Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city and, while not a renowned tourist destination, offers visitors some interesting sights, fine restaurants and good shopping. Located midway between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya ranks among Japan’s top cities as a hub of economic activity and industry.

Kids won’t have to follow after their parents all day when out and about in Nagoya. Japanese like their electronic games and gadgets and there are plenty of games centres sprinkled around the city. Popular outdoor attractions for the younger ones include the huge Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens as well as the modern aquarium.

Iwatsuka Kinekosa Festival: features a dozen naked men placing a bamboo pole in the Shonai River, then one man climbs up until the pole breaks. The direction of the broken bamboo predicts the year to come.

Nagoya provides a wide range of sightseeing options, from tall, glitzy towers to ancient, sacred shrines. Kick off your tour with a great overview from the TV Tower and then get a different perspective from Nagoya Castle. This being Japan, there are several traditional shrines but also a Catholic Cathedral. If you need a rest from your excursions, relax in the Orchid Gardens or enjoy the view from the Garden Pier.

Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport, commonly referred to by its airport code NGO, opened in 2005, it is a large, modern facility built on reclaimed land in the nearby sea. It replaced Nagoya Airport as the main international airport serving the Chubu region. Located around 20 miles south-west of central Nagoya, it handles flights to numerous Japanese cities as well as to other Asian countries, the US and Europe.

Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 20:00, daily, most close two or three weekdays per month
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday