What to do in Nagoya for first-timers

While Tokyo and Osaka often steal the spotlight, Nagoya is a hidden gem in Japan that’s definitely worth exploring. If you love a perfect blend of food, history, and innovation, then this charming city is the place for you! Known as the ‘gateway to Central Japan,’ this vibrant city offers experiences that will leave you wanting to come back for more! 

If you’re asking, “What to do in Nagoya?” Well, you’re in for a treat! We’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Nagoya for first-time visitors. And if this city isn’t on your radar yet, it definitely will be by the time you reach the end of this list! 

Japan is known for its intricate train system, and despite its complexity, we can’t help but appreciate its reliability, convenience, and punctuality–qualities that are quite hard to match with anywhere else in the world. Thanks to this efficient train system, traveling from popular cities like Tokyo and Osaka to Nagoya is a breeze, and getting around Nagoya itself is even more convenient!

In case you still don’t know which airport in Japan to land into, the Chubu Centair International Airport (NGO) is the main gateway to Central Japan where Nagoya is. But if you’re planning to land first in one of the more popular cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, fret not because there are many other ways to still reach Nagoya regardless of where you’re coming from! 

The best and most efficient way to get to Nagoya from Tokyo is via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen or more commonly referred to as the JR ‘bullet train’; Depending on from which JR train you’ll be hopping on–Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodaman–it takes about 2 to 3 hours train ride to reach Nagoya from Tokyo. You can purchase single-ride JR tickets for these train journeys, or if you’re traveling across Japan with a JR Whole Rail Pass, your bullet train rides will be fully covered! 

Similar to traveling from Tokyo, Nagoya is easily accessible from Osaka via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. With a direct line between Osaka Station and Nagoya Station, the journey takes only 50-70 minutes, making it perfectly feasible to enjoy a day trip to Nagoya from Osaka! There are also local JR trains you can catch between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya, but it will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes to travel between cities through them. 

Another option is via the Kintetsu Railway, which takes 2 to 3.5 hours of travel–depending if you’re hopping on an express train or the regular ones– between Nagoya Station and Osaka Namba Station. To know more about your options, you can read our guide to traveling between Osaka and Nagoya. 

Congratulations, you’ve arrived in the city! So, finally, what to do in Nagoya? If you’re not traveling to multiple cities across Japan, we highly recommend opting for a 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass rather than a JR Whole Rail Pass.

While the JR Pass is great for traveling between cities,  it doesn’t offer much for getting around within Nagoya. On the other hand, the 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass provides unlimited access to the Kintetsu network, including both local and express trains, and allows you to easily visit popular nearby destinations from Nagoya such as Ise, Tobe, and Yokkaichi. 

Important note: Keep in mind that only the 5-day Kintetsu Rail Pass includes Nagoya, but since you’re visiting Japan, it is highly unlikely that you’ll only be spending less than 5 days in the country anyway!  

To further help you with the decision on which train pass to purchase, you can check out our Klook guide to JR Pass and guide to Kintetsu Rail Pass!   

If you’re a theme park lover, then going to LEGOLAND Nagoya is one of the best Nagoya attractions and an absolute must-do when you visit the city. And while LEGOLAND Nagoya is particularly tailored for kids, we think it’s still perfect for all ages – for the younger children who are still playing with LEGOs and for the adults who grew up playing with them! So from LEGO-themed roller coaster rides to shows and live entertainment, don’t miss this chance to visit one of the few LEGOLAND Resorts in the world! 

If you're wondering what to do in Nagoya, exploring this UNESCO Heritage Site is a must. Shirakawa-go is known for preserving its traditional architecture and stunning natural beauty, making it one of the top Nagoya tourist attractions. While Shirakawa-go is a worthwhile visit any time of the year, it is particularly more magical during wintertime! So if you’re headed to the region during the winter months, then you should put Shirakawa-go on your itinerary. 

For a hassle-free experience, you can consider booking a day tour from Nagoya to Shirakawa-Go which also includes stops at the historic districts of Gujo Hachiman and Hida Takayama. These ancient towns offer a glimpse into Japan’s history, while the journey allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding Shirakawa-go. It’s the perfect way to explore Japan’s heritage and natural beauty in a one-day trip! 

Another winter highlight in Nagoya is a trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where you can see snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls! If you’re up for the adventure, you can book a two-day trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi, which will take you through the Japanese Alps and the chance to walk along the Snow Wall – a wall formed by snow up to 20 meters high especially between the months of April and June! 

For those who want a little bit of action, the tour also includes a hiking trip in Kamikochi, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Hotaka Mountain Range. There are also hot springs you can take a relaxing dip in to help soothe your tired muscles, making it one of the must-dos in Nagoya for nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of Japan’s alpine region. 

We all know Japan is known for its food. After all, Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, so it is no wonder why food is one of the biggest motivators for people to visit the country! If you’re one of those foodies wondering what to do in Nagoya, then you’d be delighted to know that the city is popular for its unique culinary culture. Here are some Nagoya-style dishes you absolutely need to try on your visit to the city:

If you’ve dined at a Japanese restaurant before then you’d be familiar with tonkatsu, which is essentially deep-fried pork cutlets. But what makes this unique and special to Nagoya is how this tonkatsu is served glazed with a thick and rich red miso paste that certainly oomphs the umami!   

One of the best local dishes in Nagoya is Hitsumabushi, which is a dish made of finely chopped grilled eel over rice. While this dish is common to many areas in Japan, it is known as a specialty in the region so you should definitely grab a bowl for yourself when you visit Nagoya! 

Fried chicken lovers would rejoice in knowing that Nagoya has its own take on their beloved dish. Known locally as Tebasaki, it’s double fried chicken wings coated in a sweet and salty glaze, with a signature peppery flavor – a signature taste in Nagoya. And while fried chicken wings can be found throughout Japan, Tebasaki holds a special place in the city’s culinary culture, making it a must-try when visiting Nagoya! 

As the name suggests, Nagoya Castle is an iconic and historic castle in Nagoya, providing travelers a look into the country’s past during the Edo period thanks to the exhibits that are now housed in the castle. The castle’s stunning architecture is also one not to miss – look up and you’ll see two golden statues of Japanese mythical creatures with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish perched atop the castle. These creatures are not just decorative; they’re believed to bring good luck and protect the castle from fires. Nowadays, they are what have made Nagoya Castle an architectural icon in the modern era. 

For the best views, head to the top of the main keep, where you’ll see picture-perfect views of Nagoya’s skyline and surrounding landscape, especially on clear and sunny days. The castle grounds are also perfect for a stroll, particularly during spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom or autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red. Whether you're a history buff or someone who enjoys nature, Nagoya Castle is an essential stop for any first-time visitor to the city.

If you’re interested in Japanese mythology and spirituality, then visiting Atsuta Shrine is one of the best things to do in Nagoya for you. The shrine is a key pilgrimage site for people who are seeking good luck, health, and happiness (most of us do, don’t we?), and has been a place of worship for over 1,900 years now.  

One of the reasons why Atsuta Shrine has long been a place of worship is largely due to its housing of one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures – the Kusanagi no Tsurugi. According to Japanese mythology, this grass-cutting sword was gifted by the God of the Wind to a prince of the imperial family to help him survive an ambush in a grassy field. Since then, the sword has symbolized the imperial family’s strength and divine right to rule. And while the sword is not on public display, as it is kept hidden for sacred protection, its presence at Atsuta Shrine plays an important role in the shrine’s spiritual significance and deep ties to Japan's mythology.

After exploring two of Naguya’s culturally and historically significant landmarks, make sure to visit a more modern gem that is just as significant to Japan’s culture and reputation as a global leader in technological innovation – the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. 

In case you didn’t know, Toyota (yes, the giant car manufacturer) is a Japanese company named after its birthplace, Toyota City, which is located about an hour from Nagoya! So whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, a visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology offers an interesting blend of Japan’s history, technological advancements, and culture. So next time you visit Nagoya, don’t miss this chance to have an immersive experience learning about the evolution of one of the world’s most influential companies! 

No visit to Japan is complete without experiencing some culture and shopping, and if you're wondering what to do in Nagoya, heading to the neighborhood of Osu lets you hit two birds with one stone! The Osu Kannon Temple is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Kannon and is a serene place of worship. It also features beautiful architecture and is quite known for its striking red pagoda.

After finding a moment of peace at the temple, next to it is the vibrant Osu Shopping District filled with shops and restaurants. The area is packed with a mix of vintage stores, fashion boutiques, and street food stalls serving local specialties. The neighborhood is an absolutely must-visit to immerse yourself in the local shopping scene and experience the city’s eclectic charm.

Another best thing to do in Nagoya is to explore its buzzing nightlife. Head to Sakae District, the city’s nightlife hub, where you’ll find trendy cafes and bars, and even more shopping! A standout attraction in the area is Oasis 21, which is a popular shopping mall in Nagoya known for its futuristic glass-domed structure. Not only is it a must-see architectural landmark, but it also features boutiques, rooftop bars, and luxury fashion brands, making it a perfect spot for shopping and just enjoying the city’s more modern and energetic atmosphere. 

If you want to see the bright lights that make Nagoya’s gorgeous skyline, then you can head up to the Nagoya TV Tower where you can see the city from a 90-meter high observation deck! There you’ll get an eagle-eye view of Nagoya and its surrounding areas if you’re visiting during the daytime. And if you’re traveling with a partner, the building was actually selected as a ‘Lovers’ Sanctuary’ in 2008, so don’t forget to take a selfie together with the giant heart sculpture inside to capture the moment and create lasting memories together!

Now that we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Nagoya, then you better make sure you’re also informed as to what the other best things to do in Japan are! So whether you’re heading to the eclectic city of Tokyo or the quieter, more culturally significant, Osaka, here are our best guides to help you make the most out of your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!