can also try experiences such as zazen at the historic hall, making it a calming stop during a Korankei stroll.
Toyota City
Nabana no Sato

A flower and greenery theme park about 30 minutes by bus from Nagoya. It is famous for one of Japan’s largest illumination events, with plenty of photo spots such as a Tunnel of Lights and waterside illuminations. The large greenhouse lets you enjoy flowers in full bloom year-round, so you can enjoy your visit in any season.
Kuwana City
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Located at the Garden Pier of Nagoya Port, Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is one of Japan’s largest urban aquariums, showcasing around 500 species and 50,000 marine creatures that highlight the wonders of life. In the North Building, marine mammals such as dolphins and killer whales are exhibited alongside the history of their evolution. The South Building introduces the natural environments of five marine regions from Japan to Antarctica, along with the animals that inhabit them, including sea turtles and polar penguins. It is one of Nagoya’s leading tourist attractions, where visitors of all ages from children to adults can enjoy both learning and excitement.
Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Opened in 1937, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens covers about 60 hectares and offers a wide variety of attractions, including a zoo, botanical gardens, an amusement park, and Higashiyama Sky Tower, so it is hard to see everything in just one day. At the zoo, around 450 species of animals live here, including Asian elephants, koalas, red pandas, and western lowland gorillas. At the botanical gardens, about 7,000 types of plants are displayed across terrain that makes the most of the natural landscape, and you can enjoy seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. Visitors can enjoy tropical and subtropical plants year-round at the Greenhouse Front Pavilion, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property known as the “Crystal Palace of the Orient.”
Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City
Arimatsu Narumi Traditional Townscape

In 1608, Arimatsu was established by the Owari Domain between the Tokaido post towns of Narumi-juku and Chiryu-juku. Tie-dyeing (Arimatsu-Narumi shibori) was devised as a souvenir for travelers along the Tokaido, and the town developed together with Arimatsu-Narumi shibori thereafter. Many traditional buildings, including the grand main houses of merchant families, still remain today, and the area was selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2016 and recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2019.
Midori Ward, Nagoya City
Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

Rising in the heart of Sakae, Nagoya, Nagoya TV Tower (Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER) was completed in 1954 as Japan’s first integrated radio tower and is designated as an Important Cultural Property, cherished as a symbol of the city. At about 180 meters tall, the tower features observation facilities, Sky Deck and Sky Balcony, and is popular as a spectacular viewpoint with sweeping views over Nagoya and as far as Ise Bay. At night, beautiful illuminations tailored to the season and events color the cityscape. The tower also features shops, cafés, a hotel, and event spaces, making it one of Nagoya’s premier attractions for a wide range of occasions from sightseeing and dates to special celebrations.
Naka Ward, Nagoya City
Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is a multi-level complex facility in the center of Sakae, Nagoya, and is one of the city’s leading tourist destinations where shopping, relaxation, and events come together. Its symbol, the large roof known as the Water Spaceship, reflects the blue sky beautifully during the day, while at night its illuminated structure creates a magical atmosphere in the city. In the basement-level Galaxy Platform, a wide variety of events are held each week, and it is also a lively commercial area lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Higashi Ward, Nagoya City

LEGOLAND®Japan

Step into a colorful LEGO world! Spend a day full of adventure at LEGOLAND Japan. With over 40 attractions, giant LEGO models, workshops, and restaurants, it is a classic leisure spot in Nagoya.
Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Shiratoriyama Hojiji Temple "Night Yozadera Yoga"

An event held at the historic Shiratoriyama Hojiji Temple that offers an urban wellness experience combining a temple, yoga, and yaza, an evening seated meditation practice. With Shakyamuni Buddha watching over you, you can cleanse both mind and body and spend a truly special time in calm.
Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City
Sanshu Asuke Yashiki

An interactive cultural facility that shares the traditional life of a mountain village. You can watch and try classic crafts such as weaving and blacksmithing, and it is popular with families as a living folklore museum. The buildings, including the thatched-roof main house, are also part of the appeal, and the grounds offer a nostalgic, simple landscape.
Toyota City
Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park)

Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) is a vast park in Nagakute, Aichi, with a wide range of facilities, including Ghibli Park. The park offers plenty to enjoy, including the Expo 2005 Aichi Memorial Museum, an ice skating rink, and Aichi Children’s Center.
Nagakute City
Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Kaikan

Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Kaikan is a facility located in the historic townscape of Arimatsu in Nagoya City, introducing the appeal and techniques of the traditional craft “Arimatsu shibori,” which has been passed down for over 400 years, through exhibits and videos in an easy-to-understand way. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of shibori dyeing by skilled artisans and experience the delicate craftsmanship up close. In the reservation-only shibori hands-on class, you can actually bind the cloth (shibori) and enjoy creating an original piece, making it popular with visitors as well. It is a valuable tourist destination where you can see, touch, and learn about Arimatsu’s traditional culture and spirit of craftsmanship.
Midori Ward, Nagoya City
Noritake Garden

At Noritake Garden, an industrial tourism facility operated by tableware manufacturer Noritake, a popular workshop called a painting experience is offered at the Craft Center, where you can freely draw pictures on white bone china plates and mugs. The experience takes 60 to 90 minutes, and if there are open seats, you can even join walk-in, so you can enjoy it casually between sightseeing. Your finished piece is fired and mailed to your home about one month later, so it can remain as a lasting travel memory. Fees vary depending on the item, but the experience is reasonably priced, with participation starting at around 2,800 yen. Also, in the reservation-only premium painting experience, you can take on authentic ceramic painting under the guidance of a master painter.
Nishi Ward, Nagoya City
Suehirodo Shindo Store

In the fan-making experience hosted by Suehirodo, a long-established fan shop in Nagoya, visitors can learn the traditional techniques of Nagoya folding fans while creating their own unique fan by painting designs on a white accordion-fold fan and assembling it with glue. The workshop is reservation-based and is held from Monday to Saturday, taking about 1 to 2 hours, making it something you can join casually between sightseeing. As a valuable experience where you can feel artisanship and the depth of Japanese craftsmanship up close, it is popular with visitors from Japan and overseas. Because even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind, it is also perfect for making travel memories or creating a commemorative item.
Nishi Ward, Nagoya City