 |
|
|
Nagoya, the industrial hub of Japan, is dismissed by many travelers as not worth a stop, if you are trying to experience the culture and beauty of this exotic country. On the contrary, there are many sites in and around Nagoya which will make for a memorable experience if you have time between your journeys to Tokyo and Kyoto. The suggested itinerary takes you to the finest places within Nagoya and the surrounding area.
To start with, purchase a day pass subway ticket at any subway station for JPY750. This allows unlimited travel on the subways and gives you convenient and speedy access to the city. A visit to Nagoya’s Nagoya International Center near Nagoya Station will provide you with all the necessary maps and additional information you will need for sightseeing.
First on your list should be Nagoya Castle, originally constructed in 1612 by the legendary Tokugawa Ieyasu, but later destroyed by aerial bombardment during World War II. The detailed replica that you see today was completed in 1959 and houses a museum depicting the history of the castle. Its gardens alone merit a visit, especially during the hanami season of cherry blossom viewing in early April. Once you have explored the castle and its grounds to your heart’s content, take the Meijo Line four stops, transferring at Kamimaezu to the Tsuramai Line. Take that line one stop, getting off at Osu Kannon. Here lies Osu-Kannon Temple, located in a vibrant shopping area of Nagoya. Not only is the temple the most breathtaking in Nagoya, but the markets and stores in the surrounding area also make a pleasant place to browse for souvenirs. On the 18th and 28th of every month, an antique market is held.
Afterwards, get back onto the Meijo Line and head down to Jingu-Nishi Station, then follow the signs to Atsuta Jinja, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, which houses the Kusanagi Sword, an Imperial family treasure. This shrine is one of only three in Japan that house the sacred treasures of the Imperial family. Atsuta Shrine is ensconced in a wooded area that will give you a refreshing break. There is a small museum here, and for JPY300 you can gaze at vicious-looking weaponry from the samurai eras as well as old Noh theater costumes.
Next, stroll through Sakae, the city’s central shopping, dining and entertainment district. Get a feel for the energy of Nagoya by walking down its streets. Numerous department stores and restaurants are located here. A walk through Central Park provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping. For a bird’s-eye view of the metropolis, ascend the Nagoya TV Tower or take an elevator up 64 floors in Nagoya Station’s spectacular twin towers.
Nagoya also houses a number of museums and leisure spots well worth a visit. These include the Tokugawa Art Museum, the Port of Nagoya Aquarium and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The Tokugawa Art Museum houses many relics of the great shogun and is a worthwhile trip. If you are not planning on visiting Osaka’s world-famous aquarium, then Nagoya’s should definitely be on your list, especially for the penguin displays. The Toyota museum houses some of the machinery and equipment which belonged to the Toyoda family's spinning and weaving business before they got into manufacturing (Toyota) cars.
One of the beauties of staying in Nagoya is that it makes a good base for interesting excursions into the surrounding areas. For example, a day trip to the historic town of Inuyama is a must. Inuyama is home to Inuyama Castle, the oldest privately-owned castle in Japan. While you are here, a fascinating thing to watch is cormorant fishing: leashed birds swoop down to scoop up fish and bring them back to their masters. Nearby is Meiji-Mura, an outdoor museum containing 63 traditional houses from the Meiji era that have been moved here from other parts of Japan and preserved in their entirety. Inuyama can be reached by Meitetsu train from any station on the Tsuramai Line, and Meiji-Mura can be reached by a bus leaving from Inuyama Station.
Near Inuyama is Gifu, another beautiful area north of Nagoya. Gifu Castle, situated high up on a hill, is reached by ropeway, and is well worth the trip for the view from the castle. At the base of the hill is Gifu Koen, or Gifu Park, with its many beautiful flowers and bonsai, its ponds and gardens harmoniously arranged. Cormorant fishing is also held here. In the city of Gifu, art lovers will find the Gifu Museum of Fine Arts of interest.
If you can spare another day, a visit to the legendary towns of Magome and Tsumago are highly recommended. Situated at the base of the Japanese Alps, these two historic towns have been preserved as they were hundreds of years ago. They were the stopover points for travelers on their way to Edo (now Tokyo) from Kyoto. Here you can really experience the beauty of traditional Japan. A scenic hike links the two towns and it can be completed in approximately two hours. Magome can be reached by bus and by local or express JR trains.
Although most travelers bypass Nagoya on their trips to Japan, there is much to see and do here. You will certainly not be disappointed and, who knows, a trip to this city might just turn out to be one of the more memorable in your stay in Japan.
|
|
|
|
|
Download a custom event guide for Nagoya to your iPod!
Interested in writing content for Wcities?
