Nagoya is a fascinating yet underrated city in Japan that many travelers skip while traveling between Tokyo and Osaka. It has a more laid-back vibe while still offering plenty of attractions for visitors. Whether you’re planning to visit famous landmarks, explore local food spots, or experience a different side of Japan, Nagoya is definitely one of the cities worth visiting.
In this Nagoya Travel Guide, I’ll share how to get around the city, what to do, and where to stay during your trip. It also includes answers to some frequently asked questions to help you plan more easily. It’s perfect for those looking for a 4 to 5 day itinerary, especially first-time visitors. That said, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Nagoya.
Planning your Nagoya trip? Check out my Travel Planner to keep everything organized.
Table of Contents
How to Get Around Nagoya
Nagoya has a very efficient public transportation system, much like other major cities in Japan. From trains and buses to taxis, there are plenty of ways to get from one point to another. Personally, I found the subway to be the best way to get around, as it’s faster and more convenient for visiting the city’s top attractions.
To make navigation easier, I highly recommend downloading the Japan Transit Planner app to view real-time train schedules and routes. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and can also be used in other cities across Japan. You can also rely on the subway map to check train lines and transfer stations while getting around the city.
Nagoya also has a public transportation card, or IC card, called Manaca. If you plan to take trains or buses most of the time, it’s best to purchase the card once you arrive in Nagoya. There is a 500 yen deposit fee, which can be refunded before leaving Japan. It’s definitely more convenient to use a Manaca or IC card than buying single-trip tickets for every ride.
Overall, taking the subway in Nagoya was quite enjoyable, at least for me, since I’ve always enjoyed riding trains in Japan. However, keep in mind that you may still need to do a lot of walking when transferring from one line to another or when heading to your hotel and other attractions around the city.
Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip. I personally use SafetyWing for all my international travels.
What to Do in Nagoya
Visit Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is one of the main tourist spots to visit in the city. It’s easily accessible by train and should definitely be part of your itinerary during your trip to Nagoya. Although admission to the main tower is currently not allowed, visitors can still enter the Hommaru Palace. The rooms inside the palace feature intricate details and give a glimpse of what traditional Japanese castles once looked like.
To enter the Hommaru Palace, there’s an entrance fee of 500 yen for adults, while admission is free for children. During our visit, there was a long line to the palace, so expect a queue during peak hours. Aside from visiting the Hommaru Palace, you can also walk around the castle grounds and find good restaurants to try after exploring the area. There are a couple of options serving both Western and Japanese cuisine, making it easy to find something for everyone.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission to the Hommaru Palace is at 4:00 PM)
How to Get to Nagoya Castle: From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station, then transfer to the Meijo Line and get off at Nagoyajo Station. Nagoya Castle is a short walk from the station.
Official Website: For more information about Nagoya Castle, visit the official website.
Discover Osu Kannon Temple and Osu Shopping Street
Osu Kannon Temple is another well-known landmark in Nagoya. It’s a Buddhist temple known for its traditional architecture and historical background. If you visit on the 18th and 28th of the month, there’s an antique fair at the temple grounds where you can find vintage homewares, pottery, books, and other unique items.
Located beside the temple is the Osu Shopping Arcade, a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and local street food stalls. Near the entrance, there’s a shop selling freshly made dango and taiyaki, which are worth trying if you enjoy Japanese snacks. There are also plenty of local and international food options in the shopping arcade, so it’s best to visit on an empty stomach.
The shopping street also has a variety of stores selling clothing, accessories, anime merchandise, and vintage items. You’ll find themed shops like Alice on Wednesday, as well as popular second-hand shops such as 2nd Street and Komehyo, known for its selection of preloved luxury bags and accessories. Overall, visiting Osu Kannon Temple and the shopping street is one of the best things to do in Nagoya for food, shopping, and local culture.
How to Get to Osu Kannon Temple & the Shopping Arcade: From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line to Fushimi Station, then transfer to the Tsurumai Line and get off at Osu Kannon Station.
To make the most of your trip, you can explore tours and activities on KKday or Trip.com.
Explore Sakae District
Sakae is a vibrant district in Nagoya with several popular spots next to each other, making it one of the best areas to visit for shopping, food, and entertainment. From Hisaya Ōdori Park and MIRAI TOWER to Oasis 21 and Sunshine Sakae, there are plenty of places to explore around Sakae District. It’s the perfect place to explore for a full day in Nagoya.
How to Get to Sakae Station: From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line directly to Sakae Station.
For a more detailed guide on what to see and do around Sakae District, check out my blog post about Nagoya Itinerary for 1 Day.
Spend a Day at LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Japan Resort is a popular theme park in Nagoya, especially for families traveling with kids. There are a variety of rides and attractions that children and even adults can enjoy throughout the park. My personal favorite was the observation tower ride, as it gives a panoramic view of Legoland from above.
Apart from the different attractions and themed zones, the park also has several restaurants and snack stalls where visitors can try LEGO-inspired meals and snacks. You’ll also find souvenir shops selling LEGO merchandise, toys, clothing, and other souvenir items around the resort. Families planning to stay overnight can also check out the Legoland Hotel located beside the park.
Staying at LEGOLAND Hotel? Check Agoda or Trip.com for availability and rates.
If you’re planning to visit LEGOLAND Japan soon, it’s better to purchase your admission tickets through Klook, as the prices are usually more affordable than buying them on site. During our visit, the staff even recommended booking through Klook instead of purchasing tickets at the entrance. There are also restaurants and shops located just outside the park if you’d like more dining options before or after your visit.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Get to Legoland: From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line to Kinjo-futo Station, the last stop on the line. From there, follow the pedestrian walkway leading directly to LEGOLAND Japan.
Official Website: Visit the Legoland Japan website for more details.
Check-out Flight of Dreams
Flight of Dreams is a unique attraction that you can visit after arriving at Chubu Centrair International Airport or before departing from Nagoya. Visitors can see the first Boeing 787 on display in the Exhibition Area of the Flight Park. There’s also a Kids’ Area for play-based and interactive activities, making it a fun stop for families with young children.
Aside from the Flight Park, there are also several restaurants in the Seattle Terrace where visitors can dine and relax while enjoying views of the aircraft. I personally loved the overall ambiance, especially the candle-lit tables and cozy seating area, which made it a pleasant place to unwind after our flight. If you have some extra time after arriving in Nagoya or before your departure, Flight of Dreams is well worth a visit.
Looking for a place to stay in Nagoya? Compare hotel options and rates on Agoda or Trip.com
Where to Stay in Nagoya
Before booking your hotel, it’s best to first narrow down which areas you want to stay in Nagoya. Hotels near Nagoya Station and the Sakae District are ideal locations, as they’re more convenient for getting around the city. You’ll find plenty of hotel options on Agoda or Trip.com. Just make sure to filter your search based on your preferred area.
During our trip to Nagoya, we stayed in the Sakae District because I wanted to be closer to some of the attractions in the area. I booked at Green Rich Hotel Nagoya Nishiki through Agoda for a 7-night stay. The hotel is just a few steps away from the subway station and near a drugstore with a cafe, as well as a bakery perfect for quick meals.
For our stay, I booked one of their Premium Twin Rooms, which is ideal for a family or group of 3 to 4 people. It was clean, modern, and spacious enough, with a small table and chairs where we could enjoy meals inside the room. The hotel also has an artificial hot spring for guests who want to relax after a day of exploring Nagoya.
Nearest subway station: From Nagoya Station, take the Sakura-dori Line to Marunouchi Station. Green Rich Hotel Nagoya Nishiki is just a short walk from Exit 5.
I hope this Nagoya travel guide helps you plan your trip with ease and create lots of good memories along the way.
More travel guides
→ Best Winter Day Trips from Nagoya
→ Takayama Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary
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