Things To Do in Nagoya & Nagoya Airport Layover Ideas

If you have a layover at the Nagoya Airport, consider taking the opportunity to get out and about to see the local sights.

Port of Nagoya Aquarium

The Port of Nagoya Aquarium is a short walk from Subway Nagoyako Stn. (Meiko line). This large aquarium featuring a number of different marine environments.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a 10-minute walk from exit 2, Subway: Kamejima Station (Higashiyama Line).
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. Closed Monday and holidays.

Toyota Automobile Museum

To visit the Toyota Automobile Museum, take the Higashiyama subway line to Fujigaoka, then take the Linimo line to Geidei-dori. Features a large collection of cars from many countries and manufacturers, up until about 1980. About 1/4 of the collection is dedicated to post-war Japanese cars. Restaurant on-site. Closed Mondays and holidays,

Nagoya City Art Museum

Nagoya City Art Museum is an 8 minute walk from Fushimi stn (Higashiyama, Tsurumai Line). The collection of 2,000 works includes pieces by Modigliani, Laurencin, and Utrillo, as well as those of local artists, such as Takanori Ogisu and Tamiji Kitagawa. Closed Mondays.

Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts is located next to Kanayama station. Like any world-class art museum, the MFA in Boston, USA has far more in its archives than it can reasonably display. This sister institution is one way to make the most of the extensive collection. Closed Mondays.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is a 5 minute walk from Shiyakusho Stn (Meijo line) (use exit 7). Trumpeted as a famous landmark, particularly the two golden carp on the roof. The original castle was home to Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's famous warlords. Largely destroyed during the war, the current castle is a concrete replica of the original, and was completed in 1959. The Castle houses an interesting museum (no flash photography on 1st floor), observation deck, and surrounding gardens.

Nittaiji Temple's Buddha relics

Among the 165,000 square meters of Nittaiji Temple grounds is the 15 meter Gandala-style Taian Pagoda, which houses relics of the Buddha that were presented to Japan by the king of Thailand.

Hisaya-Odori Park

Hisaya-Odori Park (Sakae or Hisaya-Odori subway exits.) offers nice trees and fountains. On weekend afternoons and evenings, local musicians set up in and around the park and strut their stuff for the passers-by.

Nagoya TV Tower

The Nagoya TV Tower, located in the park, is Japan's oldest - predating even the Tokyo Tower. Take an elevator to the 100m-high sky balcony for great views of Hisaya-odori park and Sakae. Under the tower is a small terrace with tables and a number of small food stands.

As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to NGO Nagoya International Airport and clear security in time for your connecting flight. Enjoy your transit city rather than whiling away the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.