Are you planning to stop in Nagoya for a day on your next trip around Japan?
It can be tough narrowing down what to do in the fourth largest city in Japan but fear not!
We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best things to do to help you enjoy your trip to Nagoya to the fullest.
From castles to trails and museums, we’ve got you covered.
1. Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is the first castle to be designated a National Treasure and boasts the largest floorspace of any tower keep ever.
Topped with golden shachihoko tiger-fish ornaments, Hommaru Palace served as the official residence and administrative office of the Owari Tokugawa clan.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll see high stone walls of Nagoya Castle engraved with identity marks of the 20 daimyo.
These were feudal lords who took part in the castle construction.
The biggest stone is named after the renown castle architect, Kato Kiyomasa, who according to legend brought the stone to Nagoya.
Take a stroll in the scenic Ni-no-maru Garden, Japan’s largest garden next to to a lord’s dwelling.
Soak in the energy of the Victorious Kaya Tree where legend says that the first lord of Nagoya ate the nuts of the tree and prayed for victory before leaving for battle.
See the majesty of this superior military facility as you learn the history of Nagoya’s beginnings.
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
2. Oasis 21
Consisting of rooftop Spaceship-Aqua, Field of Green, a bus terminal, and the Galaxy Platform, Oasis 21 is a transport hub with everything you need at the reach of a hand.
Take a midair walk 14m above ground at Spaceship-Aqua and relish in the seasonal lighting displays.
Oasis 21’s Recreational area offers grassy fields and benches for anybody to take a short rest or just to chill.
Connecting local and intercity buses and subways, the bus terminal has fully equipped spacious rest areas for commuters.
Hosting various events, the Galaxy Platform is always full of visitors and has a tourist information center.
With direct connections to Sakae Station, Aichi Arts Center and Central Park, there is no shortage of things to see.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Address: 1 Chome-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005, Japan
3. Nagoya TV Tower
Completed in just 9 months in 1954, construction for the oldest TV Tower in Japan went on night and day.
The tower was part of a Nagoya City urban planning project to assist in the broadcast of tourism and TV signals.
Registered as a Tangible Culture Property of Japan in 2005, the tower was designed by Professor Tachu Naito, the same designer of Sapporo TV Tower and Tokyo Tower.
See the city stretched out beneath your feet from the observation deck, or even Mt Ontake and Mt Hakusan on a good day.
Depending on weather conditions, feel the wind in your hair and enjoy a certified “Night View Inheritance of Japan” from the tower’s outdoor sky balcony 100 meters above ground.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
Address: 3 Chome-6-１５先 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan
4. Osu Kannon Temple
Osu Kannon temple is a popular attraction located in central Nagoya.
It was originally built during the Kamakura Period, however, the temple was relocated in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu due to severe damage from repeated flooding.
Under the main hall you’ll find the Shinpukuji Library which holds over 15,000 classic Japanese and Chinese texts.
The library also holds the oldest copy of the Kojiki – an archive of Japan’s early history and fabled origins.
A wooden statue of Kanon is the temple’s highest object of worship and is said to have been carved by an influential figure in the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Osu Kannon temple also has prayer flags and a big red lantern in the front where worshippers can attach their written wishes on paper.
Check out their popular flea market on the 18th of each month, or a smaller flea market on the 28th that also takes place nearby at Banshoji Temple.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
Address: 3 Chome-6-１５先 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan
5. Osu Shopping District
A vast and popular shopping area spanning more than 1,200 shops and restaurants, the Osu Shopping District has stood strong for 400 years.
One of Osu’s greatest allures, young and old flock to this multinational hodgepodge of fashion and culture.
A mecca for subculture, an increasing number of businesses are catering to the otaku culture, even hosting the annual World Cosplay Summit in recent years.
There are also many moe-themed shops.
Osu is where Japan’s maid café sensation was said to have first begun.
Lined with shops and restaurants selling just about anything one could want at a budget, the arcade streets total over 1,700m in length.
Osu Shopping District is also close to other sightseeing locations, and if you ever get confused or lost, just look for the Osu guides who are there to help on weekends and holidays.
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am-7pm
Address: Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0000, Japan
