This is a shame because as a city, Nagoya has a lot to offer. From the nature-heavy outskirts to the bustling city center, you will not be at a loss for things to do if you visit this wonderful city.
Here are the best things you can do when visiting Nagoya, Japan!
Visit Noritake Garden
Noritake Garden is an award-winning destination for art, culture, and shopping! It is an extremely respected name in the industry of Japanese ceramics.
In Noritake Garden, you will be able to partake in the craft center, take a walk around the beautiful gardens, or check out the fantastic visits at the museum.
Bansho-Ji Temple
Situated in the shopping district of Osu, Bansho-ji is one of the most iconic temples in Nagoya. Bansho-ji is a Buddhist temple that was built by Lord Oda Nobuhide in 1540. It was rebuilt in 1610.
Bansho-ji temple is recognizable thanks to the kitsune, fox spirits guarding its entrance, as well as being lined with many beautiful lanterns.
Osu Shopping Street
Osu shopping street has a 400-year history and is an important part of Nagoya legend. It was once a place for traditional culture and entertainment but is now a place for contemporary culture.
Banana Records
Banana records is a bright yellow store that you cannot miss. It is a great representation of the love for music that the people of Nagoya have.
The store has a vast array of records that span both generations and genres.
Hongan-Ji Betsuin
Hongan-ji Betsuin is a temple that dates all the way back to 1500 C.E. It was founded in the Ise province, but was relocated to Nagoya during the Edo period.
This temple has a modern look. The ground floor holds the ashes of those who have passed on.
Monks will perform services in the form of prayer if requested by a family member.
Tokugawa Art Museum
This museum was built on the grounds of the former feudal residence of Owari. It is a tribute to the leader of the Edo-era.
The exhibits of the Tokugawa Art Museum include the preserved treasures of Tokugawa, such as samurai swords, scrolls, armor, maps, costumes, noh masks, poems, and tea utensils.
Shirotori Garden
Shirotori Garden is beautiful and elegant. It is the perfect place to visit in Nagoya if you want to de-stress and relax.
Shirotori Garden is huge. It spans 3.7 hectares so it is big enough to escape the bustling energy of the city.
The main pond of the Shirotori garden represents the Ise Bay waters, and Mount Ontake is represented in the southwestern corner of the garden.
Midland Square Sky Promenade
This one should be easy to find since it is located opposite Nagoya station. This promenade is 247 meters high, making it the tallest building in the city.
You can find shops, boutiques, a cinema, and cafes on the first few floors. While at the top of the promenade you will find a restaurant.
Oasis 21
This is a shopping center with a modern twist. It looks amazing at night thanks to the illuminated rooftop.
Sakae
There is always something going on in the downtown area of Nagoya: Sakae. This area is host to excellent nightlife, festival events, and a variety of other entertainment.
The City Science Museum Of Nagoya
If you have children, make sure you add this museum to your bucket list! It is one of the largest planetariums in the world and there are many interactive displays to enjoy!
Yanagibashi Fish Market
Live like a local by visiting the Yanagibashi fish market, also known as the pantry of Hakata!
This is one of the best food destinations in Nagoya and has been one of the most important in the culinary scene of Nagoya since it was established in 1916.
Osu Antique Market
This market is home to many miscellaneous items, from crafts to one-off gifts, if you are a collector then this will be your dream place to visit. This is a market that runs every two weeks.
Early Birds Breakfast
If you want a place to kick back and relax while you enjoy some delicious food, then look no further than the Early Birds Breakfast. Here, the West Coast meets the Japanese style and is a popular place for younger generations to visit.
Nagoya Breakfast Set
Nagoya is famous for its breakfast sets. Here, you will find bakery spreads fresh from the oven as well as plenty of buffets! Most of the food will be yoshoku, which is the term for the Japanese take on western food. It is a must-try!
The City Art Museum Of Nagoya
Another must-see! You can find the Nagoya art museum in Shirakawa Park. Not only are the exhibits amazing, but the architecture, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, is beautiful!
Legoland Japan
There are many different themed sections of Legoland Japan. There are also replicas of many popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Mount Fuji (see also ‘Which City Is The Closest To Mt Fuji?‘), and Kyoto.
Toyota Museum
That’s right, the Toyota museum is situated in Nagoya! Make sure you visit this museum if you want to learn about the manufacturing process of Toyota cars!
Nagoya Castle
This beautiful castle was built during the Edo period and was rebuilt in 1945 (for more Japanese castles, read here). Go here to learn about local history and to see some beautiful classical art.
Nagashima Resort
Just outside of Nagoya you will find the Nagashima resort. This is an amusement park full of fun attractions, like a water park, thrill rides, a scenic flower park, hot springs, and more!
The Port Area
This is the largest port in Japan! You won’t just find a port here, but an aquarium, museums, a shopping mall, and even an amusement park!
Korankei
This is a verdant valley located just outside of Nagoya. If you’re visiting the city, you definitely need to see Korankei, especially during fall.
There are wonderful maple trees that sit gracefully over the Tomoe River that are a wonderful sight to see.
Also during the fall, Korankei hosts a festival (see also our article on the Yokote Kamakura Festival) called Momiji Matsuri, a festival for watching the autumn leaves that also has tea events, live performances, and more!
Sanage Onsen
Sat at the foot of Mount Sanage is this tranquil retreat. You will find the largest radon hot spring here and the waters are said to have medicinal, healing properties. A wonderful overnight escape!
Inuyama Castle
There are only twelve original castles remaining in Japan, Inuyama castle included. Built in 1537, this castle overlooks the Kiso River and allows you to see Nagoya like you never have before.
Arimatsu
Close to Nagoya, you will find Arimatsu, an old town that is both scenic and relaxed. You can explore via a guided tour and see artisans working hard at their craft.
Final Thoughts
There are a plethora of activities to do in Nagoya, some fun and active, some explorative, and some with the purpose to relax and de-stress you. Make the most of your trip by partaking in these wonderful activities!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
