Nagoya 5-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Port of Nagoya Aquarium

   (site in Japanese) Large aquarium featuring a number of different marine environments, including killer whales.

2. Stop 2 · 137 min walk

   Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

   Built on the site of one of Toyota's original loom factories, this museum tells the story of the Toyota corporation, from its beginnings as an industrial loom manufacturer to its transformation into one of the world's largest car manufacturers. Includes large loom machinery and car display halls as well as a hands-on "Technoland" with interactive science exhibits. Museum also includes a library, video library with personal viewing booths, restaurant, cafe, and gift shop.

3. Stop 3 · 42 min walk

   Nagoya City Art Museum

   Collection of 2,000 works including pieces by Modigliani, Laurencin, and Utrillo, as well as those of local artists, such as Takanori Ogisu and Tamiji Kitagawa.

4. Stop 4 · 32 min walk

   Nagoya Castle

   Trumpeted as a famous landmark, particularly the two golden carp (金の鯱 kin-no-shachi) on the roof. The original castle was home to Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's famous warlords. Largely destroyed during World War II, the main keep was rebuilt in concrete in 1959, but is being demolished to make way for a more faithful reconstruction using traditional materials and methods. The honmaru goten, the main palace of the castle's lords, was reconstructed using traditional materials and methods in 2018.

5. Stop 5 · 87 min walk

   Atsuta Shrine

   This shrine houses the sacred Kusanagi no mitsurugi (草薙神剣) sword, one of the three Imperial regalia of Japan — but unfortunately nobody but the emperor and a few high priests get to see it. There are some 4,400 other artifacts on the grounds though and the shrine hosts some 70 festivals every year.

6. Stop 6 · 9 min walk

   Shirotori Garden

   In this Japanese garden you can see and feed koi fish in large ponds, take a look at the tea ceremony house, and also view the beautiful waterfall. On spring the plum trees bloom beautifully and on autumn you can enjoy the night illumination.

Eat · Café de Metro: Serves up basic curry and donburi dishes, including a decent misokatsu, for ¥480 with coffee/tea, or ¥680 with miso soup and pickles.

1. Stop 1

   Nittai-ji Temple

   Among the 165,000 m² of temple grounds is the 15 meter Gandhara-style Taian Pagoda, which houses relics of the Buddha that were presented to Japan by the king of Thailand. Unlike any other temple in Japan, Nittai-ji does not belong to a particular sect, and is instead managed by a different sect every 3 years.

2. Stop 2 · 68 min walk

   Shirakawa Park

   Beautiful trees, Nagoya Science and Modern Art Museums.

3. Stop 3 · 50 min walk

   Tokugawa Art Museum

   Displays some treasures of the Tokugawa family. Located next door to the beautiful Tokugawa-en Japanese gardens (additional admission charge required).

4. Stop 4 · 73 min walk

   Kōshō-ji Temple

   Koshoji Temple was established in the 17th century by the Tokugawa family. The temple hosts the annual "1,000 Lantern Festival." There are numerous restaurants and universities surrounding the Koshoji Temple area.

5. Stop 5 · 40 min walk

   Shiroyama Hakusan Shrine

   Formerly the Suemori Castle, the present day Shrine hosts festivals that feature Japanese dance and music.

6. Stop 6 · 11 min walk

   Tōgan-ji Temple

   Dating back to the 16th century, this temple features a statue of the seated Buddha and has many ties to Hindu religion, particularly a temple honoring the Goddess Saraswati, who is honored in a Benzaiten Festival every May 7–8. Toganji also contains a huge wood block said to purge past sins if touched with one hand.

Eat · Jerry's UNO: It's a nice little taco shop that will run you about ¥500 per taco. They also have a nice selection of international beers.

1. Stop 1

   Nagoya City Science Museum

   Located in the city centre, this museum houses loads of interactive exhibitions and a planetarium. It's mostly geared towards children and there is very little information in English, although they offer a guide app.

2. Stop 2

   SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

   Train museum highlighting the evolution of Japan's high-speed rail.

3. Stop 3

   Arako Kannon Temple

   This small temple is the oldest building in Nagoya, with original construction on the site dating from the Heian Period (8th century). Despite several fires which destroyed older portions of the temple, the Tahoto pagoda on site remains intact after 472 years.

4. Stop 4 · 61 min walk

   Ōsu Kannon Temple

   Founded in the Kamakura era (1192-1333), this temple was moved to its current location by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612. The present main temple on the site was reconstructed in 1970. Check out the main hall or buy an お守り (omamori) charm in the gift shop for good luck. The grounds in front of the temple are host to a small flea market twice every month.

5. Stop 5 · 152 min walk

   Fujigaoka

   Fujigaoka is known for its cherry blossoms (sakura) trees in the spring lining the streets. It is close to the site of the 2005 World Expo held in Nagakute, a 15-min linear motor car (Linimo) train ride from Fujigaoka station. This quaint little area at the edge of town has a plethora of shops, boutiques, patisseries and coffee shops. They also hold a market the 3rd Sunday of every month.

6. Stop 6 · 1024 min walk

   Danpusan Kofun

   The Dampusan Kofun is a large keyhole-shaped kofun burial mound located within the grounds of the Atsuta Shrine.

Eat · Yabaton: The place to try another Nagoya specialty - misokatsu, pork cutlet with red miso. The standard set is teppan tonkatsu, and it comes to your table on a sizzling hotplate over a bed of shredded cabbage; then a special person performs the ritual of drowning it in sauce.

1. Stop 1

   Nagoya TV Tower

   Standing 180 meters tall, the Nagoya TV Tower is Japan's oldest - predating even the Tokyo Tower. Take an elevator to the 100-m-high sky balcony for great views of Hisaya-odori park and Sakae. Under the tower is a small terrace with tables and a number of small food stands.

2. Stop 2 · 5 min walk

   Hisaya-Odori Park

   Nice trees and fountains, Nagoya TV Tower observation deck. On weekend afternoons and evenings, local musicians set up in and around the park and strut their stuff for the passers-by. Shops and restaurants can be found around the area as well.

3. Stop 3 · 5 min walk

   Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art

   Collection features international and Japanese 20th century art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Joan Miro, Max Ernst, German Expressionists, Surrealists, and postwar US artists. Japanese collection features the art of Yuichi Takahashi, Ryuzaburo Umehara, Sotaro Yasui, Taikan Yokoyama, and Shunso Hishida. Two private collections donated to the museum also include Edo-period paintings and traditional crafts.

Eat · Desperados: Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant and bar operated by Mexican-born and American-raised owner Rudy and his wife Takako. Features a variety of Mexican dishes and a selection of premium tequilas.

1. Stop 1

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   Listed as a next stop from Nagoya. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

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   Listed as a next stop from Nagoya. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

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   Listed as a next stop from Nagoya. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.