Holiday in Nagoya
City in Japan — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇯🇵
Country
Japan
Type
City
Best time to travel
March–May, October–November
Budget/day
85–140 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Nagoya Chubu Airport (via connection, approx. 13–14 hours). Or Shinkansen from Tokyo (1:40 hours) or Osaka (50 minutes).
Deals for Nagoya:
What makes Nagoya special as a destination?
Nagoya, Japan's fourth largest city and the center of the Chubu region, is often overlooked by travelers — unjustly so. The birthplace of Japan's three great unifiers (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu), it is a fascinating mix of samurai history, industrial culture, and culinary discoveries. Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, is one of Japan's most prominent landmarks, featuring golden Shachihoko roof figures (mythical creatures that are half fish and half tiger). The Honmaru Palace has been meticulously reconstructed over decades and is considered one of the finest examples of Japanese palace architecture. The Atsuta Shrine, one of the holiest shrines in the country, is said to house the legendary sword Kusanagi — one of Japan's three imperial regalia. Culinarily, Nagoya has developed its own identity known as Nagoya-Meshi: Miso-Katsu (pork cutlet with red miso sauce), Hitsumabushi (grilled eel served in three different ways), Tebasaki (spicy chicken wings), and Kishimen (wide, flat noodles) are just a few of the local specialties that are hard to find elsewhere in Japan. The Toyota Museum in the Nagakute district offers a fascinating journey through the history of mobility. Nagoya is also an excellent starting point for excursions to Takayama, the Kiso Valley, or Ise-Shima. Those looking to discover Japan beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto route will find a surprising gem in Nagoya.
What are the top highlights in Nagoya?
The top highlights in Nagoya include Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Toyota Commemorative Museum, Osu Shopping District, SCMAGLEV Railway Museum.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Nagoya Castle
The magnificent castle with golden Shachihoko (fish dragons) on the roof and the reconstructed Honmaru Palace.
Atsuta Shrine
One of the holiest Shinto shrines in Japan, housing the sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – one of the three imperial regalia.
Toyota Commemorative Museum
From loom to automobile – the interactive museum showcases Toyota's fascinating history.
Osu Shopping District
Vibrant retro district with over 1,200 shops, street food, and the Osu Kannon Hall.
SCMAGLEV Railway Museum
Museum for high-speed trains featuring real Shinkansen, the world record Maglev, and driving simulators.
Hotels in Nagoya
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Reise-SIM für Nagoya
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Nagoya?
The best time to visit Nagoya is March–May, October–November. Hot and very humid, 30–36 °C In winter: Cool, 1–9 °C, rarely snow
Recommended travel time
March–May, October–November
Summer
Hot and very humid, 30–36 °C
Winter
Cool, 1–9 °C, rarely snow
How much does a holiday in Nagoya cost?
Budget travellers: 50–75 €/day, mid-range: 85–140 €/day, luxury: 160–350 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50–75 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
85–140 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
160–350 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Nagoya?
Flight to Nagoya Chubu Airport (via connection, approx. 13–14 hours). Or Shinkansen from Tokyo (1:40 hours) or Osaka (50 minutes).
Book a package holiday to Nagoya
Compare thousands of package holidays to Nagoya and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Nagoya?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Nagoya is located exactly between Tokyo and Osaka on the Shinkansen line – a perfect stopover.
Be sure to try Nagoya-Meshi (local cuisine) – Miso-Katsu, Hitsumabushi, and Tebasaki are unique.
The Toyota Museum is fascinating even for non-car enthusiasts – interactive and entertaining.
Don't miss the flea market and cosplay meeting in the Osu district on weekends.
Day trips to Takayama, Ise Shrine, and Inuyama are possible from Nagoya.
What should you eat in Nagoya?
Typical specialities in Nagoya: Hitsumabushi (Grilled eel on rice, 3 ways), Miso-Katsu (Cutlet in red miso sauce), Tebasaki (Spicy chicken wings), Kishimen (Flat noodles), Taiwan Ramen (invented in Nagoya!), Ogura Toast (Toast with red bean paste).
These specialties you must try!
