Print
Email
Bookmark & shareOrientation
Nagoya was completely rebuilt after WWII, on a grid with wide avenues. On the western edge of the city centre, Nagoya station, known locally as Meieki, is a city in itself with shops, restaurants, hotels and observation decks in two gleaming 50-plus-storey towers, and is the city's most useful landmark. Several train lines converge here: shinkansen platforms are on the west side of the station, while on the east side you'll find the private Meitetsu and Kintetsu lines as well as the subway and bus stations. From the east exit, the Sakura-dōri line runs towards the TV tower, in the centre of the park-like Hisaya-ōdōri. South of the TV tower is the Sakae entertainment district. The castle, Nagoya-jō, is just north of the city centre. Nagoya's major sights can be knocked off in a day or two.
Getting There
Nagoya airport is linked by air with most of Japan's major cities. If you're coming from Tokyo, however, the shinkansen (high-speed train, or 'bullet' train) is much quicker than flying: the shinkansen takes 2hrs, whereas the bus ride from the airport to Nagoya's city centre takes 30mins.
Nagoya is a major shinkansen stop between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Ise is connected to Nagoya by the private Kintetsu line. Tokkyū (limited express trains) run to Ise and other trains run to Nara on the Kintetsu line. Other lines have trains to the Japan Alps, Takayama and Gifu. Direct trains run to Inuyama from Nagoya every 30mins.
JR and Meitetsu highway buses run between Nagoya and Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. JR and Meitetsu also run overnight buses to Hiroshima, Kōchi, Fukuoka and Nagasaki.
Taiheiyo ferries run between Nagoya and Tomakomai (Hokkaidō, 40hrs) via Sendai (21hrs) every second evening.
Getting Around
Express buses run from Nagoya airport to Meitetsu bus station, which is just southeast of JR Nagoya station. A taxi ride from the city to the airport takes around 30mins.
Nagoya has an excellent subway system with four lines, all clearly signposted in English and Japanese. There is an extensive city bus system, but the subway is easier to use for those who don't know much Japanese. If you plan to do a lot of travel by subway or bus, you can save money with a one-day pass, available at subway stations. The one-day 'Ikomai Pass' includes all transport plus free or discounted admission to selected attractions.
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Travel insurance. Be covered by our recommended partner.
Compare & book flights from 100's of domestic & international airlines.
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
