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Travel Guide
Nagoya
02
Quick view
05
Phone calls & Internet
09
Nightlife
02
Japan
05
Top 10 sights
10
Calendar of events
04
Travel etiquette
08
Shopping in Nagoya
11
Hotels
04
Health
08
Restaurants
© Getty Images/Flickr Open
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Travel Guide
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Quick view
Nagoya – a brief overview
Often overlooked thanks to the shining lights of Tokyo to the east and the ancient
history of Kyoto to the west, Nagoya is one of Japan’s most underrated cities. Built
around thriving industry (Toyota was founded here), this is a town chock-full of
fantastic things to do. Think pretty temples, superb galleries and museums, plus
acres of gorgeous parks.
All that despite the entire city having to be rebuilt in the wake of WWII. So, rather
than staying on the bullet train when it stops in Nagoya, hop off and explore. It’s
guaranteed to serve up plenty of memorable delights.
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Japan
General knowledge
Country overview
Japan is swathed in natural beauty, from the snow festivals and lavender farms of
the northern isle of Hokkaido to the sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters of
the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Whether climbing volcanic Mount Fuji,
wandering the pine forests of Mount Koya, taking in
the springtime beauty of the sakura cherry blossoms or the spectacular maple
leaves in the autumn, a journey to Japan is a wealth of unforgettable natural
landscapes. In recent years, the powdery snow of Japan's ski fields has also been
attracting international visitors.
Geography
The archipelago of Japan is separated from the Asian mainland by 160km (100
miles) of sea and split into four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and
Shikoku. About 70% of the country is covered by hills and mountains, a number of
which are active or dormant volcanoes, including Mount Fuji, Japan's highest
peak, reaching 3,776m (12,388ft). Japan sits on major seismic fault lines and is
susceptible to frequent earthquakes.
A series of mountain ranges runs from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu. The
Japanese Alps (the most prominent range) run in a north-south direction through
central Honshu.
Lowlands and plains are small and scattered, mostly lying along the coast, and
composed of alluvial lowlands and diluvial uplands. The coastline is very long in
relation to the land area, and has very varied features, for example, the deeply
indented bays with good natural harbours tend to be adjacent to mountainous
terrain. Many of Japan’s major cities are located on the coastline, and have
extremely high population density.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 127,06 Million
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Population Density (per sq km): 337
Capital: Tokyo.
Language
Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo and other
large cities but is less usual in rural areas. There are many regional dialects and
there are distinct differences in the intonation and pronunciation between eastern
and western Japan.
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000,
2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Electricity
100 volts AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka); 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and
Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin plugs.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some offices are open Sat 0900-1200.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2017 - December 2018 period.
Note: Holidays falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday. When there
is a single day between two national holidays, it is also taken as a holiday.
2017
New Year's Day: 1 January 2017
Coming of Age Day: 9 January 2017
National Foundation Day: 11 February 2017
Vernal Equinox: 20 March 2017
Showa Day: 29 April 2017
Constitution Memorial Day: 3 May 2017
Greenery Day: 4 May 2017
Children's Day: 5 May 2017
Marine Day: 17 July 2017
Respect for the Aged Day: 18 September 2017
Autumnal Equinox: 23 September 2017
Health and Sports Day: 9 October 2017
Culture Day: 3 November 2017
Labour Thanksgiving Day: 23 November 2017
Emperor's Birthday: 23 December 2017
2018
New Year's Day: 1 January 2018
Coming of Age Day: 8 January 2018
National Foundation Day: 11 February 2018
Vernal Equinox: 21 March 2018
Showa Day: 29 April 2018
Constitution Memorial Day: 3 May 2018
Greenery Day: 4 May 2018
Children's Day: 5 May 2018
Marine Day: 16 July 2018
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Respect for the Aged Day: 17 September 2018
Autumnal Equinox: 24 September 2018
Health and Sports Day: 8 October 2018
Culture Day: 3 November 2018
Labour Thanksgiving Day: 23 November 2018
Emperor's Birthday: 23 December 2018
All information subject to change.
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Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
Japanese manners and customs are vastly different from those of Western people.
A strict code of behaviour and politeness is recognised and followed by almost
everyone. However, Japanese people do not expect visitors to be familiar with all
their customs but do expect them to behave formally and politely.
A straightforward refusal traditionally does not form part of Japanese etiquette, and
a vague 'yes' does not always mean 'yes'. (The visitor may be comforted to know
that confusion caused by non-committal replies occurs between the Japanese
themselves.)
When entering a Japanese home or restaurant, shoes must be removed.
Bowing is the customary greeting but handshaking is becoming more common for
business meetings with Westerners. The honorific suffix san should be used when
addressing all men and women; for instance Mr Yamada would be addressed as
Yamada-san.
Table manners are very important, although the Japanese host will be very tolerant
towards a visitor. However, it is best if visitors familiarise themselves with basic
table etiquette and use chopsticks. Exchange of gifts is also a common business
practice and may take the form of souvenir items such as company pens, ties or
high-quality spirits.
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Health
Health
Main emergency number: 119
Food & Drink
If travelling to the area near the Fukushima nuclear accident it is advisable to take
supplies of food and water. Produce from the area near the Fukushima nuclear
accident, which is still being sold in some supermarkets nationwide, should be
avoided due to the lack of a centralized testing system in Japan for radioactive
contamination in food, and discrepancies between Japanese and international
standards for safe levels of radioactive substances in food. Tap water in Tokyo
was declared not safe for consumption after the accident, although the government
has since stated otherwise. Nevertheless, if travelling with children it is advisable
to take precautions. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website
(www.mhlw.go.jp) has updates on contamination levels in tested food. In other
parts of Japan, food and drink are generally considered safe.
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Only eat raw fish, seafood and meat from recognised establishments, and be
aware that there is a risk of parasitic infection and toxins if these foods have not
been prepared properly. E-coli food poisoning outbreaks tend to occur in Japan
during the warmer months (June-September), and it is advisable to take
precautions when consuming perishable foods at outdoor summer festivals, where
refrigeration may be an issue.
Other Risks
You should make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations. Influenza and
measles epidemics have occurred in recent years and precautions should be
taken. Tuberculosis and hepatitis B occur and vaccination is sometimes advised.
Typhus occurs in some river valleys. Japanese encephalitis may occur.
Vaccination is recommended for long-term travel (greater than one month) in rural
areas. All normal precautions should also be exercised to avoid exposure to
sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
If spending prolonged periods outdoors during the summer months when heat and
humidity can be extreme, make sure to have plenty of fluids on hand to avoid
dehydration and wear hats and other protective clothing to avoid heatstroke.
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Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +81
Telephone
Four companies provide international communications services: KDDI (001),
Cable & Wireless IDC (0061) Japan Telecom (0041) and NTT (0033). To call the
UK, for example, you would use 001-44. Credit cards can also be used directly in
some phone boxes. Public telephone boxes are becoming more difficult to find and
are most likely to be located near train stations. They are green and grey, and
accept coins and magnetic prepaid cards, available from convenience stories and
vending machines.
Mobile Telephone
The Japanese mobile network uses PDC (Personal Digital Cellular System)
technology, which is not compatible with GSM or other mobile services. Visitors
can hire handsets at the airport from companies such as DoCoMo
(www.nttdocomo.com), and Softbank (www.softbank-rental.jp). In the UK, phones
can be rented in advance of travel from Adam Phones (www.adamphones.com).
Coverage is generally good.
Internet
Internet is widely available; there are many internet cafés in Tokyo and in the main
cities in Japan. Most hotels have Wi-Fi internet access.
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Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Nagoya
Atsuta Shrine
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One of the most sacred Shinto sights in Japan, Atsuta shrine is said to date back
almost 2,000 years. The temple houses the sword of the dead prince Yamato
Takeru and was rebuilt after fire ripped through it during the war. A must-see.
1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku
www.atsutajingu.or.jp
456-8585 Nagoya
Japan
Tel: +81 52 671 4151
Nagoya TV Tower
Locals love this TV Tower, the oldest in Japan. Built to resemble Paris’s Eiffel
Tower, it has a viewing platform at 100m and a restaurant where you can kick back
and take in huge views of the city and the countryside beyond.
3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku
Opening times:
460-0003 Nagoya
Daily 1000-2200 (Apr-Dec)
Japan
Daily 1000-2100 (Jan-Mar)
Tel: +81 52 971 8546
www.nagoya-tv-tower.co.jp
Nagoya Castle
The 17th-century original might be no more, but the careful reconstruction is just as
fascinating. The castle made Nagoya one of the most important towns in Japan
and is full of fascinating artefacts from the Shogunate period.
1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku
Opening times:
460-0031 Nagoya
Daily 0900-1630
Japan
Tel: +81 52 231 1700
www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp
SCMaglev and Railway Park
If you love Japan’s peerless high-speed trains, then this is the place to come.
There are 39 different trains on display, including the very latest Maglev models
that zoom across the country at over 300kph.
3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku
Opening times:
455-0848 Nagoya
Wed-Mon 1000-1730
Japan
Tel: +81 50 3772 3910
museum.jr-central.co.jp
Osu Kannon Temple
This Buddhist temple focuses on a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The
main hall is a library storing over 15,000 texts, and the grounds hold a flea market
twice a month. A peaceful haven in the city centre.
2-21-47 Osu, Naka-ku
www.osu-kannon.jp
460-0011 Nagoya
Japan
Tel: +81 52 231 6525
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The Tokugawa Art Museum
Ceramics, calligraphy and traditional Japanese art are the mainstay of this, one of
Japan’s finest museums. There is an excellent collection of Chinese pieces too,
including swords, costumes and paintings.
1017 Tokugawacho, Higashi-ku
Opening times:
461-0023 Nagoya
Tue-Sun 1000-1700
Japan
Tel: +81 52 935 6262
www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp
Nagoya City Science Museum
From its striking globe design to its exhibits depicting the night sky and recreating
extreme weather, the Nagoya City Science Museum is not to be missed. The
Tornado Lab is the main highlight, with a 9m-high twister whipping up to the
ceiling.
2-17-1 Sakae, Naka-ku
Opening times:
460-0008 Nagoya
Daily 0930-1700
Japan
Tel: +81 52 201 4486
www.ncsm.city.nagoya.jp
Noritake Garden
Located on a former ceramic factory grounds, this pretty open space is free to
explore. Look at older pieces created in the brick buildings or just wander the
manicured gardens and take in the scenery.
3-1-36 Noritake-Shinmachi, Nishi-ku
Opening times:
451-8501 Nagoya
Tue-Sun 1000-1800
Japan
Tel: +81 52 561 7290
www.noritake.co.jp
Midland Square
Japan’s fifth tallest building has the country’s highest outdoor observation deck.
Standing at almost 250m tall, the views are spectacular and well worth seeking
out. It takes just 40 seconds to reach the top in the speedy elevators.
4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku
Opening times:
450-0002 Nagoya
Daily 1100-2200 (observation deck)
Japan
Tel: +81 52 527 8877
www.midland-square.com
Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Designed to showcase the Boston Fine Arts Museum’s collection in a Japanese
setting, this gallery is fantastic. Rolling exhibitions of works from the east coast of
the USA are sent every few months, meaning this is an ever-changing space.
1-1-1 Kanayama-cho, Naka-ku
Opening times:
Nagoya
Tue-Fri 1000-1900
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Sat-Sun 1000-1700
Tel: +81 52 684 0101
www.nagoya-boston.or.jp
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Shopping in Nagoya
Shopping in Nagoya
Key Areas
Nagoya’s shops are largely nestled away in malls. The Sakae district, in the centre
of town, is spoiled with shopping centres and high-end stores, while the main
railway station has a maze of small clothes stores and trinket shops which you can
easily get lost in. Osu is the place to go for alternative and independent shops.
Markets
Flea markets are popular and plentiful in Nagoya. The Osu Kannon temple (2-2147 Osu, Naka-ku) holds one on the 18th and 28th of every month. The Koshoji
temple (78 Yagotohonmachi, Showa-ku) also hosts a flea twice a month. Head to
the Oasis 21 centre (1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku) in Sakae every Saturday to
trawl the stalls.
Shopping Centres
The Midland Square tower (4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku) has an excellent mall,
with high-end global brands. Parco (3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku) is a sprawling mall
which you can easily lose a day in, while nearby La Chic (3-6-1 Sakae Naka-ku) is
also a superb option for shopaholics.
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Restaurants
Restaurants in Nagoya
Nagoya’s food scene is bustling and brilliant.You can easily find local delicacies
such as unagi (eel) and cochin (chicken), but there’s plenty of excellent
international cuisine if you fancy something different.
Aikyou
A great place to try super fresh seafood; the sashimi here is particularly good.
1-31 Nishino-cho, Atsuta-ku
Price: Expensive
456-0063 Nagoya
Japan
Horaiken
Drop by Horaiken to sample the best unagi (eel) you’ll ever eat – try and get one of
the private tatami rooms to make the experience even better.
503 Godo-cho, Atsuta-ku
Price: Moderate
456-0043 Nagoya
Japan
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Yabaton Honten
Famed for its deep-fried pork and red miso, this is a Nagoya institution, serving
hungry locals since 1947.
3-6-18 Osu
Price: Moderate
Nakaku, Nagoya
Aichi 460-0011
Japan
Sekai no Yamachan
The best place to try tebasaki (chicken wings) in Nagoya; wash it down with one of
a vast array of local beers.
3-1-9 Nishiki, Naka-ku
Price: Cheap
460-8679 Nagoya
Japan
Tiger Cafe
A European-style café that pulls a chic crowd and serves impressive French food
that offers a nice break from rice and noodles.
1-9-22 Higashisakura
Price: Cheap
Higashi Ward, Nagoya
Aichi 461-0005
Japan
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Nightlife
Nightlife in Nagoya
Nagoya knows how to relax after a hard day in the office. Bars and clubs proliferate
around the central railway station, with loads of excellent izakayas for grabbing a
late-night beer.The Sakae shopping area also has plenty of good nightlife spots.
Elephant’s Nest
An English-style pub in the heart of Nagoya – think darts, bar snacks and ales and
you get the picture.
1-4-3 Sakae, Naka-ku
460-0008 Nagoya
Japan
Gen’s 2nd
A cheap and cheerful bar with great tunes and DJs from across the globe.
3 Chome-25-20 Nishiki
Naka Ward, Nagoya
Aichi 460-0003
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Japan
The Hub
The largest of a small bar chain (there are three in the city), The Hub has a proper
pub atmosphere.
3-15-11 Meieki, Nakamura-ku
450-0002 Nagoya
Japan
Soulground
One of Nagoya’s best clubs, Soulground plays hip-hop, soul and house in three
different zones.
4 Chome-3-15 Sakae
Naka Ward, Nagoya
Aichi 460-0008
Japan
Steps
With its heady mix of live sports and banging tunes, Steps keeps on kicking until
6am at weekends.
Hasegawa Bldg. 2F, 3-2-29 Sakae
Naka-ku, Nagoya
Japan
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Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Nagoya Castle Summer Festival
Noh theatre and bon-odori dancing are held in the castle grounds in the evening,
and there are food and games stalls.
March - May 2017
www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/13_english/index....
Venue: Nagoya Castle
Atsuta Matsuri
This is Atsuta shrine's annual festival with various performances (martial arts and
sumo wrestling) and processions of floats, which are particularly impressive when
decorated with lanterns at night.
June 2017
www.atsutajingu.or.jp
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Venue: Atsuta Shrine
Nagoya Port Marine Day Festival
The Port festival celebrates Nagoya's connection to the seas which have made it
prosperous. The harbour comes alive with maritime displays and activities
including a water logging contest throughout the day. The festival closes with an
impressive fireworks display from an internationally renowned crew.
July 2017
Venue: Garden Pier and the surrounding areas
Nagoya Basho (Sumo Tournament)
This annual summer sumo wrestling tournament in Nagoya is very popular and
attracts large crowds.
9 - 23 July 2017
event.chunichi.co.jp/sumo
Venue: Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
World Cosplay Summit
Fans of manga and anime from all over the world gather in the costumes of their
favourite characters at this annual event in Nagoya.
29 July - 6 August 2017
www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/e
Venue: Osu and Oasis 21
Nippon Domannaka Festival
The streets of Nagoya are filled with entertainers and dancers boasting colourful
costumes celebrating the cultural meld of north and south Japanese traditions in
Nagoya.
August 2017
www.domatsuri.com/english
Venue: All over the city
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Hotels
Hotels in Nagoya
As with Japan’s other major cities, truly budget accommodation is virtually
nonexistent. However, there are plenty of decent mid-range business hotels and
cosy local ryokan for those looking to save.Top-end rooms are also plentiful.
Crown Plaza Ana Grand Court
One of Nagoya’s finest, this major international hotel has plush rooms and a great
restaurant.
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1-1-1 Kanayama - Cho,
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Category: Expensive
Naka-Ku, Nagoya, 4600023
Japan
Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel
Luxury outpost of the Marriott chain; upscale facilities make this great for
unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku
Category: Expensive
450-6002 Nagoya
Japan
Hotel Wing International
Reasonably priced joint with cosy rooms and a traditional Japanese breakfast.
1-4-11Nishiki,
Category: Moderate
460-0003, Nagoya-shi
Naka-ku
Japan
Nagoya Kanko Hotel
Modern and elegant hotel in the heart of Nagoya.
1-19-30 Nishiki, Naka-ku
Category: Moderate
460-8608 Nagoya
Japan
Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Nishiki
This simple business hotel is one of the best deals in Nagoya, with small, but
comfortable rooms.
Nishiki, 460-0003,
Category: Cheap
Nagoya-shi - Naka-ku
Japan
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