Tourist Spots
Nagoya Castle- This impressive traditional looking castle was first built in 1612, and then after being bombed during WWII, the current concrete structure was built. Some parts of the original buildings still survive. The museum inside has items from the Edo period. A few minute walk from Shiyakusho Station, on the Meijo line, just 2 station stops from Sakae. Open 9am to 4:30pm daily. 500 yen admission fee. Tel: 052-231-1700
Tokugawa Museum - One of the most famous collections in all of Japan, with over 10,000 pieces, art work, swords, robes, samurai goods, and more. The collections gains its name from being from the inheritance of the Tokugawa family, one of the first ruling dynasties of Japan. Near Ozone Station, on the Meijo line. Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tues-Sun. 1200 yen admission. Web site: www.cjn.or.jp/tokugawa/ Tel: 052-935-6262
Atsuta-Jingu Shrine - The largest shrine in Nagoya, and the center of any traditional festivals and events. The surrounding area is forested with 1000 year old Japanese cypress. Besides the shrine itself, there are some ancient structures, and an exhibition hall which displays several national treasures and goods. Open 9:30am-4:30pm daily, except last Wed of the month.
Toyota Automobile Museum - Learn about the evolution of the automobile and see a large variety of classic cars at this beautiful collection run in connection with Toyota motors. All makes and brands are displayed, from the automobile's very beginnings, to current models, at this well set-out museum. A must see for any auto enthusiast, but others will be no less impressed. Access: Go to Fujigaoka station, the last station on the Higashiyama line, and from there take the Meitetsu bus to Nagakuta-shako. From there it is a 5 minute walk to the museum. Open 9:30am-5:00pm Tues-Sun. Closed on Tuesdays when the previous Monday is a National holiday. web site: www.toyota.co.jp/Museum/index-j.html Tel: 0561-63-5151
Noritake Craft Center - One of the more famous things to come out of Nagoya is the Noritake brand of ceramics. At this large facility, there is a museum exhibiting items and products. Tours are offered daily. The surrounding grounds have a well laid out garden and a restaurant. Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tues-Sun. Closed Tuesday when the Monday before is a Natioinal holiday. Access: A few minute walk from Kamejima Station, one station stop from Nagoya station on the Higashiyama line. Website: www.noritake.co.jp/mori/ Tel: 052-561-7114.
Near By Attractions:
Inuyama Castle - Some regard this 16th century structure as being more impressive than the more famous Nagoya Castle. Most of the building survived WWII intact, making it Japan's oldest 'donjon' and it has been named a National treasure. Access: From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Inuyama line to Inuyama Stn. Tel: 0568-61-1711
Gero Onsen - One of the top three hot spring locations in Japan, this can be an fun day or over night trip out of the city. Spa users can make use of area hotel's onsens by acquiring a special pass which allows entry up to three different participating onsens. For more details, ask at the information center just outside Gero station. Access: Take the JR limited express, Hida, direct to Gero station, or less expensively, take JR Tokaido line to Gifu station, and transfer to the JR Takayama line to Gero station. Website: www.gero-spa.or.jp
Meijimura Museum - See reproductions of Meiji era buildings and exhibitons from fhat time period at this unusual styled museum. Open 9:30am-5:00pm daily through November. Access: From Nagoya, take Meitetsu Inuyama line to Inuyama Station, and then 'Meiji Mura' bus. 1600 yen entry for adults. Web site: www.meijimura.com Tel: 0568-67-0314
