THE ULTIMATE NAGOYA TRAVEL BUCKET LIST: 8 PLACES THAT YOU CANNOT MISS WHEN TRAVELLING IN NAGOYA

Description: Are you planning to travel to Nagoya but do not know where to visit? Or are you wondering which city to settle in when traveling to Japan? Think no more, because, in this article, GoEMON will introduce you to 8 top travel locations in Nagoya!

Nagoya, Aichi prefecture is one of the 3 biggest cities in Japan, as well as a city with a lot of places to explore. The city is known for its historical land associated with the Tokugawa dynasty and many famous structures such as Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum, and Atsusa Shrine - one of the most famous temples in Japan.

1. Nagoya castle

Nagoya Castle has been the symbol of Nagoya city for more than 400 years. Originally built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it was later destroyed by fire during the war. In1959; however, the castle was restored using the same techniques and materials as the original construction.

The castle gradually becomes one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Nagoya. At the top of the castle, you'll see two golden Shachi (Japanese folklore mascots with the body of a fish and tiger head) that are considered symbols of the city. Additionally, if you have the opportunity to come to Nagoya during the weekends, you will have the opportunity to see samurai performances.

*The castle's main watchtower is currently closed for repairs and is expected to be completed by October 2028.

2. Atsuta Shrine

The second tourist attraction in Nagoya that you must definitely visit is one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, and the second largest in Japan.

This is an ancient temple with a long history. Atsuta Shrine now holds one of the country's three sacred treasures - the Kusanagi sword. Along with that, the temple is also where the sun god Amaterasu - the supreme deity in the system of Shinto gods, is worshipped.

3. Oasis 21

Oasis 21 - a large elliptical construction, is famous for being a "photogenic” location. The elliptical part of the Oasis 21 makes it look like a "spaceship" floating in the sky where you can walk mid-air while enjoying the view from 14 meters above the ground.

Oasis 21 includes an underground shopping area and a bus stop, whereas the above area is a plaza with a large lawn. During the day, the glass walkway can barely be seen. When nighttime falls; however, the roof is lit up with mesmerizing and shimmering LED lights.

4. Nagoya City Science Museum

Those who do not have much interest in historical attractions can visit the Nagoya City Science Museum located near the Osu Temple.

Inside the museum sphere is the world's largest planetarium with a diameter of 35 meters. Realistically reproduces the starry sky in the universe and introduces the attractions of the universe according to different themes, this is where visitors can learn the mysteries of the Earth.

Not only can you enjoy a near-realistic starry sky with the latest technology, but also attend many large-scale exhibits such as “Tornado Laboratory” (artificial tornado with a height of 9m that simulates a real tornado) where you get to experience the aurora borealis in a minus 30 degrees Celsius room.

5. Higashiyama Zoo and botanical garden

With a zoo, botanical garden, amusement park, and Higashiyama Skyscraper with an area of up to 60 hectares is an ideal location for those who enjoy being in harmony with nature.

At the zoo there are about 500 species of animals, from the common koala and giraffe to large elephants to small killifish. This is one of the largest zoos in Japan.

In addition, the botanical garden has up to 7000 different species of flowers and ornamental plants, including Western-style greenhouses and a large-scale rose garden. You can spend a full day exploring this interesting location.

6. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is located in the Garden Pier in the port area of Nagoya City. It is a metal-shaped building, divided into the South Hall and the North Hall.

The theme of the South Hall is Travel to Antarctica. The Fuji research vessel in Antarctica showcases organisms living in their natural habitat along the five waters in the journey from Japan to Antarctica.

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium’s outdoor aquarium - the largest in Japan with a 3,000-seat covered stage, is a regular venue for performances.

Large marine mammals such as dolphins, killer whales, and beluga whales are on the second and third floors of the North Hall. Tourists can observe the daily routines, training, and amazing performances of various creatures according to the aquarium's schedule.

What are you waiting for? Let’s come and meet our friends from the ocean right now!

7. Nagoya Port

One of the places you cannot miss is the Port of Nagoya. This is one of Japan’s major ports with many large entertainment venues such as Nagoya Port Aquarium, Port Building, Legoland Japan amusement park, SCMAGLEV, Railway Park, etc

This is also the main venue for the "Nagoya Minato Festival," attracting a large number of tourists and locals.

There is also a water bus service that runs along the Nakagawa Canal, from Sasashima Live to Kinjofuto. With a 60-minute cruise departing from Sasashima Live, this sightseeing cruise will take you past the Garden Pier in the Port of Nagoya - home to the Nagoya Port Aquarium, Kinjofuto, where Legoland is located, and many more. You can also take the train to visit the attractions and enjoy exciting experiences in the Port of Nagoya.

8. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology



The museum is located at the company's original headquarters in central Nagoya, near Nagoya Station, and is where the history of Toyota Corporation is showcased.

This is where you can learn about looms and automobiles. Changes in industrial technology centered on automotive and textile machinery are easily introduced through exhibits of how the actual machines operate in real life.

If you want to learn about the history of one of the largest car manufacturers in the world since its inception, its development stages through time, as well as other interesting information, then this museum is definitely the place for you. must visit when visiting Nagoya.

Above is the entire article introducing travel locations that you cannot miss in Nagoya.

Your tip to Nagoya will definitely be memorable with the aforementioned locations. Other than those, there are still many other places for you to explore, in which we would be introducing in a later article! Stay tuned for part 2!