The short answer to this question is, yes. While Nagoya may not be to everyone’s taste or interests, it still has a lot to offer.
If you are someone who enjoys visiting popular places or cities but doesn’t revel in the hustle and bustle, or the high prices of tourist traps, Nagoya is the city you’ve been looking for.
It is off the beaten path enough that you can feel like you are distanced from the tourist-centric areas and perhaps enjoy a more authentic Japanese experience.
The thing that attracts a lot of people to Nagoya however, is its geographical location.
Conveniently located between the major cities of Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo, makes it a great option for travelers on a stricter budget or as a stopover city for anyone traveling between the two.
Transport In Nagoya
The transportation in Nagoya is much like the transportation available throughout Japan in that it will be clean, and extremely punctual.
If you are traveling between Nagoya and Kyoto/Osaka the easiest and quickest way to travel is via the Bullet Train or Shinkansen.
The Bullet train only takes around half an hour for this journey which makes it very convenient, however, if you do not have a Japan Rail Pass, the journey will set you back a significant chunk of money per journey.
If the Bullet train is a little out of your budget, the highway bus is a cheaper, but slower, alternative.
Using buses called the willer express, the journey will take about two and a half hours in total, including all of the stop times.
The highway bus is significantly cheaper than the train and you can always use that extra time to journal or brush up on your Japanese.
Again, the quickest way to travel between the two destinations is by Bullet train.
However, the journey takes 2 hours to complete and costs twice as much as the journey from Kyoto to Nagoya which can become very expensive if you are commuting back and forth rather than just traveling through.
The other option for travel between these two cities is the highway bus.
Due to the significant distance between Nagoya and Kyoto/Osaka the journey by bus takes around 5 hours in total.
This time does include the time spent at bus stops, but it is a small inconvenience when compared to the amount of money that you will save with this method of transportation.
It also offers greater views of the Japanese countryside than the Bullet train and can give you time to catch up with family and friends, get more sleep in, or practice your Japanese with other commuters.
Due to the length of time it takes to travel between these two cities by bus, this is not a great option if you are planning to commute back and forth in a day.
From cheaper hostels and homestays where you can make friends and perfect your Japanese to upscale, star-rated hotels with plenty of amenities, there is no shortage of places to stay.
While it is possible to find accommodation all over Nagoya, the most convenient locations for travelers are near Nagoya station, the airport, Nagoya Castle, the Osu district, and the Sakae district.
It is not recommended to stay in an Airbnb in Nagoya due to law changes regarding the running and listing of them.
Airbnb is likely to either be incredibly expensive or an illegal listing that can offer you very little safety or protection during your stay.
If you do want to use Airbnb, it is important to do your due diligence and ensure that the listing is genuine and highly rated.
Top Things To Do In Nagoya
Although Nagoya is sometimes viewed as nothing more than a stopover city, there are a few things to do there that will enrich your overall trip to Japan.
Osu Kannon Dori
This is a popular shopping street in the Osu district of Nagoya. There are many clothes, accessories, and souvenirs available here as well as amazing food to enjoy.
One of the most exciting things about this street is that the majority of the stores are mom-and-pop stores.
By shopping at Osu Kannon Dori, you are directly helping the local community and economy.
It is important to note that because of the nature of this shopping street, the vendors often speak very little English and you will have to employ your Japanese to be able to effectively converse here.
Due to the number of translation apps available now, you may still be able to participate in shopping here if you are a little rusty or lacking in confidence.
Osu Kannon Temple
If you travel a bit further than the Osu Kannon Dori, you will come across the Osu Kannon Temple.
The temple is very popular with locals and tourists alike and can be busy most of the time.
The presence of flags leading up to the entrance gives it a festive atmosphere that is invigorating and exciting.
The temple is Buddhist and features a beautiful red lacquer on the outside. The temple is always open to the public and takes cash only.
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya castle is the perfect mix of traditional and modern that can appeal to all members of a group.
The castle is one of the few Japanese castles that has been rebuilt in recent times.
The outside maintains its incredibly detailed, traditional architecture that makes it so strikingly beautiful, however, the inside holds a surprise.
Instead of a continuation of traditional design inside the castle, it has been rebuilt to look more like a modern museum.
Within the castle, you will find various pieces of samurai equipment, ancient documents, historical statues, and more.
If you are interested in the history of Japan, this is a great place to visit in Nagoya.
Tokugawa Garden
If you are a fan of Japan’s collection of ornate and peaceful parks and gardens, this is a must-see in Nagoya.
Although Tokugawa Garden is significantly smaller than the gardens that you may have visited in larger cities such as Tokyo, it is still a place of great serenity and beauty.
There is a single, large pond that can be walked around as well as an ornate building that can be used for events.
Final Thoughts
Nagoya may not be a tourist’s first choice of city in Japan, however, it has a lot to offer that can meet anyone’s requirements.
Due to the lower popularity of this beautiful city, many of the tourist attractions are a lot quieter than others in bigger cities which can be great for those who prefer a quieter time.
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!
