Explore Nagoya, One of Japan's Three Famous Castles

Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, is also the central city of the Nagoya metropolitan area, one of Japan's three major metropolitan areas. It boasts a rich history, abundant tourist resources, and many unique culinary specialties. Below is a Nagoya travel guide for your reference: Prior Preparations - Visa: Prepare a valid passport and apply for the appropriate visa type based on your individual circumstances. - Flights: Book your flights in advance. You can choose to fly directly to Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) or fly to Tokyo or Osaka and then transfer to Nagoya. - Accommodation: We recommend staying near Sakae or Nagoya Station for convenient transportation and access to a variety of restaurants. - Transportation Card: Purchase a Pasmo or Suica card, which can be used on subways, buses, trains, and other modes of transportation, as well as for purchases at convenience stores. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (approx. 1 hr 40 mins), fly (approx. 1 hr), or take a bus (approx. 5.5 hrs). From Osaka, you can take the Shinkansen (approx. 50 mins) or a bus (approx. 3 hrs). - City Transportation: Nagoya has a well-developed subway system that covers most of the city's attractions. If you plan to visit more than three subway stations in a day, we recommend purchasing a one-day subway pass for JPY 760. If you also plan to use the bus, you can purchase a one-day subway and bus pass for JPY 850. Food Recommendations - Hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style Eel Rice): Divide the eel rice into four portions. Enjoy the first portion as is, savoring the original flavor of the grilled eel. Mix the second portion with green onions, seaweed, and wasabi. Pour tea over the third portion to enjoy it as ochazuke. For the fourth portion, choose your favorite way to enjoy it. - Miso Katsu (Miso-glazed Pork Cutlet): A pork cutlet coated in flour and egg, deep-fried until golden brown, and then coated with miso sauce. Served with shredded cabbage and rice. - Tebasaki (Fried Chicken Wings): Chicken wings marinated in salt, pepper, soy sauce, and other seasonings, coated in flour or batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. - Curry Udon: Udon noodles in a rich curry soup with vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. - Soba Noodles: Noodles made from buckwheat flour, served in hot or cold broth with toppings such as green onions, seaweed, and tempura. Attractions - Nagoya Castle: One of Japan's three famous castles, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1610. It was one of the centers of power for the Edo shogunate. The castle features famous attractions such as the Golden Shachi, the main keep, and the Honmaru Palace. Open from 9am to 4:30pm, admission is JPY 500. - Atsuta Shrine: One of Japan's three most important Shinto shrines, located in Atsuta Ward, Nagoya. Atsuta Shrine enshrines the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi and is known as a powerful spiritual site. Open year-round. The Treasure Hall and Kusanagi Hall are open from 9am to 4:30pm. - Oasis 21: A multi-level commercial facility located in Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya. It consists of the Water Spaceship, Green Earth, Galaxy Platform, and other areas. Open year-round from 10am to 9pm. - Nagoya TV Tower: A landmark in Nagoya, standing 180 meters tall. It was Japan's first integrated radio tower. There are two observation decks, located at 90m and 100m, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Nagoya. - Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: Located on the former site of a Toyota factory, this large museum details the history of Toyota, from its origins in the textile industry to its rise as a world-leading automotive company. Most exhibits feature interactive displays, and the display cars are a major draw for car enthusiasts.