Trip Report: 10 Things I Like About Nagoya, Japan

Did a quick stopover in Nagoya, Japan before I wrapped up my brief summer break here in Asia. Nagoya may not be as fascinating as Tokyo or Osaka, but there are things tourists will like about this city. Here are the 10 things I like about Nagoya:

1. Historical Nagoya Castle

One of the very few must see tourist sights in this city. This castle was built in 1612 on a flat land. It is surrounded by a well landscaped garden. In the castle you will see what/how the royal family used to eat, live and sleep and how their help used to slave their asses for them. With the admission price of only 500 yen (approximately USD5.00), it’s definitely worth a visit.

2. Uncomplicated Subway System

Being a smaller city than Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya has a simple and easy to navigate subway system. It only has 4/5 lines instead of the tens of thousands you will find on a Tokyo subway map. An average fare is about 200 Yen (USD2.00)

3. Delicious Miso Katsu

Red miso is very popular in Nagoya, so it’s not surprising to find it to be part of the ingredient for some Nagoya’s popular dishes. Miso Katsu (miso flavored fried pork chop) is not to be missed. Yabaton serves the best Miso Katsu and has several locations in Nagoya. If you don’t read Japanese, just look for the sign with a pig wearing a red apron (I am not talking about chef Gordon Ramsay). One convenient location is located in the underground mall of Nagoya train station.

4. Mouth Watering Charcoal-Grilled Eel

Another popular dish in Nagoya. Also the one that officially put me over the recommended weight limit by CDC (after a week of eating, eating and eating). The most famous grilled eel dish to get is Hitsumabushi (charcoal grilled eel on rice), and the place to get it is Atsuta Horaiken located at 2-10-26 Jingu, City Center (tel: 682-5598).

5. Reliable Train Service

The Japanese have such a reliable train system. Every train leaves and arrives on time (unlike that faulty train system that I am used to back in New York). The Japanese are also a considerate bunch. Even the train window has blinds that you can draw to shade yourself from the sun. A train ride from the airport to city center will set you back by 800-1200 Yen (USD8.00-12.00).

6. Amazing Takashimaya Food Court

At the basement of the Takashimaya store in Nagoya Train Station, there is a huge section that sells all kinds of prepared food like traditional Japanese food, Japanese sweets and Western sweets. Don’t come here hungry or you will end up spending a ton of money on these visually appealing offerings! It’s undeniable that Japanese are experts in product packaging.

7. This structure infront of Nagoya Train Station

A funky structure I must say. Though I have to admit that the guy on the moving billboard helped accentuate its aesthetic appeal!

8. The Ramen Alley In The Nagoya Train Station

Nagoya is not exactly known for its ramen but if you crave for one you can find a wide selection of it in the “Ramen Alley” located in the train station. Make sure to get the ramen with a red miso soup base, like the one I had.

9. The Vending Machines Selling Beverages

This is a common sight in Japan. With these many types of beverages available, no one will ever get thirsty in Nagoya.

10. Travel in Style on Singapore Airlines

Ok, this one has nothing to do with Nagoya but there is nothing like traveling in a 2- week old aircraft to get there. Singapore Airlines provides exceptional inflight service to its passengers as usual and I really liked the new and comfy seats on this flight.

In short, Nagoya is a great place to visit. However, since it doesn’t have a lot to see, I would do this as a side trip when I visit bigger cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Nagoya is only a 90 minutes train ride away from Tokyo.