NAGOYA

Nagoya station

With over two million inhabitants, Nagoya is the third largest incorporated city and fourth most populated city in Japan. It is the capital of Aichi prefecture, which hosted the worlds fair, world expo in 2005 and home to Toyota and other leading production companies. Nagoya developed as a castle city during the edo period but was partly destroyed during the air raids of 1945. It was a highly targeted because of its industrial importance and the Mitsubishi war plant was located in Nagoya city.



Nagoya



Nagoya castle was used as a military base thus suffered  major destruction from the air raids of 1945. Today it is Nagoya's famous sightseeing spot sharing the spotlight with Atsuta shrine. The castle was completed in 1612, during the raids parts of it was destroyed by fire and restoration started in 1959. Today modern amenities are installed including elevators . In spring it is a popular hanami cherry blossom viewing spot among the locals.



Nagoya Castle



Another highlight of Nagoya is that Atsuta shrine familiarly known as Atsuta-sama (venerable Atsuta). Founded about 1900 years ago, ranking only second to the Great Shrine of Isle. Like Nagoya castle it too  suffered a great deal of destruction during the war air raids of 1945. After the war devout worshippers from all over Japan donate money to the restoration of Atsuta shrine which was completed in 1955. Now is  home to  over 4,000 relics, which includes 174 important cultural properties and a dagger that is a  designated national treasure of Japan. They have numerous festivals through out the year all with different purposes and significance, the upcoming festival will be on the 1st of November.

Nagoya has a lot to offer its also perfect for day trips with the Tokaido shinkansen leaving for Nagoya every hour. It is a convenient stop over for those travelling down to Osaka or to Tokyo from Osaka.



Atsuta Shrine



Nagoya is really famous for Miso ( sauce made from fermented soybeans and grain) and the classic Nagoya shrimp Tempura. They have a fine selection of Japanese gourmet and the shopping is perfect, hand crafted items that would be perfect for souvenirs and delicious confectionery that could serve as an excellent gift.

Nagoya has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, culture and history. It is still one of the oldest industrial town of Japan with Chiba scooping the newest and fastest growing.  Next time you head down to Kyoto why not add Nagoya to your route you wont be disappointed.