Nagoya, Japan: The City You Didn't Know You Were Missing

Ghibli Park

Built within Expo 2005 Commemoration Park, it recreates worlds from Studio Ghibli films with extraordinary attention to detail. Tickets are timed and sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Even beyond the exhibits, the park itself is worth lingering in—especially if you give yourself time to explore.

Nagoya Aquarium

One of Japan’s best aquariums, and surprisingly easy to enjoy without the usual sensory overload. You'll see fish you never knew existed. The beluga whale tank is a highlight, and the layout makes it feel spacious rather than crowded. Go on a weekday if possible, and pair it with a walk around the Port of Nagoya area.

Sakae

Nagoya’s central hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Department stores like Parco and Mitsukoshi sit alongside independent shops, bookstores, and an overwhelming (in a good way) number of restaurants and izakayas. It can feel like a lot at first—give it an evening, wander a bit, and it starts to make sense.

Seto Ceramics

A short train ride from Nagoya, Seto has been a center of Japanese pottery for centuries. Today, it’s filled with small workshops, galleries, and markets where you can buy directly from artisans. It’s an ideal stop if you like bringing home objects with a story.

Nagoya Castle

While the main keep is a reconstruction, the grounds are expansive and the Honmaru Palace—meticulously restored with intricately painted interiors—is the real highlight. If crowds are heavy, skip the tower and spend your time exploring the palace.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Part park, part zoo, part botanical garden, this is where locals actually spend time outdoors. It’s large enough to wander for hours and relaxed enough that you never feel rushed—which is exactly the appeal.

Day trips

• Gifu—ukai cormorant fishing
  Running from May through October, this 1,300-year-old tradition unfolds on the Nagara River by lantern light. Fishermen use trained cormorants to catch sweetfish while spectators watch from wooden boats. It’s atmospheric, slightly surreal, and genuinely memorable. Book in advance, especially if you want a dinner cruise.

• Yoro Park (Site of Reversible Destiny)
  A surreal, disorienting art environment designed to challenge your sense of balance and perception. Uneven terrain, unexpected angles, and playful architecture make it feel like you’ve stepped into a philosophical experiment. Wear practical shoes—you’ll need them.
  

Sakurakan (Sakae)

A neighborhood izakaya that gets all the essentials right: well-executed small plates, solid yakitori, and a comfortable, lively atmosphere. The kind of place where you order one more round without thinking too hard about it.

Atsuta Horaiken

Have Nagoya’s signature dish: hitsumabushi, grilled eel (unagi) over rice, enjoyed three ways—on its own, with condiments, and finished with broth. This place is the most famous spot (and for good reason), but you’ll find excellent versions throughout the city if you’d rather avoid the wait.

Miso katsu

A Nagoya specialty featuring a crispy pork cutlet topped with a rich, deeply flavored hatcho miso sauce. Yabaton serves it at multiple locations across the city. Locals prefer Suzuya, around since 1947, and serving up the best tonkatsu sandwich for takeaway.

Tebasaki

Nagoya-style chicken wings: seasoned, double-fried, and coated in a sweet-savory glaze. Furaibo is a local favorite, and, yes—you’ll probably end up ordering much more than you expected.

Ogura toast (kissaten culture)

Morning service in Nagoya is a ritual: Order a coffee and you’ll often get toast with sweet red bean paste included. Komeda’s Coffee is the city’s most famous chain, but smaller, independent kissaten offer a more nostalgic experience. I love Yuri for its comfort food classics like omurice.

Kishimen noodles

Flat, wide noodles served in a light dashi broth—simple, comforting, and distinctly local. Found at an atmospheric location near Atsuta-Jingu shrine at Miya Kishimen and in most udon shops, it is especially satisfying on cooler days.