The Best 3 Day Nagoya Sightseeing Plan!

Experience Miso-nikomi Udon!

The miso-nikomi udon is one of the most popular dishes listed under Nagoya meshi.
Many udon shops and Japanese restaurants in Nagoya serve miso nikomi udon but this is truly the best.

Henceforth, I have decided to have some miso nikomi udon for lunch today!

Do note that the miso nikomi udon is usually served with white rice.
After eating all the noodles, it is a common habit for customers to pour the white rice into the soup and enjoy a bowl of Miso Zosui for a truly native experience!

The Water Spaceship at Oasis 21

If you've done a bit of research on Nagoya before coming to this page, you will instantly recognise the building of Oasis 21!
It is known as "The Water Spaceship" with its striking and forward-looking design!
This building forms a part of Oasis 21 which is the area directly connected to the Sakae Station. I do recommend a must-visit to the Oasis 21 if you are ever in the lively and popular Sakae area!

Visiting Sakae is a must to enjoy the atmosphere of Nagoya!

Viewing it for aesthetic purposes might be pleasurable but if you take a step further by climbing up to the top, you will be able to enjoy a picturesque and breathtaking view of the city and the surroundings.

It is not necessary to visit the top of the building, but I highly recommend this spectacular view to anyone keen on capturing a nice picture of Sakae and to fully absorb the true vibe of Nagoya city.

Approximately 1km! The Hisaya Odori Park", a Park and Mall!

The Hisaya Odori Park is located just across the road from Oasis 21 and is a relaxing space where you can park yourself literally amongst the well-manicured lawns or shop around whenever you feel like it.

The park and its plethora of restaurants and trendy shops are all housed in one same area.
In fact, the distance from one end of the park to the other end is just around 1km.

You can sit around and relax on the lawn or visit the shops and have a cup of coffee in a cafe at any time in the day.
There are plenty of choices in food, from western cuisine to Asian food and even themed restaurants for your picking!
Have fun deciding which restaurant to visit and what fancies you on that particular day!
You can even eat all day, anytime, anywhere!

Experience a 360° view of the "Sky Deck MIRAI 360"!

The Chubu Electric Power Company MIRAI TOWER includes an observation deck at 100m above the ground where you can once again enjoy a nice view of Sakae, the heartbeat of Nagoya.

The observation deck basically has two floors.
The ground floor is known as the "Sky Deck MIRAI 360", which offers a 360° view.
The Second floor is referred as the "Sky Balcony", but rest assured a sturdy fence forms a protective barrier from anyone wanting to enjoy the wind while looking downwards at the same time. It is safe even for children!

Interestingly, there is actually an active hotel located in the tower!
This is Nagoya’s first tower hotel and perhaps even a first in the world!

THE TOWER HOTEL NAGOYA was opened on October 1, 2020, a collaborative and combined design effort with several artists with affinity to the Tokai region.

Complete your day with “Maboroshi chicken wings”(Maboroshi no Tebasaki) and your favourite tipple!

If your visit to Nagoya takes place over a few days, it will be fun to visit some of the local pubs. In this plan, I have included a few recommendations that will allow you to experience nightlife as a local.

The Sekaino Yamachan has an extensive menu with local food and regular drinks.

Everyone visiting Nagoya will be raving about their famous chicken wings known as Tebasaki.
At Sekai no Yama-chan, the well-flavored and crispy "Maboroshino Tebasaki" is addictive with its distinctive spice. It pairs well with local beer on tap!

I might have only introduced Sekai no Yama-chan in my plan, but if you have a chance to try the other types of fried chicken wings at other restaurants, you will not be disappointed.
This is truly a specialty Nagoya-meshi that is very popular amongst locals and foreigners!

Start your Day at a local Coffeeshop.

Your experience of Nagoya can only be complete if you have been a part of the morning culture. The morning service is basically a morning menu that is available at all local coffeeshops.
To learn more about the morning service, please do check out this page.

We chose a retro and stylish coffee shop called "Cafe New Poppy" for this introductory plan.
Local merchants purchase their coffee beans from them too so you can expect good quality coffee, freshly brewed every morning.

The Nagoya Ogura toast is popular but if you are adventurous, do try the curry rice that has been cooked in coffee. It is definitely a brand-new experience for even the most daring of gourmet afficionados! Imagine that!

• 【Address】1-36-52 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi
• 【Opening Hours】[Sundays, Weekday]8:00-18:00 ／[Fridays, Saturdays]8:00-20:00
• 【Regular Holiday】Irregular holidays

Experience a Galaxy of Stars in the Morning! Welcome to the World's Largest Planetarium (NTP Planet)

※“Brother Earth" has been renamed to "NTP Planet" from April 1, 2021.

Why don't you experience star gazing during the day?
This is now possible here in Nagoya, home to the world's largest dome planetarium, NTP Planet.
The construction of this planetarium was completed in 2010 and in 2011, it was certified and registered as the world's largest planetarium in the Guinness World Records.

Be sure to double check on the availability of the planetarium upon your time of visit!
The planetarium is sometimes fully booked out to schools organizing events in the city, so make sure you screen the projection schedule prior to your visit!
(Click here for the projection schedule)

On weekends and on public holidays, especially during spring, summer and winter holidays, tickets may have been sold out from early in the morning.
We do recommend visitors to be early risers if you plan on visiting the planetarium!

The biggest planetarium experience you'll ever have right here in Nagoya!

A Must-Visit in Nagoya!

Can I assume that everyone would like to visit the Osu Shopping Street as much as I do?

Similar to Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa and Tokyo etc., there are always these popular shopping streets lined up with markets and shops filled with all types of delicacies!

Nagoya's biggest shopping street, the Osu Shopping Street is no exception.
It too has its own characteristics with its very own diverse map of fun shops.
There are cute shops selling Japanese sweets and cakes, and a variety of other dining restaurants offering different types of cuisine, ranging from Nepalese, Brazilian, Asian and Japanese food.
If you are shopping for clothes, do not be surprised to find a computer shop or game center right next to you. It can be rather mind-boggling and confusing but it is all a part of the fun!

Regardless of age, gender, nationality, race or religion, there is something amusing for everyone!

The Atsuta Shrine, the largest Shrine in Japan

The Atsuta Jingu is a shrine known to many Japanese people and if you are visiting Nagoya for the first time, you might like to visit it as a tourist.

In July 2021, the Kusanagi Hiroba was opened. Here, you can eat the famous Nagoya's speciality "Miya Kishimen".
In the same year alone, in October, the Kusanagi Kan, a treasure house of swords was also opened. If you are interested in Japanese swords, you might like to visit this place while enjoying a delicious bowl of “Miya Kishimen” at the same time.

The Shiratori Garden, a Japanese garden within walking distance of the Atsuta Shrine

I also recommend the Shirotori Teien, a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden that is situated just within walking distance of the Atsuta Jingu Shrine.

There is a pretty Japanese café installed in the garden where you can enjoy sweet and savoury tea while admiring the nice view around you.

The park is also especially popular during the autumn Koyo and flower viewing seasons, so if you are visiting during those times, you should head over for a blissful time.

The most famous Hitsumabushi restaurant in Japan!

Hitsu-Mabusi has been introduced on various websites and I have once again included this on the plan.

Enjoy "Hitsu-Mabushi" at Atsuta Houraiken and soak in the the lively atmosphere while learning about the history of this restaurant.

In addition to Hitsu-Mabushi, other eel dishes such as sashimi and tempura are also available.
Enjoy your dinner with beer or sake!

Ogura toast with homemade jam everyday!

We recommend the "Coffee House KAKO Hanakuruma Honten " for your breakfast on your last day of sightseeing in Nagoya.
Here you can enjoy a unique morning service with a cute looking Ogura toast!

Basically, this toast is thick and covered with sweet red bean paste and whipped cream. However, the highlight of the toast is actually the four kinds of homemade fruit confiture (jam).
The four confitures differ daily, which range from orange marmalade, blueberry and cherry jam to oyster, kiwi and even, white wine!

Surprise yourself each time whenever you visit the KAKO Hanakuruma Honten for its lovely Ogura toast!

• 【Address】5-16-17 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi
• 【Opening Hours】[Weekday]7:00-19:00 ／[Holidays]7:00-17:00 ／(Morning Service 7:00-11:00)
• 【Regular Holiday】Open everyday

An Aquarium of Dolphins, Orca and Beluga Whales

A full day at the Nagoya Port Aquarium!

With the largest floor space in Japan housing 50,000 animals of 500 species, and attracting up to two million visitors a year, the Nagoya Port Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in Japan!
I've been to this aquarium many times over and it is a fun and different experience each and every single visit!

The larger creatures here are the dolphins, orca and belugas.
An event schedule checks in performances and public training sessions.
These events are the actually the main focus of the aquarium so make sure you lock in a time schedule during your visit!

Miso-katsu, the best katsu!

There are many ways to eat katsu, with sauce, grated radish or dashi-tsuyu.
Not everyone in Nagoya likes miso katsu but for me, miso katsu is really my top favourite!
Do you have a habit of eating katsu with miso? If you don't have a habit of eating katsu with miso, you should give it a try when you come to Nagoya!
If you've never had it before, try it when you're in Nagoya!

Why not participate in Nagoya's miso katsu culture for dinner on your last day?

Urban night view from Nagoya station.

This is the final day of the tour, so if time allows, do head over to the observatory of the building called "Midland Square" in Nagoya Station.
The building is 247m high and there is an outdoor observatory on the 44th and 46th floors at 220m high.

This is a popular spot for its memorable night view as it is right next to Nagoya Station and is easily accessible.
It has a vaulted ceiling, so you can enjoy the night breeze while watching the city of Nagoya shine.
I think it is the perfect place to commemorate your trip.

Of course, it is also open during the day, so if are resting in early at night, try visiting it during the day!