FIRST TIME IN NAGOYA: WHY NAGOYA DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION!

Have you ever heard of a place called Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture? If not, no worries. You’re already in luck for stumbling across this blog.

In my opinion, Nagoya is like “The Beast Player Erin,” a super underrated but absolutely wonderful anime. While it might not stand out as much as neighboring places such as Kyoto, Nara, Gifu, and Tokyo, Nagoya is packed with “Japan’s number 1,” which makes it a perfect destination for history and food lovers.

Nagoya is known to those who are in the know, so you must visit! By discovering the interesting side of Nagoya through this blog, your perspective on Japan will expand in ways you never expected!!

How to Get to Nagoya?

Most travelers to Japan would arrive in Tokyo or the Kansai airport first. Since Nagoya is located between Tokyo and Osaka, I highly, highly recommend including Nagoya in your trip plan as you travel between these two major cities.

Nagoya from Tokyo

Nagoya is about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Tokyo by Shinkansen (about ¥11,000~). If time and view are your priority, the Shinkansen is the way to go! However, if you’re a more budget-focused traveler, consider taking a bus instead. The bus takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes, but tickets start as low as ¥2,000, so it’s worth checking out.

Nagoya from Kyoto

From Kyoto, you can reach Nagoya in about 35 minutes by Shinkansen (around ¥5,000~). Alternatively, you can take a bus or regular train, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes (around ¥2,000~).

Nagoya from Osaka

Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya by Shinkansen takes about 1 hour (about ¥6,000~). If you use a bus, the journey will take around 3 hours (around ¥2,000~). If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya, I personally recommend booking the Shinkansen in the E seat. You wonder why? Because you’ll be able to see a stunning view of Mount Fuji along the way! Make sure to book early to secure this seat. The same goes for Nagoya to Tokyo, and the E side is where you can catch that incredible view.

How Long Should You Stay in Nagoya?

Nagoya has many of Japan’s number 1 entertainments, including Nagoya Castle (the first National Treasure designated in Japan), the Nagoya Port Aquarium (the largest dolphin pool in Japan), Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (the most diverse collection of animals and endangered species in Japan), and the Tokugawa Art Museum (the largest collection of swords).

For families, there are also great theme parks like Legoland and Ghibli Park.

And then there’s the food!!! Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, with almost 30 unique Nagoya gourmets, including Kishimen and Tebasaki. Therefore, to fully experience Nagoya’s food scene, you’d need at least six days, even if you’re eating five meals a day!

However, I know most of you have busy schedules and might not be able to stay that long. That’s why I recommend a minimum of two nights and three days in Nagoya.

With a two-night and three-day stay, you’ll have enough time to enjoy Nagoya’s delicious food, explore its historical spots, and even have a great family experience.

Nagoya Castle Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzmwoxtEBvh26MKF6

Nagoya Port Aquarium Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rbb3Q5Ny9ShfyqWY9

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HB7ESdRfRWkXPkvL7

Tokugawa Art Museum Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KrfvoTt28jPWVvpk8

Legoland Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bsuCBoJxCe9JkXQQ7

Ghibli Park Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/drgfUectfgmPTLco9

When Is the Best Time to Visit Nagoya?

Personally, the ideal time to visit Nagoya is during the spring period from March to May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Indeed, Japanese cherry blossoms are incredibly beautiful and something you shouldn’t miss! However, keep in mind that Golden Week and cherry blossom season can be crowded with tourists.

For your smooth trip, you might want to avoid Japanese holidays. Then, check out this blog for more tips on how to have the best experience in Japan. *The blog is a 2024 version but it will help you to know when the crowded seasons will be. If you’re visiting Nagoya during the summer, be aware that the weather can be quite hot and humid. But summer is also festival season!

Imagine wearing a yukata, dancing in the Bon Odori, and sharing food from festival stalls with friends while sipping on an ice-cold Ramune. Don’t you think the heat of summer makes these festivals even more memorable? To experience these summer festivals, plan to visit Nagoya in mid-July. Just be sure to take enough water and breaks in the shade to fully enjoy the festivities.

In addition, right before the festival season, around mid-June, there’s a rainy season called “Tsuyu” that lasts until the end of July, depending on the year. While it may seem depressing, this can be a great opportunity as hotels, flights, and other expenses tend to be cheaper! Also, from August to September, typhoons are common, so you definitely should check the weather forecast often. Please have a look at this blog for preparing for a typhoon. Perhaps Autumn, from September to October, is another good time to visit, even with the possibility of typhoons. The view is beautiful, and flight and hotel prices are more reasonable as well.

What to Do in Nagoya?

Nagoya hosts many events throughout the year. While this blog focuses on 2024, most major festivals follow similar schedules, so if you’re planning a trip in 2025, be sure to check Nagoya’s event treasures.

Moreover, as I mentioned before, Nagoya is full of number 1 hidden gems. Here, you can find more excitement about what to do in Nagoya and plan your Aichi exploration. If you’re only staying for a night, check out our special feature on must-see spots in Nagoya City.

Where to Stay in Nagoya?

When visiting Nagoya, staying at the Nikko Style Nagoya Hotel is the best. This hotel is our trustworthy partner in Nagoya, and it consistently ranks high on Arigato Travel member’s list of “Hotels We Want to Visit Again.”

You must be curious about what makes their hospitality so special. You can check out this interview post for deeper information about their hotel.

Furthermore, Nikko Style Nagoya is also a family-friendly hotel, ensuring an unbelievably comfortable and pleasant stay for everyone. You’ll also leave feeling happy and miss the experience.

Nikko Style Nagoya Hotel’s Website: https://nagoya.nikkostyle.jp/en/

Nikko Style Nagoya Hotel’s Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aSWno6Dvv8VpFdHT8

Should I Have a Tour Guide in Nagoya?

According to a 2021 survey, Aichi Prefecture ranked 43rd out of 47 prefectures in high school students’ English skills. Even the current students struggle with English, so it’s almost impossible to expect that people can speak English to you when you need help. So, having a tour guide in Aichi can make your visit much more enjoyable and stress-free. Unfortunately, even though I’m Japanese and can speak and read the language, I often lose half a day if I’m not fully prepared when I visit a new place. Public transportation is the trickiest example, as it’s easy to get confused, even with smartphone apps.

That’s why I recommend joining a tour, at least on your first day. By doing that, a local guide can share valuable tips and help you get used to Nagoya’s life. Additionally, if you’re not confident enough, exploring new places can be painful, but understanding Nagoya better can make you feel much happier and ready for another experience!

For those who don’t speak Japanese, I suggest checking out the tours offered by our partner, “Nagoya is not boring.” Their tours not only introduce you to Nagoya’s traditional culture but also create a warm, family-like community with hosts who put effort into ensuring you have a great time. They offer a wide range of fascinating tours, so don’t forget to visit their official site for more information!

What about Transportation in Nagoya?

In Nagoya, you’ll likely use both buses and trains to get around. Bus prices are typically ¥210 for adults, while train costs from ¥210 to ¥340 depending on the zone. You can pay for both with tickets or an IC card as well.

However, if you plan to make multiple trips on the subway or bus in a single day, it’s worth calculating how many rides you’ll take. And if your total fees exceed ¥870, it’s more affordable to buy a 1-Day Pass (valid for Nagoya city buses and subways). Child prices are nearly half the adult ones.

Additionally, there are other options, such as a Bus-Only 1-Day Pass for ¥620 (adults) or a 24-Hour Subway Pass for ¥760 (adults). Choose the pass that best fits your schedule.

Please don’t forget about the “Donichi Eco Kippu” (Weekend Eco Ticket), which costs ¥620 for adults. If your trip falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, this pass is an amazing deal as it gives you unlimited rides on buses, subways, and even the sightseeing route bus “Me-guru.”

In addition to transportation, the “Donichi Eco Kippu” offers discounts at various places and shops if you show your valid ticket:

Examples

Nagoya Castle: ¥100 off the entrance fee (Free for children up to junior high school students)

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens: ¥100 off (Free for children up to junior high school students)

Tokugawa Art Museum: ¥200 off for adults, ¥100 off for students

Nagoya Port Aquarium: ¥200 off

Please note that all 1-day Passes cannot be used on certain lines, such as the Yutorito Line (Ozone to Obata Ryokuchi), Meitetsu buses, or the Aonami Line. Therefore, be sure to check the official website for the most accurate information!

If you’re unsure, show your ticket to a bus driver or station staff, and they’ll be happy to help.

What to Be Careful About in Nagoya?

Driving

Nagoya is known for a more aggressive driving style compared to other places in Japan and even has its name for driving “Nagoya Bashiri.” So, if you plan to rent a car and drive in Nagoya, be extra cautious on the roads!

Local Dialect

Nagoya has its dialect, which can sometimes catch you off guard. For example, when I was working at a ramen restaurant in Saitama, I had a colleague from Nagoya.

One day, when some ramen soup splashed on her, she suddenly shouted, “Chin-chin nandakedo!!”

In standard Japanese, “chin-chin” refers to male private parts, so both I and the nearby customers were shocked. But don’t worry, in Nagoya dialect, “chin-chin” simply means “hot.” So if you hear any strange Japanese in Nagoya, just remind yourself that it’s probably just the local dialect!

In conclusion, Nagoya is an underrated gem with a rich history, delicious food, Japan’s number 1, and attractive local culture. During your trip to Nagoya, you can learn a unique Nagoya dialect and have a fun conversation with locals, and every experience in Nagoya will give you a real sense of Japan. Don’t miss the chance to savor this hidden city with a professional guide on your next trip to Japan!

Featured Photo Credit: photoB

Discover the perfect accommodation for your next trip to Nagoya: Nikko Style Nagoya