Nagoya is one of Japan’s most underrated destinations.
Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is often overlooked by international travelers. But spend a few days here and you’ll find historic castles, beautiful shrines, lively shopping streets, unique local food, and even a world-famous theme park.
If you’re planning a trip to Nagoya, here are 10 things you should do in Nagoya, Japan.
1. Visit Nagoya Castle
Start your Nagoya trip with one of the city’s most famous landmarks: Nagoya Castle.
Originally built in the early 17th century, the castle played an important role in Japanese history. One of its most recognizable features is the pair of golden shachihoko ornaments on the roof.
The castle grounds are also worth exploring, especially the beautiful Honmaru Palace, which features traditional Japanese architecture and elaborate decorations.
Don’t miss: The golden shachihoko on top of the castle.
2. Explore Osu
If you want to experience a more casual and energetic side of Nagoya, head to Osu.
Osu is famous for its large shopping streets, street food, vintage clothing stores, anime and manga shops, electronics, cafés, and temples.
The area has a unique mix of traditional Japan and modern pop culture, making it one of the most interesting neighborhoods to explore on foot.
Start at Osu Kannon Temple and then simply wander through the surrounding shopping streets.
Tip: Don’t make a strict plan. Some of the best parts of Osu are the small shops and restaurants you discover along the way.
3. Visit Atsuta Jingu Shrine
For a taste of traditional Japan, visit Atsuta Jingu.
This historic Shinto shrine is one of the most important shrines in Japan and is surrounded by a peaceful forest.
Walking through the grounds feels completely different from the busy streets of central Nagoya.
Take your time, walk through the trees, and experience the atmosphere of a Japanese shrine.
Tip: Visit in the morning if you want a quieter and more peaceful experience.
4. Eat Nagoya Meshi
You can’t visit Nagoya without trying Nagoya Meshi.
The city is famous for its unique local cuisine, much of which you won’t find in quite the same way elsewhere in Japan.
Here are some dishes you should try:
- Hitsumabushi – grilled eel served over rice
- Miso Katsu – pork cutlet with a rich miso-based sauce
- Tebasaki – Nagoya-style chicken wings
- Kishimen – flat Japanese noodles
- Miso Nikomi Udon – udon noodles simmered in a rich miso broth
- Ogura Toast – toast topped with sweet red bean paste
If you’re a foodie, Nagoya could easily become one of your favorite cities in Japan.
5. Visit Ghibli Park
If you love Studio Ghibli, Ghibli Park should be high on your list.
Located in Aichi Prefecture, just outside central Nagoya, Ghibli Park brings the worlds of Studio Ghibli to life with detailed buildings, landscapes, and attractions inspired by famous films.
You can explore areas inspired by movies such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more.
It’s not a traditional amusement park with lots of rides. Instead, it’s more like walking into a Studio Ghibli movie.
Important: Tickets can be popular, so check availability and booking information before your trip.
6. Go Bar Hopping in Sakae and Nishiki
When the sun goes down, head to Sakae and Nishiki.
This is one of the best areas in Nagoya for nightlife, with izakayas, bars, restaurants, karaoke, and late-night spots.
Start with dinner at an izakaya, have a few drinks, and then explore the streets around Nishiki and Sakae.
For international visitors, this is also a great opportunity to experience Japan’s casual nightlife culture.
Tip: If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry. Many restaurants and bars in central Nagoya are used to international visitors.
7. See Nagoya from the MIRAI TOWER
For one of the best city views, visit Chubu Electric MIRAI TOWER in Sakae.
The tower overlooks the city and the nearby Hisaya-odori Park.
The area is especially beautiful after sunset, when Nagoya’s skyline and streets light up.
Combine your visit with dinner or drinks in Sakae and make it part of your evening itinerary.
8. Visit Toyota’s Birthplace and Discover Its Car Culture
Nagoya and the surrounding Aichi region are deeply connected to the automobile industry.
If you’re interested in cars, engineering, or Japanese manufacturing, consider visiting one of the area’s Toyota-related museums.
The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is particularly interesting because it explains the development of Toyota from a textile machinery company into one of the world’s best-known automobile manufacturers.
It’s a great way to see a different side of modern Japan beyond temples and castles.
9. Try Nagoya’s Café Culture
Nagoya has a surprisingly strong kissaten culture.
Kissaten are traditional Japanese cafés, often with a retro atmosphere and a menu of coffee, toast, sandwiches, and simple Japanese-Western dishes.
One of the most famous Nagoya traditions is the morning service.
Order a coffee in the morning and you may receive toast and other small dishes as part of the morning set, depending on the café.
It’s a simple experience, but it’s a great way to experience everyday Japanese culture.
10. Take a Day Trip Around Aichi
Don’t limit your trip to central Nagoya.
Aichi Prefecture has plenty of places worth visiting for a day trip.
Inuyama is home to one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles and has a charming historic town.
Tokoname is famous for its pottery and traditional streets.
And if you visit during autumn, Korankei is one of the region’s popular spots for colorful fall foliage.
If you have extra time, getting outside Nagoya can give you a completely different experience of Aichi.
Why You Should Visit Nagoya
Nagoya may not have the same international reputation as Tokyo or Kyoto, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
You can explore a historic castle in the morning, eat miso katsu for lunch, wander around Osu in the afternoon, visit a shrine, and finish the day with drinks in Sakae.
And because Nagoya is located between Tokyo and Osaka, it’s also a convenient base for exploring central Japan.
Your Nagoya Bucket List
Before leaving Nagoya, try to:
☐ Visit Nagoya Castle
☐ Explore Osu
☐ Visit Atsuta Jingu
☐ Eat Nagoya Meshi
☐ Visit Ghibli Park
☐ Go bar hopping in Sakae and Nishiki
☐ See the city from MIRAI TOWER
☐ Explore Toyota’s history
☐ Experience a traditional kissaten
☐ Take a day trip around Aichi
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