Nagoya
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Central Japan's largest city and a major transport hub between Tokyo and Osaka. Nagoya is famous for its reconstructed castle with golden shachihoko, the deeply sacred Atsuta Shrine, and a one-of-a-kind food culture — think miso katsu, hitsumabushi eel, and tebasaki wings. The retro Osu shopping arcade and Toyota's industrial museum add layers of pop culture and innovation to an often-overlooked city that rewards curious visitors.
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Nagoya Castle
Built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle is crowned by a pair of golden shachihoko (dolphin-tiger) roof ornaments that have become the city's symbol. The main tower is currently undergoing a major wooden reconstruction to restore it to its original Edo-era splendor. The adjacent Honmaru Palace, completed in 2018, showcases exquisite Kano-school painted sliding doors. Spring brings over 1,000 cherry trees into bloom around the castle moat.
Atsuta Shrine
One of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, Atsuta Jingu enshrines the legendary sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi — one of the three Imperial Regalia. The sprawling wooded grounds feel like a serene forest in the middle of the city, drawing some 6 million visitors annually. Don't miss the treasure hall displaying swords and ceremonial objects dating back over a thousand years. The nearby Miyakishimen restaurant serves Nagoya's signature flat udon noodles.
Osu Shopping Street
A sprawling covered arcade packed with over 1,200 shops spanning fashion, electronics, vintage goods, cosplay, and street food. Often compared to Tokyo's Akihabara for its otaku culture, Osu has a uniquely Nagoya vibe — retro game shops sit next to Brazilian grocery stores and Vietnamese restaurants, reflecting the area's multicultural character. Monthly antique markets and cosplay events add to the energy. Try the local street food favorites: Taiwan mazesoba and crispy tebasaki wings.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Housed in Toyota's original red-brick factory, this museum traces the company's remarkable journey from automatic looms to cutting-edge automobiles. The Textile Machinery Pavilion features working looms from the 1900s, while the Automobile Pavilion lets you watch robots assemble cars on a real production line. Hands-on exhibits make it engaging for all ages, and English audio guides are available. Widely regarded as one of Japan's best industrial museums — and a must for anyone interested in engineering or design.