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Discover the diverse historical, cultural, and natural wonders of Nagoya for a remarkable getaway. Explore this unique destination with Klook Vietnam!
Situated at the heart of Japan, Nagoya proudly stands as a distinctive travel destination, blending tradition and modernity seamlessly. The city is renowned not only for its rich cultural history but also for its unique architectural landmarks, such as Kiyosu Castle and Inuyama Castle. Visitors can savor unique culinary flavors at traditional restaurants or immerse themselves in the modern world at vibrant entertainment districts and bustling shopping streets. Take a stroll through Nagoya with Klook Vietnam and plan your unforgettable journey here!
Introduction to Nagoya
Where is Nagoya?
Nagoya, the fourth-largest city in Japan, is located in Aichi Prefecture at the center of Honshu Island. With its convenient position between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya serves as an ideal hub for travelers exploring the Chubu region. Boasting over 400 years of history dating back to the Tokugawa Ieyasu era, Nagoya is a cultural icon, carrying captivating stories of its past.
Nagoya is renowned not only for its traditional culture but also as an economic and industrial hub, boasting modern shopping centers like Sakae and Osu. You can savor unique cuisine with specialties such as Hitsumabushi - enticing grilled eel over rice. With numerous appealing destinations and tourist activities, Nagoya is an ideal starting point to explore Japan's blend of tradition and modernity.
Guide to Getting Around Nagoya Independently
- Train: This is a cost-effective and fast means for #teamKlook to travel to Nagoya. You can take a train and choose Nagoya Station as your destination. Nagoya Station is the world's largest above-ground station, allowing #teamKlook to conveniently check in here!
- Bus: Another popular choice for #teamKlook to save on travel expenses to Nagoya. There are many high-speed bus routes from Tokyo and Osaka, including overnight buses for your convenience.
- Plane: If traveling from Tokyo, #teamKlook can opt for air travel to save time. From Haneda Airport, you can book a flight to Chubu Airport and then take a shuttle to central Nagoya.
What to Do in Nagoya? Famous Nagoya Tourist Attractions
1. Honmaru Palace
Honmaru Palace in Nagoya was once considered a masterpiece, an outstanding example of samurai architecture in the Shoin-zukuri style. Completed in 1615, during the height of castle construction art, the palace became the residence and reception area for Tokugawa Yoshinao, the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Though rarely used, it has been exceptionally well-preserved, becoming the summer retreat for emperors during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras.
This is the most beautiful palace, adorned in a lavish style with golden walls and curtains, preserving masterpieces of the renowned painter Kano. Before being destroyed in the Second World War, this was Japan's first castle recognized as a National Treasure. By 2009, the castle had been meticulously restored by Japanese traditional artisans and craftsmen, using techniques and materials similar to the original castle.
Today, you can step into this architectural masterpiece, experience the scent of hinoki wood, and marvel at its impressive beauty. Honmaru Palace tells a living story of samurai era, culture, and art.
2. Kiyosu Castle
Kiyosu is one of the significant and historically meaningful castles during Japan's Sengoku Warring States period. Built from 1394 to 1427 as a strategic defense system, it later became a power center for the Owari region (western Aichi). In the late 16th century, Kiyosu was known worldwide as 'one of the Greatest Castle Fortresses on Earth,' featuring a 1.6 km-wide moat from east to west and a 2.8 km moat from north to south, including peripheral, central, and inner water systems.
In 1610, Tokugawa Ieyasu constructed Nagoya Castle, leading to the destruction of many local castles. Kiyosu Castle was also dismantled, but in 1989, it was reconstructed in concrete, away from the river where it once stood. This recreated Kiyosu structure has become an exceptional museum, preserving some important historical sites in the surrounding area. Now, Kiyosu Castle stands as an icon of Kiyosu City, a destination with a museum and unique castle history exhibits.
3. Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle (Inuyamajō), constructed in 1537, boasts a twin-towered keep and is one of the oldest surviving historical landmarks in Japan. Perched on top of a small hill along the Kiso River, it's one of the last twelve original castles in Japan (meaning their main towers have remained intact through natural disasters and wars since the end of the feudal era in 1868). Inuyama is also recognized as one of the five castles designated as precious national treasures alongside Himeji, Matsumoto, Hikone, and Matsue.
The main tower's architecture is primarily wood and stone, well-preserved, maintaining cultural authenticity without modern additions often found in reconstructed castles. The sloping staircase leading to the top provides a panoramic view of the castle and the Kiso River. #teamKlook visitors can explore various rooms inside the castle, from the surveillance room overseeing opponents to the room with openings for hurling stones at invading forces.
4. Meiji Mura Museum
Meiji Mura Exterior Museum, meaning 'Meiji Village' in Japanese, is one of the impressive open-air museums in Japan, showcasing over sixty structures from the Meiji era (1868-1912). This period marks the end of Japan's feudal era, with architecture heavily influenced by Western styles.
Located in Inuyama, Meiji Mura sits in a vast area next to Iruka Lake. The museum preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of the Meiji era by relocating representative structures from across the country. Notable structures include the former Imperial Hotel's lobby in Tokyo and the St. Francis Xavier Church in Kyoto. Additionally, visitors can enjoy entertainment facilities such as cafes, candy stores, and traditional games set up in the converted structures.
5. Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park, a unique destination on the outskirts of Nagoya, opened its doors in November 2022, offering an intriguing experience for fans of Studio Ghibli's renowned animated films. Unlike other theme parks, this park doesn't feature intense rides; instead, it guides visitors through colorful and enchanting worlds inspired by Ghibli movies.
The park currently comprises four areas, and the fifth area, 'the Valley of Witches,' will be added on March 16, 2024. These areas are scattered across the Commemorative Hill Zone of Expo 2005 Aichi, where the 2005 World Exposition took place.
The main area, Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, serves as the park's focal point with attractions such as special screening rooms, diverse exhibition areas, a play zone for children, and various other activities. From the Hill of Youth to Dondoko Forest and Mononoke Village, every corner of the park is a magical journey through the world of Studio Ghibli.
6. Minamichita Beach Land
Minamichita Beach Land, one of the unique spots on the Chita Peninsula, combines the vast sea, lush nature, and unique history. Opened since 1980, this area is an excellent destination for #teamKlook to immerse themselves in life beneath the ocean.
A highlight here is the gigantic aquarium with a capacity of 1,000 tons of water, where visitors can observe naturally living fish in Ise Bay. Beyond observation, you also have the opportunity to get up close to beautiful marine creatures through interactive events. Minamichita Beach Land is a fantastic destination for extraordinary experiences with the ocean world.
7. Korankei Valley
Korankei Valley stands out as one of the most spectacular spots to admire autumn foliage in the Chubu region. The highlight of the valley is the 254-meter-high Iimori Mountain, home to the Kojakuji Temple. The peak season for vibrant autumn colors usually occurs from mid to late November each year.
The most stunning hues can be found along the riverside road of the Tomoe River to the west and south of Mount Iimori. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery with tree-lined tunnels alternating with river views and charming small bridges. The vibrant red Taigetsukyo Bridge is the symbol of Korankei and an ideal spot for photography. Additionally, during the autumn foliage season, the area near Tomoehashi Bridge becomes a hub for festival stalls, music events, and unique cultural activities.
Beyond the autumn season, Korankei also attracts tourists with the Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village. This is a traditional village preserving many historic houses in a peaceful rural setting. Visitors can participate in workshops in these traditional houses, experiencing crafts such as straw sandal making and indigo-dyeing handkerchief.
8. Laguna Ten Bosch Amusement Park
Laguna Ten Bosch, part of the Laguna amusement park chain, promises to be a place that brings fantastic experiences to #teamKlook in Nagoya. With numerous events held throughout the year, Laguna Ten Bosch is not just an amusement park but also a diverse destination with exciting adventures.
Laguna Ten Bosch Amusement Park offers a variety of seasonal activities with unique attractions like 'Pirates' Blast' and 'Aqua Wind,' immersing visitors in the fairytale world of a mystical port city. In summer, the Jumbo pool and the 100-meter-long water slide provide refreshing relief from the heat. Come winter, the entire park transforms into a glittering city with lights and water, creating a dazzling fantasy world.
Beyond entertainment, Laguna Ten Bosch captivates tourists with the Festival Market shopping center and Seaside Market dining area, where you can indulge in delicious fresh seafood and mouth-watering cuisine. For families, the Shimajiro Sea Park offers endless educational and entertaining experiences. An exciting ocean adventure awaits you at Laguna Ten Bosch, promising thrilling adventures!
9. Gamagori Orange Park
Gamagori Orange Park, renowned for its Gamagori oranges grown in the red soil of the fertile plain, is an unmissable destination in the exploration of Nagoya. Situated in the unique geographical area of Gamagori, where warm breezes from the ocean are constant throughout the year, the oranges here boast a distinctive delicious flavor. Autumn is the perfect time for you to handpick these delicious oranges from October to late December.
Especially, #teamKlook has the chance to enjoy various fruits throughout the year: strawberries from January to early May, melons from July to late September, and grapes from late June to mid-September. Don't forget to visit the specialty market to bring home ideal gifts such as strawberries, watermelons, oranges, and Baumkuchen cakes. This is an excellent space to experience exquisite flavors and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nagoya.
10. Atsuta Jingu Shrine
Nestled in a serene green forest park in southern Nagoya, Atsuta Shrine was reconstructed in the Meiji period in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, inspired by the Ise Shrine. Atsuta Shrine is one of Shinto's most significant shrines, venerating the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and housing the sacred Kusanagi sword. Kusanagi is one of the three imperial regalia and is never publicly displayed.
In 2021, the Kusanagi-kan Museum was inaugurated, offering visitors the chance to delve deeper into the shrine's connection with these legendary swords. The uniquely designed museum showcases over 12 historical swords and allows guests to handle various types of swords. Adjacent to the museum is a treasure house preserving numerous swords and related materials. To conclude the visit comfortably, #teamKlook can savor the specialty Kishimen noodles at a restaurant near Kusanagi-kan.
11. Osu Shopping Street
Osu Shopping Street was once Nagoya's top entertainment hub, renowned for its densely packed shopping alleys. Post-war, Osu evolved into an area specializing in selling used electronics and clothing. Today, it has become a center for idol enthusiasts and those seeking new forms of entertainment.
What makes Osu unique is not only the anime but also the quirky items from small stores. Roaming this area, tourists will be amazed by over 1,200 shops offering everything from electronics to fashion, antiques, new and used kimonos, restaurants, cafes, specialty stores, and almost everything else. Osu is not just Nagoya's pop culture hub but also a global one, hosting the annual World Cosplay Summit. Stores specializing in anime, sci-fi, Maid Cafés, and cosplay clothing cater to the diverse needs of the vibrant Cosplayer community.
Various Nagoya tourist spots will take #teamKlook on a diverse journey exploring nature, history, and modern attractions. Learn about Japan through shared articles by Klooker: Latest Solo Travel Experience in Japan, Kintetsu Rail Pass: Explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Nara for just 350,000 VND, What Is JR Pass? Why Do You Need to Buy JR Pass When Traveling to Japan?, 20 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan, 7-Day 6-Night Solo Travel Itinerary in Japan.
Quickly explore all the Nagoya tourist spots, #teamKlook! 🌟
