48 Hours in Nagoya: A Quick Guide to Japan’s Underrated City
When people talk about Japan, it’s almost always Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. And don’t get me wrong, those cities are on my top list of cities I want to visit in Japan.
But Nagoya? It’s one of those places that quietly sneaks up on you. It’s not as flashy or hyped, but it has this calm confidence that makes you feel like you stumbled into a secret.
We only had 48 hours in the city, which is not enough to get a glimpse of what makes Nagoya special, but we made sure to explore what we could in the time that we had.
So if you’re thinking of squeezing in a quick trip to Nagoya, here’s how we spent ours.
So, Why Nagoya?
Nagoya isn’t the kind of city that screams for attention. But that’s exactly why I liked it. It’s a blend of modern and traditional, chill and cultured, with enough history, food, and interesting spots to keep you curious without burning you out.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want a quick stop that feels both refreshing and real, don’t skip Nagoya. Sometimes the quieter cities leave the loudest memories.
Pre-travel guide
🛂 Visa:
Filipinos need a visa to go to Japan. I created a guide and shared my experience on how to get a visa, specifically in Cebu City.
Otherwise, please check the Japanese Embassy website for more details if you need a visa or not.
✈️ Flights:
We booked our flight via cebupacificair.com. There is a direct flight from Manila to Nagoya.
⛑️ Travel Insurance:
- Safety Wing
- If you are a Filipino, you can buy using GCASH, which is a much cheaper option
🏨 Accommodations:
During our visit to Nagoya, we stayed at 自由自在OSU 401(NIJI), which is a one-bedroom apartment with a living room. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and air-conditioning.
Here are other accommodations you might consider:
🎡 Tour and Activities:
If you like to book ahead of time for what activity you would like to do in Osaka, you can book it on Klook. They have a list of tours, activities, and even transportation. If you are a planner, you will love this site.
Here are the things we booked via Klook:
Klook.comHow to get around Nagoya?
Nagoya is super easy to explore, even if it’s your first time. The subway system is reliable, clean, and tourist-friendly, with most signs in both Japanese and English. You’ll mostly be using the Higashiyama Line (yellow) and Meijo Line (purple) since they connect to a lot of the city’s main spots like Nagoya Castle.
We got an IC card (like Suica) which works on trains, subways, and even buses. Just load it up and tap in and out. It makes everything simpler.
Bonus tip:
Google Maps works really well in Japan for transit directions, and the trains almost always arrive exactly on time. So don’t be late!
How to Stay Connected?
We got a 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan (Unlimited Data) from Klook. I prefer this option because my phone tends to drain a lot slower when I use a pocket wifi.
But if you prefer a SIM card, you can also get an unlimited data 4G SIM Card. You can choose the SIM’s validity days from 5 to 31 days, which is great!
Things to do in Nagoya
Osu Kannon & Osu Shopping District
We started the day at Osu Kannon, a Buddhist temple with vibrant red pillars and a calming energy. I lit a stick of incense, made a wish, and stood still for a moment; something about Japanese temples always grounds me.
Just a few steps away is the Osu Shopping District, a maze of narrow streets filled with vintage shops, anime stores, secondhand treasures, and street food. We wandered with no real plan…snacking on freshly fried croquettes, browsing thrift stores, and dodging locals on bicycles. It was chaotic, colorful, and fun.
The Tokugawa Art Museum & Tokugawa Garden
Day two started slowly and peacefully. We made our way to the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses samurai armor, ancient scrolls, and delicate tea ceremony tools. It’s quiet and well-curated and perfect if you want to step back into Japan’s feudal past for a bit.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (entry until 4:30 pm)
Admission fee: 1600 yen (museum only), 1750 yen (museum and garden)
FUN FACT!
Here’s a fun connection if you’ve seen the Shogun TV series: the Tokugawa family in real life inspired much of the story. Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu (the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate) is the historical figure behind “Toranaga” in the series. The museum actually houses heirlooms from his lineage, including artifacts that belonged to the Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan, one of the three major families established to ensure the shogunate’s stability. So walking through this museum feels a little bit like stepping into the world of Shogun, just with fewer sword fights and more quiet awe.
Right beside the museum is Tokugawa Garden, and oh wow…this place is a hidden gem. The landscaped garden wraps around a serene pond, with stone paths and little bridges. We sat on a bench for a while just listening to the breeze. It felt like a pause button in the middle of the trip.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (entry until 5:00 pm)
Admission fee: 300 yen (garden only), 1750 yen (museum and garden)
Nagoya Castle
In the afternoon, we headed to Nagoya Castle. Even if you’ve seen a few castles in Japan, this one stands out with its golden shachihoko (the mythical tiger-fish creatures) gleaming under the sun. The inside is a beautifully reconstructed museum that gives us a peek into the history of the Owari clan. Also, the surrounding park is perfect for a slow walk.
Opening Hours: Open every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Admission fee: 500 yen
Toyota Automobile Museum
Now this one surprised me. I’m not even that into cars, but the Toyota Automobile Museum was unexpectedly interesting. It showcases the evolution of cars from all over the world, and even if you’re not a gearhead, the design history and nostalgic models make it worth the visit.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Admission fee: 1200 yen
Other museums you can visit:
Toyota Kaikan Museum
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Where to Eat in Nagoya
Nagoya has its own regional flavors, and if you’re a foodie, this city will make you happy.
Dinner at Ichigyu
On our last night, we had dinner at Ichigyu, a yakiniku place that specializes in wagyu beef. You grill it yourself at the table, and let me just say—perfection. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good, and the vibe is very local and cozy. If you’re only having one nice meal in Nagoya, make it this one.
Other Nagoya Must-Eats:
- Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) – Try it at Atsuta Horaiken.
- Tebasaki (Japanese-style fried chicken wings) – Yamachan is a local favorite.
- Miso Katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet with miso sauce) – A Nagoya twist on a classic.
- Ogura Toast (toast with sweet red bean paste) – A quirky Nagoya-style breakfast.
Watch our Nagoya Vlog!
My Travel Faves!
🌎 Safetywing: For travel insurance
✈️ Google Flights: For finding flight deals
🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels
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☀️ Klook: For tours and activities
📷 Canon G7X Mark II: My travel camera
🧳 Luggage: My favorite luggage
