“10min Journey.” Starting from the hotel, we’ll guide you on short journeys to discover the charms of Nagoya right in your neighborhood. Right next to the bustling area in front of Nagoya Station, you’ll find traditional shopping districts, markets, and places where the spirit of craftsmanship still thrives. There, you’ll discover not only Nagoya’s iconic tourist attractions but also scenes cherished by local residents. Rather than just passing through, learning about the area’s history, culture, and the stories behind people’s daily lives will lead to new discoveries. As a result, you’ll feel a little closer to the city, and the scenery will look different than it did just a moment ago. Let’s explore the Nagoya you haven’t seen yet. Find your favorite shops or pause to take in the seasonal scenery. Why not explore the city of Nagoya at your own pace, enjoying the detours along the way? Have a wonderful day.
02｜Discover Nagoya — Stars, Traditional Theater & Flavors.
For those with a curious spirit. From starry skies to art, performing arts, and the flavors of time-honored establishments.
When you venture out into a new city, you’re often thrilled to encounter unexpected sights. The Fushimi area—just one subway stop from Nagoya Station—is Nagoya’s premier business district, yet it reveals a variety of facets, blending the old and the new. Everywhere you go, a series of serendipitous discoveries awaits. Today, head straight east on Nishiki-dori in front of “Nikko Style Nagoya.” After about a 5-minute bike ride, turn down a side street, and at the end, you’ll see a silver sphere that looks just like a giant spaceship. This is the planetarium at the “FUJI Nagoya Science Museum.” While it’s nice to head straight for specific destinations, letting yourself be drawn to sights that catch your eye is one of the unique joys of traveling. Why not take a break in the park and explore wherever your mood takes you?
【 Today’s Journey 】Duration: About 5 hours
FUJI Nagoya Science Museum → Shirakawa Park → Ichifuji → Misonoza → Daijin Main Store
Look for the large silver sphere floating above the greenery of Shirakawa Park. The “FUJI Nagoya Science Museum” is one of Japan’s leading comprehensive science museums, where you can have fun learning about everything from everyday science to the universe by “seeing, touching, and verifying.” A particular highlight is the world’s largest planetarium, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Its dome, with an inner diameter of 35 meters, recreates a starry sky that is as close to the real thing as possible. Since the museum’s opening in 1962, one of its cherished traditions has been the “live commentary” provided daily by curators. During the approximately 50-minute show, curators introduce the highlights and mechanisms of what can be experienced in the actual night sky—such as the stars, constellations, and astronomical phenomena visible that day. Focusing on these highlights can greatly enhance the experience. The theme changes almost monthly, covering a variety of astronomical topics. As one curator explains, “We strive to provide commentary that inspires visitors to look up at the real night sky after the show,” and this truly sparks a growing interest in the stars.
After enjoying the planetarium, head inside the museum. There are approximately 270 exhibits, including four large-scale displays: “Water Plaza,” “Tornado Lab,” “Electrical Discharge Lab,” and “Extreme Cold Lab.” The exhibits are designed so that everyone—from children to adults—can enjoy them, even if they don’t fully understand the language. In the “Face of the Universe” exhibit, located on the floor below the planetarium, a lineup of planetarium projectors used throughout the museum’s history creates a truly impressive sight. At the “Aichi-Nagoya Nobel Laureates Memorial Room,” you’ll be surprised to learn that the roots of inventions that have drastically changed our lives—such as the blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used in smartphone screens and LCD televisions—actually lie in Nagoya. Outdoors, a B6-class steam locomotive and a former Nagoya streetcar are on display, allowing you to experience the history of manufacturing and the culture that thrives in this city.
And at night, it’s worth looking up at the Nagoya sky once more. “While the view of the starry sky varies slightly by region, from the perspective of Earth in the universe, we are all under the same starry sky, whether at home or abroad,” says a curator. Try gazing at the sky while reflecting on the differences and similarities between where you live and here. Such an encounter with the starry sky might lead to new discoveries during your trip to Nagoya.
An 8.93-hectare urban park developed during the postwar reconstruction period. Despite being located in the heart of Nagoya, it is a pleasant oasis of relaxation with a wide-open sky and a sense of openness. Beloved as the “Forest of Art and Science,” the park features the “FUJI Nagoya Science Museum” and the “Nagoya City Art Museum”—designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa—as well as plazas and playground equipment. Visitors can enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, golden zelkova tree-lined avenues in fall, and the serene stillness of the trees in winter. Take a leisurely moment to admire the artistic fountains or explore the public art installations scattered throughout the park. Another charm of this park is the chance to witness the casual daily lives of city residents—people relaxing on benches during breaks from work or walks, families enjoying picnics, and dance groups practicing—all while strolling through the park.
Founded in 1923 during the Taisho era, the restaurant welcomes not only domestic and international travelers seeking Nagoya’s famous specialties but also many repeat customers. The current owner, Mr. Usami, is the third-generation proprietor. He is a master craftsman who has been grilling eel for about 40 years, carrying on the shop and its traditional methods established by his grandfather. The eel, sourced from trusted wholesalers, is prepared using the Kansai-style “belly-cut” method passed down in Nagoya and grilled over charcoal until fragrant. The sauce—with its refined and delicate flavor—perfectly complements the eel’s crispy exterior, plump interior, and rich, savory flavor. The sauce, which is the key to the dish’s flavor, is a unique blend of several types of tamari soy sauce, combined with granulated sugar and mirin from “Amatsuyoshi Shuzo” in Kanie Town, Aichi Prefecture. The environment surrounding food has changed over time—long-standing suppliers have gone out of business, and ingredient prices have risen. Even so, Mr. Usami’s philosophy remains: “To serve the best possible dish at any given time.” By carefully engaging with his ingredients, he continues to pass down the flavors that have been cherished for many years.
The signature “Hitsumabushi” is enjoyed in three distinct ways: the first bowl as is, the second with condiments, and the third as ochazuke (rice with tea). Finally, you can enjoy it one last time however you prefer. As you savor the changing flavors with each bowl, you’ll find yourself filled with a sense of happiness. In the evening, we recommend enjoying a drink paired with appetizers like unagi-maki (eel roll), uzaku (chopped eel salad), or teriyaki eel liver, and finishing with an unadon (eel rice bowl) or hitsumabushi. During the winter, we also serve another signature dish: dishes made with domestically sourced wild tiger pufferfish.
The restaurant’s name is derived from the Edo-period proverb “First Mount Fuji, second a hawk, third an eggplant,” which is considered a good omen if seen in one’s first dream of the year. It is said to have been named after a dream seen by the founder’s grandfather. Wooden wall hangings displayed inside the restaurant depict old-time Nagoya scenes, such as Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and Osu. While soaking in the restaurant’s history and the memories of the area, please enjoy the flavors of Nagoya that have been passed down for over 100 years.
Founded in 1896 (Meiji 29), this theater has supported Nagoya’s performing arts for 130 years. Its history began with an opening performance by the Ichikawa Sadanji Troupe. After being destroyed by air raids and fires and subsequently rebuilt, the “Misonoza Tower”—a complex that includes the Misonoza Theater—was completed in 2018. Architect Kengo Kuma oversaw the design of both the interior and exterior, and the building’s eye-catching bright vermilion color, dubbed “Misonoza Red,” is a standout feature.
The theater presents a diverse array of performances, ranging from Kabuki to musicals, Takarazuka Revue, plays, concerts, and rakugo storytelling. While honoring its long history and traditions, it continues to showcase the performing arts of a new era. Of course, you can enjoy a performance, but why not also take a moment to admire its elegant appearance while strolling through the city, and make a detour to the Misono-dori Shopping Street, where the charm of days gone by still lingers?
A long-established izakaya representing Nagoya, beloved by locals in Fushimi as a place of relaxation for over 100 years. Founded in 1907 (Meiji 40), the wooden building—rebuilt in 1954 after being destroyed in an air raid—exudes the charm of the good old Showa era. Even renowned izakaya connoisseurs have called it “the Mount Fuji of Japanese izakayas” “the pinnacle of Japanese izakayas,” and today, travelers from both Japan and abroad head straight for this spot, guided by the saying, “If you’re in Nagoya, go to Daijin.”
Since you’re here, why not pop in a little early for a quick drink? People start lining up outside even before the 3:45 PM opening, and as soon as the noren curtain—with the word “Sake” dyed in white—is raised, customers stream in one after another, and the place is bustling in no time. The serving counter is lined with 30 varieties of small dishes, including simmered dishes, blanched vegetables, and vinegared dishes. The traditional style here is to choose your favorites yourself and carry them to your table. Dishes like “Kashiwa no Umami-ni” (simmered chicken) and “Iwashi no Nitsuke” (simmered sardines) are based on recipes passed down since the restaurant’s founding, with a little extra touch to make them even more delicious. There’s also sashimi made from seafood sourced fresh daily at the market, as well as dishes prepared to order. The “Signature Miso Dote” made with Hatcho miso and the “Pork Kushi-katsu” are signature dishes we’re proud of, created through trial and error in response to requests for “dishes that embody the spirit of Nagoya.” Infused with red wine, they offer a rich yet refreshing flavor. Don’t miss the handmade Western-style dishes either, such as deep-fried horse mackerel made with fresh ingredients used even in sushi restaurants, hamburger steaks in the summer, and seafood gratin in the winter. This is the only place in all of Japan where you can enjoy barrel-aged “Tokubetsu Honjozou Chotokusen Tokutoshu” sake from “Kamotsuru Brewery” in Hiroshima Prefecture. Near the entrance stands an “Okudo-san” (traditional hearth) that has been in active use for nearly 70 years; the sake warmed in this hearth is truly exceptional.
What Mr. Yamada, the fourth-generation owner, values most is not just hearing “It was delicious,” but also “I had a great time.” Sharing a large table with other guests is a common sight here. Sometimes, people sitting next to each other naturally strike up a conversation. If it’s your first visit, you might be a bit bewildered by the unfamiliar sights, such as the serving counter where dishes are lined up and the way orders are placed. Even travelers from overseas often look nervous when they first walk in, wondering, “What kind of place is this?” Yet, once enveloped by the unique atmosphere of the izakaya, they’re all smiles by the time they leave. This isn’t a place built for tourists—it’s a chance to dive into everyday life in Nagoya. Have a drink mingling with the locals. And when it’s time to pay, the bill is calculated using an abacus. The experience itself—a moment you can only have here—will surely become a lasting memory of your trip.
5-20-13 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City
Aichi Prefecture 450-0002
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We are hosting a special one-day lunchtime Japanese cooking class conducted in English! You’ll try your hand at rolling your own sushi, and also have the chance to taste three types of miso soup to explore Aichi Prefecture’s rich fermented-food culture.
Beyond the cooking experience, the instructor will also give an origami demonstration, ensuring a fulfilling time where you can learn about Japanese culture!
