10 Must-Visit Nagoya Attractions

Ever seen the golden shachihoko fish on Nagoya Castle's roof? Two mythical carp coated in 18-carat gold perch atop the main keep — and they're the symbol that makes Nagoya instantly recognisable from any other castle city in Japan. The castle was built in 1612 under Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Main Keep is closed for reconstruction into a traditional wooden structure, but Honmaru Palace — the exquisitely restored wooden residence completed in 2018 — is open and stunning, especially its gold-leaf painted interiors.

If you know Ise Grand Shrine as Japan's most sacred, Atsuta Shrine ranks second — and it sits right in the middle of Nagoya, far easier to reach. Over 1,900 years old, this is where the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword), one of Japan's three Imperial Regalia, is enshrined. The ancient pine forest grounds are quiet and cool, completely unlike the packed temples and castles elsewhere. Bonus: the Kiyomaro restaurant nearby serves what many consider the best Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) in the shrine district.

If you loved Tokyo's Akihabara, Osu is Nagoya's more walkable equivalent. A covered arcade stretches out with 400+ shops — vintage clothing, retro games, cosplay, street food, hot Takoyaki, and Mochi sweets. At the heart of the arcade sits Osu Kannon, a striking 700-year-old red temple that's one of the most photogenic spots in the city. On the 18th and 28th of every month, a flea market sets up on temple grounds — well worth timing your visit around.

Honest admission — even if you're not a train person, this place is worth the trip. The museum displays 39 real trains end-to-end, from the original 1964 Series 0 Shinkansen all the way to the MLX01-1 Maglev prototype that reached 603 km/h — the fastest land speed ever recorded. You can sit inside many of them, not just look through glass. The Shinkansen driving simulator is genuinely fun and great for families or anyone curious about what the future of rail looks like.

Before Toyota made cars, it made looms — and this museum tells both stories through machines that still actually run. Walk through two large halls: the Textile Pavilion (stunning Jacquard looms in action) and the Automobile Pavilion (Toyota history from the first Corolla to the present day). You see firsthand how a loom company became the world's top-selling car brand. Allow 90 minutes to 3 hours; admission is very reasonable.

Japan's oldest TV tower (built 1954) was fully renovated in 2020 and rebranded as MIRAI Tower — Tower of the Future. At 100 metres, the open-air Sky Balcony gives a 360-degree panorama of Nagoya. Below it, the 2.4 km Hisaya-odori Park has been revitalised with cafes, fountain plazas, and cycling paths. It's an ideal evening stop before or after shopping in Sakae, just a few minutes' walk away.

The world's largest planetarium dome — 35 metres in diameter, certified by Guinness World Records — opened in 2011 and projects the galaxy in extraordinary clarity. Beyond the planetarium, the museum features a full-scale 9-metre tornado chamber (you can stand inside it) and a -30°C chamber with Northern Lights projections. Great for kids and adults who like science. Note: the museum was renamed FUJI Nagoya Science Museum in April 2026.

Four hundred years of Tokugawa Shogunate treasures live here — exquisite samurai swords, armour, formal court dress, tea ceremony ware, and scroll paintings including the Genji Monogatari picture scroll (among the oldest narrative illustrated manuscripts in the world, with the original kept on site). The museum sits right next to Tokugawa Garden, a beautiful Edo-style Japanese garden. Half a day covers both comfortably — perfect for anyone who loves deep Japanese history.

Sakae is Nagoya's liveliest shopping and nightlife hub — think Shibuya or Shinjuku, Nagoya-scale. It has the country's longest underground shopping mall connecting the entire district underfoot, while above ground the Matsuzakaya and Mitsukoshi department stores and global brand boutiques line the streets. The Sakae neon glow at night is worth seeing on its own. Sakae is also the ideal starting point for the short walk to MIRAI Tower and Hisaya-odori Park.

One of the few aquariums in Japan where you can watch Orca and Beluga whales in large pools — with Orca training sessions open to viewing. Dolphin shows run 3–4 times daily, and the Antarctic Exhibition brings penguins parading through every day. Five zones trace a path from Japanese coastal waters all the way to the South Pole. Budget 2–3 hours; especially great for families with children.