Top Things to Do Near Nagoya Station: A Complete Travel Guide

2025.11.28

Nagoya Station is one of Japan’s busiest transportation hubs and the perfect starting point for exploring the city. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying longer, you’ll find historic landmarks, cultural attractions, shopping districts, and family-friendly theme parks—all easily accessible from the station.

Below is a curated list of the best things to do near Nagoya Station, including must-see spots, travel tips, and helpful FAQs to plan your trip smoothly.

1. Nagoya Castle

Travel time from Nagoya Station: About 20 minutes by subway.

Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic castles, known for its majestic golden shachihoko (tiger-faced carp statues) on the rooftop. Visitors can explore beautifully reconstructed interiors, traditional gardens, and seasonal events such as cherry blossoms in spring and illuminations in winter.

Highlights

・Reconstructed Hommaru Palace with intricate woodwork

・Expansive park grounds

・Seasonal events and festivals

2. Tokugawa Garden & Tokugawa Art Museum

https://www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/

Travel time: Around 20–25 minutes.

This peaceful Japanese garden and museum offer a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the Tokugawa samurai family. The museum displays swords, armor, tea ceremony utensils, and historical documents, while the garden features ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers.

Highlights

・Over 10,000 artifacts from the Tokugawa family

・Serene walking paths

・Beautiful autumn foliage

3. Sakae & Oasis 21

https://www.sakaepark.co.jp/

Travel time: 10 minutes by subway.

Sakae is Nagoya’s downtown shopping and entertainment district. Oasis 21, known for its futuristic glass “Spaceship” roof, is a popular photo spot with shops, restaurants, and seasonal markets.

Highlights

・Perfect for shopping and dining

・Nighttime illumination

・Nearby landmarks: Nagoya TV Tower, Hisaya-Odori Park

4. Osu Shopping District

https://osu.nagoya/ja/

Travel time: About 15 minutes.

Osu is a lively street-market-style shopping area with local boutiques, vintage stores, electronics shops, and international food stalls. It’s ideal for casual strolling and trying Nagoya street food.

Highlights

・Over 1,200 shops

・Osu Kannon Temple

・Famous foods: karaage, taiyaki, miso katsu snacks

5. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

https://nagoyaaqua.jp/

Travel time: 30 minutes by subway.

One of Japan’s largest aquariums, featuring dolphins, killer whales, penguins, and large-scale marine exhibits. Great for families or couples.

Highlights

・Dolphin performance

・Antarctic exhibit

・Huge ocean tank with migratory fish

6. LEGOLAND Japan & SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

https://www.legoland.jp/

Travel time: 35 minutes to Kinjo-Futo Station.

These two major attractions are located close to each other:

LEGOLAND Japan

Perfect for families with children aged 3–12, offering colorful rides, shows, and LEGO-themed zones.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Showcasing Japan’s railway history, including bullet trains and magnetic-levitation (maglev) models.

Highlights

・Interactive exhibits

・Life-size train models

・Driving simulators

7. Atsuta Shrine

https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/en/intro/

Travel time: 20 minutes by subway.

One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, home to the sacred Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword (not publicly displayed). The forested precincts offer a peaceful escape from the city.

Highlights

・Over 1,900 years of history

・Traditional ceremonies

・Famous kishimen noodles inside the shrine grounds

8. Nagoya Station Area

https://www.nagoyastation.com/

Even without leaving the area, Nagoya Station itself has plenty to offer:

Things to Do

・JR Gate Tower & JR Takashimaya shopping

・Nagoya’s tallest building: JR Gate Tower

・Local food specialties: hitsumabushi, misokatsu, kishimen

It’s a convenient area for dining, shopping, and night views.

9. Chubu Centrair International Airport

https://www.centrair.jp/index.html

Travel time: 28 minutes by Meitetsu train.

Centrair is not just an airport—it’s a mini tourist attraction. The Sky Deck offers fantastic views of airplanes, and the airport has many shops and dining options featuring local specialties.

Highlights

・Sky Deck observation area

・Flight simulators & exhibits

・Duty-free shopping

10. Inuyama Castle

https://inuyama-castle.jp/

Travel time: 40–50 minutes by train.

One of Japan’s few original wooden castles, with a stunning view of the Kiso River. The surrounding castle town has traditional sweets and souvenir shops.

Highlights

・One of Japan’s national treasure castles

・Beautiful riverside scenery

・Castle town walking

11. Ghibli Park

https://ghibli-park.jp/

Travel time: 40–45 minutes to Aichi Expo Park.

A dream destination for Studio Ghibli fans. Explore areas inspired by classic films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Highlights

・Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

・Outdoor trails and Totoro spots

・Immersive sets and exhibits

FAQ: Things to Do Near Nagoya Station

Q1. What are the best attractions within 30 minutes of Nagoya Station?

Nagoya Castle, Sakae/Oasis 21, Osu Shopping District, Atsuta Shrine, Tokugawa Garden, and Nagoya Aquarium are all accessible within 10–30 minutes.

Q2. Is Nagoya good for sightseeing?

Yes. Nagoya combines modern attractions, historical landmarks, cultural sites, and theme parks, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Q3. What food should I try near Nagoya Station?

Local specialties include:

・Hitsumabushi (grilled eel)

・Miso katsu

・Tebasaki chicken wings

・Kishimen noodles

Many restaurants are located inside or near the station.

Q4. Is Ghibli Park close to Nagoya Station?

It’s about 40–45 minutes by subway + train. While not “next to” the station, it’s an easy and popular day trip.

 

Q5. Can I visit Nagoya Castle and Osu in one day?

Yes. Many travelers combine Nagoya Castle → Sakae → Osu for a convenient one-day itinerary.

Q6. What are the best things to do in Nagoya with kids?

・LEGOLAND Japan

・Railway Museum (SCMAGLEV Park)

・Nagoya Aquarium

・Ghibli Park

All are family-friendly and easy to reach.

Q7. How many days should I spend in Nagoya?

Two to three days is ideal to cover the major attractions without rushing.

Q8. Is it easy to get around Nagoya from the station?

Yes. Nagoya has an efficient subway and train network, and most attractions are within 10–30 minutes.

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