Nagoya
Recommended Tours

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Nagoya, the industrial hub of Japan, is dismissed by many travelers as not worth a stop, if you are trying to experience the culture and beauty of this exotic country. On the contrary, there are many sites in and around Nagoya which will make for a memorable experience if you have time between your journeys to Tokyo and Kyoto. The suggested itinerary takes you to the finest places within Nagoya and the surrounding area.

To start with, purchase a day pass subway ticket at any subway station for JPY750. This allows unlimited travel on the subways and gives you convenient and speedy access to the city. A visit to Nagoya’s Nagoya Castle, originally constructed in 1612 by the legendary Tokugawa Ieyasu, but later destroyed by aerial bombardment during World War II. The detailed replica that you see today was completed in 1959 and houses a museum depicting the history of the castle. Its gardens alone merit a visit, especially during the hanami season of cherry blossom viewing in early April. Once you have explored the castle and its grounds to your heart’s content, take the Meijo Line four stops, transferring at Kamimaezu to the Tsuramai Line. Take that line one stop, getting off at Osu Kannon. Here lies Osu-Kannon Temple, located in a vibrant shopping area of Nagoya. Not only is the temple the most breathtaking in Nagoya, but the markets and stores in the surrounding area also make a pleasant place to browse for souvenirs. On the 18th and 28th of every month, an antique market is held.

Afterwards, get back onto the Meijo Line and head down to Jingu-Nishi Station, then follow the signs to Central Park provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping. For a bird’s-eye view of the metropolis, ascend the Tokugawa Art Museum, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The Tokugawa Art Museum houses many relics of the great shogun and is a worthwhile trip. If you are not planning on visiting Osaka’s world-famous aquarium, then Nagoya’s should definitely be on your list, especially for the penguin displays. The Toyota museum houses some of the machinery and equipment which belonged to the Toyoda family's spinning and weaving business before they got into manufacturing (Toyota) cars.

One of the beauties of staying in Nagoya is that it makes a good base for interesting excursions into the surrounding areas. For example, a day trip to the historic town of Inuyama is a must. Inuyama is home to Meiji-Mura, an outdoor museum containing 63 traditional houses from the Meiji era that have been moved here from other parts of Japan and preserved in their entirety. Inuyama can be reached by Meitetsu train from any station on the Tsuramai Line, and Meiji-Mura can be reached by a bus leaving from Inuyama Station.

Near Inuyama is Gifu, another beautiful area north of Nagoya. Gifu Castle, situated high up on a hill, is reached by ropeway, and is well worth the trip for the view from the castle. At the base of the hill is Gifu Koen, or Gifu Park, with its many beautiful flowers and bonsai, its ponds and gardens harmoniously arranged. Cormorant fishing is also held here. In the city of Gifu, art lovers will find the

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