Nagoya

Understand

The hub of Aichi prefecture, Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka and one of the nation's major economic centers. In terms of manufacturing, as home to auto-making giants Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors, Nagoya is to Japan what Detroit is to the United States — and it was completely flattened during World War II.

History

Now a modern metropolis, Nagoya gets its name from an old manor called Nagono which was built in the area in the 12th century. The manor prospered for two hundred years, and people began to refer to the area by the manor's name. Over time, the pronunciation of the Chinese characters in the name "Nagono" shifted to "Nagoya", by which the city is now known. Three famous local figures later helped to put Nagoya firmly on the map of Japan. Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu all hailed from around Nagoya, and all shared the ambitious goal of unifying Japan under one government. Tokugawa finally succeeded in 1603 after winning in the Battle of Sekigahara, and established the Tokugawa Shogunate, which would rule Japan for the next 250 years. Soon after uniting the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the construction of Nagoya Castle for his son. He then ordered the people of nearby Kiyosu (on the outskirts of Nagoya) to move to the area around the castle, and a town soon came into being. Cotton, ceramics and lumber were the main industries sustaining the town as it grew into a small city. Following Japan's opening to the world during the Meiji era, Nagoya rapidly industrialized and established transportation links with the rest of Japan that would allow it to easily export its goods. During World War I, Nagoya became known for its foundries as well as its machinery and heavy industry exports, which would continue to grow throughout the 1930s. The 1920s marked the beginning of the automotive industry in Nagoya, which continues in importance to the current day. At the heart of the industry is the Toyota Motor Corporation. Starting from humble beginnings as a loom-making company, Toyota entered the automobile business in the 1930s. It now stands as the world's largest automaker, and continues to dominate the local economy along with the car-making giants Honda and Mitsubishi. During World War II, much of Nagoya's manufacturing infrastructure turned to the production of military goods, making it a prime target for bombing raids. Almost 25% of the city was destroyed during the war, with almost half the population fleeing to the countryside to avoid the attacks.

The end of the war marked a ne

Getting there

By plane

1 Chubu Centrair International Airport (中部国際空港 Chūbu Kokusai Kūkō, NGO IATA). Japan's third major international gateway is on an artificial island 30 minutes south from the center of town. Facilities include two hotels, restaurants, a shopping concourse, and an onsen spa with views of the runways. The best way of connecting between Centrair Airport and central Nagoya is the Meitetsu Airport Line. The fastest trains are the all-reserved "μSKY" trains, which depart for Nagoya every 30 minutes. The journey takes 28 minutes at a cost of ¥1230. Slower Limited Express trains offer first class (reserved) and ordinary class (non-reserved) seating and take 37 minutes for the run to Nagoya - the standard fare is ¥870. Japan Rail Passes are not valid for the Meitetsu, though you can exchange your rail pass voucher at either the airport or at Nagoya station. Buses run hourly from Centrair Airport to the Meitetsu Bus Terminal, taking about 1 hr 20 min at a cost of ¥1200. The bus also stops at a few major hotels, including the Nagoya Tokyu, Nagoya Kanko and Hilton Nagoya. For large groups, Tsubame Airport Limousine offers private van service between Nagoya and Centrair Airport. Vans seat between six and nine passengers, and the cost for the service depends on the destination. As an example, trips to Nakamura-ku, where Nagoya Station is located, cost ¥12000. Slightly more expensive than the van is a taxi. A trip to Nagoya station will run ¥15000-16000.

Nagoya Airport

2 Nagoya Airport (also known as Komaki Airport, NKM IATA) (to the north of the city). While all other companies have moved to Chubu, regional flights by Fuji Dream Airline still use the old Nagoya Airport (NKM IATA). Flights are available from a number of domestic destinations: Aomori, Iwate, Niigata, Kochi, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kumamoto, and Yamagata. Most flights are code-shared with Japan Airlines. Shuttle buses connect to Nagoya station in 30 minutes for ¥700.

By train

3 Nagoya Station (名古屋駅 Nagoya-eki). Nagoya Station is the confluence of all the major train lines and long-distance passenger bus services in the city. Underground and adjacent to the JR train station are the stations of the Nagoya Railway (Meitetsu Nagoya) and the Kintetsu Railway (Kintetsu Nagoya) (updated Jun 2020)

Shinkansen Nagoya is along the Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. To the west are Gifu and Kyoto, and to the east are Hamamatsu and Shizuoka. The fastest service on the Tokaido Shinkansen is the Nozomi. With the Nozomi you can travel from Tokyo in 1 hr 40 min (¥11090), Kyoto

Getting around

Nagoya is a big automotive industry center, and it shows. The street network is extensive and even downtown locations can be easily reached by car. On the downside, trains and subways are less convenient than in Tokyo or Kansai, and more expensive. If you're travelling with a JR Rail Pass, the train network doesn't have many stations in the city and you'll probably find yourself using the bus or subway a lot, something your pass won't cover. A city ordinance requires commuters to stand still on escalators. Walking or running on escalators is prohibited to prevent accidents.

By subway

There are 6 subway lines:

The red Sakuradōri Line (桜通線, S) curves southwest from Nagoya Station. The purple Meijō Line (名城線, M) runs in a loop around the eastern side of the city, connecting Sakae and Kanayama. The Meikō Line (名港線, E) spur branches from Kanayama to Nagoya Port. The yellow Higashiyama Line (東山線, H) connects Nagoya, Fushimi, Sakae, and Fujigaoka. The blue Tsurumai Line (鶴舞線, T) connects Fushimi and Osu Kannon, then goes south. The pink Kamiiida Line (上飯田線, I) is the shortest line in the system, with only two stations: Kamiiida and Heian-dori. Subways run every several minutes between about 05:30 until about 00:30. Fares range from ¥200 to ¥320. One day passes can be bought for ¥620 (bus), ¥760 (subway), and ¥870 (bus & subway). If you are visiting on a weekend, public holiday, or the 8th of the month, buy the 'Donichi Eco Kippu'. It allows unlimited rides on city buses and subways for just ¥620, which is cheaper than the standard 24-hour pass. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you can also take advantage of the cheaper Donichi-Eco-Kippu (ドニチエコきっぷ) one-day subway ticket which offers unlimited subway travel for ¥620. This pass is available from ticket machines, or can be purchased in person from a station employee at the ticket gate. City transportation one day passes also offer discounted entry at various attractions in Nagoya, including Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Museum. More information about public transportation in Nagoya can be found on the official website of the Nagoya Transportation Bureau.

By taxi

Taxis are a viable option in this car city, especially as the basic fee is only ¥500. The catch is that the basic fee only takes you 1.01 km compared to 2 km in most other parts of Japan. But for shorter distances within the city, a taxi is not only much more convenient than descending to those dark, unappealing subway stations, but also as cheap as the subway if there are at least two of you.

By bicycle Most parts of central Nagoya wer

See

1 Port of Nagoya Aquarium (名古屋港水族館 Nagoya-kō-suizoukan) (a short walk from Subway Nagoyakō Stn. (Meikō line)), ☏ +81 52 654-7080. Daily 09:30-17:00 (until 20:00 Jul 21-Aug 31). (site in Japanese) Large aquarium featuring a number of different marine environments, including killer whales. Adults ¥2,000. 2 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (トヨタ産業技術記念館 Toyota-sangyō-gijutsu-kinenkan), 4-1-35 Noritake Shinmachi, Nishi-ku (3 minute walk from Meitetsu Sako Stn (Nagoya line), 10-minute walk from exit 2, Subway: Kamejima Station (Higashiyama Line)), ☏ +81 52-551-6115. Tu-Su 09:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30), (restaurant open until 21:00), closed M (Tu if M is a holiday), New Year's holidays. Built on the site of one of Toyota's original loom factories, this museum tells the story of the Toyota corporation, from its beginnings as an industrial loom manufacturer to its transformation into one of the world's largest car manufacturers. Includes large loom machinery and car display halls as well as a hands-on "Technoland" with interactive science exhibits. Museum also includes a library, video library with personal viewing booths, restaurant, cafe, and gift shop. Displays, brochures, and audioguides available in English and several other languages. Barrier-free access for disabled visitors. Freespot Wi-Fi access available. Adults ¥1000, Jr. & Sr. high school students: ¥300, Elem. School Students: ¥200. 3 Nagoya City Art Museum (名古屋市美術館 Nagoya-shi-bijutsukan), 2-17-25 Sakae, Naka-ku (8 min on foot S of Fushimi stn (Higashiyama, Tsurumai Line), exit 5), ☏ +81 52-212-0001. Tu-Th Sa Su 09:30-17:00, F 09:30-20:00 (last admission 30 min before closing), closed M (Tu when M is a national holiday), Dec 29-Jan 3. Collection of 2,000 works including pieces by Modigliani, Laurencin, and Utrillo, as well as those of local artists, such as Takanori Ogisu and Tamiji Kitagawa. Permanent collection: adults ¥300, students over 16 ¥200, under 15 free. 4 Nagoya Castle (名古屋城 Nagoya-jō) (Subway: Shiyakusho Stn (Meijo line); 5 min walk from exit 7), ☏ +81 52-231-1700. Daily 09:00-16:30, closed Dec 29-Jan 1. Trumpeted as a famous landmark, particularly the two golden carp (金の鯱 kin-no-shachi) on the roof. The original castle was home to Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's famous warlords. Largely destroyed during World War II, the main keep was rebuilt in concrete in 1959, but is being demolished to make way for a more faithful reconstruction using traditional materials and methods. The honmaru goten, the main palace of the castle's lords, was reconstructed using tradition

Do

Ride the gold and white Nagoya Sightseeing Bus Me-Guru (メーグル) past many of the city's main attractions. Operates T-Su. Offers hop-on-hop-off hourly service Tu-F from 09:30-17:30, and Sa Su every half hour. Closed M, year-end holidays. Daypass: adults ¥500, children ¥250. (includes discount on featured attractions). Single ride: adults ¥200, children ¥100. Daypasses may be purchased getting on the bus. 1-day transport passes also accepted. Catch a traditional Japanese Noh play at the Nagoya Noh Theatre. (Subway: Shiyakusho stn.) Go for a jog (or a walk) around beautiful Meijo Park (名城公園 Meijo Koen), one of Nagoya's largest green spaces, and take in the great view of Nagoya Castle (Subway: Meijo-Koen station, Meijo line). Showers and lockers available. Higashiyama Park (東山公園 Higashiyama-koen). (Higashiyama-koen station). Features a zoo, conservatory, monorail, roller coasters, "sky tower" and a great deal of open space.

Events

1 Nagoya Sumo Tournament (大相撲名古屋場所 Ō-zumō-Nagoya-basho), Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka-ku (a short walk from Shiyakusho stn. (Meijo Line)), ☏ +81 52-221-0737, fax: +81 52 221-0739. 15 days mid-July. Watch the big boys of Japanese sumo battle it out in Nagoya. An annual tradition. Tickets are generally available at the counter unless it is the first or last day. Ticket prices start at ¥3,200 and up. The cheapest seats are fine for first-time sumo watchers and are not much worse than the ¥4,700 seats. Osu Summer Festival (大須夏祭り Osu Natsu-matsuri) (Short walk from Osu Kannon Stn (Tsurumai line) exit 1). Yearly street festival held in the shopping streets around Osu Kannon temple. Featuring live stage performances, street performers, Brazilian samba parade and cosplay parade. World Cosplay Summit (世界コスプレサミット Sekai-kosupure-samitto) (Parade: Osu Kannon (Tsurumai line) exit 1, World Cosplay Championship: Oasis 21, Sakae stn. exit 4A). An otaku's dream come true. Watch as anime fans from around the world dress up as their favorite characters and parade around the streets of Nagoya. The Summit culminates with the World Cosplay Championship (世界コスプレチャンピオンシップ Sekai-kosupure-championshippu), pitting teams from a number of countries as they show off their costumes and perform stage shows. Cheer on your nation's entry or just stare in wonderment at the strangeness of it all. Nagoya Castle Summer Night Festival (名古屋城宵まつり Nagoya-jo-yoi-matsuri) (Nagoya Castle, Subway: Shiyakusho stn.), ☏ +81 52-231-1700, fax: +81 52-201-3646. A traditional-style summer festival, complete with lanterns, numerous styles of traditional bon

Buy

Shopping areas

1 Ōsu Shopping Arcade (subway Ōsu Kannon exit 2 (straight ahead one block, turn left into the temple grounds and go straight on through the gravelled temple area)). A series of old style shopping arcades packed with mom-and-pop stores, ¥100 shops, traditional crafts, used computers and a fantastic range of clothing stores. There is a little bit of everything. Ōsu is the shopping area and Osu Kannon the temple just to the west side. In fact, the shopping area extends from Ōsu Kannon temple in the west to Banshō-ji (万松寺) temple and Ōtsu-dōri street (大津通り) in the east. Outside of the main shopping arcade, there are also a number of streets with a wide array of different specialty shops. (updated May 2022) Akamon-dōri (赤門通り) is known for the bright red banners hung along the street, and hosts a variety of stereo and electronics stores as well as used record shops. On the 28th of every month, Daikō-in temple (大光院) hosts a small temple festival (縁日 ennichi) on Akamon-dori with traditional street food stalls and lots of burning incense. Ōtsu-dōri (大津通り) 　marks the eastern boundary of the Ōsu shopping area. On the lively stretch of Otsu-dori north of Kamimaezu subway station you will find the Ōsu 301 Building (大須301). The building is known for its small dragon sculpture and Chinese theme, and contains a number of small shops. Continuing north on Ōtsu-dōri, you will also find the small but funky Gatten-shōchi (合点承知) building, a mini-mall featuring fashion accessories, food stands, and various fortune tellers.

Sakae offers good department store shopping, restaurants and night-life. Take a walk atop the rooftop promenade of the Oasis 21 shopping arcade and get a nice view of the TV Tower.

Books 2 Maruzen (丸善) (Subway: Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo Lines). Next to the Maruei department store). M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa Su 09:00-19:00. Offers a reasonable selection of English books, magazines, and newspapers on the 3rd floor, including travel guidebooks, maps, a wide array of books on Japan, and Japanese language study materials. 3 Sanseido Books, 11F, JR Central Towers above JR Nagoya Station (Subway: Nagoya stn (Sakura-dori, Higashiyama, Tsurumai lines). From inside the station, walk towards the Sakura-dori exit and turn right before the exit. You will see a bank of express elevators. Board an express elevator to the 12th floor. Exit the elevator and head towards the open area with windows overlooking Nagoya. You will notice an escalator descending to Sanseido Books on the 11th floor.). Offers a corner with English books, magazines and newspaper

Eat

Nagoya is big on miso, a sauce made from fermented soybeans and grain. The preferred style is red miso (赤味噌 akamiso), fermented up to two years for a stronger taste than the usual "white" miso, with Hatchō miso (八丁味噌) particularly famous. Classic Nagoya dishes include:

misokatsu (味噌カツ), fried pork cutlet with a rich miso sauce miso nikomi udon (味噌煮込みうどん), a thick miso and chicken stew perfect for winter tenmusu (天むす), shrimp tempura wrapped up in rice and dried seaweed and turned into a handy portable package tebasaki (手羽先), fried chicken wings marinated in a sweet sauce kishimen (きしめん), a flat, broad type of udon wheat noodle often served in a miso or soy sauce broth. Available in most restaurant-gai in shopping centres or close to major railway stations. ankake supa(=spaghetti) (あんかけスパ), spaghetti with a starchy gravy-like tomato-based sauce with a kick of black pepper. Often with onions, green peppers, and ham, bacon, or sausage. hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし), an eel dish served with rice in a small box. It can be eaten three ways: first, just the eel and rice; second, with green onions and nori, and third, with tea or soup stock poured over it. uirō (外郎), a confectionery made out of rice flour and sugar; a little firmer than gelatin but not as sticky as mochi. Many different flavors are available, including red bean (小豆 azuki) and green tea (抹茶 matcha) . doteni (どて煮), Beef tendons and pork intestine are simmered for a long time in soybean miso such as Haccho miso and mirin.

Budget 1 Café de Metro, 1F Kanayama station (North Exit). Serves up basic curry and donburi dishes, including a decent misokatsu, for ¥480 with coffee/tea, or ¥680 with miso soup and pickles. (updated May 2022) 2 Jerry's UNO (near Fureai Plaza in the Osu shopping district, to the giant manekineko statue's left (your right if you are facing the statue)). It's a nice little taco shop that will run you about ¥500 per taco. They also have a nice selection of international beers. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range 3 Yabaton, Osu, 3−6-18 (SW of Yabacho subway stn. (Meijo line)), ☏ +81 52-252-8810. 11:00-21:00. The place to try another Nagoya specialty - misokatsu, pork cutlet with red miso. The standard set is teppan tonkatsu, and it comes to your table on a sizzling hotplate over a bed of shredded cabbage; then a special person performs the ritual of drowning it in sauce. If you're really hungry, go for the waraji (straw sandals) - a huge portion of pork loin flattened before frying so that it overhangs the plate (sometimes it'll come cut in half, as two cutlets). From the subway station,

Drink & nightlife

Around Nagoya station, there are a lot of places for cheap drinking. Sakae is the big nightlife district, in a loose triangle formed by the Sakae, Yaba-cho and Osu Kannon stations. Sakae has a large red light district as well, but as with most of Japan, there's no sense of danger so don't worry about drifting around. There are countless izakayas around Kanayama station, both cheap chains and more upscale places. If the bar and club scene is not for you, try Nagoya Friends and their bimonthly international parties. Always a dynamic mix of foreigners and Japanese. At the party it's all you can drink and eat (~¥3000).

1 Serge Gen's Restaurant Group Nagoya, 11-26 Nishiki 3-Chome, Naka-ku, ☏ +81 52-209-2333. 11:00-03:00. Five top-quality restaurants in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. From Italian cafe, Yakiniku, Sushi, to catered party events. ¥3000.

Bars 2 Shooters Sports Bar & Grill (シューターズ スポーツバー＆グリル), Pola Building 2F, Sakae 2-9-26, Naka-ku (S of Fushimi subway stn. (Higashiyama, Tsurumai lines) exit 5), ☏ +81 52-202-7077, [email protected]. M-Th 17:00-02:00, F 17:00-02:00, Sa 11:30-02:00, Su 11:30-00:00. American and international food and drinks. A friendly, neighborhood sports bar with a mixed crowd and live music on Sundays. Yama-chan (山ちゃん) (35 locations in and around Nagoya). (Japanese) Known for its tebasaki (手羽先) fried chicken wings (one of Nagoya's specialties), this seemingly ubiquitous chain of izakayas is one of Nagoya's favorites. English menu available. 3 Cigar Club Kanou, Montesharine Bldg. 1F, Sakae 1 chome 10-30, Naka-ku (near Fushimi Stn. (Higashiyama, Tsurumai Lines), exit via exit 7 and continue W to the Hilton Hotel, turn left in front of the Hilton and continue S, the bar is on the left side of the street), ☏ +81 52-231-5534, fax: +81 52-231-5534. Tu-Sa 16:30-01:00. Near the Hilton hotel, Cigar Club Kanou offers food, drink and a wide array of cigars (with a walk-in humidor.) The Hub. This nationwide chain of affordable British-style pubs has two locations across the city, offering cocktails, bar food/pub grub, an English menu and some basic service in English. 4 Sakae, Ark Building 1F, 3-22-7, Nishiki, Naka-ku (3-min walk from Sakae subway stn. exit 8; W of the Kokusai hotel), ☏ +81 52-962-8682. Su-Th 16:00-01:00, F Sa and day before holiday 16:00-05:00. Happy hour daily 16:00-19:00. , 5 Nagoya Station Area (Meieki), M-san Dainingu Biru 1F, Meieki 3-15-11, Nakamura-ku (2 min walk E of Nagoya Station (Sakura Dori side); N of the Royal Park Inn Nagoya), ☏ +81 52-533-4882. M-Th 12:00-00:00, F 13:00-02:00, Sa 17:00-02:00,

Sleep

Budget 1 Kyoya Ryokan (京屋旅館), 2-11-4 Habashita (near Meido-cho, where the North-South freeway joins with the East-West counterpart. English directions supplied by the hostel are unclear; best advice is to grab a map from the tourist center. Kyoya is labelled. About a 15-minute walk from JR Nagoya station), ☏ +81 52-571-2588, fax: +81 52-571-2580. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Awesome ryokan-style hostel with a great vibe. Offers internet access, air conditioning, and security lockers. The hostel has a nice garden in the background and an onsen-style bath. Dorm beds from ¥2500. Toyoko Inn (東横イン). Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00. The popular no-frills Toyoko Inn chain operates six hotels in Nagoya. Toyoko Inn Club members can check in from 15:00. 2 Nagoya Marunouchi (名古屋丸の内), 1-4-20 Marunochi, Naka-ku (2-minute walk from No. 8 exit of Marunochi Station on the Tsurumai and Sakura-Dori Subway Lines), ☏ +81 52-223-1045, fax: +81 52-223-1046. Singles ¥5800-6300, doubles ¥6800-7800, twins ¥7800. Weekly rate ¥5000 per night. 3 Nagoya Nishiki (名古屋錦), 3-9-3 Nishiki, Naka-ku (5-minute walk from No. 4 exit of Hisaya Odori Station on the Sakuradori Subway Line), ☏ +81 52-953-1045, fax: +81 52-951-2045. Singles ¥6000, doubles/twins ¥8000. 4 Nagoya-eki Sakuradori-guchi Honkan (名古屋駅桜通口本館), 3-16-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku (5-minute walk from Sakura-dori Exit of JR Nagoya Station), ☏ +81 52-571-1045, fax: +81 52-561-1046. Singles ¥5900-6300, doubles/twins ¥8300. 5 Nagoya-eki Shinkansen-guchi (名古屋駅新幹線口), 7-16 Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku (3-minute walk from Taiko-Dori (Shinkansen) Exit of JR Nagoya Station), ☏ +81 52-453-1047, fax: +81 52-453-1046. Singles ¥6300-6380, doubles ¥7300, twins ¥8300. 6 Nagoya Shin Sakae-machi (名古屋新栄町), 2-22-21 Higashi-Sakura, Naka-ku (6 minute walk from Shin Sakae-machi Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line), ☏ +81 52-934-1045, fax: +81 52-934-1046. Singles ¥5800-6300, doubles ¥7000-7800, twins ¥7800. 7 Sauna and Capsule Fuji Sakae, 3-22-31, Nishiki, Naka-Ku (very close to Sakae station), ☏ +81 52-962-5711. Huge capsule hotel right in the middle of Sakae. Excellent spa facilities, clean and cheap. Booking online might be a problem; look it up on a map and just show up. Credit cards accepted. Very limited English understood. Larger hand luggage can be kept by the hotel staff. Fridays and Saturdays might mean no vacancies and a higher price. If you want to experience a real capsule hotel not targeted to foreign tourists this is a very good one to try. Only males allowed, no tattoos. If you are body conscious and fear being naked aro

Go next

Inuyama, with its picturesque castle, kinky fertility shrines, and nearby Meiji Village, is a short day trip from the city. From Meitetsu Nagoya station next to Nagoya station, there are express trains (around a 30-minute ride) to Inuyama station or Inuyamayuen station. From either station, Inuyama castle is about a 20-minute walk to the west and is on the south side of the river. The entrance is on the south side of the castle grounds. Gifu - Visit Gifu castle (take a bus from the train station). Ride the cable car up the mountain (or hike), feed the squirrels (they jump on your arm and eat from your hand), visit the museum, enjoy the amazing view from the top of the castle. See the Nagaragawa fireworks display during the summer festival. Nagakute, former home of Expo 2005, now hosting the whimsical Ghibli Park and the Toyota Museum Tokoname, on the first express train stop from Nagoya airport, is a ceramic centre dating back from the 9th-century Heian period. The old town by the hill next to the train station features streets decorated with industrial ceramic pieces and pottery shops with pottery displays inside old brick furnaces. Okazaki - Take in the castle, tour the miso factory and enjoy the fresh suburban air. Ise, home to Japan's holiest shrine, is within striking distance. Tsushima - Visit Tenno River park in the spring to see amazing cherry blossoms and wisteria. Tajimi - Visit Eihoji Zen Temple. A beautiful walk down to the river. Be sure to see the bamboo grove (takebayashi). Hida-Takayama - Check out the Edo-era atmosphere of this famous historic town. Kiso Valley - Walk the historic Nakasendo highway, an old post road running through the valley's beautiful green hills and well-preserved towns.

Hiking Asuke, where you can visit the Korankei Gorge and enjoy the changing of leaves in autumn and blossoms in spring. Gujo Hachiman, an idyllic town where 80% of Japan's plastic food replicas are created. Magome to Tsumago, a nice hike between the two historic villages in the Nagiso/Nakatsugawa area. Tadachi, a nice hike along many waterfalls. Yoro - Waterfalls, fancy onsen and Japan's most bizarre park.