Nagoya

The hub of Aichi prefecture, Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka and one of the nation's major economic centers. In terms of manufacturing, as home to auto-making giants Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors, Nagoya is to Japan what Detroit is to the United States — and it was completely flattened during World War II. thumb|Nagoya Castle thumb|Honmaru Palace Now a modern metropolis, Nagoya gets its name from an old manor called Nagono which was built in the area in the 12th century.

The manor prospered for two hundred years, and people began to refer to the area by the manor's name. Over time, the pronunciation of the Chinese characters in the name "Nagono" shifted to "Nagoya", by which the city is now known.

thumb|Mall beyond the check-in counters at Chubu Centrair international Airport * | url=http://www.centrair.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=34.858333 | long=136.805278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Chubu Centrair International Airport | image=Chubu Central Airport aerial view.jpg | wikidata=Q679345 | content=Japan's third major international gateway is on an artificial island 30 minutes south from the center of town. Facilities include two hotels, restaurants, a shopping concourse, and an onsen spa with views of the runways. }} The best way of connecting between Centrair Airport and central Nagoya is the Meitetsu Airport Line.

The fastest trains are the all-reserved "μSKY" trains, which depart for Nagoya every 30 minutes.

Nagoya is a big automotive industry center, and it shows. The street network is extensive and even downtown locations can be easily reached by car.

On the downside, trains and subways are less convenient than in Tokyo or Kansai, and more expensive. If you're travelling with a JR Rail Pass, the train network doesn't have many stations in the city and you'll probably find yourself using the bus or subway a lot, something your pass won't cover.