Susan F.

Nagoya City Guide Title Options: 1) City Guide to Japan’s Hidden Gem: Nagoya 2) Discover Authentic Japanese Culture in Nagoya: A City Guide 3) Nagoya: A City Guide to Japan’s Best-Kept Secret 4) Nagoya City Guide: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasure 5) Where Accessibility Meets Authenticity: Nagoya City Guide Meta Description: Get ready to explore Japan with our comprehensive Nagoya city guide. Discover where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and what to see and do. Visitors flock to the more well-known tourist destinations of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, yet the industrial port city of Nagoya offers a unique draw of its own. Echoes of vibrant ancient culture juxtapose with cutting edge robotics and automobile manufacturing. Festivals celebrate the historic samurai legacy at the same time as innovative companies develop the futuristic technologies of tomorrow. The streets reverberate with the energy of industrialism and trade. The city is unfiltered, unedited, and authentic. Welcome to the hidden destination of Japan. Welcome to Nagoya. Planning a Trip to Nagoya When deciding what time of year to schedule your visit, here are some things to keep in mind: Weather Nagoya’s weather is most temperate in late-spring and late-fall. Average high temperatures of 20-24 degrees Celsius (68-75 degrees Fahrenheit) in April, May, and October are comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. The summer months are hot, humid, and rainy. If you decide to visit in the summer, ensure your packing list includes an umbrella and lightweight, breathable clothes. Dreaming of witnessing the Nagoya landscape dusted with snow? Bundle up and time your arrival for January or February. Seasonal Events Along with events to mark Japan’s national holidays, the city and its surrounding areas host other yearly events such as the: Hōnen Matsuri (Harvest/Fertility Festival): March 15th in Komaki which is 16.5 kilometers (10.2 miles) north of Nagoya Hanami (Cherry Blossom) Viewing Parties: late-March to early-April Atsuta Festival: June 5th Minato Matsuri (Port Festival): 3rd Monday of July Nagoya Sumo Tournament: July Nagoya Castle Summer Festival: August Nagoya Festival: October Ōsu Street Performers Festival: mid-October Prices Airfare and hotels costs vary throughout the year. The winter season between December and February tends to be least expensive. Crowds Despite being Japan’s fourth most populous city, Nagoya has remained relatively unvisited by international tourists. This is good news for travelers craving a more authentic Japanese experience. Nagoya receives the least visitors in the winter. How to Get to Nagoya Most visitors to Nagoya will fly into the closest airport and take ground transportation into the city. Nagoya also receives visitors by cruise ship. The Port of Nagoya is primarily geared toward commercial traffic, so nearby private slips for private yachts are not readily available. If you plan to visit Nagoya by private boat, Kisogawa Marina and Shinmaiko Boat Park are good starting points in your search for a slip. Airports Near Nagoya Nagoya’s closest airport is Chūbu Centrair International Airport (NGO) located 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of the city. It is served by both domestic and international airlines. International travelers should be aware that in some cases, direct flights to Centrair may be more expensive than making a connection. Nearly twenty domestic airports provide connecting service to Centrair. Transit Options from the Airport From the airport, Nagoya can be reached by train, bus, taxi, private shuttle, or rental car. Train The Meitetsu Line train goes from the airport to Nagoya Station in 28 minutes. Upon arrival at Nagoya Station, you can connect with the bus or subway lines. A one-way adult ticket costs 1,230 yen. Bus The Centrair Limousine bus departs once for every hour from 8:15 a.m.-10:15 p.m. This bus travels from the airport to Nagoya Station in 88 minutes, making stops at several major hotels along the way. A one-way adult ticket is 1,200 yen. Travelers arriving on early-morning or late-night flights can catch the Airport Liner bus for a direct 55-minute connection between the airport and Nagoya Station. The late-night bus departs the airport at 12:40 a.m. and the early-morning service runs at 7 a.m. A one-way adult ticket is 1,500 yen. Taxi Taxi service between Centrair Airport and Nagoya is provided by 4 companies. The average fare for the 50-minute drive to Nagoya Station is 16,000 yen. A noriai (rideshare) service is also available. Private Shuttle For groups, a private shuttle provides direct service from the airport to your destination. The shuttle can accommodate up to 7 people and reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance. The average cost for a trip to central Nagoya is 13,850 yen. Rental Car Five rental car companies are located at the airport. The average daily rental price is 9,800 yen. Where to Stay in Nagoya A visit to Japan provides the opportunity to experience several types of unique lodging in addition to standard hotels. Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and minshukus (guest houses or B&Bs) feature traditional futon beds and tatami mat rooms. Toilets and baths are often shared with other guests. Meals may be included or available for an additional charge. Note: Japanese lodging prices are often “per person,” not “per room.” Avoid surprises by paying careful attention to how your rate is calculated. Budget Lodging in Nagoya Chisun Inn Nagoya 1-12-8 Noritake, Nakamura, Nagoya - The Chisun Inn offers basic, affordable accommodations within a 5-minute walk of Nagoya Station. Rates: Starting from 4,700 yen per person for a standard single bed room without breakfast or 5,700 yen with breakfast Amenities: Optional breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, parking (1,200 yen per day) WASABI Nagoya Ekimae 13-5 Tsubakimachi, Nakamura, Nagoya - Capsule hotels aren’t for everyone, but for the adventurous traveler on a budget, a capsule hotel offers an inexpensive place to sleep while exploring the city. Rates: 2,500 yen per person for a capsule bed in the same-sex or co-ed dormitory or 2,000 yen for a bunk bed in the co-ed dormitory Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and use of a computer, communal toilets and bathrooms on each floor, no meal options Miyuki Ryokan 47-2 Kouun, Kita, Nagoya - Enjoy one of the most affordable ryokan experiences in Nagoya. Your traditional tatami mat sleeping room can hold futon beds for you and 2-4 friends or family members. Rates: 7,500 yen per room for a 3-person room or 12,000 yen per night for a 5-person room Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, microwave, communal toilets and bathrooms, no meal options Mid-Range Lodging in Nagoya Show Wa no Yado Tsuchiya 1-16-2 Michishita, Nakamura, Nagoya - Groups or families of up to 5 people can share a “semi- western” style room at this minshuku. Your room has its own bathroom and toilet plus a traditional Japanese dining area and futon mats for sleeping. Rates: Starting from 6,431 yen per person. For stays of at least 3 consecutive nights, the starting rate drops to 5,145 yen per person. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, private toilet and bathroom, free parking for 1 car, no meal options Samurai House 2-39 Nakajima, Nakamura, Nagoya - Built in 2017, Samurai House is one of the newest and most upscale minshukus in Nagoya. A fusion of Japanese and western cultures provides guests with the best of both worlds. The private 2-story house can accommodate up to 8 guests. It has 4 single and 2 double traditional Japanese futon beds, a bathroom, dining area, family room, kitchenette, and a washer/dryer. Rates: Starting from 6,351 yen per person. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, private toilet and bathroom, kitchenette, washer and dryer, free parking, complimentary use of 4 bicycles Watanabe 2-1-14 Chikusa, Chikusa, Nagoya - Watanabe is a traditional ryokan known for its delicious food, beautiful garden, and soothing hot springs baths. Each guest room contains two futons and a low-table seating area. Rates: Starting from 7,034 yen per person without breakfast or 7,584 yen with breakfast Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, communal toilets and bathrooms, massage services and dinner reservations available Luxury Lodging in Nagoya Kyoya Ryokan 2-11-4 Habashita, Nishi, Nagoya - Unwind in a luxurious sanctuary of Zen relaxation near Nagoya Castle. The two-story ryokan encircles a peaceful garden and traditional Japanese bath house. Several types of rooms are available, the most stunning of which are the second-floor garden-view rooms, melding modern amenities with traditional Japanese styling. Soak up the culture of sleeping on a traditional futon and wearing a yukata (Japanese bathrobe) while retaining the modern amenities of a private bathroom, shower, dining area, and living room. Rates: Starting from 22,680 yen per person for single occupancy second-floor garden-view rooms. Note that rooms can accommodate 1-4 guests and the per-person-price decreases with each additional guest. The per person rate for 4 guests starts from 8,316 yen. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, private toilet and bathroom, complimentary use of bicycles, meal reservations available: 1,998 yen for a traditional Japanese style breakfast and 5,940 yen for dinner Note: All guests at Kyoya Ryokan must be over the age of 12. Nagoya Katei Miyoshi 2-16-3 Noritake, Nakamura, Nagoya - Relax your body and indulge your taste buds at an elegant ryokan known for its culinary masterpieces. Sleep peacefully on a traditional futon in your tatami mat bedroom then wake to enjoy breakfast while seated on a cushion at a low table. After your meal, head up to the rooftop or garden to soak in one of the two traditional baths. Rooms of all sizes, with and without private toilets and bathrooms, are available. The ryokan can accommodate everyone from single travelers to groups of twenty-four. For the most privacy, enjoy a deluxe Japanese-style non-smoking room with private toilet and bathroom. Rates: Starting from 8,634 yen per person for the deluxe room without breakfast. With breakfast included, the starting rate is 9,726 yen per person. The rate for the room with both breakfast and dinner included starts from 14,788 yen per person. Amenities: Free shuttle bus, free parking, massage services available Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower 4-60-12 Hiraike, Nakamura, Nagoya - Sleep amongst the stars and overlook the city from a luxurious deluxe corner room at the Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower. Guests staying in a deluxe corner room are welcome to enjoy additional accommodation privileges including a breakfast buffet, tea time, sweets time, a cocktail reception, and alcoholic beverages. Sample a full range of Nagoya’s culinary delights from the plush comfort of your hotel. Rates: Starting from 31,500 yen per person for a deluxe corner room or 12,355 yen per person for a king sky room Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, fitness center, business center, on-site restaurant, parking (2,000 yen per night) Lodging Near Toyota Stadium If you are traveling to Nagoya for Rugby World Cup 2019, you may want to stay in Toyota to be close to the stadium. The three closest hotels are: AB Hotel Toyota Motomachi 3-63-1 Toshin, Toyota - Rates: Starting from 2,977 yen per person for a single room with breakfast included Amenities: Pubic bath, business center, massage service available Toyota Prestige Hotel 4-28 Kitamachi, Toyota - Rates: Starting from 7,100 yen per person for a single room Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, parking, 3 on-site restaurants, breakfast available for 900 yen, dinner available by advance request Hotel Toyota Castle COMO Square West, 2-160 Kitamachi, Toyota - Rates: Starting from 14,850 yen per person for a single room Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, 4 on-site restaurants, breakfast buffet available for 1,620 yen Nagoya Travel Tips You’ve checked into your hotel and are ready to start exploring. Before you head out, here is an overview of the neighborhoods, medical facilities, safety status, and cultural norms of the local area. Neighborhoods Sakae: Downtown hub with shopping, hotels, entertainment, dining, and nightlife Meieki: Nagoya Station, shopping, entertainment Naka: Nightlife Imaike: Nightlife, restaurants Fushimi: Museums, nightlife, shopping Port of Nagoya: Aquarium, museum, commercial port Toyota: Rugby matches at Toyota Stadium, museums Medical Facilities For medical emergencies, dial 119. There are several multi-lingual hospitals in the Nagoya and Toyota area: Holy Spirit Hospital 56 Kawanayama, Showa, Nagoya Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital 2-9 Taemi, Showa, Nagoya Toyota Kosei Hospital 500-1 Ibobara, Jusui, Toyota Investing in medical travel insurance prior to your trip will give you peace of mind and ensure that your expenses are covered if you need to seek medical care. Compare available plans or build a customizable plan with exactly the coverage, deductible, and policy pricing that are right for you. Selecting a travel insurance policy may not be the most exciting part of trip planning, but the potential costs and stress of traveling uninsured are too high to ignore. Safety Overall, the Nagoya area is very safe and has a low risk of violent crime. The more crowded entertainment neighborhoods of Sakae and Naka pose a moderate risk for non-violent crimes. The most common concerns here are thefts of wallets/purses, cash, and credit cards as well as the skimming of credit card numbers. Lower your risk by keeping your credit cards in an RFID blocking wallet in your front pocket or a concealed money belt. If you must carry a purse, consider a sturdy crossbody style rather than a more easily stolen backpack or shoulder bag. If you have an emergency requiring police intervention, dial 110. Cultural Norms Unlike many western countries, Japan does not have a custom of tipping. Here, the act of tipping may be considered disrespectful. Show your appreciation of outstanding service through words, not money. Unless otherwise instructed, it is customary to remove your shoes prior to entering a Japanese home. To prevent the spread of infection, those who are feeling ill often wear sterilized face masks in public. Public baths are enjoyed in the nude and bathers must shower prior to entering the bath. How to Get Around in Nagoya Public Transit Nagoya’s local public transit system is well-developed and consists of both bus routes and subway lines. Tickets (depending on the type you need) are available at subway stations, on board city buses, at city bus offices, and transportation bureau service centers. In addition to one-way fares, there are 6 types of 1-day passes available. Passes provide unlimited rides on the bus, subway, sightseeing bus, or a combination of these systems. Familiarizing yourself with a new city’s public transit system can be intimidating, but the Nagoya’s Transportation Bureau’s tourist guide answers just about every question you have. City Bus Travel throughout Nagoya on one of the city bus lines. Tickets for general/key route buses cost 210 yen each way. Add an additional 10 yen if your bus route takes you on one of the expressways. Staying out late? The special late-night bus service runs nightly from Monday to Friday at one-way adult fares of 420 yen. Pay half price if you have a 1-day ride ticket. An adult 1-day unlimited ride bus ticket is 600 yen. Subway Nagoya’s subway system has color-coded lines and readily available system maps. The 6 lines travel through 5 zones to cover the entire city. Many of Nagoya’s top attractions are located within walking distance of the subway. One-way adult tickets cost 200-330 yen depending on how many zones you travel through. An adult 1-day unlimited ride subway ticket is 740 yen. Sightseeing Bus Want to easily travel from one sightseeing destination to the next? The Me~guru, Nagoya’s sightseeing bus, is specifically designed for tourists. It travels in a loop from Nagoya Station to 10 popular sightseeing destinations and runs every day except for Mondays and during the New Year’s holidays. Tickets are sold as a single ride or unlimited ride 1-day pass. Adult prices are 210 yen for single rides or 500 yen for unlimited. The pass also provides discounted admission to many tourist attractions. Train If Nagoya is your base for travel to other cities, Nagoya Station – the largest train station in the world in terms of floor area – will connect you with trains that run throughout the country. Vehicle Rentals The average price for a rental car is 9,800 yen per day. International visitors will need to plan ahead and obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to getting behind the wheel. The permit is good for up to a year. While driving, carry your valid IDP as well as your driver’s license from your home country. Bicycle The wide streets of Nagoya are well-suited for bicycling. Bicycles are available for rent at rates of around 1,500 yen per day for a city bike. Check with your hotel first as some hotels provide complimentary bicycles. What to Eat in Nagoya When the City of Nagoya conducted a domestic tourism survey, they found – unsurprisingly – that over half of their fellow Japanese tourists were there to see the Nagoya Castle. What was draw number 2? The local cuisine. Ask a Nagoyan what foods their city is known for and you will be urged to sample: Kishimen Kishimen is a dish of flat udon noodles and sliced leeks bathed in a soy sauce soup. It can be served either hot or cold. Stand and eat your kishimen with the locals at one of Kishimen Sumiyoshi’s Nagoya Station train platform locations. An order of kishimen is just 350 yen. Kishimen Sumiyoshi Inside JR Nagoya Station, 1-1-4 Mei, Nakamura, Nagoya In the mood for a more relaxed and scenic dining experience? Enjoy a bowl of kishimen while overlooking the Minamishinike pond at the Atsuta Shrine. Miya Kishimen – Jingu Atsuta Jingu Shrine, 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta, Nagoya - Red Miso Katsu Red miso katsu is a delightfully crispy pork cutlet paired with local sweet red miso sauce. One of the best eateries to try this dish at is Misokatsu Yabaton. Prices range from 432 yen to 1,836 yen depending on the size and variety of katsu dish you choose. Misokatsu Yabaton Honten 3-6-18 Osu, Naka, Nagoya - Tebasaki Tebasaki is a variety of chicken wings with a unique flavor profile. Nagoya restaurants marinate their wings in a sweet sauce then coat them with sesame seeds and a secret blend of spices. When choosing the best place to sample tebasaki, it only makes sense to go right to the source – the restaurant that started Nagoya’s wing revolution: Sekai no Yamachan. A serving of 5 wings is 450 yen and the restaurant’s website kindly provides a tutorial on the art of chicken wing eating in case you are a little rusty. Sekai no Yamachan Honten 4-9-6 Sakae, Nakamura, Japan - Hitsumabushi Hitsumabushi is a rice and grilled eel dish served in a wood bowl. For the full experience, divide your hitsumabushi into 4 sections and eat one at a time. With the first section, the flavor of the eel takes center stage. When you are ready for your second portion, top the eel and rice with condiments. The standard third portion consists of rice, eel and condiments with the addition of green tea or broth to form a soup. The final portion is your choice – add whatever topping you most enjoyed. Get your hitsumabushi at Atsuta Houraiken where they have been cooking this classic dish since 1873. A standard serving of hitsumabushi costs 3,900 yen. For the extra hungry tourist or for sharing with a friend, a full order plus an additional half order option is available for 5,500 yen. Atsuta Houraiken, Honten 503 Godo, Atsuta, Nagoya - Uiro For dessert, indulge in uiro, a local version of Japan’s infamous mochi dessert. Traditional Nagoyan uiro is flavored with matcha, red bean paste, chestnut paste, or yuzu (a local citrus fruit). End a day of shopping with a trip to Toraya Uiro for freshly made uiro. Sample until you find your favorite flavor. Prices average 500 yen per dessert. Toraya Uiro Matsuzakaya Nagoya Main Building B1F, 3-16-1 Sakae, Naka, Nagoya - What to Drink in Nagoya Beer Y Market Brewing Kitchen is Nagoya’s premier craft brew pub. This colorful bar makes its own beers in an on-site brewing room and the best brews have made appearances at pubs and festivals in Tokyo. If you get the chance, try the Meyon Lager or the Hop Seduction IPA. The “kitchen” portion of Y Market’s name comes from the third story cook-your-own-barbecue restaurant. Reservations are required, and Y Market is cash only, so be sure to stop at the ATM before arriving. Y Market Brewing Kitchen 4-17-6 Meieki, Nakamura, Nagoya - Fruit Drinks Skillfully mix ripe fruit, fresh herbs, craft alcohol, and mason jars and what do you get? A beautifully photogenic, uniquely delicious refreshing drink experience from Kitsune Tempura Stand. Tantalize your tastebuds with a pineapple + lemongrass blend or perhaps a kiwi + mint combo. Kitsune also serves up a broad selection of plum wines and other cocktails. Pair your drink with some delicious fresh tempura or a unique appetizer. Kitsune Tempura Stand 5-2-1 Imaike, Chikusa, Nagoya - Things to See and Do in Nagoya Museums Tokugawa Art Museum Highlights: Rare treasures and art from the Edo period Address: 1017 Tokugawa, Higashi, Nagoya Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays Admission (adult): 1,400 yen Public Transit Access: 3-minute walk from Tokugawaen Shindeki bus stop, 10-minute walk from Ozone train station Nagoya City Science Museum Highlights: Largest planetarium in the world Address: 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka, Nagoya Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays Admission (adult): 800 yen for museum + planetarium, 400 yen for museum only Public Transit Access: 5-minute walk from Fushimi subway station and Hirokoju Fushimi bus stop SCMaglev & Railway Park Highlights: Collection of 39 retired train cars, train simulators, dioramas Address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato, Nagoya Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.), closed Tuesdays Admission (adult): 1,000 yen Public Transit Access: Kinjo Futo subway station on Aonami Line Toyota Automobile Museum Highlights: 160 vehicles showcasing Toyota’s history Address: 41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays Admission (adult): 1,000 yen Public Transit Access: Higashiyama subway line from Nagoya to Fujigaoka, transfer to Meitetsu Bus to Toyota Automobile Museum, 5-minute walk from bus stop Toyota Kaikan Museum Highlights: Eco cars, GAZOO Racing cars, winglet ride experience (Tuesday-Friday-) Address: 1 Toyota, Toyota Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Closed Sundays Admission (adult): Free Public Transit Access: Higashiyama subway line from Nagoya to Fushimi Station, take the Tsurumai subway line to the Meitetsu Toyota line. At Toyotashi Station, transfer to the Meitetsu bus which travels directly to Toyota Kaikan Museum. Historical Buildings Nagoya Castle Highlights: Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure, Noh Theater Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka, Nagoya Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.), free guided tour at 1 p.m. daily Admission (adult): 500 yen Public Transit Access: Tsurumai subway line to Sengencho stop or Meijo subway line to Shiyausho stop, Me~Guru bus Temples and Shrines Atsuta Jingu Shrine Highlights: Japan’s second most important Shinto shrine, home of the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (an ancient sword considered one of the 3 Sacred Treasures of Japan). Address: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta, Nagoya Hours: 24 hours Admission (adult): Free Public Transit Access: Jingu-Nishi subway stop Ōsu Kannon Temple Highlights: Buddhist Shingon temple originally built around 1333, red paper wishing lantern, collection of 15,000 books, flea market on the 18th and 28th of each month Address: 21-47 Osu 2, Naka, Nagoya Hours: 24 hours Admission (adult): Free Public Transit Access: Osu Kannon subway stop on Tsurumai Line Parks, Gardens, Hot Springs, and Scenic Views Tsurumai Park Highlights: Oldest park in Nagoya, European and Japanese landscaping, sculptures Address: 1 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya Hours: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily Admission (adult): Free Public Transit Access: Tsuruma subway station Tokugawa Garden (Tokugawaen) Highlights: River, waterfall, pond, and rock formations Address: 1001 Tokugawa, Higashi, Nagoya Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.), closed Mondays Admission (adult): 300 yen for garden, 1,500 yen for art museum Public Transit Access: 15-minute walk from Ozone subway station Yamazaki River Highlights: The Shikinomichi (Path of Four Seasons) - a kilometer-long portion of the river lined in cherry trees - listed as one of Japan’s 100 best cherry blossom viewing locations. Public Transit Access: Mizuho-Undojo-Higashi subway stop Yokiso Highlights: Historic villa and gardens Address: 2-5-17 Hoo, Chikusa, Nagoya Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays Admission (adult): North Garden: Free, Choshokaku: 300 yen Public Transit Access: 10-minute walk from Kakuozan stop on Higashiyama subway line Midland Square Highlights: Sky Promenade - open air observation platform atop 5th tallest building in Japan, Higashiyama (Sky Restaurant) - food and drinks with a stunning panoramic city view Address: 4-7- Meieki, Nakamura, Nagoya Hours: Sky Promenade: hours vary by season; shops: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Restaurants: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission (adult): 750 yen for Sky Promenade single access or 1,050 yen for all-day pass Public Transit Access: Nagoya Station (5-minute walk) Sanage Onsen Highlights: Naturally rejuvenating radon hot springs for bathing and drinking, massages and food available Address: 21 Kano, Umamichi, Toyota Hours: Day-use bathing from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. -11:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays (last admission at 11 p.m.) Admission (adult): 1500 yen Public Transit Access: Not directly accessible by public transit Shopping Ōsu Highlights: Eclectic collection of shops including many that cater to cosplayers Public Transit Access: Osu Kannon subway stop on Tsurumai Line Oasis 21 Highlights: Photogenic architectural landmark with boutique shops and restaurants. Address: 1-11-1 Higashi, Higashi, Nagoya Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Public Transit Access: Sakae stop on Higashiyama subway line ESCA Highlights: Underground mall with over 80 shops offering a combination of apparel, souvenirs, and local foods Address: 6-9 Tsubaki, Nakamura, Nagoya Hours: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Public Transit Access: Nagoya Station Tours Noritake Factory & Garden Highlights: craft center (view production of bone china), museum, china painting experience (separate hours and fees) Address: 3-1-36 Noritake-Shimmachi, Nishi, Nagoya Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission (adult): 500 yen (for craft center and museum), no admission charge for gardens Public Transit Access: Nagoya station Toyota Motomachi Plant Tour Highlights: View vehicles on assembly line Address: Tours depart from the Toyota Kaikan Museum: 1 Toyota, Toyota Hours: Meet at 10:30 a.m. and return at 1 p.m., Monday thru Friday Admission (adult): Free, make reservation online at least 3 days in advance Public Transit Access: From Nagoya, take the Tsurumai subway line to Meitetsu Toyota line. At Toyotashi Station, transfer to the Meitetsu bus to Toyota Kaikan Museum. Attractions Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Highlights: Japan’s largest Asian elephant house, Higashiyama Sky Tower, amusement park, oldest greenhouse in Japan Address: 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa, Nagoya Hours: 9 a.m.-4:50 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays Admission (adult): 500 yen Public Transit Access: Hoshigaoka subway station Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium Highlights: Dolphin performance, orca training, penguin encounter, jellyfish, sea turtles Address: 1-3 Minato-Machi, Minato, Nagoya Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays Admission (adult): 2,500 yen Public Transit Access: Nagoya Ko subway station on Meiko Line Legoland Japan Highlights: Miniland (mini versions of 10 Japanese locations), over 40 rides, brick factory (see LEGO bricks being made) Address: 2-2-1 Kinjo Futo, Minato, Nagoya Hours: Usually 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; check calendar for current hours Admission (adult): 4,500 to 6,900 yen. Save money by purchasing off-peak tickets 7 days in advance. Public Transit Access: Kinjo Futo subway station on Aonami Line Sporting Venues Toyota Stadium Highlights: Rugby matches, B1 Sports plaza (indoor swimming pool) Address: 7-2 Sengoku, Toyota Hours: varies by event Admission (adult): varies by event Public Transit Access: The blue, Tsuruami subway Line, travels from central Nagoya to Akaike. Stay on the train as it switches to the Meitetsu Line which takes you to Toyotashi Station. Toyota Stadium is located 1.75 km (1 mile) from Toyotashi station. Unique Nagoya Itinerary In a city known for its’ manufacturing, you can manufacture something of your own – a unique experience that takes you far beyond the confines of the standard tourist guidebook destinations. For the “outside-the-box” traveler, Nagoya offers a line-up of memorable and sometimes quirky activities. Perhaps the most unique of these offerings is a food sample making experience. Have you ever wondered where and how those artificial food samples in restaurant windows are made? This is your opportunity to not only tour the factory, but to also have the fun of crafting your very own souvenir sample. Hungry for some real food coupled with a hands-on experience? Foodies can spend their morning on a private tour of the Yanagibashi Fish Market followed by a sushi making class. The next day, treat yourself to an afternoon of delicious soba noodle making. Mingle with Nagoya’s locals and experience their city the way they do by booking a slot on a 3-hour cultural immersion tour. Your local guide will introduce you to Nagoya’s neighborhoods, nightlife, food and drinks. Imagine returning home having had a wonderful time and learning a skill. Your friends will be impressed with your newfound origami, furoshiki, and shodo techniques. Are you creatively inclined? Let your inner artist out to play with a shibori tie dye or manga drawing workshop. Finally, embark on the Kiyosu samurai walking tour and Kiran Brewery visit for some light exercise, a mini history lesson, and the chance to savor 3 local beers. What to Do Before Your Trip You’ve completed your research, finalized your plans, and we know you can’t wait to set out on your grand Nagoyan adventure. Before you catch your flight, double check that you remembered to: Confirm that your passport is currently valid and will not be expiring within the next 6 months Secure travel medical insurance and pack a copy of your policy Obtain an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive while in Japan Make reservations for lodging, transportation, tours, events, etc. Nagoya awaits.