Nagoya is Japan's 4th largest city by population and is conveniently located in the middle of the country. Nagoya is roughly the midpoint between Tokyo & Osaka. Although Nagoya may not be a destination for tourists, it is the manufacturing heart of Japan and has thriving automotive & aerospace industries.
Downtown Nagoya is the central business and entertainment district of Nagoya. Restaurants and shops are plentiful and once you are downtown everything can easily be accessed by walking or taking the subway.
Sakae is considered the heart of this shopping & entertainment area and you can find all the world famous brands and large shopping malls abound.
Nagoya Station
Nagoya Station is the central hub to access the city. It is the largest train station in the world by square feet.
Oasis 21
Oasis 21 is a futuristic structure near Central Park. It has an observation deck and features an open-air interior filled with restaurants, shops and a large event space with something going on almost every weekend.
Science Center
Popular with children and adults alike, the science center also contains a world class planeterium.
Tsurumai Park
Tsurumai park is well known for cherry blossom parties. It is a great place to walk/jog and relax.
The Chikusa area is located east of downtown Nagoya. Travel time from the Chikusa area to downtown Nagoya is about 8-15 minutes by subway.
On the spectrum of downtown, urban living and suburban living, the Chikusa area is in the middle. There are a mix of high and low rise apartments and townhouse style homes. Main roads are packed with restuarants and shops while back streets are quieter and residential.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botannical Gardens
First opened in 1937, this large zoo is a great place for kids. Its most famous residents are the koalas, for which it is known throughout Japan.
Tokugawa Art Museum
Housing a collection of more than 12,000 items of historical importance, this museum's most valuable items are three illustrated hand scrolls of the Tale of Genji,1130. With most exhibits containing English translations, it is a great place to learn more about the Nagoya region's role in Japanese history. The beutiful surrounding gardens are also great for a spring or fall stroll.
Hoshigaoka Terrace
This upscale shopping complex is a great place to spend an afternoon. Boasting many international brands and high-end restuarants, Hoshigaoka Terrance is a great place to meet friends or shop.
The cities Southeast of Nagoya collectively is known as the Mikawa area. These cities are part rural and part manufacturing based. Many of Japan's top manufacturing companies operate in this area. This area is the "Detroit" of Japan with many automotive areas such as Toyota, Toyota Boshoku, Denso, Aisin, Yazaki, Bosch, etc. operating here.
Toga Shrine
At the intersection of subway, Meitetsu , and JR train lines, Kanayama is a major transportation hub in Nagoya. Thousands pass through the ticket gates at Kanayama Station on their way to and from work each day and this traffic has attracted many shopping, dining, leisure venues to the area. Living in Kanayama is convenient if your work place is near the Nagoya port, or in the cities southeast of Nagoya, such as Kariya. Housing in Kanayama is mostly available in high rise apartment structures.
Asunal Kanayama
This thriving outdoor shopping and dining complex is just outside the gates of Kanayama Station. The large, open central courtyard is often host to interesting events and activities on weekends.
Atsuta Shrine
One of the most important shrines in Japan, Atsuta Jingu houses the "Grass Mowing Sword," one of the three sacred imperial regalia. 8-9 million visitors come here each year and Atsuta shrine is a popular place to visit on New Years Day for the first shrine visit of the year.
Aeon Mall Atsuta
One of the largest shopping malls in Nagoya, this is a one-stop shop for all your grocery and fashion needs.
Further from the city center, the Meito Area is the place to live if you require a freestanding home. Popular with families who need access to Nagoya International School or Aichi International School, this suburban area offers a quieter lifestyle but still has convenient access to the city. 20-25 minutes to the downtown area via the Higashiyama Subway Line.
Fujigaoka Station Area
This area is far enough from downtown that it has developed into an alternative dining and shopping area to downtown. Many university students pass through Fujigaoka on their daily commutes to universities east of Nagoya and consequently, there are many eateries and cafes. Three supermarkets mean that you will never go hungry living here!
Aichikyuhaku Kinen Park
Developed for the World Expo 2005, this park is a great place to go for a picnic or just to enjoy some wide open space.
Toyota Automobile Mueseum
For car lovers! This museum does an excellent job documenting Toyota`s storied past. Many classic, modern, and concept cars are on display and most displays have English translations.
Located Northeast of the city center, the Nagoya International School Area is a fast developing suburban region. Great for access to the school, allowing parents to be deeply involved in local activities, and for those interested in avoiding long bus commutes for their children. A car is a must in this area of Nagoya with all daily necessities a short car ride away.
Located approximately 45 minutes from dowtown Nagoya by train or car, Toyota City is considered rural for Japan. Downtown Toyota City, near the station, has some shopping and eating establishments, however, as Toyota City is spread over a wide area, a car is a must if you choose to live outside of the immediate downtown station area.
Toyota Stadium
Home of the Nagoya Grampus Football Club, this 45,000 football specific stadium is a great place to catch a match. The Japanese National Teams often play friendly matches at this stadium so it is a great place to catch a world-class match.
Located Southeast of the Nagoya city center, the Yagoto area offers hilly, tree-lined streets filled with low rise apartment and townhouse style homes. This is a popular area for families and especially with those who need to commute to Toyota City for work.
Three universities give this area a college town feel and the main roads are lined with excellent restuarants and cafes. Only 10-15 minutes to downtown via subway, the Yagoto area is a great compromise between suburban and urban living.
