15 Best Places to Visit in Nagoya, the Capital of Chubu, Aichi Prefecture

Here are the latest travel spots in Nagoya, Japan.

Nagoya is a major Japanese city that is often overlooked by tourists.

Nagoya sits in the central part of Japan. Although it isn't a top tourist hotspot, it has plenty to offer and is just as full of things to see as other cities. Besides its long history, it is also famous as the home of the automobile industry — Toyota. Here you'll find the beautiful Nagoya Castle, museums, amusement parks, the Toyota factory, shopping districts, and beautiful nature. Read on for 15 great spots in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture in Japan's Chubu region.

1. Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park is a new theme park that opened in late 2022, and Studio Ghibli fans should make sure to visit. It was built on the site of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture. Although there are no thrill rides, the experience is just as satisfying, as the area has been transformed into the world of the legendary Studio Ghiblianimation studios of Japan, set amid a lush, green natural environment. Combined withstriking architecture full of character that brings favorite animated scenes to life, stepping inside feels like entering a world of magic where dreams come true.

2. Togokusan Fruit Park

Togokusan Fruit Park is a relaxing destination worth visiting when you come to Nagoya. Not only can you see, taste, and photograph seasonal fruit to your heart's content, but the scenery here is also second to none. Togokusan Fruit Park is located at the foot of Mount Togoku on the outskirts of Nagoya. It is one of three multi-purpose agricultural parks that promote fruit farming in the city while also teaching visitors about it. Most of the fruit is grown according to the season, changing throughout the year.

3. Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is another important landmark in Nagoya that's worth visiting. Although some parts of the structure have been reinforced and are not entirely original, the historic atmosphere has been preserved beautifully. The castle grounds also include a palace, a museum, gardens, and scenic viewpoints, making it a great place to spend some time.

4. Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is located in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture. Although it isn't in Nagoya itself, it's nearby and easy to reach. This is a spectacular flower garden on a world-class scale, covering an area of 300,000 square meters. No matter the season, you'll find more than 40 varieties of flowers in bloom, including cherry blossoms, tulips, cosmos, roses, hydrangeas, and many more, welcoming visitors throughout the year. Greenhouse lovers shouldn't miss the Begonia Garden, a roughly 9,000-square-meter greenhouse said to be the largest in Japan, displaying a wide variety of flowers and plants gathered from around the world. Rose fans will also enjoy the dedicated rose garden section. Bring a spare battery for your camera, as there are countless beautiful photo spots here. From early February to mid-March, the garden offers something special both day and night: cherry blossoms bloom under the sunlight, while at night the plum blossom garden is illuminated, filling the air with a sweet fragrance from trees that are up to 100 years old.

5. Legoland Japan Resort

Legoland Japan Resort is Japan's first large-scale outdoor Lego theme park, offering an experience that true Lego fans shouldn't miss. It's a great park for the whole family, especially children, with more than 40 exciting rides across 8 themed zones that will make for a memorable day. Themed accommodation is also available on-site.

6. Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is a fantastic landmark in the heart of Nagoya, in the Sakae district. The building has become a new landmark for the Sakae area since it was built in 2002. Come here to shop or grab a bite, as there are many restaurants and shops of different styles.

7. Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden is another popular spot for a relaxed day out in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. It's great for families to enjoy activities together all day without getting bored, as it ranks among the top zoos not only in Japan but across Asia. If you want to visit a zoo, a botanical garden, and a tower without traveling to several different places, this is the one spot that covers all three. The zoo alone is home to more than 500 species that will charm every visitor, especially the koalas and gorillas that are simply adorable

8. Toyota Factory Tour and Museums

Toyota Factory Tour and Museums is located about an hour east of Nagoya. It's a great place to learn about both old and new technology that helped build the Toyota brand into what it is today. The site is divided into several parts: the Toyota Kaikan Museum, the Toyota Techno Museum, and the Toyota Automobile Museum. Each one is worth visiting, so try to see them all.

9. Osu Shopping Arcade

This is the largest arcade-style shopping street in Nagoya, a covered walkway lined with more than 400 shops and restaurants on both sides. It focuses on modern goods such as electronics, cosplay outfits, and anime merchandise. Nearby you'll also find the beautiful Osu Kannon Temple.

10. Korankei

Korankei is located next to Mount Iimori, near Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture. It's one of the area's top attractions, best known as a spectacular spot for viewing autumn leaves. Its reputation extends well beyond the local area, as it is considered one of the best places in the Chubu region to see the autumn colors. This is thanks to Kojakuji Temple, which sits here surrounded by maple trees. The red and yellow foliage is at its best from mid to late November each year.

11. Sea Life Nagoya

Sea Life Nagoya is located next to the LEGOLAND Japan Hotel. It's another spot worth visiting when you come to Nagoya, as it is more than just a typical aquarium — it's also a fun place to learn about marine life and oceans from around the world. You can learn about the lives of many species through more than 50 locations around the world recreated here, divided into 11 zones, each one worth visiting since no two are alike. The highlight is the zone based on the Japanese folktale Urashima Taro , featuring an underwater dragon palace for you to admire, along with the chance to get up close with adorable sea creatures.

12. Nagashima Spa Land

Nagashima Spa Land is known as one of the most exciting theme parks in Japan for roller coasters. Besides the roller coasters, there are more than 40 other rides, suitable for both young children and adults who love thrills. Near the main entrance you'll find the Steel Dragon 2000, whose looping track is clearly visible from around the park.

13. SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya is one of Japan's most rewarding railway museums to visit. It traces the development of high-speed rail technology in Japan and the history of its trains, with a wide range of models on display, from steam locomotives to Shinkansen bullet trains that once held world speed records, as well as the latest maglev trains. Train fans shouldn't miss it.

14. Nagoya City Science Museum

Nagoya City Science Museum is a large museum packed with science exhibits to explore. It's one of the best of its kind in Japan — even without a sign, you could guess the building has something to do with science, since it's designed to look like a giant silver globe. The highlight here is the planetarium, recognized as one of the largest in the world.

15. Aichi Prefecture Forest Park

Aichi Prefecture Forest Park promises a relaxing experience as a forest park chosen as one of Japan's 100 best forest-bathing spots. Forest bathing simply means relaxing while immersed in nature. The park itself is huge — its lawn alone is about three times the size of a standard baseball field. There is also a Sports Park offering horseback riding, tennis, archery, baseball, and more.