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Sightseeing

Information in English
The Nagoya Convention and Visitors Bureau operates several Tourist Information Centers around the city. Information is available in English at the following locations:

Nagoya Stn Tourist Information
Nagoya Stn, JR/Higashiyama/Sakura-dori/Kintetsu/Meitetsu lines
Located at JR Nagoya Station Central Concourse
9:00-19:00
[052] 541-4301

Kanayama Tourist Information
Kanayama Stn, JR/Meijo/Meitetsu lines
Located at Kanayama Station North Exit
9:00-20:00
[052] 323-0161

Sakae Tourist Information
Sakae Stn, Higashiyama/Meijo lines
Located in the Oasis 21 Basement
10:00-20:00 | Closed on Oasis 21 holidays
[052] 963-5252

Nagoya Port Visitors Information Center
Nagoyako Stn, Meiko line
Located in the Port Building
9:00-17:00 | Closed Mon (Tue if Mon is Nat. Hol)
[052] 654-7000

International Centers
Nagoya International Center
Kokusai Center Stn, Sakura-dori line
Located in the Kokusai Center Building 3rd Floor.
The Nagoya International Center offers visitors and foreign residents alike a wealth of information about the city. The 3rd floor library has a selection of English language books - many of which can be borrowed - and newspapers. The information center, on the same floor, has live broadcasts of CNN and other satellite channels, and offers internet access for a small fee. Their multilingual help desk is staffed by capable assistants who can help you find information on a range of topics. A community notice board carries adverts from clubs, societies, people selling used goods, and more.
9:00-19:00 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon
www.nic-nagoya.or.jp
[052] 581-0100

Aichi International Plaza
Shiyakusho Stn, Meijo line
5 min. from Shiyakusho subway station.
Run by the Aichi International Association, the Aichi International Plaza has an information counter offering advice in English, Spanish, Chinese and Portuguese on issues concerning foreign residents, including labor, tax, medical care and education. They also have a library and live satellite broadcasts.
10:00-18:00 Mon-Sat (till 20:30 Fri). Closed Sun & Nat. Hols
www2.aia.pref.aichi.jp
[052] 961-7902

Tourist Spots
Nagoya Castle
Shiyakusho Stn, Meijo line
5 min. from Shiyakusho subway station.
Originally built in 1612 by the legendary Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle's main tower was destroyed by bombs during World War II. The current building is a concrete replica dating from 1959, but other structures such as the three donjons gate, the stone fortress, the tea house and the garden are original. Now used as a museum, the castle contains various paintings and artifacts from the Edo period. The twin 88 kg gold 'shachi' [killer whales] adorning the roof have become the symbol of the city. Currently, a citizen's group is raising money to rebuild the 'goten', the prefectural lord's residence. When completed, it will house more than 1,000 screens representative of the Edo period. Meijo Park, which surrounds the castle, is famous for its over 1,600 cherry trees. The Nagoya Noh Theater opened in April 1997 and is located in the front court of Nagoya Castle. This 630-seat traditional-style theater hosts regular performances of the ancient Noh form of Japanese theater.
Admission ¥500
9:00-16:30
[052] 231-1700

Nagoya Aquarium
Nagoyako Stn, Meijo line
7 min. from Nagoyako subway station, exit 3.
The three-story Nagoya Port Aquarium is one of the largest in Japan. This facility focuses on five different aquatic regions of the world, including Japan, Australia and the Antarctic Ocean. There are spectacular performances held every day [weather permitting], featuring trained dolphins.
Admission ¥2000
9:30-17:30 [until 20:00 during summer holidays], last entry 1 hour before close. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a nat. hol.].
www.nagoyaaqua.jp
[052] 654-7080

Noritake Garden
Kamejima Stn, Higashiyama line
5 min. from Kamejima subway station.
This expansive property features a variety of exhibits and tours related to the Noritake Company and its ceramic products, including its world famous china tableware. The museum focuses on the history of Noritake and has demonstrations on how unglazed pottery is shaped and how china is painted. There are also hands-on classes, which teach visitors about pottery crafts [for a fee]. The complex includes a spacious garden and restaurants, making for an enjoyable morning or afternoon excursion for adults and children alike.
3-1-36 Noritake-shinmachi, Nishi-ku
Craft Center: 10:00-17:00 Tue-Sun [last admission at 16:00].
Buildings: 10:00-18:00 Tue-Sun [garden from 9:00].
Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.]
www.noritake-elec.com/garden/
[052] 561-7290

Misonoza Kabuki Theater
Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama/Tsurumai lines
Located directly south of Fushimi subway station exit 6.
Since its establishment in 1896, the Misonoza Kabuki Theater has been the most important stage for both traditional and modern styles of Japanese drama in Nagoya. This historical theater is the main showcase for Kabuki in the city, and stages Grand Kabuki performances featuring Japan's greatest actors in April and October each year.
[052] 222-1481

Meiji Mura
Inuyama Stn, Meitetsu line
A bus service to Meiji Mura runs from outside Inuyama station
Japan slurped up Western influences like a dry sponge during the Meiji era (1868-1912), but few examples remain of the European-inspired architecture that sprang up in this period. Of those that did survive, most of them ended up here. The expansive grounds of Meiji Mura are home to over 60 late-19th and early-20th century buildings, including sections of Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Imperial Hotel, Tokyo.
Admission ¥1600. Vintage vehicles inside park cost extra
9:30-17:00 Daily [until 16:00 Nov-Feb]
www.meijimura.com
[0568] 67-0314

Nagashima Resort
Nagashima Onsen bus stop
Take the Meitetsu bus from Meitetsu bus station [Nagoya station] or Oasis 21 [Sakae]
Nagoya's local pleasure park has got it all: roller coasters, water slides, high-end shopping and a huge onsen complex. Sadly, the star attraction - the enormous Steel Dragon 2000 coaster - was put on indefinite hold after an accident in 2003, though speed freaks can still get a fix from the all-wooden White Cyclone, among others. Afterwards, head to Nagashima Onsen for a relaxing soak.
Nagashima Spaland: opening times vary, generally 9:00-17:00, ¥1600 admission [¥1000 after 15:00], ¥4100 for admission + unlimited rides [¥2500 after 15:00]
Joyful Waterpark: opening times vary, generally 9:30-16:30, Jul 8th - Sep 18th only, ¥3000 admission
Combined Pass (includes unlimited rides): ¥5300
Nagashima Onsen: opening times vary, generally 9:00-21:00, ¥2100 admission [¥1500 after 15:00], ¥500 for Nagashima Spaland + Joyful Waterpark ticket holders
www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp
[0594] 45-1111

Museums
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Kamejima Stn, Higashiyama line
Sako Stn, Meitetsu line
3 min. from Sako station.
10 min. from Kamejima subway station.
Established jointly by thirteen companies in the Toyota Group, this museum occupies the factory site that was their birthplace: an old building at the Toyoda Spinning & Weaving Co. Ltd. A variety of machinery, used in everything from textile manufacture to automobile production, is on show. There are also demonstrations of actual equipment, a video library, a museum shop and a restaurant. The museum's latest addition is a reproduction of the first Toyota automobile production plant.
Admission ¥500
9:30-16:30 [last admission] Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.]
www.tcmit.org
[052] 551-6115

Tokugawa Museum
Ozone Stn, JR/Meijo lines
Take the City Key Route Bus #2 from Nagoya station or Sakae station to Shindeki Bus Stop.
Undoubtedly the most culturally significant landmark in Nagoya, the Tokugawa Art Museum was built in 1935 by the Owari Tokugawa Reimei Foundation. The extensive collection includes more than 10,000 artifacts and works of art from the inheritance of the famous Tokugawa clan, who ruled Japan during the Edo period [1602 to 1867]. There are enough swords, battle armor, Noh costumes and tea ceremony accoutrements to satisfy the most diehard Japanophile. Extensions and renovations to the museum in 1987 included the addition of a tea house and full scale Noh stage. The 12th century illustrated scroll of the Tale of Genji, a designated National Treasure, is the star attraction, though it seldom goes on public display.
Admission ¥1200
10:00-17:00 [last admission 16:30] Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.]
www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp
[052] 935-6262

Toyota Automobile Museum
Geidai-dori Stn, Linimo line
Take the Higashiyama subway line to Fujigaoka station, transfer to the Tobu-Kyuro Linimo line. Get off at Geidai-dori station.
Nagoya is well known for its connection to the Toyota Motor Company, and there is no better way to learn about the history of the motor car than by visiting this unparalleled collection of classic cars. The Toyota Automobile Museum exhibits one hundred years of automobile development from the late 19th century, when the gasoline automobile was invented. The collection showcases everything from the first car imported to Japan in 1899 to modern luxury cars.
Admission ¥1,000
9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun. Last admission at 16:30. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.]
www.toyota.co.jp/Museum/
[0561] 63-5151

Aichi Arts Center
Sakae Stn, Higashiyama/Meijo lines
Located in Sakae next to the NHK building.
The Aichi Arts Center houses the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, as well as theaters and a large concert hall. It is graced by many touring art exhibitions, musical performances and operas.
Aichi Arts Center: 9:00-22:00 Daily. Closed 1st and 3rd Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.]
Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art: 10:00-18:00 Tue-Sun [till 20:00 on Fri]. Last admission 30 mins before close. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.]
www.aac.pref.aichi.jp
[052] 971-5511

Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Kanayama Stn, JR/Meijo/Meitetsu lines
West exit of Kanayama station
Through its partnership with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Nagoya Boston Museum of Fine Arts exhibits selections of world class art, including great masterpieces that have rarely been seen in Japan. Drawing from over 500,000 works, the museum presents several exhibitions in a thematic perspective that allows visitors to contemplate the relationships between various works and artists.
Admission ¥1,200
10:00-19:00 Tue-Fri, 10:00-17:00 Sat, Sun, Nat. Hol. Last admission 30 mins before close. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
www.nagoya-boston.or.jp
[052] 684-0101

Nagoya City Art Museum
Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama/Tsurumai lines
Located in Shirakawa Park
The Nagoya City Art Museum collection was begun in 1983 and focuses on the works of internationally recognized artists from the Ise Bay area, such as Tamiji Kitagawa, Setsuko Migishi, Shusaku Arakawa and Tadaaki Kuwayama. The impact of the Ecole de Paris and the Mexican Renaissance on Japanese artists is represented in works by Modigliani, Chagall, Tsuguharu Fujita, Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo.
9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun [till 20:00 on Fri, unless Nat. Hol.]. Last admission 30 mins before close. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
www.art-museum.city.nagoya.jp
[052] 212-0001

Nagoya City Museum
Sakurayama Stn, Sakura-dori line
Walk 3 minutes south from Sakurayama subway station, exit 4.
The Nagoya City Museum's permanent collection features art and artifacts of the Owari region [the old name for western Aichi]. Part history museum, part ethnography museum, this is a superb collection of artifacts from a bygone era.
Admission ¥300 for permanent facilities, additional fee for special exhibitions.
9:30-17:00 [last admission 16:30] Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. hol.] and 4th Tue of the month.
www.museum.city.nagoya.jp
[052] 853-2655

Robot Museum
Sakae Stn, Higashiyama/Meijo lines
The latest attraction to hit Nagoya, the Robot Museum is very nerd's (and everyone's inner nerd's) dream come true. The first museum of its kind in Japan, everything for the techno-buff is here, from Astro Boy to Gundam and every-bot in between. Take a walk through the history of the robot in popular culture, and the robotics of today and the future. Don't expect to leave without buying at least one useless but oh-so-cool gadget from the store downstairs.
Admission ¥1300 [adults], ¥1000 [university/high school/junior high], ¥700 [elementary school]. 11:00-19:00 Mon-Fri, 10:00-20:00 Sat/Sun/Nat. Hols. Closed 3rd Wed of every month.
www.robot-museum.net
0120-156-610

Temples and Shrines
Osukannon Temple
Osu Kannon Stn, Tsurumai line
Located just outside Osukannon station, exit 2
Visitors and residents alike flock to the Osukannon Temple Antique Market, held every month on the 18th and 28th. The popularity of the event is due to the amazing array of items on display from Japan's past. Those looking for an authentic memento of their time in Japan will easily find something unusual here. Prices can be quite high, but skillful negotiation near closing time [especially on rainy days] can lead to a bargain. The nearby shopping arcade contains used kimono shops as well as a number of stores selling
second-hand clothes and various antiques from retro to really old. At the other end of the shopping arcade is Banshoji Temple, one of Nagoya's oldest. Once called Kigakusan, it was built in 1538 by Oda Nobuhide, father of the famous Nobunaga.
Open everyday
[052] 231-6525

Nittaiji Temple
Kakuozan Stn, Higashiyama line
North of Kakuozan station, exit 1
Offering a wide vista and an interesting pagoda, this temple is notable for the temple grounds themselves and for the shopping street that leads to it. Every 21st of the month they hold a large market where a wide range of food, plants and merchandise are available. The shops nearby are noted for the youthful crowd they draw and the emphasis on Asian food and products that they sell. For those who want to enjoy the rest of their day in the neighborhood, check out the numerous quirky bars and restaurants in the area.
Open everyday
[052] 751-2121

Koshoji Temple
Yagoto Stn, Meijo/Tsurumai lines
Walk 5 minutes south from Yagoto station, along the Iida-kaido.
Perhaps one of Nagoya's finest Buddhist sites, Koshoji sits atop a hill in the Yagoto area, has a lovely graveyard, forests, a five-story pagoda and a number of impressive old buildings [construction on this site commenced in 1686]. It is also one of the few Zen temples in Nagoya.
Open everyday
[052] 832-2801

Atsuta-jingu Shrine
Jingu Nishi Stn, Meijo line
3 minutes from Jingu-Nishi subway station
Set among stately 1,000-year-old hinoki [Japanese cypress], Atsuta Shrine is famed for housing the Emperor's sacred sword - one of the three divine symbols of the Imperial throne. All around the shrine you will find hundreds of very old trees. Within the complex there are a number of historical structures worth seeing. The Nobunaga Wall was built by Oda Nobunaga to commemorate his victory in 1560. Also nearby is the oldest stone bridge in the Nagoya area, the Nijugo-cho Bashi, which was built in the 1400s. The exhibition hall displays a number of national treasures and artifacts.
Open dawn till dusk. Closed last Wed of every month.
www.atsutajingu.or.jp
[052] 671-4151