Nagoya Castle is one of the city’s most famous historic landmarks and a symbol of Nagoya. Construction began under Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1610, and the castle was completed in the early Edo period as the seat of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family. It is especially well known for the golden shachihoko ornaments on the roof, which have become an iconic symbol of the castle.

Visitors can enjoy spacious castle grounds, impressive stone walls, and the beautifully restored Honmaru Palace, which is known for its elegant architecture and richly decorated interiors. The castle is a great place to experience Japanese history, traditional design, and seasonal scenery all in one visit.

Atsuta Jingu Shrine is one of Nagoya’s most important and historic landmarks. With a history of about 1,900 years, it is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines and is closely associated with the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan. Surrounded by a large forested precinct, the shrine offers visitors a calm and spiritual atmosphere in the middle of the city. In addition to its main sanctuary, the grounds include beautiful walking paths and cultural treasures, making Atsuta Jingu a wonderful place to experience Japanese history, tradition, and peaceful natural scenery.

Shirotori Garden is one of Nagoya’s most beautiful Japanese gardens, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the city. This spacious stroll-style garden is designed around the theme of water, with a pond and stream that symbolize the flow of the Kiso River from Mt. Ontake to Ise Bay. Visitors can enjoy elegant bridges, carefully arranged stones and plants, and seasonal scenery that changes throughout the year. The garden also features Seiu-tei, a traditional tea house where guests can experience Japanese tea culture in a calm and refined setting. It is an ideal place to relax and appreciate the beauty of traditional Japanese landscape design.

Tokugawa Garden and The Tokugawa Art Museum are two of Nagoya’s finest places to experience the elegance of traditional Japanese culture and history. Tokugawa Garden is a beautiful Japanese landscape garden centered around a pond, with waterfalls, walking paths, and seasonal scenery that reflects the classic style of a daimyo garden from the Edo period. Next door, The Tokugawa Art Museum houses more than 10,000 treasures connected to the Owari Tokugawa family, including samurai armor, swords, tea utensils, and illustrated scrolls such as parts of The Tale of Genji. Together, they offer visitors a peaceful and memorable opportunity to enjoy both refined garden design and the rich heritage of Japan’s samurai age.

Ghibli Park is a unique attraction near Nagoya where visitors can step into the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli. Located within Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute, the park is spread across five themed areas, including Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches. Rather than a conventional amusement park with large rides, it is designed as a place to walk, explore, and discover detailed spaces inspired by beloved films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Whisper of the Heart, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

With its blend of architecture, exhibitions, shops, cafés, and natural scenery, Ghibli Park offers a memorable experience for families, film fans, and anyone who wants to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Studio Ghibli in a relaxed outdoor setting. Overseas ticket information is also provided on the official website for international visitors.

To enter Ghibli Park, advanced reservations are required.
https://ghibli-park.jp/en/

Nagoya Noh Theater is a distinctive cultural attraction near Nagoya Castle, where visitors can experience the beauty of traditional Japanese performing arts. The theater is known for its elegant Japanese-style architecture, its stage made entirely of hinoki cypress wood, and one of the largest noh auditoriums in the world. In addition to noh and kyogen performances, the venue also features exhibition displays that introduce the history and charm of these classical arts, making it an enjoyable place for both first-time visitors and those interested in Japanese culture.

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is one of Nagoya’s most fascinating museums, offering visitors a close look at Japan’s manufacturing history. Built on the original site of an early Toyota factory, the museum preserves historic industrial buildings and displays real working machines through dynamic demonstrations. Visitors can explore the development of textile machinery, which supported Japan’s modernization, as well as the evolution of automobile technology that later shaped the Toyota Group. It is a great place to experience Nagoya’s spirit of innovation and craftsmanship.

Toyota Automobile Museum is a must-visit destination for car lovers and anyone interested in design, technology, and modern history. Located near Nagoya in Nagakute, the museum showcases around 140 to 150 vehicles from Japan, Europe, and the United States, tracing the development of the automobile from its earliest days to the present. In addition to its impressive collection of classic and historic cars, the museum also features cultural exhibits related to life and travel in the automobile age. With multilingual audio guides, English guided-tour support, and easy access by public transportation, it offers an enjoyable and accessible experience for international visitors.

Nittaiji Temple is one of Nagoya’s most distinctive historic and cultural attractions, located in the peaceful Kakuozan area. Founded in 1904, the temple was built to enshrine sacred Buddha relics and a bronze Buddha statue presented to Japan by the King of Thailand, symbolizing friendship between the two countries. Unlike most Japanese temples, Nittaiji is non-sectarian and is jointly maintained by multiple Buddhist traditions. Visitors can enjoy its spacious grounds, elegant temple buildings, the five-story pagoda, and a calm atmosphere that offers a quiet escape from the city.

Yokiso is a historic villa and garden in Nagoya’s Kakuozan area, originally built from the Taisho to early Showa period by Ito Jirozaemon, the founder of Matsuzakaya Department Store. It is regarded as one of Nagoya’s most representative suburban villas from the modern era. Visitors can enjoy elegant architecture, tranquil garden scenery, and a refined atmosphere that reflects the lifestyle and culture of the time. The site is especially known for its beautiful North Garden with a pond and for Choshokaku, a restored guest house that blends Japanese, Western, and Chinese design elements. Yokiso offers a peaceful and memorable place to experience history, architecture, and traditional garden beauty in the heart of the city.

Toganji Temple is a historic Soto Zen temple in Nagoya, founded by Oda Nobuyuki to pray for the soul of his father, Oda Nobuhide. Today, it is best known for the striking 10-meter-tall Great Buddha of Nagoya, which was erected in 1987 and has become one of the city’s most memorable landmarks. The temple grounds also feature a five-tiered stone monument and an unusual dragon statue, giving visitors a chance to enjoy both history and distinctive local culture in a peaceful setting.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of Nagoya’s most popular attractions, offering visitors a chance to enjoy both wildlife and nature in a spacious park in the eastern part of the city. The zoo is known for having one of Japan’s largest collections of animals, including popular exhibits such as gorillas, koalas, and elephants, while the botanical gardens feature beautiful seasonal scenery, greenhouses, and peaceful walking paths. The site also includes Higashiyama Sky Tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nagoya, making it a great destination for families, couples, and anyone looking for a relaxing day out.

LEGOLAND Japan Resort is one of Nagoya’s most exciting family attractions, especially popular with children ages 2 to 12. Located at Kinjo Pier, the resort features more than 40 rides, shows, and interactive attractions across themed areas built around the world of LEGO. Visitors can also enjoy impressive displays made from around 17 million LEGO bricks and 10,000 LEGO models, making the park a colorful and lively destination for families. The resort also includes SEA LIFE Nagoya, so it is a great place to spend a full day enjoying fun, creativity, and adventure in Nagoya.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is one of Nagoya’s most exciting attractions for families and train enthusiasts. Opened in 2011, the museum introduces the history and technology of Japan’s railways, with a special focus on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the future of superconducting maglev trains. Visitors can see full-size train cars, enjoy driving simulators, and explore one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas, making it a fun and educational destination for both children and adults. English audio guides are also available, making the museum easy to enjoy for international visitors.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is one of Nagoya’s most popular family attractions, located in the lively Nagoya Port area. The aquarium is known for its impressive marine exhibits, where visitors can see a wide variety of sea life, including dolphins, beluga whales, orcas, penguins, and sea turtles. One of its main highlights is the large performance pool, where guests can enjoy dynamic dolphin shows and other animal training presentations. With its combination of education, entertainment, and close-up encounters with marine life, the aquarium is a great place for families, couples, and anyone interested in the wonders of the ocean.

FUJI Nagoya Science Museum (Nagoya City Science Museum) is one of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions, located in Shirakawa Park near the center of Nagoya. It is especially famous for its giant silver planetarium dome, one of the largest in the world, and for its hands-on exhibits that let visitors explore science through observation, experiments, and interactive displays. Inside, you can experience highlights such as large-scale science demonstrations and unique exhibits that make learning fun for both children and adults. It is a great place to enjoy discovery, curiosity, and modern science during your visit to Nagoya.

JR Central Towers is a landmark skyscraper complex directly above Nagoya Station, making it one of the city’s most convenient and recognizable destinations. The twin towers combine shopping, dining, offices, and the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, creating a lively urban center for both travelers and local visitors. From the upper floors and Sky Street, visitors can enjoy wide views of Nagoya’s cityscape, while the many restaurants and stores make it an easy place to stop for sightseeing, shopping, or a meal during a trip.

Oasis 21 is one of Nagoya’s most distinctive landmarks, located in the heart of the lively Sakae district. Its most famous feature is the futuristic glass roof known as “Spaceship-Aqua,” where visitors can enjoy a walk 14 meters above the ground while taking in views of the surrounding city. The complex also includes a green open space, shops, restaurants, and a bus terminal, making it both a sightseeing spot and a convenient place to relax during your visit. Beautifully illuminated at night, Oasis 21 is especially popular as a photo spot and a symbol of modern Nagoya.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER is one of Nagoya’s most iconic landmarks, rising in the heart of the city’s Sakae district. Originally completed in 1954 as Japan’s first consolidated radio tower, it combines historical significance with modern appeal. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nagoya from the Sky Deck and open-air Sky Balcony, and the tower is especially beautiful when illuminated at night. Located in Hisaya-odori Park, it is a great place to experience both the city’s history and its vibrant urban atmosphere.