Kiyosu Castle
Studio Ghibli will feel an instant wave of recognition - this castle was visual inspiration for the structures in Howl's Moving Castle!
Shiroyashiki-1-1 Asahi, Kiyosu, Aichi 452-0932, Japan
Central Japan: 7 Days Beyond the Tourist Trail
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Day 1
Nagoya: First Impressions & Ancient Spirits
Estimated day duration: 12h 16mNagoya doesn't ease you in gently! Day one starts with a castle that looks like it stepped out of a Studio Ghibli film, moves through the forested grounds of one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, and ends with the city skyline glowing from a rooftop terrace above the station. Japan's fourth largest city has always been overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto - which means you get all of this almost entirely to yourself.
Atsuta-jingu Shrine
One of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines and, remarkably, one of its least visited by tourists. Forested, calm, and genuinely ancient - take your time here.
1-chōme-1-1 Jingū, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585, Japan
Osu Shotengai Shopping Street
A covered arcade district that somehow contains everything! Great for street food, vintage clothes shopping, and much more.
3 Chome-26 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan
Misokatsu Yabaton Yabachō Honten
Nagoya's most iconic dish at the restaurant that defined it. Dark miso sauce over a perfectly fried pork cutlet. Non-negotiable.
3-chōme-6-18 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan
Oasis 21
A striking piece of modern architecture in the heart of Sakae - the glass roof terrace is beautiful at night and makes for a great city photo stop.
1-chōme-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005, Japan
Sky Promenade
Nagoya's best rooftop view, perched atop the JR Gate Tower - perfect way to end the day if you are staying here!
4-chōme-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan
End of Day 1
Day 2
Nagoya: Into the Forest of Stories
Estimated day duration: 13h 48mDay two belongs to Ghibli Park, set in the quiet greenery of Nagakute. This isn't a theme park of rides and mascots, but feels like stepping directly into the films. Tickets sell out months ahead so definitely book ahead for the 45-minute trip from Nagoya. For Ghibli fans, it is essential. Evening brings you back to the city for a slow walk around Mirai Tower and Hisaya Odori Park as the lights come on, before a dinner of hitsumabushi (grilled eel eaten three ways).
Komeda's Coffee Nayabashi
The Nagoya breakfast ritual. Thick toast, a boiled egg, and no rush - morning service here is an institution! Founded in Nagoya, there are now 1,000 branches across Japan!
Japan, 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 5-chōme−38−５ １階
Ghibli Park
Built for people who grew up with these films and want to inhabit them. Book tickets months ahead and arrive when it opens - well worth half a day!
Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1342, Japan
Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER
Nagoya's beloved retro tower, and the oldest TV tower in Japan - glowing above Hisaya Odori Park. The park below is perfect for a slow evening walk before dinner.
3-chōme-6-１５先 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan
Munagi
A Nagoya speciality - grilled eel over rice, eaten three ways. One of the great Japanese dining experiences, and Nagoya is the city that does it best.
Japan, 〒460-0008 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Sakae, 4-chōme−17−２１ 栄 D-1ビル 地下1F
End of Day 2