Nagoya is considered one of the busiest cities in Japan. Nagoya region is known for its automative, machine tooling, robotics, fine ceramics and aerospace industry. Nagoya is home of 2.3 million people and counting. It is the largest city in the Chubu region and capital of Aichi Prefecture.

For travelers like me, I can consider that Nagoya is not my first travel spot to choose if its my first time in Japan. However, it is my 3^rd time to be in Japan and Nagoya will be the best choice this time. Also, ever since I watched Joanna Lumley’s Japan, a BBC produced travel program, I keep on eyeing to travel to Magome and Tsumago where Nagoya is about 2 hours away.

How did I get there?

From Manila, I flew to Narita International Airport. From there, I rode a shinkansen train to Nagoya. There is a direct flight from Manila to Nagoya too.

My flight from Manila was a bit delayed due to technical issues. I arrived in Narita by past 6 PM. From Narita International Airport, I took the NXT train. I purchased a ticket via Klook. From Narita, I picked up my ticket in a vending machine. It took me an hour to reach Tokyo Station. I am not sure if I rode the correct train, but I was sure that it’s going to Tokyo Station. It just stopped in all stations. Good thing, my train ticket can still be used for the next scheduled train on the same day.

From Tokyo Station, I almost missed the shinkansen train going to Nagoya. At first, I cannot find the shinkansen entrance. I lost the signs going to the shinkansen train. I focused myself to be calm as I need to catch the last train ride to Nagoya. Second, some of the train schedules were cancelled due to heavy snow fall. After some minutes, I found out my way to the shinkansen. I still have some minutes to buy my snack. Fortunately, I was still on time to catch the last train to Nagoya. 

Nagoya is about 2 hours away from Tokyo via shinkansen. I arrived in Nagoya Station by past 11 PM. It was darn cold! I was tired and hungry! But definitely happy since I was blessed to catch the last train to Nagoya! 😍🙏😍

Where did I stay?

From Nagoya Station, my hotel is 5 minutes away. I booked Apa Hotel Minami Ekimae. It was my first time to stay in an Apa Hotel and I was greeted warmly by the reception even in midnight.

I booked single room with private bathroom since I know I will arrive late in Nagoya. I normally booked capsule or bunk bends but this time around, I chose a single room so I can rest properly after a long day of travelling.

My room was very comfy. It is fit for a solo traveler like me. All amenities needed were functional. I also like that I have my own window to see the weather outside. My hotel is nearby convenience stores too, some restaurants like Pepper Lunch was available too. I was delighted as well to knew that my hotel is nearby VIP Bus Liner. This will be my meeting place together with other travelers to tour to Takayama and Shirakawa-go.

Overall, my first stay in Apa Hotel was amazing! I will definitely book Apa Hotel again in my next adventure in Japan.

Where did I travel?

I had a one full day to explore Nagoya. Of course, I made a DIY itinerary for the day. Before I spent the day in Nagoya, I bought a subway ticket in Nagoya Station. Subway in Nagoya is much easier to follow than in Tokyo since there are lesser stations.

Nunoike Cathedral or St. Peter and Paul Cathedral

Entrance Fee: Free

It was a Sunday when I scheduled the DIY city tour in Nagoya. As a faithful Catholic, it was a rightful to attend a mass in my first visit in Nagoya. The cathedral was about 5 stops from my hotel. I was a bit of a hurry to attend the mass since from what I read in the internet, it is a Tagalog mass. I expected that there were many Filipino same as what I experienced when I attended a mass in Hiroshima.

Nunoike Cathedral was huge. I somehow recall the Baguio Cathedral as they have the similar façade. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a Filipina who volunteers in the church. In my surprise, the mass was held in Japanese language. There was no Tagalog mass. The English mass will be at 6PM. I attended the 9:30AM mass. Though the mass was celebrated in a different language, everything was recognizable. I felt so happy and blessed starting my day in Nagoya in this beautiful church.

After attending the mass and while walking my way to the train station, I was delighted to witness an all-female fun run in Nagoya. It was women’s month last March and they dedicated March 9 to have a fun run to support all women. I was lucky to see an activity like this in Japan where there were many locals and foreigners joined together for one cause. My eyes were a bit teary but truly joyful. 🙏😇🙏

Nagoya Castle

Entrance Fee: ¥ 500

From the Nunoike Cathedral, I took a train going to Nagoya Castle. It was just less than 30 minutes ride. Upon entering the gates of Nagoya Castle, there were food stalls and restaurants. Since it was almost lunch time when I arrived in the Nagoya Castle complex, I ate first in one of the adorable restaurants. I had some basic fried chicken, fries, salad and of course rice! While eating, the all women marathon was just in front of me. My heart was happy that time enjoying different faces. 🥰

Nagoya Castle was built in Edo Period under the Owari Domain of Tokugawa Family. Nagoya Castle is considered as the largest castle in Japan. The community around was very vibrant that it made Nagoya as the fourth largest city in Japan.

The main castle was under construction and no visitors are allowed to go inside. However, the Honmaru Goten or the castle’s palace where the royals accepted visitors is open to the public. Upon entering the Honmaru Goten, you have to queue by batch and watch a short video about the do’s and don’ts inside the palace. You also have to take off your shoes. You can choose to have a pair of slippers or walk with your socks inside. A small locker for shoes are available too. You cannot enter as well with big bags as it may ruin some of the artifacts.

Inside the Honmaru Goten, I enjoyed all the rooms with different designs and paintings. It was indeed a royal visit if the royal family invited you to be their guests. Each rooms have distinct features. From different paintings, wall and ceiling arts, you will be amazed on how luxurious a royal life can be.

After the Honmaru Goten, you can take some photos in front of the main castle of Nagoya. There were some food stalls and photo booths you can pay to take you a photo of the castle. As for me, I was happy to take photos with my own tripod. 😁

Inside the Nagoya complex, there were beautiful gardens with some Sakura flowers blooming. Though it was still winter, spring was starting fast. I also made some time to rest in the beautiful vast area in the Nagoya Castle.

Tsutaya Bookstore

Entrance Fee: Free

I found a travel post from Arshie Larga, one of the influencers in social media that I followed. In his post, he visited Tsutaya Bookstore. Since, I do not have much in my itinerary, I added this bookstore just for fun.

Tsutaya Bookstore is in Aeon Mall inside the Noritake Garden. Yes, it is inside a mall! Tsutaya Bookstore is just like our very own National Bookstore in Philippines. However, their bookstore has this adorable and amusing book shelves that might be more than 6 feet with glass above, making it Instagrammable!

I wish to have a solo photo here but since I travel alone, taking a shot is difficult. There are some tourists as well who are just spending their time most to take photos. Nevertheless, I was very happy by that time to see these books. 📚

Noritake Garden

Entrance Fee: Free

Since the Tsutaya Bookstore is inside the Noritake Garden, might as well to roam around this area. Noritake Garden is a small park but in a good location. Locals enjoy the garden to have a break or just to chill.

As for me, I was astonished by the red brick building inside the Noritake Garden. A good spot to take photos!

I had short time to visit the entire Nagoya City. Nonetheless, I travelled to the spots that I really wanted to see so I am very happy! Nagoya is indeed a busy city but I found it more relaxing than Tokyo and Osaka. It has a different charm, a different vibe. I hope to see Nagoya again in my next travels in Japan.

While staying in Nagoya, I had a chance to travel to Takayama City and Shirakawa-go. Also, part of my itinerary is to hike in Nakasendo Way between Magome and Tsumago. Please follow my next blogs. Safe travels! 💜