5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nagoya
Nagoya is the center of samurai culture in Japan
Whenever I mention that I spent six months in Nagoya, people often remark, “It must have been boring.” I always wondered why, because my time there was anything but dull. Let me explain why Nagoya should be on your itinerary for your next visit to Japan.
Why Is Nagoya Considered The Most Boring City?
As the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya ranks as the fourth-largest city in Japan, trailing behind only Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. Despite its size, Nagoya doesn’t enjoy the same level of popularity as these three metropolises.
In a 2016 article in Japan Times, Nagoya was reported to be the last place Japanese people want to travel to. Even Nagoyans humorously admit that their hometown doesn’t offer exciting activities.
One possible reason for Nagoya’s perceived dullness is its somewhat “industrial” image. It boasts fewer shrines and temples than Kyoto and lacks the same entertainment and sightseeing allure as Osaka or Tokyo. When people think of Nagoya, the first thing that often comes to mind is its industrial nature. Additionally, the city suffered significant architectural losses due to bombing in World War II, further diminishing its cultural appeal.
So, why should you invest your valuable visiting Nagoya?
Simplified Transportation System
When you hit big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, their intricate train maps can be a shocker. Nagoya keeps it simple with just 6 main train lines: Higashiyama line (東山線), Meijō line (名城線), Meikō line (名港線), Tsurumai line (鶴舞線), Sakura-dōri line (桜通線), and Kamiiida Line (上飯田線). Navigating the train network is a breeze, even for newcomers. Figuring out which trains to catch or where to transfer becomes clear after just a try or two.
Plus, fewer train lines mean less complicated stations. No need to fret about getting lost in an underground maze. Even bustling train stations in business or downtown areas like Sakae Station or Osu Kannon Station are easy to stroll through.
And here’s the bonus: the train stations are evenly spread throughout the city, ensuring you can get anywhere in under 30 minutes.
Diverse Sightseeing
Nagoya may not be packed with tourist spots (some even say you can explore every nook and cranny in just a day or two), but it caters to everyone, from history buffs to fans of modern architecture.
Nagoya has always been the center of samurai culture in Japan, as it is the birthplace of various feudal lords, notably Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Hence, Nagoya boasts a traditional atmosphere showcased in many places like Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, and Atsuta Shrine.
On the flip side, being an industrial city brings futuristic modern architecture into the mix. For example, the Nagoya City Science Museum is a must-see attraction, home to the world’s largest planetarium. The Toyota Techno Museum is also interesting with many interactive exhibits. However, don’t confuse it with the Toyota Automobile Museum, a no less amazing museum worth checking in Nagakute.
Nagoya is also a fantastic family destination with facilities for both parents and kids, including Legoland Japan Resort, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. Recently, new attractions like the Ghibli Park in 2022 have been added to boost visitor numbers.
Vibrant Nightlife
Contrary to its “city for the elderly” reputation, Nagoya has a lively nightlife scene. Locals flock to three main areas for drinks and evening fun: Osu Shōtengai (shopping streets), Sakae, and Nagoya Station. Each area is packed with izakayas (Japanese pubs), local eateries, shops, and entertainment options.
But there’s a trick to it. Since not all areas stay open late, you’ll need to hop around. Here’s a tip from my local friend: Kick off at Osu around 6 PM, head to Sakae, leave by 9 PM, and make Nagoya Station your final stop for the night.
Culinary Delights
Nagoya has one thing that nobody can disregard: its food scene. Alongside Fukuoka and Hiroshima, Nagoya is a go-to spot for unique local specialties, earning the distinctive label “Nagoya meshi.”
There are four defining features that make Nagoya meshi stand out. The first is the local red miso (hatcho miso). Nagoya’s miso is made with 100% soybeans, fermented for longer than other miso varieties, resulting in a signature taste. Nagoyans use this miso in many dishes, like miso katsu, a tonkatsu dish with a red miso sauce.
The second highlight is the Nagoya kōchin chicken breed, considered one of Japan’s three tastiest chickens due to its elastic and firm meat. Local residents use it to make tebasaki (fried chicken wings).
Nagoya is also renowned for its diverse cuisine, blending local flavors with influences from Italy and other Asian countries. The Italian touch is evident in ankake spaghetti, a Nagoya favorite featuring thick fried noodles with a rich sauce. Meanwhile, various Taiwan ramen bowls grace the menus of many local eateries.
Cafe culture adds another layer to Nagoya’s culinary scene. Did you know you can get a free breakfast when ordering a morning coffee in a Nagoya cafe? Though not as common today, several cafes still offer this under the name “morning service,” often featuring a hard-boiled egg and buttered toast. Alternatively, you can help yourself with ogura toast (toasted bread topped with red bean jam), another signature Nagoya treat.
Convenient Travel to Other Cities
Nagoya makes an excellent starting point for your journey, given its proximity to other travel destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, and Kanazawa. For example, a Shinkansen ride to Tokyo takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes. The upcoming Linear Chuo Shinkansen in 2027 is expected to cut that time to around 40 minutes.
Additionally, Nagoya has an international airport, the Chubu Centrair International Airport, merely half an hour away from the city center. So, you won’t need much time to reach the airport if you’re planning international travel.
Less Hustle
With around 3 million residents, Nagoya is considerably smaller than metropolises like Tokyo or Osaka. This means you won’t feel overwhelmed while exploring all the sights.
The trains are also less crowded, even during rush hours, like 5–6 PM. While you might not always find a vacant seat, you won’t have to endure the Tokyo-style sight of being squeezed into the train.
All things considered, Nagoya is worth a visit at least once, especially if you’re looking to escape the crowds of other big cities. Tell me about your experience in this city in the comment below!
