10 Best Things To Do In Nagoya, Japan | Travel Guide 2025
As one of the most populated cities in Japan, Nagoya once served as a castle town for one of the ruling families during the Edo period. Nagoya is located in Aichi Prefecture and dubbed the Detroit of Japan. Home to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Aside from its local specialties, this industrial powerhouse offers tourists diverse attractions from historical and cultural experiences to amusement parks. Here’s our recommended list of the best things to do in Nagoya, Japan. Number 10, explore Saka. Exploring Saka is one of the best things to do in Nagoya, especially for firsttime visitors. Situated 2 km away from Nagoya station, Saka is the city’s major downtown district, where you’ll find a myriad of shopping malls, department stores, and dining options catering to all walks of life. There are many things to see in this bustling district, such as the Mi Tower or Nagoya TV tower, which is Saka A’s iconic landmark featuring a hotel and observation deck. On the main street, you’ll find the Haya Odori Park, which features an outdoor shopping mall housing over 30 shops and restaurants. Another modern attraction in the area, the Oasis 21, is a shopping complex that offers roof access, shops, and restaurants. Saka is famous for its major shopping malls, upscale boutiques and entertainment including Marouro, Skyle, Parkco, Sunshine, Saka, Mitsukoshi, Matsuza Kaya, and Naja Park. Known for its artistic and cultural activities. Number nine, sea marine life at Nagoya Port. Situated in Ice Bay and directly accessible to central Nagoya subway, Nagoya Port is Japan’s largest and busiest trading hub with excellent architecture. It features a recently redeveloped garden pier, a leisure district designed with green spaces, museums, an amusement park, a shopping mall, and an aquarium. The Nagoya Public Aquarium is considered one of Japan’s largest aquariums, featuring two buildings where a wide variety of marine life resides. One of the buildings houses marine mammals like beluga and orca whales while the other exhibits aquatic creatures from the Antarctic Ocean and Japan. Anchored at the Nagoya Port, the Fuji Icebreaker served as Japan’s former maritime Self- Defense Force from the 1960s to the 1980s. Today, it is preserved and converted into the Fuji Antarctic Museum, featuring the Nagoya Maritime Museum and a 53 m high observatory. The port also features a sea train land, an amusement park with a large ferris wheel, recommended for those traveling with their kids. By the way, please help our channel grow by clicking subscribe. Number eight, grab vintage finds at OSU shopping district. If you are ready to shop until you drop, visiting the OSU shopping district is definitely for you. In Japan, vintage is a thing for the younger generation, especially in fashion. And the OSU shopping district is a must visit for those who love vintage clothing. Spanning over 1,700 meters, this shopping district has eight main streets with over 1,200 businesses selling vintage finds, from a pair of cowboy boots to jackets or a shirt. Many tourists visit this area not only because of handme-downs. There are multiple kinds of shops in the area, such as cafes, restaurants, and appliance stores, as well as street art, making the district even more lively and appealing to wanderers. But if you’re looking for something older, check out the antique and flea market in front of the Buddhist temple, Osu Canon, which is held every 18th and 28th of the month. Number seven, learn at the Nagoya City Science Museum. Nagoya City Science Museum is one of the most recommended places to visit in the city for those into astronomy or simply love stargazing. Considered one of the largest planetariums in the world, this museum is near Fushimi Station and features a gigantic globe. Each month, the museum changes its program and features the latest astronomical phenomena. While it is only presented in Japanese, the exhibition is surely fascinating where visitors can marvel at the stars and other astronomical elements up close. This sevenstory museum only utilizes five floors and temporary exhibitions are typically held in the basement. In addition, the hotel offers interactive large experiments such as the tornado lab, electric discharge lab, and deep freezing lab. These exhibitions represent the conditions of mother nature’s polar regions, making it a great place for kids of all ages and curious travelers. Number six, have fun at Legoland. Whether traveling with family, friends, kids, or even those who are kids at heart, Legoland is sure to peique one’s interest. This family-friendly outdoor amusement park opened its doors to the public in 2017. Inspired by the colorful interlocking brick toy, Legoland is catered to kids and some attractions designed for adult visitors. From Lego themed rides and models, as well as dining spaces and buildings, it features many themed areas like Miniland Japan, where countless Lego bricks were used to bring Japan’s iconic landmarks into another universe. At Legoland, visitors can see Kyoto, Tokyo, and Mount Fuji through a different world all in one place. Legoland also has other themed areas such as the Bricktopia which offers workshops and rides, the factory where you can learn more about Lego bricks manufacturing, a playground for toddlers, and a rotating observation tower to get a panoramic view of the park. Number five, experience local culture at Atsuda Shrine. One of the must- vvisisit shrines in Nagoya, Atsuda Shrine serves as a worship place for the sun goddess Amiterasu. This cultural spot houses one of the three imperial regalia, the sacred sword Kusanagi, and is believed to have been constructed around the year 113 AD. While the public has never seen the said regalia, the shrine’s shinme zukuri architecture is worth admiring. Perfectly resembling Japan’s ancient rice graneries. Atsuta shrine’s history is interconnected to swords which is showcased in the Kusanagi Khan Museum. It features more than a dozen ancient swords in different sizes where visitors can try wielding a sword in a corner. There’s also an old-fashioned treasure shop near the area where you can find better swords and more information about the shrine. Before leaving the shrine, don’t forget to try their own version of Nagoya’s specialty, the Kishiman noodles, which are served by a nearby restaurant. Number four, learn about history at Osu Cannon Temple. Osu Cannon Temple is another popular cultural spot you should not miss when visiting central Nagoya. This Buddhist temple was originally constructed in Gefue Prefecture during the Kamakura period from 1192 to 1333. In 1612, the temple was reconstructed in its current location after being constantly destroyed by flood. At present, the temple serves as a worship place for the goddess of mercy, Canon. It features a wooden statue crafted by Koo Daiishi. And below the main hall, you’ll find the Shinpukuji Library, where more than 15,000 classic Chinese and Japanese texts are stored. These texts include some of the oldest and most valuable treasures that contain Japan’s early history and origins. The temple also organizes a flea market every 18th and 28th of the month, where over 60 stalls flock to its grounds, selling secondhand goods, antiques, and souvenirs. Number three, marvel at Nagoya Castle. An exemplary piece of Japanese architecture constructed during the beginning of the Ado period, Nagoya Castle served as a former seat of the Aari branch, which was one of Japan’s ruling families. It is considered one of the largest castles in Japan and was reconstructed in 1945 after being destroyed by air raids. Nagoya Castle features a park with moes used for defense and imposing walls with corner turrets. This area now serves as a hanami spot where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and ancient art while watching the cherry blossoms bloom. In 2018, the castle was reconstructed and opened its door to the public. Throughout Japan, Nagoya Castle’s palace is praised as one of the best models of showing architecture, making it a popular tourist attraction. Number two, shop and dine at Midland Square. Standing just across Nagoya Station, Midland Square is another must visit for some retail therapy. Hailed as the tallest building in Nagoya, Midland Square is a 247 m tall skyscraper. Constructed in 2003 and fully opened to the public in 2007, this 47story upscale shopping mall can be accessed directly to Nagoya station housing multiple shops, restaurants, jewelry stores, and international luxury brands. From the basement to the fourth floor, you’ll find all kinds of shops, trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. While the fifth floor houses the cinema, the skyscraper also features a sky prominade on the top floors which is an open air observation deck boasting unobstructed views of Nagoya. The 41st and 42nd floor of the building is also a haven for food enthusiasts as it has many exquisite restaurants serving local and international cuisines with breathtaking views of Nagoya’s skyline. Number one, visit JR Central Towers. Located just above Nagoya station, the JR Central Towers is recognized as the second tallest building in Nagoya and one of the largest train complexes in the world based on floor area. This iconic landmark boasts two elegant towers which were completed in 1999 and serves as Central Japan Railways headquarters. The office tower stands 245 m tall with 51 floors, while the hotel tower rises 226 m with 53 floors. The lower floors of JR Central Towers consist of the JR Nagoya station, the Tower Plaza Shopping Mall, and the Tekashimaya Department Store. Furthermore, the hotel tower is occupied by the Nagoya Marriott Hotel Association, and the 30 floors of the office tower serve as an office space for various businesses. Meanwhile, the former observation deck on the office tower is now a great spot to relax and unwind. Here, you can enjoy the views while sipping tea, coffee, or wine, get your hair and nails done, and enjoy a soothing massage after a tiring day. And that’s our top picks for the best things to do in Nagoya, Japan. Which country should we explore next? Let us know in the comments below.
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#10: Explore Sakae
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#9: See Marine Life at Nagoya Port
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#8: Grab Vintage finds at Osu Shopping District
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#7: Learn at the Nagoya City Science Museum
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#6: Have fun at Legoland
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#5: Experience local culture at Atsuta Shrine
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#4: Learn about history at Osu Kannon Temple
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#3: Marvel at Nagoya Castle
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#2: Grand Sumo Tour
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#1: Visit JR Central Towers
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In this video, we explore the best things to do in Nagoya, Japan, from exploring Saka-e to grabbing vintage finds at the Osu Shopping District. Nagoya is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, from its street food scene to its many tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking for sightseeing or a japan trip, Nagoya has something for everyone.
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