Nagoya, Japan

Things To Do

Come to think of it, this is one of the hardest things to write about which means there's not a whole lot to do here other than stuff yourself with Japanese BBQ.

Things to Do in Nagoya

For adults, you’re going to run out of things to do in Nagoya rather quickly so I wouldn’t plan on spending too long here.  Grobbler will rave about the Fukui Dinosaur Museum in Toucan’s Tips for Kids so I’ll just cover a few of the obvious things here.  First up, Nagoya Castle.  Yep, another castle in Japan. I’ve been to my fair share and don’t get particularly excited about going to any of them.  This one wasn’t much different.

Things to Do in Nagoya - Dinosaur Museum

However, I always end up quite liking them, mainly for the fact it’s just nice to have a (sometimes) peaceful walk around in fresh air and be amongst civilised human beings.  Most Japanese castles are like temples and shrines anywhere in Asia. Once you’ve seen one, it can get pretty boring seeing more and more.  It’s not really about the actual castle, but most of the castles in Japan have nice grounds where you can have a walk around and play with the kids.  Grobbler inevitably finds something amusing or something to play or see so going to any castle is just a nice way to spend a morning or afternoon.  Anyway, as far as Japanese castles go, Nagoya Castle isn’t the best, but it’s not bad and definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in Nagoya.  It’s not worth going to Nagoya to see, but it’s alright and worthy of a place on any things to do in Nagoya list.

Things to Do in Nagoya - Nagoya Castle

Atsuta Shrine is also probably worth a visit, mainly for lack of better things to do in Nagoya. But again, the grounds are lovely to walk around, not spectacular but you can relax and become at one with nature, if that’s your thing.  About a 5-10 minute walk away is Shirotori Garden, the largest Japanese Garden in Nagoya covering 3.7 hectares.  Like most things in Nagoya, I’ve seen much better but if you’re struggling for things to do in Nagoya (which you no doubt will after day 1) then these two are worth spending half a day or a day at.

Things to Do in Nagoya - Not Atsuka Shrine

Nagoya City Science Museum is, well, what is says. Probably the most impressive thing about it is the exterior design. It’s got a massive ball on the outside, which is in fact, the world’s biggest planetarium at 35m diameter.  Inside you have all the typical exhibits and demonstrations you come to expect from any science museum and of note is a cold room that’s -30 degrees where you can freeze your nuts off and see an Aurora, or photos of one.

Things to Do in Nagoya - Nagoya Science Museum

For things to do in Nagoya with kids, see Toucan’s Tips for Kids.

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