Nagoya
Nagoya is a dynamic metropolis at the heart of central Japan, blending modern industry with deep historical roots. As the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya is a major transportation hub and an ideal base for exploring the Chūbu region. The city offers a rich mix of cultural landmarks, vibrant shopping districts, and renowned local cuisine, all balanced with a relaxed pace that sets it apart from Tokyo and Osaka.
Historically, Nagoya rose to prominence during the Sengoku and Edo periods as a strategic castle town. The construction of Nagoya Castle in the early 17th century helped establish the city as the seat of the powerful Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan, one of the most influential families in Japan. Over time, Nagoya developed into a center of craftsmanship, commerce, and innovation, eventually becoming a key industrial powerhouse in modern Japan. Today, its streets and landmarks reflect centuries of transformation, making Nagoya a city where history and progress exist side by side.
Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of Japan’s largest and most diverse zoo and garden complexes, located in the eastern hills of Nagoya. Spanning a vast area, the site combines a modern zoo, expansive botanical gardens, and the iconic Higashiyama Sky Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. With wide paths, naturalistic enclosures, and seasonal floral displays, it provides an engaging experience for families, nature lovers, and casual travelers alike.
The zoo first opened in 1937, during a period when Japan was expanding public education and recreation facilities. After suffering damage during World War II, Higashiyama Zoo was rebuilt and gradually expanded, reflecting postwar efforts to create peaceful, educational spaces centred on science and nature. The botanical gardens were developed alongside the zoo, showcasing plant species from Japan and around the world, and reinforcing the site’s role as a centre for conservation and learning.
Today, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens are a beloved local landmark and an important educational institution. Visitors can observe a wide range of animals, stroll through themed gardens, and enjoy seasonal highlights such as cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Blending history, conservation, and leisure, the complex offers a refreshing escape from the city while highlighting Nagoya’s long-standing commitment to nature, education, and family-friendly culture.
Location Details
Operating Hours: 9:00am - 9:30pm
Closed Mondays
Admission: Adult ¥300 Children Free
Location: Kameiri-1-8 Tashirocho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0803, Japan
Higashiyama Sky Tower
Higashiyama Sky Tower rises above the eastern hills of Nagoya, offering one of the city’s best panoramic viewpoints. Standing beside the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the tower provides sweeping views that stretch from central Nagoya to Ise Bay, and on clear days, even as far as the Kiso Mountains. Its modern design and elevated location make it a striking landmark and a peaceful escape from the busy city below.
The Higashiyama Sky Tower was completed in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Nagoya City. Built during a period of rapid urban development, the tower symbolized the city’s growth and its aspirations for the future. Its location within the historic Higashiyama area reflects Nagoya’s long-standing effort to balance urban expansion with green spaces dedicated to education, culture, and recreation.
Today, the Higashiyama Sky Tower is a popular spot for sightseeing, especially at sunset and in the evening when city lights fill the horizon. Visitors can relax at the observation decks, enjoy seasonal scenery from above the surrounding gardens, or stop by the tower’s café and exhibits. Blending modern history with scenic beauty, the Higashiyama Sky Tower offers traveler’s a memorable perspective on Nagoya’s past, present, and ever-evolving skyline.
Location Details
Operating Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults ¥500 Children Free
Location: Japan, 464-0804 Aichi, Nagoya, Chikusa Ward, Higashiyama Motomachi, 3 Chome−７０
Ghibli park
Ghibli Park is a one-of-a-kind theme park that brings the worlds of Studio Ghibli to life in a gentle, immersive way. Located within the expansive Aichi Expo Memorial Park, the park is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape rather than rely on traditional rides. Visitors explore themed areas inspired by beloved films, wandering through detailed settings that feel as if they’ve stepped directly into a Ghibli story.
The park’s location has its own history, as Aichi Expo Memorial Park was originally the site of Expo 2005, a world exposition focused on environmental awareness and sustainable living. After the expo, the land was preserved as a public green space, making it a fitting home for Ghibli Park’s nature-centered philosophy. Developed with the close involvement of Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki, the park opened in phases beginning in 2022, reflecting decades of storytelling that emphasise harmony between people, imagination, and the natural world.
Today, Ghibli Park is a pilgrimage site for fans from around the globe and a cultural highlight of central Japan. Areas such as Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest celebrate the studio’s artistry through architecture, exhibits, and interactive spaces rather than spectacle. Rooted in both the legacy of Expo 2005 and the timeless appeal of Studio Ghibli films, the park offers traveler’s a nostalgic, thoughtfully crafted experience that feels uniquely Japanese and deeply magical.
Mejo Park
Mejo Park is a spacious and scenic urban park located just north of Nagoya Castle, offering a refreshing green escape in the heart of the city. With wide lawns, walking and cycling paths, gardens, and open plazas, the park is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Views of Nagoya Castle’s iconic towers rising beyond the trees give Mejo Park a unique blend of natural beauty and historic atmosphere.
Historically, the land that now forms Mejo Park was once part of the outer defensive grounds of Nagoya Castle. During the Edo period, this area functioned as a buffer zone supporting the castle complex and the surrounding castle town governed by the Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan. As Nagoya modernised in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the former military land was gradually repurposed, and Mejo Park was developed as a public space that preserved the area’s historical connection while adapting it for civic use.
Today, Mejo Park is beloved for its seasonal scenery and relaxed pace. Cherry blossoms draw crowds in spring, while autumn foliage and open lawns make it a year-round destination for picnics, jogging, and leisurely strolls. By transforming former castle grounds into a welcoming public park, Mejo Park reflects Nagoya’s ability to honour its samurai-era past while creating vibrant spaces for modern urban life.
Location Details
Operating Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Admission: Adults ¥500 Children Free
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
Location Details
Operating Hours: 9:0am - 4:00pm
Admission: Prices vary per park section. Best to check website. FullPark access Adults ¥7800 Children ¥3600
Location: Japan, 480-1342 Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama,１５３３−１
Location Details
Operating Hours: 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Location: 1 Chome-2-25 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 462-0846, Japan
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is one of central Japan’s most iconic historical landmarks, rising prominently in the heart of Nagoya. Famous for its golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) roof ornaments, the castle is surrounded by spacious park grounds, stone walls, and wide moats that highlight its former power and prestige. The reconstructed keep and beautifully restored Honmaru Palace allow visitors to experience both the grandeur and elegance of a classic Japanese castle.
Nagoya Castle was originally built in 1612 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It served as the seat of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family, one of the most important and influential clans during the Edo period. As a political and military centre, the castle played a key role in securing control over central Japan. Although much of the original structure was destroyed during World War II, extensive reconstruction efforts have preserved its historical significance.
Today, Nagoya Castle stands as a symbol of the city’s heritage and resilience. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, admire traditional architecture, and learn about samurai life through exhibits and seasonal events. In spring, cherry blossoms transform the area into one of Nagoya’s most popular viewing spots. Blending history, culture, and scenic beauty, Nagoya Castle offers traveler’s a compelling introduction to the city’s feudal past and enduring pride.
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