Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city with a population of about 2.3 million.
Located less than 2 hours away from Tokyo on the bullet train, Nagoya made Time’s list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2023, one of only two Japanese cities.
Day 1
Nagoya is a sprawling city with lovely views of the Japanese Alps. The best place to take it all in is the Panorama Salon, located 245 meters above ground level on the 51st floor of the Towers above JR Nagoya Station.
After, visit the famous Yamamoto-ya Sohonke, which serves all kinds of udon dishes flavored with miso.
In the afternoon, take a 9.2km ride on the Linimo, Japan’s first commercial maglev linear motor car, which can travel up to 100km per hour.
On the way back, spend a few hours in one of Nagoya’s many excellent museums. We recommend Tokugawa Art Museum and Nagoya Science Museum.
For dinner, visit the old-style yakitori restaurant Torigin.
Day 2
Head out to the Osu Kannon Temple, a popular place of worship for Nagoya residents that dates back to Kamakura Era (1192-1333)
Afterward, stroll through the old shopping street next to the Osu Temple that’s been turned into a funky arcade.
Fans of popular Japanese culture who might not feel like temple-hopping or window-shopping should head to Nagoya’s Ghibli Park.
Before heading back to Tokyo, don’t forget to visit Nagoya Castle Park (known to the locals as Mejio Park). This beautiful castle, with a pair of golden fish visible on its roof, has become the proud symbol of Nagoya.
