Nagoya Travel Guide

About Nagoya

With its stunning modern architecture and glitzy department stores on display everywhere, it’s hard to miss the fact that Nagoya is one of Japan’s wealthiest cities. Handily situated midway between Tokyo and Osaka, it also has excellent transport links, making it the perfect base for exploring central Japan.

Although Nagoya is an important manufacturing and industrial centre (several major companies such as Toyota and Noritake are based here), it also has a wealth of sights to keep visitors interested.

The top spot as far as locals are concerned is Atsuta Shrine, the second most venerated place in the country. The shrine is said to contain over 4,400 national treasures, which cover its more than 2,000 year history, including the Kusanagi sword, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan. Around 70 festivals take place here every year, bringing visitors flocking in.

Equally grand is Nagoya Castle, originally built in 1612. Much of it burned to the ground during bombing raids in WWII, but it was restored largely along original lines in 1959, but with some modern touches added such as lifts. Be sure to check out the magnificent golden tiger-headed carp that sit on the castle roof, they are the symbol of the city.

One sight that pays homage to Nagoya’s importance as a commercial hub is the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This large museum contains several vast halls that are packed with old machinery and historic vehicles.

Key facts

Population:

2,257,888 (2009).

Latitude:

35.143888

Longitude:

136.916232

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

The sophisticated Nagoya Tokyu Hotel is very near the bustling Sakae shopping and nightlife district. There are Western and Japanese-style guest rooms, as well as four different categories of suites to choose from. The Nagoya hotel also has a beauty salon, a business centre and a fitness centre with a large swimming pool, as well as several fine dining restaurants, including the elegant Loire French restaurant, and Nadaman, serving kaiseki (traditional multi-course banquet) and Edo-style sushi.

The b Nagoya

Right in the middle of the Sakae shopping area, this chic business hotel in Nagoya offers excellent value for money. The rooms are smart and comfortable, some with views over the leafy boulevard of Hisasya-dori, and have larger-size beds than usual and stylish bathrooms.

Hotel Trusty Nagoya Sakae

Though close to the hustle and bustle of Sakae, this Nagoya hotel has a very relaxed atmosphere. Decorated in a classic European style, there is a lot of wood panelling and leather sofas in the elegant lobby. The rooms are cosy yet well equipped, with high-speed internet access and decent-sized desks. The hotel's Cuore Lounge serves daily meals based on seasonal ingredients, as well as tapas and wine, and afternoon tea.

Hilton Nagoya

Close to Fushimi Station is Nagoya's top international hotel with stylish interiors and attentive service. Rooms are modern and comfortable and there are a good range of dining options in the hotel; choose from Indian, Chinese, continental and a variety of Japanese cuisines. Breakfast is not included and there's a fee for internet access. However, there are free shuttle buses between main station, as well as to the castle.

Nagoyakatei Miyoshi

A very clean and welcoming ryokan (traditional hotel) only five minutes on foot from the Shinkansen station. The staff don't speak much English but if you are familiar with traditional accommodation this shouldn't be a problem. All rooms are Japanese-style accommodation (no beds, just futons) and a full-course Japanese breakfast is served. There are two shared Japanese-style baths for guests, including a rooftop outdoor rotemburo.

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel offers luxury and convenience in equal measure. Located in the southernmost of the two JR Central Towers that rise almost 250m (820ft) up in the air above Nagoya's central station, it is a city landmark and one of the best luxury hotels in Nagoya. Staff are friendly and helpful and all rooms are supremely comfortable and have panoramic views. The bar and lounge on the top floor offers a fantastic outlook over the city. The in-house restaurants offer Japanese, Chinese and European cuisines.

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