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The city of Nagoya, capital of Aichi prefecture, with a population 2.2 million, is the core city of the third-largest metropolitan area in Japan. Since leyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate government, built Nagoya Castle in 1612; Nagoyo has developed into a leading industrial city. With the success of Expo 2005, Aichi Japan, Nagoya is constantly striving to become an attractive and welcoming city. Located on the Pacific coast in the Chubu region on central Honshu, it is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and is one of Japan’s major ports along with those of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Yokohama, Chiba, and Moji.
Nagoya’s two most famous sightseeing spots are Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. Nagoya Castle was built in 1612. Although a large part of it burned down in the fires of World War II, the castle was restored in 1959, adding some modern amenities such as elevators. The castle is very famous for two magnificent Golden Orca (金の鯱, Kin no Shachihoko) on the roof, often used as the symbol of Nagoya.
Atsuta Shrine is known as the second-most venerable shrine in Japan, after Ise Shrine. It is said to enshrine the Kusanagi sword, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan, but it is not on display to the public. It holds around 70 festivals in a year, and many people visit the shrine year-round.
Don’t miss the scenic countryside around the Inuyama City (Inuyama-shi) is home to some of the best days out that Aichi Prefecture has to offer, about half an hour north of Nagoya. There is a possibility for a day-trip from Nagoya. However, you might want to stay overnight, if you want to see all of its greatest attractions. Even you may cruise along the shining Nihon Rhine and stroll through Inuyama Castle and Nagoya Castle for a magnificent cultural experience. Inuyama is the terminal station (Inuyama Station/Inuyama-eki) on the Meitetsu (Nagoya Railroad) Inuyama Line. From Nagoya, a shinkansen station, Inuyama can be reached in 30-35 minutes at a cost of ¥540.
Transportation Index and City Map of Nagoya City (Nagoya-shi)
(Click on the map for full view)
Getting to Nagoya from Tokyo and Osaka
