More about hotels in Nagoya
Meet Nagoya an underrated city in Japan. Nagoya is seldom included in the list of known tourist destinations that Japan is known for. The city is often just an afterthought as a place to visit since there are more exciting areas in Japan to explore.
It may not have the same exhilarating theme parks or stunning attractions that other regions in Japan offer, but Nagoya is the place to go if you want to gain in-depth knowledge of Japan’s rich culture and history. Filled with museums, castles, and art centers, Nagoya will let you in on how the Japan you know came to be.
How to Go
The Chubu Centrair International Airport is located 35km south of the Nagoya city proper. From here, the fastest way to get to the city is to take the airport train to Nagoya station.
There are also buses in the airport that can get you to the city center or any destination within Nagoya. There’s also an airport liner for visitors who arrive late at night and missed the cutoff time of the airport train. If you’re coming from other areas of Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, a train ride will get you to the city center in minutes.
Getting Around
Many of the prominent tourist spots in Nagoya are reachable by walking. Walking will let you experience the busy streets, historical avenues, and local culture better.
Getting around through bicycles are most welcome for exploring the wonders of the region. Bike renters are everywhere in the city, making it easy for you to travel around the area. For destinations situated farther from the city center, there are city buses and a subway line that stops in major points in the city.
Top Things to Do
Laidback and charming are the two descriptions that pop to mind when thinking of things to do in Nagoya. Your first stop should be at the most popular tourist spot in the city: the Nagoya TV Tower. Climb its observation deck to see a bird’s-eye view of the city and neighboring regions.
Meanwhile, head to the Toganji Temple and admire the large sculptures including a seated Buddha. You’ll find a large wooden block here which is believed to cleanse sins if touched. Another major tourist spot in Nagoya to explore is the Atsuta-Jingu shrine. Look for the Treasure Hall and see masks, paintings, and weaponry stashed in this important landmark. You can also visit the Osu Kannon Temple. You can buy a wide range of local charms and wander through the flea market that’s held twice a month. The Nittaiji Temple is another wonderful feat of architecture in the city. It symbolizes the friendship between Thailand and Japan.
Nagoya Castle is a must-visit for all travelers. A collection of costumes, weaponry, and relics from 17th-century Japan can be found here. Outside the castle is the Ninomaru-en garden where you can sample refreshing drinks from the teahouses. You can also enjoy a view of the cherry blossom trees in spring.
If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Nagoya City Science Museum. It has a massive planetarium, fun-filled laboratories, and life-sized displays that will keep kids busy. On the other hand, art lovers shouldn’t miss visiting the Tokugawa Art Museum. With more than 10,000 items on display, you’ll get a deeper understanding of Japan’s history and culture. And if you want some action, the best thing to do in Nagoya is to watch a Sumo tournament.
What to Eat
Start your day with a Nagoya-style breakfast which consists of a toast, a hard-boiled egg, a salad, and a fresh cup of coffee. The Shirakabe Cafe Hanagoyomi offers the best breakfast meals in town at affordable prices.
Nagoya’s Tonkatsu is a bit different from what other regions in Japan offer. Their unique version uses thick miso sauce instead of the traditional soy-based dressing, making this a must-try among tourists. Hitsumabushi is Nagoya’s version of eel on rice. They have a special way of cooking and presenting the eel that makes their style unique.
You should also try out Tebasaki, Japan’s fried chicken meal. It’s cooked twice in Nagoya, making it a hit among locals and tourists alike.
Nightlife
The main railway station is where you’ll find most of the bars and pubs in Nagoya. The Elephant’s Nest has a British classic pub vibe that locals and tourists love. They have a Guinness tap, dartboards, and a large TV showing football.
If you go to The Shooters Sports Bar & Grill, they have electronic darts, pool tables, and live music, along with Italian and Mexican food. For a decent cocktail served by accommodating, multilingual staff, Mybar is a friendly place to go to.
The Sakae shopping district is another spot for late-night drinkers and partygoers. Maverick is the most popular club with a sunken dance floor and state-of-the-art sound system. Steps is another club with an international crowd and a range of sports, dining, and entertainment options available.
Where to Stay
For first-timers, Nagoya hotels in the Naka Ward are the best since they’re accessible and are near major tourist attractions. The museums and historical sites in the area can help you understand more about the city’s culture.
Shopaholics and artists will love the commercial district of Sakae Town. Nagoya hotels in the area are surrounded by shopping malls and lively bars. Accommodations are also near numerous museums and are generally a quick train away from popular tourist spots.
Hotels in Nagoya situated in the Kanayama area are ideal for those who want to stay in a peaceful neighborhood. Accommodations here are affordable and are accessible to train lines.
Nishi Ward is the best place to look for hotels in Nagoya if you want access to more public parks. It’s known for historic streets lined with structures dating from the Edo period. If you want to get away from the bustling city, look for Nagoya hotels here.
