Things to do in Nagoya

Enjoy a knees-up in a brewery

If anyone can organise a knees-up in a brewery, it's Japan's most famous beer company, Asahi (tel: +81 52 792 8966; www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery/nagoya). Located on the banks of the Shonai River, this free tour shows visitors the brewing process before concluding with beer tasting and some snacks to soak it up. English audio guides are available.

Hit the beach and watch the sun set

Beach fans who fancy a frolic in the water should drive 30 minutes south to the Shinmaiko Marine Park, which boasts the 400m-long (1,312ft), man-made Blue Sun beach. Natural shorelines can be found on the Chita Peninsula, where Chidorigahama and the sandy beaches on Himakajima island offer delightful sunsets.

Join the ski fanatics on the slopes

Nagoya's situation, a short drive from the mountains, means that several ski resorts are accessible as day trips. Experienced skiers wanting a challenge should drive two hours east to Chausuyama Kogen, whilst beginners and families will be better served on the slopes of Hirugano Kogen, who also offer equipment rental.

Tread the Tokaido highway trail

Hikers will find Nagoya a great base for day walks in the surrounding countryside. Explore the trails that run between the post towns of the ancient Tokaido highway, which links east and west Japan, or tackle Sanage Mountain; the moderate walk is excellent in spring with views over the Japanese Alps.

Unwind with a night-time onsen

Hot springs are one of the most popular ways to unwind in Japan and the minerals in the waters are purported to bring health benefits. Nagoya’s Ryusenji (tel: +81 52 793 2601; www.ryusenjinoyu.com) has 14 hot springs. The outdoor onsen (hot spring) is the pick of the bunch, and best enjoyed at night with the city shimmering below.

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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.

The Westin Nagoya Castle

This hotel is superbly located with excellent views of Nagoya Castle, yet still in easy reach of the city's business district. The guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, most with castle views, and have complimentary high-speed internet access. There's a business centre, several meeting rooms, a beauty salon, a sauna and an indoor heated swimming pool. In-house dining includes top-quality Japanese cuisine, including a sushi bar, as well as French and Cantonese restaurants.

Toyoko Inn

There are several branches of this trusty business hotel chain in Nagoya. One of the most convenient is the Nagoya-eki Shinkansen-guchi branch, just five minutes from the station. Rooms are cosy but have free internet access, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities. Breakfast is served in the lobby, where there are English newspapers and internet terminals with printing facilities.

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.

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