Joanna James
The famous birthplace of Mitsubishi Motors and Toyota, Nagoya, is Japan's fourth largest city. Here are some tips for exploring this beautiful city as a first-timer. It endearingly portrays a blend of tradition and modernity with scenic rice terraces and thatched farmhouses beside modern roads and skyscrapers.
A much-looked-forward-to event in any part of Japan is the cherry blossom season. In Nagoya, it is from late March to early May. This lovely spring period, the picturesque months of fall from September to November and the mystic winter months from December to February are popular with many visitors. They arrive in numbers to enjoy mild temperatures and beautiful vistas around Nagoya.
The summer months of Nagoya from late June to mid-September are warmer with temperatures ranging between 230-270C and reaching around 300C during July and August. Yet, many keen travellers visit during these warmer months as well. With plenty of fine hotels in Nagoya, Japan visitors to this fascinating city have many options.
For travelling within the Nagoya city limits there are various reasonable travel options. The heart of Nagoya city has many interesting sights within walking distance. Therefore, those who love exploring on foot can easily do so at their own pace. For those who enjoy cycling these attractions can easily be covered by bicycle and are quite enjoyable during mild weather.
Visitors who want to do it differently can opt for the excellent subway system in Nagoya. The one-day passes on the subway even have concessions to certain attractions. The special Meguru sightseeing bus with different routes operated, is convenient with unlimited rides a day with their day pass.
Nagoya is a modern city at present. It has a rich history of being the home of three daimyo (feudal lords of ancient Japan who held large extents of land). These are some of the best places to visit to gain unique insights into Nagoya.
Nagoya Castle – Designated as a National Treasure of Japan Nagoya Castle is an impressive structure with golden shachihoko and tigerfish designs on its roof built during the Edo period. The castle along with Honmaru Palace, was used as a military facility. Visiting during cherry blossom season will offer you beautiful vistas of the blooms in the adjoining park.
Atsuta Jingu Shrine – One of the most significant Shinto Shrines in Japan this shrine is home to the sacred Kusanagi sword, one of the three Imperial regalia.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology – The history of one of the world’s leading automobile companies which started in the textile industry and became an automobile giant can be traced here. With different interactive features, this museum successfully engages both children and adults for many hours of pleasure.
Kinshachi Yokocho – Situated just south of Nagoya Castle, this area is a part of the castle premises. There are many wooden houses in Japanese style in this area that are identical to merchant houses during the Edo era offering a glimpse into the rich past of Nagoya.
The dining experiences in Nagoya can be memorable if you have an open mind and are willing to try. Street food, morning markets, factories and little hideouts sell various kinds of food and drink to hungry locals and visitors and finding food will not be boring.
Japanese food is not only sushi and ramen although both are great dishes and popular. There is much more you can try if you look for different Japanese preparations like tempura, shabu shabu, monja, yakiniku and more.
The downtown area of Nagoya Sakae offers many exciting opportunities for shopaholics with plenty of department stores. Flea markets and numerous charming streets are found all around Nagoya to pick gifts for loved ones and mementoes of your trip to Nagoya.
Nagoya Station, one of the largest stations in the world provides shopping across a massive area. Apart from these Osu Shotengi in Nagoya’s old town offers many bargains.
With many things to see and do around the city centre of Nagoya, it is prudent to select your accommodation in proximity to the downtown area. While many options are available Travelodge Nagoya Sakae seems a popular choice among visitors.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
