12 Best Things to Do in Nagoya

Nagoya Castle serves as a museum where you can find the original gates and structures on the castle grounds. The original Nagoya Castle, built in the early Edo Period, was destroyed in a 1945 bombing. The castle was reconstructed, keeping to its original look but with modern features such as air conditioning and elevators.

Inside the castle, you can explore artefacts from the Edo Period, including beautifully painted screens, swords and helmets. The best-known item is a pair of golden, tiger-headed dolphins (kinshachci) on the roof, plated in 18k gold. From the 5th floor, you can enjoy the views of Nagoya City. In spring, the castle is a popular spot to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in Meijo Park.

Considered one of the most important shrines in the country, Atsuta Jingu was founded about 1,900 years ago. It's known as the home of the legendary Kusanagi-no-tsurugi sword, one of the 3 sacred treasures of the Imperial House and an extremely important Japanese icon (not for public viewing).

There are thousands of traditional and important cultural artifacts on display, all donated by the Japanese people, such as sacred garments, furniture, mirrors, ancient masks and documents. The Atsutajingu Shrine is located in a large compound, along with several minor buildings for weddings and tea ceremonies. To reach the shrine, take the subway to Jingu Nishi Station on the Meijo line or Jingu-Mae on the Meitetsu line.

If you are interested in Japan’s technological development, why not make a stop at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Here you can explore as many as 4,000 exhibition pieces, dynamic displays of original equipment, demonstrations by operators, instructive videos and more.

You’ll learn about textile machinery (Toyota was previously a textile weaving company) and the major transitions in Japan’s industry and technology. Sakichi Toyoda, founder of Toyota, contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan and its industrial revolution. The famous Toyota ‘Partner Robot’ also performs frequently in the south lobby. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance.

Osu Kannon Temple offers a unique opportunity to both visit a sacred site and do some shopping. The temple, built in 1612, was moved to its present location in the 17th century. The current temple was built in the 1970s with a Japanese pagoda, several dozen Buddha statues and a huge red paper lantern among many other interesting things.

There is a flea market held on the 18th and 28th of each month, but the Osu outdoor shopping mall, which is right next to the temple, is always active and full of life with many stores and shops selling souvenirs, household items, traditional crafts, food as well as antiques.

The Tokugawa Art Museum was first opened in 1935 and exhibits artifacts of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The museum displays several sections of the 12th-century illustrated handscrolls of The Tale of Genji (the world's first novel) of which you can buy a copy. Other impressive items include samurai swords, long swords, arrows and armors, the shogun’s personal items, household utensils and educational tools.

You’ll also enjoy viewing a partial replica of a daimyo (territorial lord) residence, a noh theatre and a traditional tea house. The museum’s grounds are well laid out with beautiful Zen gardens and there are many special exhibitions held throughout the year.

At the massive Asahi Brewery near Nagoya, you can join a 90-minute tour of the factory to get the idea how Asahi produces beers. Asahi Breweries is one of the major Japanese beverage companies and has a factory near Nagoya.

The tour starts from the beginning of production; finding the best selections of ingredients and ends at the packaging section. Afterwards you can taste a range of beers or Asahi non-alcoholic drinks. To reach the brewery from Nagoya, take the JR Chuo line from Nagoya Station to JR Shin-Moriyama. The journey takes about 15 minutes plus a short walk to the brewery.

The Toyota Automobile Museum is all about cars from Japan, the US, and Europe. In the main building of the museum, which was opened in 1989, there are about 120 automobiles on display, from the end of the 19th century when the first gasoline-powered car was built to the present day.

The annex building, which was opened in April of 1999 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Toyota Automobile Museum, exhibits the history of Japanese motors, elaborating on the influence of the automobile on our lives and culture. Advance booking is recommended.

If you’re travelling with kids, Nagoya’s Higashiyama Zoo is a must-visit. Established in 1937, it's one of Asia’s largest zoos and features various animals from polar bears to lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, koalas and more. The Higashiyama Sky Tower, with observation decks and a restaurant at 328 ft offers panoramic views of the area.

The botanical gardens feature 3,000 beautiful cherry trees that blossom in spring, traditional Japanese gardens, English-style gardens, a greenhouse and an insectarium. Locals come here to picnic or just to relax in this calm and peaceful atmosphere. The park also boasts an amusement park. To explore this vast area in comfort, bring you best walking shoes and mosquito repellant.

It seems that every large city in Japan has a TV tower but the Nagoya TV tower is the first one ever constructed in Japan. The tower is also known as Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. Built in 1954 and modeled on Paris’s Eiffel Tower, it's located in Hisaya Odori Park in the Sakae District and is famous for its observation balcony at 328 ft. It’s one of the best spots in Nagoya to take in and photograph the city’s skyline.

The tower itself stands 590 ft tall and has been one of Nagoya’s major landmarks since the beginning. The tower is lit up in the evenings and offers the perfect backdrop for romantic holiday snaps.

If you’re visiting Nagoya in July, a must-see is sumo wrestling during the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Sumo is Japan’s most beloved sport with a long history dating back 1,500 years and deep connections in the Shinto religion. It still plays a big part in Japanese culture. There are 6 sumo tournaments each year and each tournament lasts 15 days.

A sumo tournament is a unique chance to witness real sumo rituals. For example, you're expected to stay for the ending ceremony which is very important for everyone involved in the sport. And it’s considered rude to leave right after the final match ends. The Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament is held in Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium (or Dolphins Arena).