Top 5 Fun Things to Do in Nagoya for Your Next Japan Trip

Nagoya is often overshadowed by other cities like Kyoto, Sapporo, or Fukuoka. In fact, first-time visitors often choose to skip Nagoya in favor of larger and busier cities or just visit it briefly as a stopover when they travel from Osaka to Tokyo.

But there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye: from exploring the new Nagoya attractions like Ghibli Park and the newly improved Hisaya Odori Park to exploring the local culinary scene and visiting historical sites, you’ll have lots of things to do in Nagoya.

Need some help planning your Nagoya itinerary? We’ve got you covered! Read on below for our top 5 recommendations for fun things to do in Nagoya!

With rides and attractions suitable for all ages, LEGOLAND® is one of the top options for families looking for fun things to do in Nagoya. Here, you can learn how LEGO® bricks are made at the LEGO® Factory Tour, hop on thrill rides like Flying NINJAGO or The Dragon, and see famous landmarks in Japan made of 10 million LEGO® bricks at MINILAND.

One of the most iconic sites in the city, Nagoya Castle stands out from afar with its white walls and iconic green roof. There’s much to discover here; you can explore the Honmaru Palace to admire its gilded walls decorated with detailed paintings and carvings. You can also pass by the tea houses to see if a ceremony is taking place on the day of your visit.

Nagoya Castle is one of the most popular locations for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. If you’re visiting Nagoya in the springtime, make sure to drop by Ninomaru Garden as well to catch the spectacular sight of the cherry blossoms falling gently before carpeting the floor.

An open-air observation deck on the 44th to 46th floors of Midland Square, the Sky Promenade Outdoor Observatory gives you the best views of the city from above. On a clear day, you’ll get the chance to see some of Nagoya’s most popular landmarks, such as Sasashima Live, Nagoya Port, Higashiyama Sky Tower, Vantelin Dome, and even all the way out to Mount Ena!

One of the biggest aquariums in Japan, the Port of Nagoya Aquarium is a must-visit if you love marine wildlife. Here you’ll get to see many sea animals like beluga whales, killer whales, penguins, and schools of fish as they swim around colorful corals. You can even watch various performances like orca training and dolphins showcasing a few cool tricks.

Home to a large collection of over 10,000 artifacts from the Edo Period, a trip to the Tokugawa Art Museum is a must for any history buff. Here, you’ll get to see items such as samurai swords, ancient tea sets, costumes, and more, some of which are designated national treasures. You may even get to see the famous hand-illustrated Tale of Genji scrolls during your visit.

Now that you’re finished planning your itinerary, all that’s left to do is to pack your bags and book your essentials, like your Japan eSIM, your hotel, and your tickets to Nagoya attractions. This way, you can freely explore the fun things to do in Nagoya without having to worry about anything else. Happy travels!

1. Is there anything interesting in Nagoya?

In Nagoya, things to do for first-time visitors include exploring the massive Nagoya Castle complex, seeing the world of Studio Ghibli come to life at Ghibli Park, and boarding the exciting rides at LEGOLAND®. It's also a popular spot for foodies, as you can enjoy many local specialties here like hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and miso katsu (fried pork with Hatcho Miso).

2. Why do people skip Nagoya?

Many visitors tend to skip Nagoya due to its previous reputation of being a business hub with limited options for tourist attractions. However, the options on what to do in Nagoya have increased rapidly in recent years, with attractions such as Ghibli Park and the newly renovated Hisaya Odori Park, so you should definitely consider it for your next trip to Japan!

3. Is Nagoya known for its nightlife?

Yes, experiencing the local nightlife scene is also one of the most fun things to do in Nagoya for visitors. Head on over to the Sakae and the Nishiki districts to explore the izakayas for a meal and some drinks, or go directly to the many bars and clubs in the area. For a more relaxed scene, visit karaoke boxes, a live music venue, or lounge bars in the top floors of skyscrapers.

4. Is Nagoya a cheap city? 

Yes, Nagoya is generally considered to be a cheaper city compared to major hubs like Osaka, Tokyo, or Kyoto. During your visit, you can expect lower prices on accommodations, food and dining, transportation, and tickets to key Nagoya attractions (though expect prices to be higher during peak seasons like cherry blossom season, autumn leaves, or Golden Week).