Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 houses a good museum displaying Edo period armor, fusama-e (paintings on sliding doors) and other treasured art that avoided bombing during World War II. The Castle is set in the beautiful surroundings of Meijo Koen (Meijo Park) which sets a picture perfect image, especially during the Cherry blossom season in March/ April (See Festivals).  Easy access to the castle can be made via thesubway.  Simply join the Meijo line (purple one) and get off at 'Shiyakusho-mae station'.  Upon exiting you will see the castle and grounds right next to you.  Admission \500.

Access: Shiyakusho subway station (Meijo Line)

Admissions: 500 Yen / Open daily from 9:30am -4:30pm

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Nagoya Aquarium / Nagoya Port

Nagoya Ko (Nagoya Port) is a lively area, busy during weekends and the holiday seasons in Spring and Summer.  The Aquarium is the main attraction at the port and to be honest, it is very good.  The aquarium has 2 buildings. The south is divided into 5 eco-systems ( Marine life Around Japan, Deep Sea Gallery, Tropical Marine Life, Australian Freshwater Life, and Antarctic Marine Life) and the North building houses a 3000 seater stadium for the live Dolphin and marine shows.

Admissions: Adult = 2400 Yen / Children 4 - 16 = 1200 / Open Tues-Sun 9.30am-5pm (to 8pm July 21-August 31)
 

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Set in vast greenery, it seems a million miles away from the bustling city centre, but in fact is only a 20 minute subway ride from Nagoya.  The Zoo was established in 1937 and is listed as one of the largest zoos in Asia.  Set next to the zoo are the Botanical Gardens which are spectacular in themselves.  You find a mini themepark and a new skytower allowing you a fantastic views of the city.  Higashiyama koen is located on the Higashiyama subway line and is one of the most affluent areas in Nagoya.  Stop in around Motoyama, Hoshigaoka and Kakuozan for good upclass eating and drinking.

Access: Take the Higashiyama subway line (Yellow one ) bound for Fujikaoka, to Higashiyama koen station.  Its 9 stops from Nagoya station.

Admissions: Adults = 500 Yen / Children under 16 = Free / Open Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm

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Atsuta Jinja (Shrine)

Founded almost 2000 years ago, it is one of the great Shrines of Japan 2nd only to Ise shrine in Mie Prefecture. It is said to house the sacred imperial sword, one of the three regalia of the imperial family, the others being a sacred mirror at Ise and the sacred jewels in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.  Visitors to the shrine, including those who practice the conventional New Year visit, now count over nine million annually.  The whole setting is very spiritual and will take a good 2 hours fully absorb the surrounding and enjoy a snack or some green tea in the refreshment area.

Access: Via the subway - Take the Meijo Line (Purple one) anticlockwise towards Aratama-bashi.  Get off at Jingu-nishi station (5 stops from Sakae).  you can also take the JR train from Nagoya station (must be a local train meaning one that stops at all stops) heading south to Okazaki or Toyohashi.  Get off at Atsuta station which is 3 stops from Nagoya or 1 from Kanayama station.

Admissions: Free but is considered lucky to throw money with the number "5" (e.g 5 yen, 50 yen, 500 yen) into the giant wooden box in front of the shrine, when praying.  

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Nagoya TV Tower

The Nagoya TV Tower, the oldest in Japan, was built in 1954 and and stands 180 metres high.  It is compromised of of five main floors (1F, 3F, 4F, Sky Deck( 90mtrs) and the Sky Balcony(100mtrs).  The 1st floor is the Tower square where you can gaze up from the vey bottom of the tower to the top.  Up to the 3rd floor and you access the Sky Terminal where you can get more information about the tower and purchase tickets for the 2 upper viewing decks.  On the 4th floor you can find the TV Tower gallery and eat at the Tower Restaurant.  On a clear day the two observation decks (see admissions below) provide an excellent view of the city and surrounding suburbs even allowing you views of nearby Gifu and Mie prefectures.

Access: If not already in Sakae, take the subway to Sakae station and get out at exit no.3 or 4 (Check subway map). Located in the "Central Park" area of Hisaya-Dori, it is very much in the centre of Sakae and you can simply look up and head towards the tower.  If coming from Oasis 21, just cross the road and it's right in front of you.  From Hisaya-Dori Subway station, exits 3b, 4b or 5a will put you within a stones throw of the Tower.

Admissions:For the viewing decks, Adults = 600 Yen / School Children = 300 Yen / Open daily 10am-9pm (Jan-Mar) and 10am-10pm (Apr-Dec)

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Osu Kannon Temple

Osu Kannon Temple is a one of Nagoyas most popular temples located in central Nagoya. Originally located in neighbouring Gifu Prefecture, the temple was moved to its current site by Tokugawa Ieyasu back in 1612. Although stunning, the current buildings are 20th century reconstructions. Recommended is the flee market which is held on the temple grounds every 18th and 28th of each month.Also don't forget to check out the adjacent shopping arcade that offers Japanese souvenirs, second hand clothes stores and a fantastic array of interesting culinary delights.  For the best Karaage (fried chicken) in Nagoya head to Lee-san.

Access: Osu Kannon Temple is only a few steps from Osu Kannon Subway Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line. From Nagoya Station take the Higashiyama Subway Line and transfer to the Tsurumai Line at Fushimi Station. The one way trip from Nagoya Station to the temple takes about 10 minutes and costs 200 yen.  Alternatively, 10 minute walk from central Sakae can get you there in no time at all.

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 Sky Promenade - Midland Square building

The tallest building in Nagoya and the 5th in the Japan offers visitors beautiful views of the city from the highest point in the city.  "The Sky Promenade Observation Deck", is open-air and the all glass elevators that can propell you to the top of the tower in less than 40 seconds must be experienced.  Until the middle of September, the "Air Stardust Lounge" located right next the the Promenade is a very cool place to enjoy drinks, light snacks and live music at weekends.

Access: Level 46 of Midland square location right in Front of Nagoya Meitetsu Station.

Opening times: Daily 11am - 10pm (last entry at 9:30pm)

Admissions: Adults - 700Yen / Senior Citizens (over 65) - 500Yen / Children (Elementary School or younger) - 300Yen

Sky Promenade Link    /     Air Stardust Lounge Link

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Noritake Garden

Established in the late 19th century by Ichizaemon Morimura and his brother Yutaka "Noritake" is in Japan, what Wedgewood is in England - The country's most prestigious fine china and tableware producer.  Nagoya is actually Noritake's HQ and so attracts huge amounts of tourism yearly.  Located just behind the JR Twin Towers, Noritake Garden is a surprisingly fun and informative place even for those with little or no interest in pottery at all.  Watching the skilled artists work on exquisite designs, taking part in workshops that allow you to create your own pottery and learning about the history of Noritake whilst walking though amazing collections of pottery are some of the highlights of the museum.  The Outlet shop stocks a wide range of reasonably priced ceramics, as well as seasonal / character inspired designs and a selection of other Noritake related souvenirs.  You can also enjoy a coffee at the inside cafe or even a meal, of course served on only the best Noritake tableware!

Access:  One stop from Nagoya Station on the Higashiyama Subway line to Kamejima Station.  The Gardens are a 5 minute walk from Exit 2, just follow the signs.

Opening times: Craft Centre: 10am-5pm Tues-Sun / Main Buildings 10am-6pm Tues-Sun

Admissions: Craft Centre admission  Adults 500Yen / High School Students 300Yen / Junior high or Younger - Free

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Blue Bonnet Nagoya Port Wildflower Garden

Located just a short boat ride from Nagoya Port the "Blue Bonbet Wildflower Garden" is home to beautiful seasonal in it's 22 gardens that spread to an extensive 20,000 sq. meters. You'll also find a shop selling aromatic goods, a restaurant is too.

Access:  Take the Meijo Line on the subway from Kanayama out to Nagoya Port, the last stop.

Opening times: Everyday 9:00am to 5pm (Times may vary depending on the season)

Admissions: 500 Yen for adults, 250 Yen for children.

Departure times: 10:00, 30, 11:00, 30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:05, 15:35, 16:40

Shiratori Gardens

Information coming soon!

Click here for a map.