- How to Get to Nagoya Castle: The Best Transport Options
- Explore the best ways to reach Nagoya Castle. Learn why the Me~guru bus is the most convenient and cost-effective option, with tips on saving money and maximizing your visit.
Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s largest cities, offering numerous cutting-edge tourist spots typical of a major metropolis. However, Nagoya also has a rich history, with many traditional attractions such as castles and shrines that exude a sense of culture and heritage.
In this guide, we’ll introduce a popular and classic sightseeing route in Nagoya that you can enjoy using up your whole day. This itinerary can be used for a one-day trip or a two-day, one-night stay, so feel free to use it as a reference.
Experience History, Trends, and Cuisine! The Ultimate Comprehensive Nagoya Sightseeing Plan
Let’s start by giving an overview of the entire itinerary.
| Time | Place |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Nagoya Station |
| 10:00 am | Nagoya Castle |
| 12:00 am | Kinshachi Yokocho (Lunch) |
| 1:15 pm | Nagoya City Hall & Aichi Prefectural Office |
| 2:00 pm | Osu Kannon |
| 2:30 pm | Osu Shopping Street |
| 4:00 pm | Hotel Check - in (Break) |
| 6:00 pm | Midland Square |
| 7:30 pm | Sakae Underground Shopping Street (Dinner) |
| 9:00 pm | Night Cityscape Stroll |
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation | ¥660 |
| Entrance Fees | ¥1,500 |
| Total | ¥2,160 |
This one-day plan allows you to enjoy both the historical and trendy spots of Nagoya. Experience history at Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon, and the local vibrancy at Osu Shopping Street. Enjoy the city’s allure with night views from Midland Square and the Sakae underground shopping street. This balanced itinerary also lets you savor Nagoya’s gourmet cuisine. With a budget of just ¥2,160, you can efficiently explore Nagoya.
Nagoya Station
🕐 9:00 am
Your Nagoya adventure begins at Nagoya Station. Whether you’re arriving by Shinkansen from afar or by local train from nearby, most travelers start their Nagoya sightseeing here at Nagoya Station.
The station is vast, so take your time and don’t worry about getting lost. This itinerary is designed with enough flexibility, so there’s no need to rush. We’ll also introduce the quickest routes to each destination. Let’s head to the first destination.
Nagoya Castle
The shortest route from Nagoya Station to Nagoya Castle (23 minutes)
- From JR Nagoya Station Bus Terminal, Platform 11, take the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus “Me~guru”.
- Get off at the “Nagoya Castle” bus stop.
- Bus ride: 23 minutes
- Fare: ¥210
For a convenient way to explore Meguru and Nagoya Castle, consider the 1 DAY Ticket. Check out the details of Meguru and the 1 DAY Ticket here.
Read more about Me~guru and 1 DAY Ticket
🕐 10:00 am
Nagoya Castle is the most popular tourist spot in Nagoya, boasting over 400 years of history. The golden shachihoko gleaming atop the main keep, the luxurious Honmaru Palace, and the three surviving turrets are all must-see highlights. You might also catch a glimpse of samurai or ninja performers within the castle grounds, adding a bit of entertainment to this historic site.
Nagoya Castle is a must-visit for anyone coming to Nagoya; no visit to the city is complete without it.
Read more about Nagoya Castle
Lunch: Savor Nagoya’s Local Cuisine at Kinshachi Yokocho!
The shortest route from Nagoya Castle to Kinshachi Yokocho (2 minutes)
It’s a 2-minute walk from Nagoya Castle’s main gate to Kinshachi Yokocho. Since it’s adjacent to the castle, you won’t need to worry about travel time.
🕐 12:00 am
After exploring Nagoya Castle, it’s just about time for lunch. Let’s grab a bite.
Kinshachi Yokocho, located next to Nagoya Castle, is divided into two main areas, but for now, let’s visit the area closest to the castle’s main gate.
Here, you can try almost all of Nagoya’s famous dishes—Nagoya Cochin chicken, hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), miso katsu, miso nikomi udon, miso dengaku, and more. Plus, all the participating restaurants are well-known, long-established shops!
Choosing a place for lunch can be tricky for travelers unfamiliar with the area, but at Kinshachi Yokocho, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy Nagoya’s gourmet delicacies at renowned eateries.
Read more about Kinshachi Yokocho
Must-See! Nagoya City Hall & Aichi Prefectural Office: Preserved Landmarks
The shortest route from Kinshachi Yokocho to Nagoya City Hall & Aichi Prefectural Office (15 minutes)
🕐 1:15 pm
After lunch, it’s time for a leisurely stroll. This might be an easily overlooked spot, but it’s a must-visit when in Nagoya—the Nagoya City Hall and Aichi Prefectural Office.
The highlight is their architecture! You don’t even need to go inside—just walking by and admiring the exterior is satisfying enough. In this itinerary, we’ve scheduled just enough time for a quick exterior view. But even so, it’s worth it!
Nagoya City Hall
Nagoya City Hall was built in 1933 and is a modernist building. The rooftop is adorned with traditional Japanese tiles, and the pinnacle features a shachihoko.
The impressive geometric design and stately exterior make it a standout. It survived the war and stands as a symbol of Nagoya’s modernization. Interestingly, this building was the first active city hall to be designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Aichi Prefectural Office
Right next to Nagoya City Hall is the Aichi Prefectural Office, which also boasts a unique appearance.
It might look like a modern Western-style building, but at the top is a hipped roof resembling the main keep of Nagoya Castle, complete with shachihoko!
Completed in 1938, like Nagoya City Hall, it was constructed before World War II. While Nagoya Castle was destroyed in air raids, both the city hall and the prefectural office were spared.
Both buildings have distinct architectural styles and are worth seeing while you explore Nagoya.
Osu Kannon
The shortest route from Nagoya Castle to Osu Kannon (20 minutes)
- From Nagoya Castle Station, take the Meijo Line (left loop) on the subway. Transfer at Kamimaezu Station.
- From Kamimaezu Station, take the Tsurumai Line (bound for Kami-Otai) and get off at Osu Kannon Station.
- Exit from Exit 2 of Osu Kannon Station, and it’s a 1-minute walk to your destination.
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
- Transportation cost: ¥240
🕐 2:00 pm
We’ve now arrived at Osu, one of Nagoya’s most popular tourist destinations. Next, we’ll visit Osu Kannon, one of Japan’s three major Kannon temples, famous for housing the oldest existing manuscript of the Kojiki, a National Treasure.
The vibrant red Niomon gate is stunning. This spot is popular, with many visitors daily.
Osu Kannon’s formal name is Kitanozan Shinpukuji Hoshoin. Originally located in Gifu Prefecture, it is now in Nagoya’s Naka Ward, serving as a special head temple of the Shingon Chisan Sect.
Founded in 1324 by order of Emperor Go-Daigo and opened by the monk Noshin, it was relocated to its current location by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612, and has since become a major pilgrimage site.
The temple’s principal deity is Kannon Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), and it’s known as a sacred place with strong spiritual power, where prayers are believed to be particularly effective.
Visitors often come to pray for family safety, good health, business prosperity, protection from evil, matchmaking, safe childbirth, and academic success—so be sure to make a wish during your visit.
Osu Shopping Street
The shortest route from Osu Kannon to Osu Shopping Street (0 minutes)
As soon as you step out of Osu Kannon, you’re already at Osu Shopping Street. You won’t need to worry about travel time.
🕐 2:30 pm
Osu Shopping Street is a massive shopping arcade with around 1,200 shops. It serves as a local hub for daily needs while also being a vibrant center for culture and tourism. The street is especially famous for its street food. In addition, there are historical and cultural spots, like a temple founded by Oda Nobunaga’s father right in the middle of the arcade, and a shrine with koma deer instead of koma inu guardians. It’s also well-known for cosplay events, making it a fun place to simply stroll around.
Read more about Osu Shopping Street
Rest and Prepare for the Night
🕐 4:00 pm
If you’re staying overnight in Nagoya, now is the time to check in at your hotel.
Take a break, freshen up, and get ready for the evening.
If you’re on a day trip and don’t need to check into a hotel, use this time to visit another sightseeing spot.
Enjoy the Most Beautiful Urban Night Views in Nagoya
🕐 6:00 pm (7:00 pm in summer)
The sun has set, and night has fallen. Let’s go see some stunning night views.
Just a short walk from JR Nagoya Station is Midland Square, a building complex with an outdoor observatory called the Sky Promenade.
The night view from here is truly spectacular. The city lights of Nagoya are dazzling, and you’ll find yourself completely captivated. The Sky Promenade is also unique in that it’s an open-air observatory located on the 46th floor, without a roof! The sense of openness is unmatched, making it the perfect place to enjoy the best urban night views.
Read more about Midland Square Sky Promenade
Dinner at Nagoya’s Largest Underground Shopping Street!
The shortest route from Nagoya Station to Sakae Station (5 minutes)
- From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line (bound for Fujigaoka) and get off at Sakae Station.
- Estimated travel time: 5 minutes
- Transportation cost: ¥210
🕐 7:30 pm
Dinner will be at Nagoya’s largest underground shopping street in Sakae. Sakae is Nagoya’s largest downtown area and entertainment district. The underground shopping street here is vast, with “Sakae Chika,” “Mori no Chikagai,” and “Central Park Underground Shopping Street” all connected to form one large underground shopping area. It’s a popular spot that bustles with people of all ages!
There are many restaurants to choose from, but I particularly recommend Sakatsuya!
Sakatsuya is a retro izakaya located in Mori no Chikagai. It’s actually quite popular with local women! You can enjoy a variety of Nagoya’s famous dishes, like jakoten (fried fish cake), miso katsu, and tebasaki (chicken wings). It’s a great place for travelers to dine, with tasty, affordable options.
Read more about Sakatsuya
Sakae: Night View Stroll
The shortest route from Mori no Chikagai to the night view spot (0 minutes)
Once you exit Mori no Chikagai to the surface, you’re already at the night view spot, so travel time is almost negligible.
🕐 9:00 pm
End your day with a stroll through some stunning nightscapes. Earlier, we enjoyed the night view from high above, but now we’ll appreciate it from ground level.
Sakae is Nagoya’s largest downtown area. With various establishments for fashion, food, and entertainment, it offers a delightful atmosphere even at night.
While the neon lights of the city are enchanting, I recommend visiting “MIRAI TOWER,” “Hisaya Odori Park,” and “Oasis 21.”
These three spots are adjacent, so there’s no need to travel between them, allowing you to enjoy three different night views at once.
MIRAI TOWER & Hisaya Odori Park
MIRAI TOWER is the former Nagoya TV Tower, essentially Nagoya’s version of Tokyo Tower. It’s lit up every night and looks absolutely stunning up close.
Hisaya Odori Park is located right in front of MIRAI TOWER. Although it’s called a park, it’s filled with commercial facilities, and its chic lighting creates a sophisticated nighttime atmosphere.
Enjoy the illuminated Hisaya Odori Park while taking in the sight of the brightly lit MIRAI TOWER. It’s a magical experience and a popular night spot in Nagoya.
Read more about MIRAI TOWER & Hisaya Odori Park
Oasis 21
Oasis 21 is a complex facility with restaurants, fashion shops, and a bus terminal. Located right next to Hisaya Odori Park, it’s easy to visit both together.
The entire Oasis 21 complex is illuminated, creating a pleasant atmosphere just for walking around. But be sure to climb up to the giant roof known as the “Spaceship Aqua” that seems to float in the night sky. From here, you can enjoy the view of MIRAI TOWER, capping off your night with the most spectacular nightscape.
It’s a breathtaking sight that will leave you speechless and is the perfect way to conclude your day of sightseeing in Nagoya.
Read more about Oasis 21
A Comprehensive Nagoya Sightseeing Model Course Covering Popular Spots & Gourmet Delights
This sightseeing plan lets you fully experience the charms of Nagoya in just one day. From historical buildings to trendy spots and modern cityscapes, you can immerse yourself in the diverse attractions of Nagoya.
Here’s a recap of the itinerary we introduced:
| Time | Place |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Nagoya Station |
| 10:00 am | Nagoya Castle |
| 12:00 am | Kinshachi Yokocho (Lunch) |
| 1:15 pm | Nagoya City Hall & Aichi Prefectural Office |
| 2:00 pm | Osu Kannon |
| 2:30 pm | Osu Shopping Street |
| 4:00 pm | Hotel Check - in (Break) |
| 6:00 pm | Midland Square |
| 7:30 pm | Sakae Underground Shopping Street (Dinner) |
| 9:00 pm | Night Cityscape Stroll |
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation | ¥660 |
| Entrance Fees | ¥1,500 |
| Total | ¥2,160 |
Morning: Historical Exploration
Start at Nagoya Station at 9:00 and arrive at Nagoya Castle by 10:00. Explore the grand main keep and the golden shachihoko of Nagoya Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and delve into Nagoya’s most famous historical site.
Lunch: Enjoy Nagoya’s Local Cuisine
From 12:00, have lunch at Kinshachi Yokocho. Here, you can savor local specialties like miso katsu, tebasaki, and hitsumabushi.
Afternoon: Experience Culture and Vibrancy
At 13:15, visit Nagoya City Hall & Aichi Prefectural Office and admire the modern architectural beauty. Then, at 14:00, head to Osu Kannon, one of Nagoya’s spiritual centers known for its protection from evil. At 14:30, explore the lively Osu Shopping Street, packed with shops and eateries. Experience the contrast between tranquil historical sites and bustling modern spots, and enjoy the dynamic change.
Evening: Rest and Night Views
Check into your hotel at 16:00 for a short break. At 18:00, head to Midland Square to enjoy the night view from high above. The evening offers a slightly more sophisticated atmosphere.
Night: Embrace the City’s Night Vibe
At 19:30, have dinner at the massive underground shopping street in Sakae. Finally, at 21:00, enjoy a night stroll through the city’s illuminated landscapes, wrapping up your day in Nagoya.
Don’t Miss Out on Nagoya’s Famous Tourist Spots and Gourmet Delights!
Nagoya is packed with popular tourist spots, historical sites, and famous local cuisine. When planning your first trip to Nagoya, there’s a lot to research, which can be overwhelming. But with this sightseeing plan, you can cover all the essentials.
Plus, we’ve kept the cost-conscious traveler in mind. With this itinerary, you can fully enjoy Nagoya for just ¥2,160. By optimizing transportation and exploring the city efficiently, this plan offers great value for your trip.
Note that this itinerary doesn’t include museums, art galleries, zoos, or amusement parks. Feel free to swap in any other attractions you’re interested in. Below are some other famous sightseeing spots in Nagoya for your reference:
- Atsuta Shrine
- Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- LEGOLAND Japan Resort
- Nagoya City Archives
- Tokugawa Art Museum
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
- SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
- Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
- Nagoya City Art Museum
- Tokugawaen Garden
- Yanagibashi Central Market
May your Nagoya trip be a fulfilling one. Be sure to visit Nagoya! We look forward to your visit!
