Nagoya

Nagoya Travel Guide

• About Nagoya

With its stunning modern architecture and glitzy department stores on display everywhere, it’s hard to miss the fact that Nagoya is one of Japan’s wealthiest cities. Handily situated midway between Tokyo and Osaka, it also has excellent transport links, making it the perfect base for exploring central Japan. Although Nagoya is an important manufacturing and industrial centre (several major companies such as Toyota and Noritake are based here), it also has a wealth of sights to keep visitors interested. The top spot as far as locals are concerned is Atsuta Shrine, the second most venerated place in the country. The shrine is said to contain over 4,400 national treasures, which cover its more than 2,000 year history, including the Kusanagi sword, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan. Around 70 festivals take place here every year, bringing visitors flocking in. Equally grand is Nagoya Castle, originally built in 1612. Much of it burned to the ground during bombing raids in WWII, but it was restored largely along original lines in 1959, but with some modern touches added such as lifts. Be sure to check out the magnificent golden tiger-headed carp that sit on the castle roof, they are the symbol of the city. One sight that pays homage to Nagoya’s importance as a commercial hub is the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This large museum contains several vast halls that are packed with old machinery and historic vehicles.

• Nagoya History

Growing from a castle settlement into a prosperous industrial centre, Nagoya suffered sustained bombing in WWII, but emerged as a modern manufacturing dynamo. Nagoya boasts more than 400 years of history, which began with the building of Nagoya Castle after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Uniting Japan through his victory at the battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu commenced construction of the castle in 1610, and instructed the residents of Kiyosu to move lock, stock and temple to the area surrounding the new castle. The castle’s first lord, Tokugawa Yoshinao, transformed the castle-city into a thriving town and the Tokugawa family continued to live in the castle for 16 generations. Nagoya developed as a centre for ceramics, lacquer-ware, cotton and gunpowder production before becoming a centre for modern industry during the 19th century. It achieved city status in 1889, a year which also ushered in the arrival of electricity. Nagoya went on to become an important transport hub, with several railway lines meeting at the city and its busy port proving a vital link to the rest of the world. A network of canals was created to connect industrial areas to the coast. Nagoya grew a name for itself as a metals and machinery manufacturer, helped in part by heavy demand in WWI. In the 1930s, five local companies jointly created Japan’s first domestic car here, and it wasn’t long before Toyota was mass-producing vehicles for the global market. The city was heavily bombed during WWII, and in the post-war era it was completely rebuilt into a well-planned modern metropolis. Typhoon Vera (or Isewan Typhoon) pounded Nagoya in 1959, resulting in widespread flooding and nearly 2,000 deaths. Today, Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city and a key link between the east and west of the country, with manufacturing and industry still central to its prosperity.

• Did you know?

Nagoya’s seventh lord, Tokugawa Muneharu, actively promoted the arts, and performers came from across Japan to take to the stage in the 50-plus theatres. Nagoya Castle was destroyed during WWII, but rebuilt in 1959. Toyota, Mitsubishi and Honda are all based in the Nagoya area.

• Weather in Nagoya

The best time to visit Nagoya is during the spring when the scenic cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and then during the summer, when there are a wonderful array of festivals that offer everything from fireworks and traditional dancing to major events like the Nagoya Basho sumo tournament. Whilst the summer months can be steamy, there are often sea breezes from the port that help to cool things down in the afternoons.

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Things to see in Nagoya

Attractions

• Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Nagoya has an excellent aquarium down by the port. It is divided in two buildings. In the north building visitors can see large sea mammals like killer whales, beluga whales and dolphins. In the south building there are tanks representing Antarctic marine life (with plenty of penguins), Australian freshwater life and tropical marine life, as well as a deep sea gallery. Address: Minato-ku, 1-3 Minato-machi, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 654 7080 Opening times: Daily 09:30-17:30. Website: www.nagoyaaqua.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Atsuta-Jingu

The Atsuta Shrine houses the ‘Kusanagi-no-tsurugi’, a sword that is one of the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures in Japan. More than 6.5 million people visit this place annually, the second largest of Japan’s Shinto shrines after the one at Ise. The sword is said to have been given to the imperial family by the goddess Amaterasu Omikami. The museum contains several artefacts of national importance in Japan. Address: Atsuta-ku, 1-1-1 Jingu, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 671 4151 Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.atsutajingu.or.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Nagoya Castle

The impressive Nagoya Castle was constructed by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612 for the Owari Tokugawa family. It was almost completely destroyed by American bombing in 1945, and the current ferroconcrete reconstruction dates from 1959. On top of the building are the two famous golden dolphins, which symbolised the authority of the feudal lord. Today the castle is a museum, and because of its many cherry trees it is very popular during the cherry blossom season. Address: 1-1 Hommaru, Nishi-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 231 1700 Opening times: Daily 09:00-16:30. Website: www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Tokugawa Garden

This tranquil Japanese-style garden adjacent to the Tokugawa Art Museum was donated to the city by the Tokugawa family in 1931 but bombed during WWII, with only the main gate left standing. After many years as a park, a restoration project ended in 2004. The centrepiece of the garden is an ornamental lake with waterfalls and bridges, and winding paths showcase blooming peonies and irises (among others) in summer and vivid maple trees in the autumn. Address: 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 935 8988 Opening times: Tues-Sun 09:30-17:30. Website: www.tokugawaen.city.nagoya.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Tokugawa Art Museum

A treasure trove of Japanese art, furniture and equipment from the feudal period, the collection at the Tokugawa Art Museum consists of the holdings of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family, who had very close family and political ties to the ruling shoguns throughout the Edo period (1603-1868). Many of the personal effects of Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of the heroes in Japanese history, can be seen, along with a vast variety of artworks, cultural objects and books stretching back to medieval times. Address: 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 935 6262 Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Higashiyama Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Sky Tower

This comprehensive park with a zoo, botanical garden and amusement park is located in the eastern part of Nagoya. Koalas, giraffes and elephants can be seen in the zoo, while the botanic garden boasts a large greenhouse and flower gardens. The Sky Tower has an observation room 100m (328ft) above the ground that offers great views of Nagoya – time your visit for the sunset if you can. A very nice restaurant is located on the top floor. Address: 3-70 Higashiyama-motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 782 2111 Opening times: Tues-Sun 09:00-16:30. Website: www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Trainspotters – and anyone interested in Japan’s bullet train technology – will find much to delight in this museum run by Central Japan Railways. As well as historic steam locomotives, exhibits include experimental versions of shinkansen (bullet trains) and maglev, the world’s fastest train at 581km/h (361mph). There are also train and crew simulations, miniature train dioramas and, on the second floor, special exhibits geared at younger children. An audio guide is available in English. Address: 3 Chome-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 389 6100 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-17:30. Website: www.museum.jr-central.co.jp  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Nagoya City Art Museum

Housed in a modern building designed by Kisho Kurokawa, Nagoya’s art museum boasts a collection of 2,500 local and international artworks. It focuses on modern artists of the local Ise Bay area, but also features works by Ecole de Paris and Mexican Renaissance artists to show how these have influenced local artists. Address: Naka-ku, 17-25 Sakae, Nagoya Telephone: +81 52 212 0001 Opening times: Tues-Sun 09:30-17:00 (to 20:00 Fri). Website: www.art-museum.city.nagoya.jp  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Noritake Garden

The famous Noritake factory (the birthplace of the modern ceramic industry in Japan) is surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens, and there is a crafts centre where visitors can see how ceramics are made and even try their hand at it themselves. There is also a museum displaying early Noritake ceramics items, including wonderful pieces from the art deco and art nouveau periods. Address: 3 Chome-1-36 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 561 7114 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.noritake.co.jp Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Nagoya Station Tourist Information Centre

Address: 1 Chome-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 541 4301 Opening times: Daily 08:30-19:00. Website: www.ncvb.or.jp There are also tourist offices at

• Kanayama Station

Address: 1 Chome-17-18 Kanayama, Naka Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 683 7840 Website: www.top.meitetsu.co.jp

• Oasis 21

Address: 21 building in Sakae. Telephone: +81 52 963 5252  The information counter at

• Nagoya International Centre

Address: 1 Chome-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 581 0100 Website:  www.nic-nagoya.or.jp  is also a good source of information about transport, sightseeing and culture in Nagoya.

Tourist passes

Tourist passes offering unlimited rides on JR Express trains and buses are available from: Website: www.touristpass.jp  and the Me-guru One-Day Pass for the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus includes discounts to many of Nagoya’s main tourist sites.

Things to do in Nagoya

• Enjoy a knees-up in a brewery

If anyone can organise a knees-up in a brewery, it’s Japan’s most famous beer company Asahi Telephone: +81 52 792 8966 Website: www.asahibeer.co.jp Located on the banks of the Shonai River, this free tour shows visitors the brewing process before concluding with beer tasting and some snacks to soak it up. English audio guides are available.

• Hit the beach and watch the sun set

Beach fans who fancy a frolic in the water should drive 30 minutes south to the Shinmaiko Marine Park, which boasts the 400m-long (1,312ft), man-made Blue Sun beach. Natural shorelines can be found on the Chita Peninsula, where Chidorigahama and the sandy beaches on Himakajima island offer delightful sunsets.

• Join the ski fanatics on the slopes

Nagoya’s situation, a short drive from the mountains, means that several ski resorts are accessible as day trips. Experienced skiers wanting a challenge should drive two hours east to Chausuyama Kogen, whilst beginners and families will be better served on the slopes of Hirugano Kogen, who also offer equipment rental.

• Tread the Tokaido highway trail

Hikers will find Nagoya a great base for day walks in the surrounding countryside. Explore the trails that run between the post towns of the ancient Tokaido highway, which links east and west Japan, or tackle Sanage Mountain; the moderate walk is excellent in spring with views over the Japanese Alps.

• Unwind with a night-time onsen

Hot springs are one of the most popular ways to unwind in Japan and the minerals in the waters are purported to bring health benefits. Nagoya’s Ryusenji Telephone: +81 52 793 2601 Website: www.ryusenjinoyu.com has 14 hot springs.  The outdoor onsen (hot spring) is the pick of the bunch, and best enjoyed at night with the city shimmering below.

Nagoya tours and excursions

Nagoya tours

• Bus tours

Sunrise Tours operates bus tours of Nagoya as well as further afield, for example the historic city of Takayama and the traditional village of Shirakawayo, or Nara Park and the cherry blossoms on Mt Yoshino. Telephone: + 81 3 5796 5454 Website: www.sunrise-tours.jp

Nagoya excursions

• Meiji Mura

Outside Inuyama is the excellent outdoor architectural museum of Meiji Mura. Most of the almost 70 structures in the museum park date from the Meiji period (1868-1912) and were relocated here after surviving many earthquakes and WWII. Many of the buildings, such as post offices, banks, hospitals and telephone exchanges, were built when Japan was modernising and are unique examples of architectural hybridisation. However, there are also more traditional structures from the Edo period. The highlight is the main entrance and lobby of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. You can get around the park by steam locomotive, street tram and bus, or on foot. Address: 1 Uchiyama, Inuyama. Telephone: +81 568 670 314 Website: www.meijimura.com 

• Inuyama

Inuyama is an attractive town located to the northeast of Nagoya. It is famous for its beautiful castle, Inuyama-jo, the oldest in Japan with a donjon (keep) dating back to 1537. Nearby is the strolling garden Urakuen, which has an exquisite 17th-century teahouse. Jo-an is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of teahouse architecture in Japan. From June to September, it is possible to see ukai (cormorant fishing), in which fishermen manipulate the birds to do the actual fishing. The fishing takes place in the evening on the Kiso River near Inuyama-yuen Station. Tickets can be purchased at the tourist information office.

Inuyama Tourist Information Office

• Meitetsu Inuyama Station

Telephone: +81 568 616 000 Website: www.ml.inuyama.gr.jp

• Toyota City

Toyota City is worth a visit. Located to the east of Nagoya, it is home to the Toyota Motor Corporation. There are free one-hour tours of the Toyota Motor Factory. Reservations in advance are essential.  The Toyota Automobile Museum is located in east Nagoya, while the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which tracks more than a century of motoring history, is located in the city centre. Telephone: +81 565 23 3922 Website: www.toyota.co.jp

• Arimatsu

Arimatsu is a few kilometres southeast of downtown Nagoya and was a post town of the ancient Tokaido highway. This quaint old town has been a centre for the production of tie-dyed fabrics and clothes, known as shibori, since 1608. The history of this industry is brought to life in the local museum, the Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Kaikan. The town also features the Arimatsu Festival Float Museum, which displays the impressive floats used for the colourful annual festival there. Several of the old houses involved in the tie-dyeing industry are listed buildings because of their architectural and cultural importance.

Shopping in Nagoya

Nagoya is one of the best cities outside Tokyo for shopping, particularly for fashion and jewellery. The range available in the city’s department stores is particularly impressive and caters to all tastes and budgets. The underground shopping malls are also great places to pick up a bargain.

• Key areas

The main shopping areas in Nagoya are in Sakae, the busiest and most popular part of the city, and near Nagoya Station. This is where you can find the major department stores and shopping malls. For street-level shopping with a stronger local link, the area around the shopping arcade near Osu Kannon temple offers a nice atmosphere and several small clothes and crafts shops and cafés. Electronics stores can be found around Nagoya Station.

• Markets

In the precincts of Osu Kannon temple, there’s an eclectic flea market held monthly on the 18th and 28th. This is a great place to pick up second-hand silk kimono and other traditional wares.

• Shopping centres

There’s a massive Takashimaya department store at the main entrance to JR Nagoya Station, whilst there are Matsuzakaya, Meitetsu and Kintetsu department stores just outside the main entrance. In Sakae, there are more branches of Matsuzakaya as well as Mitsukoshi, Parco, Loft and Lachic department stores. Major international fashion labels have stores in Sakae and in front of Nagoya station. The Osu shopping arcade and the underground malls at Nagoya Station and Sakae are good places to pick up souvenirs.

• Opening hours

Standard shopping hours in Nagoya are Monday to Sunday 10:00-20:00. Some of the major department stores are open from 11:00-21:00.

• Tax information

Some stores will refund the 8% consumption tax if you spend over ¥5,000. You’ll need your passport to claim the refund.

Restaurants in Nagoya

Experiencing the food scene in Nagoya is one of the highlights of a visit to the city. From traditional fare such as cochin (local chicken) or unagi (eel) cuisine to stylish restaurants serving modern fusion food which effortlessly blends Japanese traditions with international influences. The Nagoya restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over ¥6,000) Moderate (¥3,000 to ¥6,000) Cheap (up to ¥3,000) These Nagoya restaurant prices are based on the cost of a three-course meal for one including a half bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. Tipping is not expected in Japan.

Expensive

• Aikyou

Cuisine: Japanese Aikyou is near the central fish market and serves the freshest seasonal ingredients. This top-end restaurant in Nagoya is well known for its wild turtle cuisine, which is served as sashimi and nabe (hotpot). However, most diners opt for the Aigo Nabe – a delicious bouillabaisse of local meat and seafood including Matsuba crab, Ise shrimp, blowfish, Hida beef and cochin (Nagoya) chicken. Address: 1-31 Nishino, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 446 8797 Website: www.aikyou.jp

• Garden Restaurant Tokugawaen

Cuisine: French, Japanese This top restaurant in Nagoya offers exquisitely presented French and Japanese cuisine in a magical setting overlooking the famous, Edo period Tokugawa-en traditional garden and pond. Dinner courses are based on meat and fish dishes and also include seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere and service are both calm and incredibly efficient. During spring and autumn, the Garden Restaurant is very popular so make sure to book well in advance. Address: 1001 Tokugawa cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 932 7887 Website: www.gr-tokugawa.jp

• Kawabun

Cuisine: Italian Built at the time of Nagoya Castle and once belonging to the Owari Tokugawa family, this exclusive ryotei restaurant (not to be confused with an Italian restaurant called Kawabun Nagoya, also in the city) offers traditional Japanese fare and kaiseki banquets. The tables surround a beautiful interior garden; sit back and marvel at each exquisite course created from seasonal ingredients. Address: 2 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 222 0020 Website: www.kawabun.jp

Moderate

• Atsuta Hōraiken Honten

Cuisine: Unagi This is the place to try hitsumabushi (eel in a secret sauce with rice and condiments), as the queues will attest – especially in the summer; go around 5pm to ensure less of a wait. The eel four ways is especially popular, and comes with an English guide with instructions on how to eat it. The restaurant is set in a traditional house near a popular shrine. Address: 503 Godo, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 671 8686 Website: www.houraiken.com

• Taiko Honten

Cuisine: Shabu-shabu Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki are cooked at your table at this restaurant in Nagoya with top-quality local kuroge (black) beef, and eaten with a delicious sesame-flavoured dipping sauce. Taiko Honten also serves kaiseki (traditional multi-course banquet), which includes local specialities and seasonal produce. Address: B1, 2-2-12 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 222 2323 Website: www.taikohonten.co.jp

• THE CORNER Hamburger & Saloon GLobal Gate

Cuisine: Hamburger The corner restaurant is a pretty good, the burgers are decent and there’s a lot of weird and wonderful varieties on the menu, including a garlic burger with whole cloves! Burger sets including chips (fries) and whatnot are between 1000-1500. for the blue cheese burger and it is grand. Come for our lunch deals to get a bit of discount (12-3pm), There’s a lot of import and craft beer on the menu, be prepared to pay 800-1000 per bottle. Service is pretty fast and atmosphere is nice. Address: 4 Chome-60-12 Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 485 8212 Website:www.saloon-thecorner.com

Cheap

• Nanpu

Cuisine: Izakaya Nanpu specialises in Okinawan cuisine as well as teppanyaki (iron grill) and kushiyaki (grilled skewer) dishes. One of Nanpu’s more unusual fusion dishes is their “goya pizza” – a grilled pizza with goya, the Okinawan bitter gourd vegetable, as the main ingredient. You can sit at the counter and watch the chef in action, or share a table with friendly locals. Okinawan beer and cocktails are also on the menu. Address: 1-4-4 Nakamaru-cho, Kita-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 203 0456 Website: www.nanpu.co.jp

• Sekai no Yamachan

Cuisine: Izakaya This extremely popular Nagoya-based izakaya (Japanese pub) chain is famous all over the country for its spicy tebasaki (chicken wings) and other tasty bar food dishes. Locally brewed bottled beers are also on the menu. Sekai no Yamachan’s cheerful atmosphere makes it an easy place to drop into for just a snack or a full dinner course, at very reasonable prices. Address: 2-4-16 Kanayama-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 971 2276 Website: www.yamachan.co.jp

• Yabaton

Cuisine: Miso cutlet This is the place to come for a hearty serving of the Nagoya specialty misokatsu – breaded pork cutlet with miso (fermented soy bean paste) sauce, served with rice and shredded cabbage salad. Yabaton also serves crab croquettes and chicken cutlets. The interior is porcine and sumo themed. Address: 3-6-18 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 252 8810 Website: www.nb0c101.gorp.jp

Nagoya Nightlife

Nagoya is packed with lively bars and nightclubs, mostly centred around the main railway station and the Sakae shopping district. Check with the tourist office for the latest listings.

Bars in Nagoya

• Shooters Sports Bar & Grill

This wildly popular sports bar close to Fushimi Station has electronic darts, a pool table, live music and internet access. Shooters also serves Mexican and Italian bar food. Address: 2F Pola Building 2-9-26, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 202 7077 Website: www.shooters-nagoya.com

• Elephant’s Nest

This classic British pub in the heart of Nagoya is popular with locals, expats and tourists alike. They have Guinness on tap plus a large range of English ales. There’s a darts board and Live Premier League dominates the large-screen TV. Address: 2F 1-4-3 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 232 4360

• Bourbon Street

This is a stylish international bar and restaurant with multilingual, There’s a decent cocktail menu and their weekly pizza and Ladies nights are very popular. A lovely whiskey bar. It is a gracious bar provides several pours that you have to try. Great selection of whiskeys — Japanese, Bourbon, and others. Address: Aichi,, Naka Ward, Sakae, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 977 9016 Website: www.bar-bourbonst.com

Clubs in Nagoya

• club JB’S

This large club in the Sakae neighbourhood has three rooms and includes a VIP area and a sunken dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system. An international crowd lets loose to feel-good music – hiphop, house, reggae, dance classics – every night of the week. Address: Aichi, Sakae,  Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 241 2234 Website: www.club-jbs.jp

• Steps

This is another popular club in Nagoya which attracts an international crowd and manages to merge music, sports and dining into one space. This venue also hosts weekly pole dancing lessons. Steps is the only nightclub in Nagoya open until 0600. Address: Hasegawa Building, 2F, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 242 7544 Website: www.steps-nagoya.net

• iD Cafe

The largest nightclub in Nagoya, iD Cafe constantly attracts big crowds with its DJs, dancing, bars, fun and action on five floors. Depending on the night, entry includes anything up to four drinks. Address: Mitsukoshi Building, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 251 0382 Website: www.idcafe.info

Live music in Nagoya

• Sound Note Nagoya

This is one of Nagoya’s most famous jazz clubs, attracting both big stars and less established talents from Japan and overseas. There are two ‘stages’ a night and during the interval it’s possible to have a delicious meal at Sound Note’s venue. Address: 468-0077 Aichi, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 838 6188 Website: www.livehouse-soundnote-nagoya.info

• Zepp 

This popular live music club, specialising in Motown and R&B frequently host live acts directs from the USA. There’s a restaurant area where you can enjoy a meal whilst listening to a live performance, or a standing area where you order drinks. Address: 4 Chome-Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 541 5758 Website: www.zepp.co.jp

Theatres in Nagoya

• Nagoya Noh Theater

This theatre is in the castle grounds and hosts performances of Noh – classical Japanese musical drama. The Nagoya theatre is renowned for its beautiful lighting and rich acoustics. The stage was constructed from 600-year-old Japanese cypress trees. There is an earphone guide system to help visitors understand the performance they are watching. Address: 1-1-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 231 0088 Website: www.bunka758.or.jp

Music and Dance in Nagoya

• Aichi Arts Center

At the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater (inside the Aichi Arts Center), it is possible to see performances of classical music, and occasionally traditional Japanese music, such as koto (Japanese harp) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute), in the concert hall. Ballet and modern dance performances are also held here, as well as theatre productions, although these are nearly always in Japanese. A mini theatre hosts experimental and innovative performing arts productions. Address: Art Plaza, 1-13-2 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya. Telephone: +81 52 971 5511 Website: www.aac.pref.aichi.jp

Nagoya Food And Drink

Food In Nagoya

Drink In Nagoya

• Green Tea

These charming Japanese teas include sencha, sourced from tea plantations near Nagoya, and matcha made from the high-quality tea leaves grown in. Green tea is synonymous with Japanese tea. It is the most consumed beverage in Japan, valued for its health and restorative properties.

• Royal Milk Tea

Milk Tea in Japan is as common as Britain’s usual cuppa. The Royal Milk Tea is the nation’s favourite. It is a white tea with much more milk than usual which is usually made with a saucepan by boiling tea leaves with a bit of water and plenty of milk like chai tea.

• Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, also known as boba, has now hit a boom in Japan and is a hit with the youths of Japan. Coined “Taiwanese tea,” it has become an in-demand drink that has people lining up out the door for a sip of a sweet treat.

• Flavored Soy Milk

For people who exclude dairy products from their diet, or just wish to have an alternative to cow’s milk, soy milk is a great option that is also available throughout Japan at cafes, convenience stores, and supermarkets.

• Yakult

Yakult (ヤクルト, Yakuruto) is a Japanese sweetened probiotic milk beverage fermented with the bacteria strain Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota.

• Aloe Types Drinks

Mangoes and aloe vera both contain potent antioxidants that may aid in neutralizing these free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting cellular health. Aloe vera can be found as a juice or a gel. The juice can be thought of as the sap, as it comes from the leafy part of the aloe plant. The gel, on the other hand, is a thick substance that comes from the inner parts of the plant.

• Melon Soda

In Japan, “Cream Soda” (クリームソーダ) is a term used for an ice cream float made with melon-flavored soda topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The neon green colour of this drink looks artificial and unhealthy, and sure it might be. But the cool, fresh sweet taste of the carbonated drink is just super delicious.

• Calpis

Calpis, or Calpico, is a non-carbonated soft drink made from lactic acid and non-fat dry milk for a flavour similar to vanilla yoghurt or Yakult. As well as being wonderfully sweet and remarkably flavoursome in its own right, Calpis also combines well with other drinks for noteworthy mixed beverages and cocktails.

Nagoya Hotels

A beautiful part of Japan, the Nagano Prefecture has become increasingly popular with visitors looking to escape Tokyo for the weekend. Just a few hours from the city by train, it’s a brilliant retreat for keen hikers, bird watchers and traditional spa-goers. The region is also home to some bustling cities of its own. Nagano, once a temple town, gained fame in hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, whilst Matsumoto is best known for its striking castle. Many of the best places to stay in the Nagano Prefecture are clustered around Matsumoto, but our Gurus have also highlighted some superb rural hideaways. Built around the imposing Buddhist Zenkoji Temple, Nagano expanded during the 20th century to encompass a number of nearby towns. The Winter Olympics fuelled further growth in and around the city, which continues to act as the gateway to the forested mountains which hide ancient Shinto shrines, bubbling hot springs and an abundance of bird life. Spend your days trekking, mountain biking and bird watching, or sinking into healing onsens after savouring delicious regional specialities. Togakushi Village is another highlight. Don’t miss touring Togakushi Shrine or the Togakushi Folk Museum whilst in the area. Matsumoto, with its Museum of Art as well as the Ukiyoe Museum and a plethora of antique shops, is charming and well worth a day trip or romantic overnight stay. Boat trips on scenic Lake Kagami are also fabulous, and easily arranged through the best places to stay in Nagano Prefecture.