What are the Must-Visit Attractions in Nagoya? Aside from the latest Ghibli Park and Harry Potter-themed store, what else should you check out? Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, was once the castle town of the Owari Tokugawa clan and is rich in historical sites. Today, it’s a major hub for commerce, industry, and transportation in the Chubu region, featuring many modern architectures. Don’t miss the famous Nagoya Castle, Osu Kannon Temple, Nagoya TV Tower, and Atsuta Shrine! Wondering how to explore Nagoya? Let KKday guide you on how to enjoy Nagoya.
Nagoya’s New Attraction: Ghibli Park
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One of Nagoya’s newest attractions is definitely Ghibli Park! With the recent openings of the “Demon’s Village” and “Witch’s Valley,”the final pieces of Ghibli Park are now complete! Visitors can explore five different areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of the Witches. For more details on each area and ticket information, check out Ghibli Park.
To get there, take the Aichi Rapid Transit “Tobu Kyuryo Line” (Linimo) and get off at the “Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park” station. It’s just a 1-minute walk from there. If you’re a fan of Ghibli, this is a place you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Nagoya’s New Attraction: Oasis 21 Harry Potter Sakae Park Store
Another exciting new spot in Nagoya is the recently opened “Nagoya Oasis 21 Harry Potter Sakae Park Store.” Located in Oasis 21, this Harry Potter-themed shop offers a wide range of products from the Harry Potter series, as well as items from Fantastic Beasts. This is the second Harry Potter store in Japan, following the one in Tokyo’s Akasaka. If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting Nagoya, this is a spot you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Nagoya Attractions: Nagoya City
Nagoya Attractions: Nagoya Castle
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Nagoya Castle, also known as Kinjo or Kinsachijo, was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and is one of Japan’s top three castles, along with Osaka Castle and Kumamoto Castle. Visitors can explore the Tenshukaku, which was once the residence of the Tokugawa family for three generations and now collect many important historical artifacts. The castle is extremely beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring. If you visit on a weekend, you might also enjoy traditional dance performances.
【Nagoya Castle】
▶︎Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.183801, 136.900315)
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Tenshukaku under renovation)
▶︎Admission Fee: Adults: ¥500 | Free for those under 16
Nagoya Attractions: Osu Kannon Temple
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Osu Kannon Temple, also known as Shinpukuji Temple, is famous for its impressive library, which collects 15,000 manuscripts and ancient books. It is one of Japan’s top three Buddhist scripture libraries.
Nagoya Attractions: Osu Shopping Street
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While visiting, you can visit the Kannon statue at the temple and explore the Osu Shopping Street nearby. It’s a great spot for shopping and soaking in the local atmosphere.
【Osu Shopping Street】
▶︎Address: 2-21-47 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.159856, 136.899699)
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Nagoya Attractions: Atsuta Shrine
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Atsuta Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious shrines, located in the Atsuta Ward of Nagoya. It is famous for keeping the Kusanagi Sword, one of Japan’s three sacred treasures. Although the sword is not displayed to the public, visitors can still explore the gallery of treasures, which holds over 2,000 antiques, artworks, and ancient documents. The shrine also hosts numerous annual festivals that attract many visitors.
【Atsuta Shrine】
▶︎Address: 1-1-1 Atsuta Jingū, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.125707, 136.909102)
▶︎More Information: Atsuta Shrine Official Website
Nagoya Attractions: Nagoya TV Tower
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Nagoya TV Tower is one of Japan’s oldest broadcasting towers and is listed as a National Important Cultural Property. From its observation deck, about 100 meters above ground, you can enjoy entire views of the Suzuka Mountains and Ise Bay. The tower offers stunning cityscapes during the day and a stunning 360-degree night view of Nagoya.
【Nagoya TV Tower】
▶︎Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.170528, 136.909305)
▶︎Opening Hours: Refer to official information
▶︎More Information: Nagoya TV Tower
Nagoya Attractions: Shirotori Garden
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Covering approximately 3.7 hectares, Shirotori Garden is the largest Japanese-style garden in Nagoya. The garden features a miniature representation of the Chubu region’s landscape, complete with tea house-style buildings and hourly tide performances. Visitors can experience the unique charm of a Japanese garden while enjoying tea by the flowing waters.
【Shirotori Garden】
▶︎Address: 2-5 Atsutanishi-machi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.126006, 136.900808)
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
▶︎Admission Fee: Adults: ¥300, Free for middle school students and younger
Nagoya Attractions: Themed Exhibition Halls
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
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The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park focuses on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, showcasing various historical trains, images, and models. This museum provides a deep insight into the evolution of Japan’s rail technology. For train enthusiasts, it’s an unmissable attraction!
【SCMAGLEV and Railway Park】
▶︎Address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 455-0848, Japan (Coordinates: 35.049195, 136.850934)
▶︎Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM), Closed on Tuesdays
▶︎Admission Fee: Adults: ¥1,000 | Middle & High School Students: ¥500 | Children (Preschool and Younger): ¥200
Tokugawa Garden
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Tokugawa Garden was created by the second lord of the Tokugawa clan as a private residence. This classic Japanese garden centers around a pond that symbolizes the sea, featuring landscapes such as waterfalls and flowing water. The varied terrain adds a different aesthetic with its lush greenery. It’s a great place for those wanting to experience the traditional beauty of a historical daimyo garden.
【Tokugawa Garden / Tokugawa Art Museum】
▶︎Address: 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.183887, 136.933267)
▶︎Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:40 PM)
▶︎Admission Fee: Adults: ¥1,200 | High School & University Students: ¥700 | Elementary & Middle School Students: ¥500 (Free for students on Saturdays)
▶︎More Information: Tokugawa Garden Official Website
Nagoya Port Aquarium
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Nagoya Port Aquarium is known for its distinctive metallic sphere exterior. Visitors can explore the North and South buildings, each with its own theme.The North building focuses on a “35 Billion Years of Evolution” journey, showcasing the advanced sensory abilities of whales and dolphins. The South building is themed around “Antarctic Exploration,” highlighting the diverse ecosystems of different marine environments. The aquarium also offers IMAX films and engaging marine shows, offering diverse ways to deepen visitors’ understanding of the ocean.
【Nagoya Port Aquarium】
▶︎Address: 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.090649, 136.878154)
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
▶︎Admission Fee: Adults and High School Students: ¥2,000 | Elementary and Middle School Students: ¥1,000 | Children: ¥400
Toyota Museum
Flickr | Moto “Club4AG” Miwa
Opened in 1989, the Toyota Museum not only showcases Toyota’s products but also features cars from various brands. It presents the evolution of automobiles through different eras, styles, and models, allowing visitors to explore the history of cars in a well-organized context. It’s a must-visit destination for car lovers!
【Toyota Museum】
▶︎Address: 41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, 480-1118, Japan (Coordinates: 35.172774, 137.058092)
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
▶︎Admission Fee: Adults: ¥1,000 | 65 and older: ¥500 | Middle and High Students: ¥600 | Elementary School Students: ¥400 | Free for preschool children
▶︎More Information: Toyota Museum Official Website
Nagoya Attractions: Must-Visit Shopping District
Sakae
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Sakae is the busiest district in Nagoya, packed with major department stores, luxury brands, and underground shopping streets. Whether you’re interested in luxury department stores or affordable shopping areas, Sakae has something for everyone! In the evening, you can enjoy night views from the Ferris wheel, Nagoya TV Tower, and Oasis 21. The rooftop of Oasis 21 offers the best point to see the full view of Nagoya TV Tower.
【Sakae】
▶︎Address: 1-11 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan 461-0005
▶︎Transportation: Get off Meitetsu “Sakaemachi Station”, Subway Meijō Line / Sakuradōri Line “Hisayaodori Station”, Subway Meijō Line “Yabachō Station”
Nagoya Station
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Nagoya Station is a major transportation hub where you can catch the subway, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, JR, Nagoya Rinkai Rapid Transit, Shinkansen, and express buses. It’s also home to many department stores, underground shopping areas, and dining options. Despite being a key transfer station, it’s much less complicated than Osaka’s Umeda Station or Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station. Shopping and transit are conveniently located, with the Sakae-dori exit providing easy access.
【Nagoya Station】
▶︎Address: 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
▶︎Recommended Department Stores: Takashimaya, Meitetsu Department Store, Kintetsu Passe, Meitetsu Mens, Midland Square
Kanayama South Building Museum (formerly Nagoya Boston Museum of Fine Arts)
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If shopping isn’t on your schedule, consider visiting the Kanayama South Building Museum, formerly known as the Nagoya Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Located at the south exit of Kanayama Station, it is a sister museum to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in the U.S. The museum frequently hosts high-quality exhibitions, and its displays are carefully selected from the Boston Museum’s collection. If you have some free time while in Nagoya, it’s highly recommended to visit the artwork.
【Kanayama South Building Museum】
▶︎Address: 1-1-1 Kanayama-cho, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan 460-0023
▶︎More Information: NARUTO THE GALLERY NAGOYA Special Exhibition
Popular Food in Nagoya
Hōrai-ken
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When it comes to must-eat foods in Nagoya, you can’t miss Horai-ken’s eel rice! Many say that once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it hard to enjoy eel rice anywhere else. While it might not be quite as dramatic as that, the unique sauce and the restaurant’s special preparation of eel are definitely worth a try.
【Recommended Store: Horai-ken (Sakae Matsuzakaya Branch)】
▶︎Address: 10th Floor, South Building, Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store, 3-30-8 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan 460-0008
▶︎Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM; 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
▶︎Closed: Tuesdays
▶︎Transportation: Subway Higashiyama Line / Meijō Line “Sakae Station”, Subway Meijō Line “Yabachō Station”
▶︎More Information: Horai-ken Official Website
Nagoya Suburbs
Shirakawa-go Village
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Shirakawa-go is famous for its unique gassho-zukuri houses, characterized by steep, thatched roofs forming an A-shape, resembling hands in prayer. These houses are constructed without nails and are designed to let snow slide off easily during winter, showcasing a harmonious interaction between humans and the environment. Shirakawa-go is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-visit near Nagoya.
Recommended Shirakawa-go Village Itinerary
In winter, the village transforms into a fairytale-like scene, earning it the nickname “Winter Wonderland Village.” The annual illumination event draws many visitors, making it an enchanting experience not to be missed.
【POP! POP! POP! Interactive Music Exhibition】
▶︎Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Coordinates: 35.183801, 136.900315)
▶︎Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays). The castle keep’s last entry is at 4:00 PM; closed from December 29 to January 1.
▶︎Location: Kaohsiung Music Center, High Tower, 4th to 6th Floors
Inuyama Castle and Inuyama Castle Town
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Inuyama Castle is much closer to Nagoya than Takayama or Shirakawa-go, just a 30-minute trip from the city center, making it a very convenient destination. Although Inuyama Castle is mainly known for its main keep, it is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, alongside Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, and Matsue Castle, all designated as National Treasures.
Nearby Inuyama Castle Town resembles a smaller version of Takayama’s old streets, with an atmosphere similar to Kawagoe. The area is rich in history, featuring traditional buildings, unique shops, and local food. Many visitors also enjoy dressing in kimono to take photos along these historic streets.
【POP! POP! POP! Interactive Music Exhibition】
▶︎Address: 65-2 Kitakoken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan 484-0082
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
▶︎Transportation: Take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line / Komaki Line / Hōsō Line / Limited Express to Inuyama Station, then a 15-minute walk to Inuyama Castle.
▶︎More Information: Inuyama Castle Official Website
Tateyama Kurobe
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The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens to the public every year in April, remaining accessible until October before closing again for winter from November to the following April. Despite being open for only six months, the snow can accumulate to an impressive average of 7 meters, creating a stunning winter landscape that attracts many visitors eager to experience this snowy wonderland. Snow Walls (Yuki no Otani) and Mikuriga Pond are also popular attractions.
During summer and autumn, Tateyama Kurobe offers different experiences such as dam sightseeing and stunning autumn foliage. For a complete guide on exploring the various attractions of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, be sure to check out the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route guide.
【Tateyama Snow Wall (Yuki no Otani) – Murodo Station】
▶︎Address: 11 Bunasaka, Ashikura, Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, Japan 930-1406
▶︎Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:15 PM
▶︎More Information: Snow Wall – Yuki no Otani Official Website
