TOP PICKS: 10 Best Things to Do in Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya has many famous attractions and tourist spots to entice any keen traveler. During our Nagoya Familiarization Tour last year, we got to see and experience most of Nagoya's famous tourist spots and attractions as well as its local eats. With this, let me share to you my top 10 best things to do in Nagoya, Japan.

Before traveling to Nagoya, be sure to rent a portable WiFi device to stay connected in Japan during your travel.

This is the right time to #FALL. Autumn is love... ❤️ #Nagoya #Castle #Japan 🇯🇵 #CEBtravels #CEBFliesNagoya @cebupacificair 😍

A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Oct 9, 2015 at 8:30pm PDT

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Nagoya

SEE ALSO: HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN TOURIST VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES (with List of Requirements and Steps in Application)

1. Visit Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of Nagoya's most important and highly-visited landmarks. Built in 1612 in the beginning of the Edo Period, it was destroyed during the 2nd World War and went to several reconstructions that was finished in 1959. The castle houses a modern museum with exhibits about the castle's history as well as some art treasures. Don't miss climbing the top-most floor and have a 360-degree view of the city. Nagoya Castle is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and entrance fees is around 500 yen.

2. Watch the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai at Nagoya Castle Complex

One of the main attractions inside the Nagoya Castle Complex is the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai. Composed of 6 bushos (army generals) and 4 jingasa soldiers, they roam around the complex to perform and entertain the guests.

3. Ride the Train

If it's your first-time in Japan just like me, experience Japan's very efficient rail system by riding the Japan Rail in getting around Nagoya. You can find many of Nagoya's tourist spots and attractions nearby or just a few minutes walk from the train stations.

4. Walk around the city

Experience the local scene by walking around the city. You'll find many shops, restaurants and be able to see how the Japanese go by their daily lives by just walking around Nagoya.

5. Shop at OSU Shopping District

Located at the center of Nagoya City, OSU Shopping District is a "shopping haven" for shopaholics! From Nagoya station, just take the train to Osu Kannon on the Tsurai line to get to OSU Shopping District. The area has so many shops selling a wide array of merchandise and has become a popular sightseeing destination among foreign and local tourists visiting Nagoya City.

6. Check out Osu Kannon Temple

Located in Tokugawa Ieyasu near OSU Shopping District, Osu Kannon is a popular Buddhist temple which enshrines the wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Since our visit coincides with the Osu Street Performers Festival (mid October), the temple is filled with so many people and we were not able to go inside. I will definitely visit this again on my next visit to Nagoya.

7. Experience Karaoke in Nagoya

Karaoke is a favorite pastime for Japanese of all ages. It also makes an interesting activity for tourists visiting Japan, especially if you're looking for some night entertainment. Just like Filipinos, the Japanese also love to sing. Check out one of the many karaoke establishments around Nagoya where you could avail one of the private rooms equipped with a karaoke machine and sing your heart out.

8. Eat!

Experience local cuisines in the many restaurants around Nagoya. If you're interested in trying some local food you are in luck as Nagoya has a lot of restaurants and food stalls to choose from. A must-experience are the street food stalls in OSU Shopping District for authentic Nagoyan street food experience.

9. Shop for Pasalubong at Don Quijote (Donki)

This well-known shopping mall is another must-visit discount chain store that has over 160 branches throughout Japan. It offers a wide range of products and merchandise - from groceries to apparels, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics to home appliances. "Donki" is definitely a great place to shop for pasalubong from Japan to bring back home.

10. Watch the Street Performers at OSU Shopping District

Aside from shopping, this is what I enjoyed most while roaming around OSU Shopping District. Happening during mid-October, Osu Street Performers Festival will get you an up-close look at jugglers, dancers, mimes, puppeteers and other artists. We're so lucky that we got see these performers during our visit. So, if you want to see these street performers, it would be great to schedule your trip to Nagoya in mid-October.

Other Amazing Things to Do in Nagoya, Japan Shirakawa-go Village and Takayama Day Tour from Nagoya Nagoya City Walking Tour with 1-Day Subway Pass Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Day Trip The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, and Takayama Day Tour from Nagoya Inuyama Castle and Matcha Green Tea Experience at Urakuen Garden Nagano Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium Gokayama Ainokura & Shirakawago Bus Tour Enjoy Legoland - Japan's first outdoor Legoland park

Flights from Manila to Japan

Cebu Pacific Air, the leading airline in the Philippines, flies between Manila and Nagoya (Chubu Centrair International Airport) every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Book your flights through the CebuPacificAir.com. For updates and seat sale announcements, check out www.facebook.com/cebupacificair.

NOTE: This Nagoya Familiarization Tour was held in October 6-10, 2015 and was organized by Cebu Pacific Air. Thank you for inviting me to be part of this awesome trip!

One of the many performers I saw while walking around Osu Kannon Market in #Nagoya #Japan 🇯🇵 Shopping at #Osu and watching the street performers are just some of the must-dos when in Nagoya. 👍🏾 #CEBFliesNagoya #CEBtravels @cebupacificair ❤️

A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Oct 10, 2015 at 1:35am PDT

TOP-RATED HOTELS IN NAGOYA

Vessel Hotel Campana Nagoya

Location: 2-30-7 Meieki, Nakamura, Nagoya Station, Nagoya, Japan, 450-0002
BOOK HERE: Check room rates and room availability

Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya

Location: 4-3,3, Nishiki, Naka-ku, Sakae, Nagoya, Japan, 460-0003
BOOK HERE: Check room rates and room availability

Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower

Location: 4-60-12 Hiraikecho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya Station, Nagoya, Japan, 453-6131
BOOK HERE: Check room rates and room availability

Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya

Location: 4-3,3, Nishiki, Naka-ku, Sakae, Nagoya, Japan, 460-0003
BOOK HERE: Check room rates and room availability

Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Nishiki

Location: 3-18-21 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Sakae, Nagoya, Japan, 460-0003
BOOK HERE: Check room rates and room availability

[ MORE TOP-RATED HOTELS IN NAGOYA HERE! ]

READ MORE: Japan Series

OSAKA

• TRAVEL TIP: Osaka and Kyoto Japan 4D/3N Tour Itinerary
• THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA: Experience Thrill and Excitement at Universal Studios Japan
• What's the Big Deal about PABLO Cheesecake and Tarts?

NAGOYA

• Top 10 Best Things to Do in Nagoya, Japan
• HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN TOURIST VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES (with List of Requirements and Steps in Application)
• HOTELS IN TOYOTA, JAPAN: Hotel Route Inn Toyota Asahigaoka
• THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN: Toyota Museum and Plant Tour in Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture
• Top 5 Best Things To Do at Laguna Ten Bosch in Gamagori, Aichi Japan
• Japanese Food Sample Making at Sample Village Iwasaki in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Japan
• THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN: Orange Picking at Gamagori Orange Park, Aichi Japan
• THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN: Experiencing Takayama Autumn Festival in Gifu Prefecture
• Walking Tour at Shirakawa-go Village, "A UNESCO World Heritage Site"

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista

Thank You For Sharing!