Although Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture, is Japan’s fourth largest city, it often gets overlooked in favor of places like Tokyo or Osaka. Even locals joke that their city doesn’t have anything special to offer. That’s just not true, however. There’s plenty to see and do, from explorations of its exciting history to fun shopping experiences. Nagoya is also one of Japan’s top food cities. Its local cuisine can go head-to-head with other culinary destinations like Fukuoka or Sapporo any day.
Nagoya is in central Japan, and a stop along the Tokaido shinkansen line makes it convenient to jump from Tokyo to Kyoto. You don’t have to go far from Nagoya station to enjoy what this central city offers. History, nature and food are all available within walking distance of the station.
Nagoya Meshi Shokudo Maruhachi
With its bold flavors, use of the dark-colored Hatcho miso, and hearty portions, Nagoya food is famous all over Japan. If you only have enough time for a meal, jumping off the train at Nagoya Station is worth it for this reason alone. For the Nagoya newbie, I recommend Nagoya Meshi Shokudo Maruhachi, a mini-Nagoya food court.
Located in the basement of Nagoya Lucent Tower, it features four famous local restaurants. First up (and most famous) is Yabaton, whose Hatcho miso-covered tonkatsu pork cutlet is incredible.
If chicken is more your thing, get a plate of the city’s famous tebasaki fried chicken wings at Torikai Sohonke. Nagoya is known for unagi (freshwater eel), particularly histumabushi, or grilled eel over rice. Local chain Una Takumi is represented here. Finally, finish it with a light bowl of kishimen, Nagoya’s udon (buckwheat noodles), at Kanekan.
B1F Ushijimacho Nagoya Lucent Tower, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi. - Map
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7 Comments
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beachcomber
TIME has selected Nagoya as a world’s great place to visit.
https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2023/6261808/nagoya-japan/
I recommend Osu and Hisaya Odori Park as a nice place to visit in Nagoya.
Hitsumabushi tastes wonderful.
fa477279
Do yourself a favor, stay on that shinkansen from Tokyo until Kyoto. Nagoya is a boring city w no world class sights at all, unfriendly people, and big wide roads which aren't great for bikes or walking.
Albert
Nagoya has some great food but living here for 10 years i can only advice don't spent more than a day her. Osu is nothing after covid and other places are rarely fun.
JeffLee
I was actually stuck at Nagoya Station for a couple of hours once a long time ago. I walked around for a while and was astounded to find there was absolutely nothing worth seeing or doing.
Paustovsky
It's a hellscape of chain shops and restaurants. Only heroin would make it worth going.
kohakuebisu
It's not at Nagoya Station but the Toyota car museum is really good. Meiji Mura is quite good too. Both are near Nagoya.
GBR48
You will spend a fair bit of time on the Higashiyama Line traversing Nagoya, and it is very busy. Research Nagoya station and the metro lines/exits you need before you go. A YouTube walkthrough is a good idea, if you can find one.
Last I heard, the castle [keep] is transitioning from ferroconcrete to wood. You might get to see some traditional craftsfolk at work, and meet some ninjas. The Railway Park is a short train ride away and has an original shinkansen.
Wherever you go in Japan, there is always something interesting to see. Pick any station and examine the surroundings on Google Maps.