10 Best Things To Do In Nagoya

The Nagoya castle was built at the beginning of the Edo period. This period was one of the richest periods in Japanese history. It was one of the largest castles in the country with a large and thriving city developing around it. The castle keep was restored in 1959 to its former glory using traditional methods and materials. It houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the city, its contribution to the Edo period, and its later evolution. You can get a real feel of the castle life with the accurate restoration of paintings, furniture, and more. The city plans on rebuilding the castle with wood. The castle gardens are impeccably maintained and display the typical Japanese aesthetic. It is one of the best places to view the cherry blossom trees during the right season and can be featured on your list of things to do in Nagoya.

The castle is open every day from 9 in the morning to 4:30 in the evening so you will have to plan your visit accordingly. The cost of entering the castle is 500 yen. Getting to the castle is very easy since the castle has its own Metro stop.

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens are one of the best in the world. The botanical garden is home to the largest collection of plant life in Asia with over 7000 species, while the Zoo is home to over 550 species of animals. The garden features Japan’s oldest glasshouse, a beautiful cherry blossom tree gallery, and flower fields with traditional Japanese ponds. The variety of plant life makes this garden a beautiful visit no matter which time of year you are visiting. The zoo was established in 1937 and is spread over 60 acres, and you can include this on your list of things to do in Nagoya. Today, the zoo is home to a variety of exotic animals that include koalas, elephants, gorillas, hippos, tigers, lions, bears, seals, and many more.

The park features the Higashiyama Sky Tower, which is a beautiful architectural model. The needle-like building is the best place for you to rest. It offers a café and a restaurant. The observational deck at the top of the 214m tall tower offers beautiful views of the sunset over the zoo and botanical garden.

One of the more unique things to do in Nagoya is visiting a traditional Japanese onsen. This is a hot spring that offers customers a chance to soak in. The Japanese believe in the restorative powers of hot springs and their ability to sooth the skin. Most Japanese people visit the onsen at least once a week and are part of their community culture. The Ryusenji Hot Spring is one of the best in Nagoya and is located at the highest point in the region. This affords visitors a 360-view of the surrounding region while enjoying the healing properties of the hot spring. There is accommodation, a restaurant, and spa facilities. Most visitors here choose to dip first in the hot spring and then head to the spa for a treatment. You can again finish up in the bath before heading out.

You should book your visit and stay at the Ryusenji Hot Spring in advance as they can get full, especially during the tourist season. We recommend that you stay the night and enjoy the facilities to the maximum by ticking this off on the list of things to do in Nagoya.

Tokugawa Park is located next to the Tokugawa Art Museum. It began as the private garden in the retirement villa for Mitsutomo, Lord of Owari Tokugawa, in 1695. At the center of this garden is the Ryusenko Lake which has been incorporated into the garden design. A series of waterfalls, rock formations, and bridges make the physical connection with the lake. The design of the garden has been influenced by Chinese forms, though it remains rooted in the Japanese landscape aesthetic. The garden features a samurai tea house as well as a restaurant, shop, and auditorium. The park is particularly beautiful during the spring and fall seasons. In spring, you will find cherry blossoms, peonies, and iris flowers in full bloom, harking towards warmer weather. During the fall, the orange, yellow, and red leaves of the maple trees infuse rustic charm into the air. You have to buy a ticket to visit the garden though you could buy a combined ticket that allows you to visit the Tokugawa Art Museum as well and visiting this park can be one of the best things to do in Nagoya.

The Port of Nagoya is the biggest trading port in terms of volume and bulk in Japan. A part of the port has now been remodeled to become a leisure district and is known as the Garden Pier. It houses a mall, an aquarium, an amusement park, museums, and lots of open green space. With a dedicated Metro station, this experiment in urban reclamation is proving to be one of the more successful public spaces in Nagoya and can be included in a must-do in the list of things to do in Nagoya. The aquarium, in particular, is extremely popular and is one of the best in all of Japan. It spans over two buildings and houses marine life from over 5 habitats, including dolphins, orca, and beluga whales. The aquarium has feeding and training shows for the public along with three dolphin shows.

The Fuji Icebreaker is a ship that was used by the Japanese in the 60s for about twenty years to explore the Antarctic Ocean. It has now been repurposed to be the Antarctic Museum. The museum showcases the ship’s history and the marvels it uncovered during its time at sea. The other museum is the Nagoya Maritime Museum, which is housed in the Nagoya Port Building. The same building also has a 53m tall observation deck from which you can see all the activities of the port.

The Aichi Arts Theatre is a consolidated infrastructure for the support and display of art and culture. It comprises of four different centers - Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Aichi Prefectural Art Theatre, Aichi Prefectural Arts Promotion Service, and Aichi Prefectural Library. The center is open from 9 am to 10 pm every day except for the first and third Monday of every month. The art museum holds many famous artworks from both international and local artists. And this place is a must feature on things to do in Nagoya. You can also grab a bite to eat while you are here at one of the many cafes in the center. The library and art exhibits ensure that there is a constant flow of visitors that are largely comprised of locals. You definitely should visit, if you want a peek into the everyday lives of the locals. You can also pick up some souvenirs for your family back home at the shop located right outside.

The Aichi Arts Theatre has a comprehensive website that will give you all the details of any upcoming shows or exhibitions. You can book your tickets for the same online or make your way to the center and buy the tickets at the counter. The center is only a five-minute walk from the Sakae station and the Sakae-Machi station. They also offer free Wi-Fi in case you require additional information.

Shikemichi is a historic road in the city of Nagoya. This district was created for merchants who traded in rice, miso, salt, wood, and charcoal when the Nagoya castle was built. In the year 1700, a great fire destroyed several merchant houses. The 4^th lord of Owari decided to widen the road behind the merchant houses and built the warehouses on a stone back wall, which was finished with lime to prevent any damage in case of future fires. The district was declared a historic site by the city of Nagoya in the 80s, and to this day, the original houses and stores are still preserved. The bustling market gives you a glimpse into the merchant lives of the local people. In any city or town in Japan, the marketplace is an important economic and social center, with many making the trip every day to buy fresh produce. Walking around the market will let you see the myriad of produce the locals use and how the ingredients influence the style of cuisine in the region. You can also grab a bite to eat here when you are tired of walking around and can be featured on your list of things to do in Nagoya Because these food houses cater to the merchant class, the food is usually delicious, filling, and cheap.

The shops sell a variety of products from fresh Japanese produce like daikon and hand-pulled noodles to French bakeries to wine shops. You can find both traditional and international products being sold in the district, which is a reflection of the changing tastes of the locals.

The Meijo Park is a public park built around the Nagoya Castle. Because it is public, you do not have to pay to enjoy the park, unlike the castle gardens. The garden is known for its beautiful flowers, which are cultivated with the utmost care and attention. In particular, the wisteria flowers and cherry blossoms are a big draw for crowds in spring. Apart from the gardens, the park is also home to the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium and the Nagoya City Archives. You could visit the former, especially when it is hosting the annual Sumo Wrestling Championship in July. The gymnasium also hosts several other events and concerts during the year. You can visit the park and ask any official about the events that are to be held at the gymnasium and can be included in a must-do in the list of things to do in Nagoya. The Nagoya City Archives is a beautiful building and is an example of the architectural style prevalent in the 20s when western styles were a big influence. You should take a walk around the building and take a look at how a new style merged with the traditional. The building is well-preserved and is considered an important cultural property.

One of the more popular tourist sites in Nagoya, the Yamazaki River, flows through the Mizuho ward. The river is best experienced during spring when the cherry blossom trees that grow on the banks of the river are in full bloom. Over 500 trees of cherry blossoms adorn the 2.5km stretch. It is considered to be in the top 100 sites for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. A wooden bridge spans across the river where you can take photographs and take in the full extent of the beauty. If you are not visiting during the hanami season, you can still visit since the view is still wonderful. You must not miss out on these things to do in Nagoya.

The Higashiyama Sky Tower is located in the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The tower is built on the highest point in the city of Nagoya. The observation deck on the tower above 50m gives you a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding regions, which include Central Alps, Mt. Ontakesan, and Mt. Ibukisan. At the topmost level is the Sky Restaurant, which serves international and local fare while also offering a 360-degree view. The observation deck covers two floors with a souvenir shop on the upper level. There is a lounge at the ground level in case you do not want a full meal. Spend the day at the zoo and gardens and then make your way to the tower for dinner and feature this on your things to do in Nagoya. The night view from the deck is one of the best in all of Japan.

There really are a lot of things to do in Nagoya that are worth your time. Nagoya might be overlooked by most tourists, which is a shame since the city has so much to offer. When you are booking your trip here, be sure to check for the weather and try to visit during the spring when Nagoya’s beautiful green spaces are in full bloom. The city has a wonderful public transport system along with a distinct style of cuisine; making a trip here is truly a special experience.