Nagoya might not be on your sightseeing list, as compared to Kyoto and Tokyo it is not as well known abroad. However, this underrated Japanese city has much to offer. Think beautiful castles, delicious food and plenty of shopping.
Nagoya also has an airport, which makes traveling to/from it easy and it is the perfect hub to travel to neighboring areas. Visit Takayama and try amazing Japanese sake right from the breweries (they are pretty much all located on one street and offer tastings from 100yen per cup). Head up to Shirakawa-go to see the fantastic”Gassho-zukuri” style traditional houses or visit Tokoname, one of Japan’s oldest kilns and pottery towns (recently featured in a Netflix anime called “Just a whisper away”).
So let me share with you my favorite places that I have found on my recent visits to Nagoya. Some, that you can find in the big City Guides, some I just happen to walk by or that friends told me about. So welcome to “my Nagoya”. The places I love.
Where to Eat in Nagoya
Food and where to get it plays a major part in my life, hence the name “Let’s Travel and Eat”. However, I am neither a high-end gourmet nor am I aiming to do things as cheaply as possible. I like good value, finding special things and experiences, or as Marie Kondo puts it “that spark joy”.
So here are the cafes, restaurants and small shops in Nagoya I most enjoyed.
“Light Cafe”
A well-hidden Cafe, famous in Nagoya for its fluffy Pancakes and coffee art. The perfect breakfast spot right in the heart of Nagoya but without the crowds…
Check out my full review here: https://obsessedwithjapan.com/light-cafe-nagoya/
Location and more info: 〒460-0008 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Sakae, 3 Chome−27−27 3F
“Miya Kishimen”
“Kishimen”, flat udon noodles are one of the big 5 local foods here in Nagoya, and Miya Kishimen is where you want to eat them. Having a few locations all over town, the most scenic is the branch at Atsuta shrine. It is semi-outdoors, perfect when the weather is nice!
Check out my Video: https://youtu.be/COA1CLBOm0A
Location and more info: 〒460-0008 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Sakae, 3 Chome−27−27 3F
“Spaghetti House Yokoi Sumiyoshi”
Another one of Nagoya’s big 5 is this Spaghetti house. Spaghetti? Yes, you heard right! The Ankake spaghetti is one of Nagoya’s locals’ favorite dishes and Yokoi is where it was invented.
Check out my Video: https://youtu.be/OqT3tQlQ0hU
Location: https://bit.ly/3c2nSzF
*(other locations, but this is the original one)
“Misokatsu Yabaton”
Completing my favorite Nagoya foods (out of the 5 famous ones) is the Miso Tonkatsu. And you want to eat this at one of Yabaton’s many locations, just be prepared to wait, there is always a queue especially at lunchtime. Watch as the waiter pours delicious miso sauce over the fried cutlet – so good!
Check out my Video: coming soon!
Location and info: https://www.yabaton.com/
*(various locations, check out store finder)
More Nagoya restaurants and cafes added as I find them…
More Nagoya Food to be added as I find them…
What to Visit in Nagoya
Nagoya is great! Many places to see and discover. The ones I am sharing with you are the ones I enjoyed the most.
“Nagoya Castle and Honmaru Palace”
Of course, no visit to Nagoya would be complete without checking out this famous castle! Little do people know about the Honmaru Palace though. Located on the castle grounds it showcases the most beautiful Japanese wall paintings…
Check out my Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lAbAJj93qY
Location: https://bit.ly/3nUAlaV
“Atsuta Shrine”
Probably Nagoyas most prominent shrine. Come here to unwind and make a wish. Miya Kishimen has a restaurant on the temple grounds, the perfect combination of sightseeing and trying great food…
Check out my Video: coming soon!
Location and more info: https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/en/intro/
More Nagoya sights and places added as I find them…
Nagoya Hangouts
Hangouts for me are places I like to spend some time. They might have no educational value but are either fun to go to and “waste” sometimes (surely time is never wasted when you are having fun).
You will find many outdoor spots here, as I love nature and it is sometimes hard to find a nice spot to just recharge. These are some of my favorites.
“Osu Shopping District”
If you are looking for some retail therapy in a traditional Japanese “Shotengai”, shopping street, then this one is for you. Also great for a rainy day, as fully covered, this place has everything: anime, vintage fashion, arcades, temples, and plenty of food!
Check out my Video: https://youtu.be/A3PI0ZF7okY
Location: https://bit.ly/2NPY7sb
“Nagoya Central Park”
Located in the heart of Nagoya is Hisaya-ōdōri Park. The perfect place for a stroll and especially beautiful at night time!
Check out my Video: coming soon!
Location: http://bit.ly/3pK0H0a
More Hangouts added as I find them…
This is only the start…
And yes, this is not the end! There are plenty more places to see and don’t start me on the list of places to eat in Nagoya. It is growing every time I visit. So watch this space, as this is my ultimate Nagoya guide, I promise I will keep adding to it. <3
