Nagoya

Osu Kannon is a historic Buddhist temple in Nagoya, renowned as one of Japan's three great Kannon temples and home to a significant ancient library. It's a serene spiritual oasis nestled at the entrance of the bustling Osu Shopping Street, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural immersion and urban exploration.

Nagoya Castle, one of Japan's 'Three Great Castles,' offers a deep dive into feudal history, even with its main keep under renovation. Visitors consistently praise the stunningly reconstructed Honmaru Palace, its intricate artwork, and the beautiful grounds, often enhanced by free English-speaking volunteer guides.

Here you can try one of Nagoya’s signature dishes — kishimen noodles: flat, thin wheat noodles. Prices start at ¥1,000 per serving.

Discover the surprising origins of Toyota, not just in automobiles, but in textile manufacturing, at this engaging museum in Nagoya. Visitors consistently praise its interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and comprehensive historical overview, making it a fascinating experience for all ages.

The Toyota Automobile Museum offers a surprisingly comprehensive journey through global automotive history, featuring a vast collection of impeccably maintained vehicles from various brands, not just Toyota. Visitors consistently praise its detailed displays and the opportunity to see rare classic cars up close, making it a captivating experience for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Ghibli Park offers a unique, immersive journey into the whimsical worlds of Studio Ghibli, without the typical theme park rides. Visitors can explore meticulously recreated scenes and landscapes from beloved films like "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away." It's a place designed for discovery and appreciation of Ghibli's artistry, appealing to both ardent fans and those new to the studio's magic.

Osu Shotengai is Nagoya's largest shopping arcade, a sprawling network of covered streets packed with roughly 1,200 shops ranging from vintage boutiques and anime stores to kimono shops and discount retailers. Visitors consistently praise the diverse food scene, reasonable prices, and authentic local feel, though the sheer size and early closing times (most shops shut by 6:30–7:45 PM) require planning. The adjacent Osu Kannon temple adds cultural weight to what is essentially a working neighborhood shopping district rather than a tourist-focused mall.

The easiest way to get from Nagoya to Inuyama is by train from Meitetsu Station. The trip takes just 25–30 minutes and costs 630 yen — you can pay the fare on-site (with a pass).