Aichi is the industrial powerhouse of Japan — home to Toyota and the global auto industry — but it’s far more than factories. Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city, with a proud, unique food culture, one of Japan’s three great castles, and a thriving art and design scene.
Top Attractions
1. Nagoya Castle
One of Japan’s most impressive castle complexes, Nagoya Castle is famous for the golden shachi (fish-tiger) dolphins on its roof. The elaborate Honmaru Palace interior — reconstructed with painstaking historical accuracy — shows the full splendor of Edo-era craftsmanship.
2. Inuyama Castle
One of Japan’s twelve surviving original castles, Inuyama sits dramatically on a cliff above the Kiso River. It’s one of the most atmospheric castle sites in the country, with cormorant fishing on the river below in summer.
3. Toyota Commemorative Museum & Automobile Museum
Aichi is the birthplace of Toyota — the world’s largest automaker. The museums in Nagoya trace the full story of Japan’s industrial revolution and automotive genius.
Food & Drink
Nagoya has the most distinctive regional food culture in Japan. Miso Katsu (pork cutlet in rich red miso sauce), Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice, eaten three ways), Kishimen (flat udon noodles), and Morning Service (elaborate free breakfast with coffee) are Nagoya staples.
Getting There
From Tokyo, the Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Nagoya in about 85 minutes. From Osaka, it’s about 55 minutes.
