A historical and cultural tour
Nagoya is a vibrant city where history and modernity blend. It’s a fascinating place to enjoy delicious Nagoya cuisine, and beautiful nature, and experience traditional Japanese culture.
On the first day, I’ll be staying in Sakae, the bustling downtown area of Nagoya.
After arriving at Nagoya Station, I’ll head to Sakae to leave my luggage at the hotel.
It’s only a 5-minute train ride from Nagoya Station to Sakae Station.
Day 1: Exploring Atsuta Shrine and Nagoya Castle
・Atsuta Shrine
Atsuta Shrine, a prestigious ancient shrine with a history spanning 1900 years, is considered second only to the Ise Grand Shrine as a guardian shrine of the nation.
Its main hall enshrines the goddess Atsuta Daijin, who is believed to be Amaterasu Omikami, possessing the sacred Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures.
The vast precinct is home to numerous shrines, including Ichinomiya Shrine, which opened to the public in 2012, and Shimochigama Shrine, the guardian deity of travelers. Many people visit with specific purposes in mind.
The shrine grounds, spanning approximately 190,000 square meters, are home to towering ancient camphor trees, some over 1,000 years old, providing a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere.
The treasure hall houses over 6,000 offerings donated by the Imperial Family and devotees from across Japan.
Among these, over 170 items are designated as important cultural properties by the national and Aichi Prefectural governments.
Valuable treasures such as swords, ancient sacred treasures, twelve Noh masks, a chrysanthemum lacquer box, the Atsuta copy of the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), and the Lotus Sutra are permanently exhibited in the treasure hall.
Access
Take the Meijo Line from Sakae Station to Jingū-nishi Station. The shrine is a 7-minute walk from the station.
・Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s three most famous castles, boasts a vast expanse of approximately 250,000 square meters and is renowned for being one of the largest castle complexes in the country.
Its most iconic feature is the pair of golden shachihoko (mythical carp-like creatures) adorning the roof of the main keep, earning it the nicknames “Golden Shachihoko Castle” and “Golden Castle.”
Commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, Nagoya Castle was built at the pinnacle of castle-building technology, showcasing the immense wealth and skill of the era’s most powerful daimyo.
Beyond its grandeur, the castle also boasts remarkable artistic achievements, including wall paintings by the Kano school, one of the most prominent schools of Japanese painting.
Designated as a Special Historic Site in 1952, Nagoya Castle has been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to experience the splendor of this magnificent structure.
ACCESS
From Atsuta Shrine: Take the Meijo Line from Atsuta Jingū-denmacho Station to Nagoya Castle Station (20 minutes).
It’s a 5-minute walk from the station.
From Sakae: Take the Meijo Line from Sakae Station to Nagoya Castle Station (5 minutes). It’s a 5-minute walk from the station.
・Kinshachi Alley
Kinshachi Yokocho is a food court with 20 different shops, divided into two areas.
You can find various Nagoya-style restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
You can also enjoy takeout food from multiple shops within the food court.
Since re-entry to Nagoya Castle is allowed, why not enjoy your time at Kinshachi Yokocho before or after your visit to the castle?
ACCESS
Nagoya Castle, along the moat
Day 1 Recommended Gourmet
Nagoya is known for its delicious food, such as eel, kishimen noodles, miso-katsu, tebasaki (chicken wings), and Taiwan ramen.
Atsuta Shrine
・Atsuta Horaiken Jingu Branch
Atsuta Horaiken is renowned for its exquisite hitsumabushi, a Nagoya specialty featuring eel simmered in a time-honored, sweet sauce that infuses every grain of rice with flavor.
The eel itself is expertly grilled to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, succulent interior.
With various ways to enjoy it – plain, with condiments, or in a flavorful broth – hitsumabushi is a must-try for any visitor to Nagoya. Conveniently, there’s also a branch in Sakae.
Nagoya Castle
・Nagoya Castle Kishimen Restaurant
Discover the authentic taste of Nagoya at this restaurant located within the magnificent Nagoya Castle.
Savor the city’s iconic kishimen noodles, featuring wide, flat noodles with a delightful texture and a flavorful broth. Complement your kishimen with other local specialties such as miso-katsu and tebasaki.
With various set menus available, you can experience the best of Nagoya cuisine in one meal.
Kinshachi Alley
・Original Fried Skewers Tsuda Kinshachi Yokocho Branch
Our owner is a master fryer who honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka. His golden-brown skewers are fried to perfection, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior that leaves no greasy residue on your fingers. You can enjoy the freshest seasonal ingredients, freshly fried.
We recommend the omakase course, where you can savor an endless stream of skewers until you’re satisfied.
We also offer fixed-number courses and special lunch sets.
Sakae
・Black Pig Ramuchi
Our miso katsu is a local favorite known for its crispy, juicy pork cutlet generously coated in a sweet miso sauce.
The dish is served with a mountain of fresh shredded cabbage and chopped green onions, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork cutlet.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Sakae Station
・Kushikatsu Lovely
This popular restaurant is always packed, with lines often stretching outside, even attracting visitors from outside the prefecture eager to experience Nagoya’s cuisine.
You can order miso-katsu in sets of three or more.
The tender cutlet and mild miso sauce are particularly popular among women.
Other delicious items include tebasaki (chicken wings), miso-oden (miso-flavored hot pot), and potato salad, all made with care and at a great price. Reservations are not accepted, so please come with plenty of time.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Sakae Station
Day 1 Recommended Accommodations
・Nagoya Tokyu Hotel
Experience European elegance at our world-class hotel.
Offering a range of dining options and a state-of-the-art fitness center, our hotel caters to all guests.
Families can enjoy our spacious quadruple rooms.
ACCESS
5 minutes walk from Sakae Station
・Hilton Nagoya
Our high-rise hotel is strategically located in the heart of Nagoya, a short walk from Fushimi Station.
Explore a variety of tourist destinations, including Osu Kannon, Nagoya Castle, and Osu’s traditional shops, all within a 3-kilometer radius.
Relax in our indoor pool, savor delicious meals at our on-site restaurants, and rejuvenate with a soothing massage. Complimentary room service and bicycle rentals are also available for your convenience.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Fushimi Station, next to Sakae Station.
From Nagoya Station, it is about 15 minutes walk to the hotel, or about 5 minutes by taxi.
・FORZA Hotel Nagoya Sakae
Nestled in the vibrant Sakae district, our hotel offers easy access to shopping and dining.
All rooms are non-smoking and provide a relaxing ambiance with 11 unique layouts and amenities such as massage cushions.
Start your day with our extensive breakfast buffet, featuring local favorites like miso katsu and our signature Nagoya spaghetti, as well as a wide selection of Western and Japanese dishes and delectable desserts.
ACCESS
5 minutes walk from Meijo Line, Yabacho Station, Exit 5 or 6
Day 2: Explore the World of Japanese Anime and Experience Animal Encounters
Day 2: Exploring Ghibli Park and enjoying animal encounters at Higashiyama Zoo
・Ghibli Park
Don’t miss out on the magical experience of Ghibli Park—be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Studio Ghibli, a global animation powerhouse, has brought its enchanting worlds to life in this one-of-a-kind theme park.
Explore meticulously recreated settings from beloved films, where every detail is designed to immerse you in the story. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a fairytale.
The park’s blend of nature and handcrafted elements creates a truly magical atmosphere that will delight fans and newcomers alike.
With direct bus access from Nagoya Station, getting there is a breeze.
ACCESS
Bus: Nagoya Station, Meitetsu Bus Center, 4th floor, bus stop 24 bound for “Expo Memorial Park (Ghibli Park)”
Train: 23 minutes from Sakae Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station, then 13 minutes on the Linimo to “Aichi Expo Memorial Park Station”
Given the vastness of Ghibli Park, please be prepared to adjust your itinerary if necessary.
・Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Spanning 60 hectares, this expansive park offers a diverse range of attractions, including a zoo, botanical gardens, amusement park, and the iconic Higashiyama Sky Tower.
Home to approximately 550 animal species, the zoo features popular exhibits such as the gorilla and chimpanzee enclosure, where you can encounter the famous western lowland gorilla Shabani.
The botanical gardens boast a stunning array of approximately 7,000 plant species, with highlights including the cherry blossom corridor and autumn foliage.
With its diverse range of attractions and breathtaking natural beauty, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
ACCESS
18 minutes from Nagoya Station to Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line, then 3 minutes on foot from the station
Day 2 Recommended Gourmet
Ghibli Park
・Rotunda Kazegaoka
This restaurant offers a delightful selection of over 10 types of onigiri (Japanese rice balls) and sweet treats.
In addition to classic flavors like salt and salmon, you can also find local specialties such as clam and tempura shrimp, as well as a unique “Napolitan” onigiri, a favorite of director Goro Miyazaki.
・Cafe Tairikuoudan Hiko
Located outside the Ghibli Warehouse, Cafe Tairikuoudan Hiko offers a taste of the world of ”Porco Rosso”.
The menu features sandwiches and pizzas designed for pilots to eat one-handed while flying long distances.
There are 9 regular sandwich options and 1 seasonal sandwich that changes with the seasons. As for pizzas, there are 4 savory and 2 sweet options.
・Soratobu Obun
Located near the entrance to Witch’s Valley, beside the lovely Tsutsuji Pond, this full-service restaurant boasts a charming brick exterior.
On weekends and holidays, a special breakfast menu is served from a Soratobu Obun between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM (last order).
Given the popularity of Witch’s Valley, many visitors head straight to this restaurant upon arrival.
While waiting for others to finish shopping, you can enjoy a leisurely meal here.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
・Maison de Vert
Located by the Upper Pond within Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, this cafe offers a variety of Western dishes, such as pasta and omelets, that can be enjoyed with a drink.
The cafe also boasts a wide selection of sweet treats like pancakes and crepes, making it a popular spot for those seeking a light lunch.
・Higashiyama Saryo
This restaurant is located in the “Zooasis” food court within Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
It offers a variety of unique kishimen noodle dishes, such as those topped with umeboshi (pickled plum) and grated radish or mentaiko cream.
Transportation Options and Travel Times to Major Cities
Nagoya Station to Tokyo Station
Shinkansen: 90 to 120 minutes
Nagoya Station to Shin-Osaka Station
Shinkansen: 50 minutes