'''Nagoya''' (______, [http://www.city.nagoya.jp/global/en/]) is the capital and largest city of Aichi prefecture, in the Chubu region of Honshu, one of the islands in Japan.

Understand

The hub of the Aichi region, 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 automaking giants Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nagoya is to Japan what Detroit is to the United States — which, along with being completely flattened during World War II, also explains why it's not one of Japan's top tourist draws and most tourists just zip through on the bullet train on their way between Tokyo and Kyoto. But if you do decide to stick around, there are plenty of car-related attractions, a restored castle, an ancient shrine and surprisingly happening nightlife.

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 Shugunate, which would rule Japan for another 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 1930's.

The 1920's marked the beginnings 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 into 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 new start for Nagoya. Car-friendly wide streets and boulevards were bulldozed through the rubble of war, making for the city of today.

Nagoya now ranks as one of the nation's economic powerhouses, and is home to the head offices of Toyota Motor Corporation, Brother Industries, Daido Steel, Makita, Denso Corporation, INAX, Suzuki Motor, Honda Motor, Noritake, NGK Insulators, Olympus Optical, Yamaha and many others. Unlike other parts of Japan, which borrowed heavily for elaborate and expensive public works projects in the bubble years of the 1980's, ''ketchi'' (cheap) Nagoya held to a pay-as-you-go philosophy, and has not been as adversely affected by the post-bubble recession as other major centres.

The booming economy has also brought many foreigners to the area, and the region now hosts a thriving community of Japanese-descent Brazilian immigrants, who help to keep the wheels of the local economy spinning. With its strong economy and growing population, Nagoya is a city to watch in the coming years.

Climate

Nagoya's climate varies greatly throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 4°C (39.2°F) in January to a high of 27°C (80.6°F)in August. The city is known for its incredibly hot and humid summers like many cities in Japan, with high temperatures routinely surpassing 30°C (86°F)in August, so those with an aversion to heat would be better off visiting in the milder temperatures of the spring or fall.

Orientation

While divided into 16 different wards or ''ku'' (__), the focal points of this sprawling agglomeration are '''Nagoya Station''' (_______w) to the north, '''Sakae''' (_h) to the east and '''Kanayama''' (___R) to the south.

Tourist Information

<listing name="Nagoya Convention and Visitors Bureau" alt="" directions="" address="Nagoya Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bldg. 11F, 2-10-19 Sakae, Naka-ku" phone="Tourism Dept: +81-52-202-1143" email="" fax="" url="http://www.ncvb.or.jp/en/contents" hours="" price="">Operates three tourist information centers across the city:</listing>

  • <listing name="Nagoya Station Tourist Information" alt="" directions="JR Nagoya Station Central Concourse (towards Sakura-dori side)" address="1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku" phone="+81-52-541-4301 " email="" fax="+81-52-571-1669" url="http://www.ncvb.or.jp/en/contents/sightseeing/icenter/#fr0207-01" hours="Open daily 9AM-7PM. Closed Dec 29-Jan 1" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="Kanayama Tourist Information" alt="" directions="Located at N exit of Kanayama Station. (Asunal Side)" address="LOOP Kanayama 1F, 1-17-18 Kanayama, Naka-ku" phone="+81-52-323-0161" email="" fax="+81-52-323-0162" url="http://www.ncvb.or.jp/en/contents/sightseeing/icenter/#fr0207-02" hours="Open daily 9AM-8PM. Closed Dec 29-Jan 1" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="Sakae Tourist Information" alt="" address="Oasis 21 B1F, 1-11-1, Higashisakura, Higashi-ku" directions="Subway: Sakae Stn (Higashiyama/Meijo lines) Exit 4A. Located in Oasis 21 underground shopping concourse." phone="+81-52-963-5252" url="http://www.ncvb.or.jp/en/contents/sightseeing/icenter/#fr0207-03" hours="Open daily 10-8PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="+81-52-963-5262"></listing>
  • Get in

    By plane

  • A small number of air flights operate daily from Tokyo's Narita Airport to Centrair Airport, for the benefit of international passengers. Otherwise, Nagoya is no less than three hours away by taking the ''Narita Express'' limited express train to Tokyo station, then changing to the Tokaido Shinkansen. }}
  • '''Chubu Centrair International Airport''' (___________` ''Ch?bu Kokusai K?k?''), 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. Centrair opened in 2005, and this airport replaces the existing Nagoya airport, also taking over its '''IATA''' code '''NGO'''.

    The best way of connecting between Centrair Airport and central Nagoya is the '''Meitetsu Airport Line'''. The fastest trains are called "__SKY" (''myuu-sukai'') and depart for Nagoya every 30 minutes. The journey takes 28 minutes at a cost of ¥1200: the ¥850 regular fare plus the mandatory ¥350 first class charge, also called the __ticket (_~___[_`_P_b_g_@''myuu-chiketto''). Only first class cars are available on "__SKY" trains. Slower Limited Express trains, also operating every 30 minutes, offer both first class (reserved) and ordinary class (non-reserved) seating and take 37 minutes for the run to Nagoya.

    Note that Meitetsu trains are ''not'' free for JR Railpass riders.

    Nagoya Airport

    While all other companies have moved to Chubu, regional flights by J-Air [http://www.jair.co.jp/] still use the old Nagoya Airport [http://www.nagoya-airport-bldg.co.jp/] ({{IATA|NKM}}), also known as '''Komaki Airport''', to the north of the city. Flights are available to a number of domestic destinations including Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Kochi, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki. Shuttle buses [http://www.aoi-komaki.co.jp/html/airport-bus/airport.html] (\850) connect to Nagoya station in 28 minutes.

    By train

    Nagoya is located along the Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo and Osaka. To the west are Gifu and Kyoto, and to the east are Hamamatsu and Shizuoka.

  • A one-way ride from Tokyo is about 1 hour, 40 minutes via ''Nozomi'' (\10780) and between 1 3/4 and 2 hours via ''Hikari'' (\10580).
  • From Kyoto, Nagoya is reachable in 36 minutes via ''Nozomi'' (\5640) and between 36 and 55 minutes via ''Hikari'' or ''Kodama'' (\5440).
  • From the Shin-Osaka station in Osaka, Nagoya is 53 minutes away via ''Nozomi'' (\6380) and between 53 and 70 minutes away via ''Hikari'' or ''Kodama'' (\6180).
  • Thru ''Nozomi'' trains from western Japan reach Nagoya from Okayama (1 hr 40 mins, \10980), Hiroshima (2 hrs 20 mins, \13830) and Hakata station in Fukuoka (3 hrs 20 mins, \18030). It is slightly longer via the ''Hikari'' service; you will need to change trains at least once, either at Okayama, Shin-Kobe, or Shin-Osaka.

    If you wish to sacrifice travel speed for savings, you can take advantage of the '''Puratto Kodama Ticket''' (_______________G_R_m_~_v____ ''Puratto Kodama Economi Puran'') [http://www.jrtours.co.jp/kodama/] (in Japanese), which offers a discount for Kodama services if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a free drink on board. With this ticket a trip to Nagoya costs \7900 from Tokyo (3 hours; 2 trains per hour), \4100 from Kyoto (1 hour; 1 train per hour) and \4200 from Shin-Osaka (1 1/4 hours; 1 train per hour). A few early-morning Kodama trains cannot be used with this ticket.

    Nagoya also serves as the terminal point for the hourly ''Wide View Shinano'', a limited express train that runs from the mountain resort towns of Nagano and Matsumoto. Nagoya is reached in 3 hours and 2 hours, respectively.

    Local trains from Tokyo take about 6 hours at a cost of \6090, requiring several train changes along the way. However, trips on local trains are more valuable if you purchase and use a Seishun 18 Ticket during the valid time period: as low as '''¥2300 per person''' if five people travel together. Otherwise, consider using a bus starting from \5000, or step up to the bullet train for \7900 using the Puratto Kodama Ticket.

    Remember that the Japan Rail Pass covers all journeys described above, '''EXCEPT for Nozomi trains'''.

    Nagoya is also served by the '''Meitetsu''' (___S_j[http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/english/] and '''Kintetsu''' (___S_j[http://www.kintetsu.jp/english/trans/index.html] private railways. If coming to Nagoya from Osaka, a travel option that comes cheaper than the Shinkansen is a Kintetsu limited express service called the ''Urban Liner'' (_A_[_o_____C_i_[), which runs out of Namba station. The Urban Liner departs at 0 and 30 minutes past the hour, covering the journey in as little as two hours, but at a cost of \4150 each way. (The shinkansen, by comparison, makes the run from Shin-Osaka to Nagoya in under an hour for \5670). Japan Rail Passes are not valid for the Urban Liner.

    By bus

    A cheaper method of reaching Nagoya is by bus. Day and night services run to Nagoya from most parts of the country, particularly from Kanto. For example, a night service from Tokyo to Nagoya on JR Kanto Bus costs \6420 one way (discounted trips \5000 each way), while daytime services cost \5100 one way. The trip takes roughly 6 hours to complete.

    '''123bus''' [http://www.123bus.net/index.html] has nightly bus service to Nagoya from Tokyo. With online booking service available in English.

    By boat

    '''Taiheiyo Ferry''' (_____m_t_F___[) [http://www.taiheiyo-ferry.co.jp/] (Japanese) +81-52-398-1023. Offers overnight car ferries to Sendai and Tomakomai City (in southern Hokkaido) on the SS Ishikari and SS Kitakami from the Nagoya Ferry Terminal [http://www.nptc.or.jp/ferry/index.html] (Japanese).

    Getting there: Ferry terminal is located south of Nouseki stn. (_____w) on the JR Aonami line (__________ ''Aonami-sen''_j. Shuttle bus also available from Meitetsu Bus Center (___S_o_X_Z___^_[_jnext to Nagoya Station. Bus departs from 4F, platform 2 at 6:30PM and arrives at the ferry terminal at 7:05PM. For further details, check out ferry website [http://www.taiheiyo-ferry.co.jp/noriba/nagoya.html] (Japanese)

    Get around

    Nagoya is a big automotive industry center, and it shows. The street network is extensive and even downtown locations can easily reached by car. On the downside, trains and subways are less convenient than in Tokyo or Kansai, but more expensive. For those travelling with a JR Rail Pass, note that the train network doesn't have many stations in the city and you'll probably find yourself using the bus or subway alot, something your pass won't cover.

    By subway

    There are 5 main subway lines:

  • The red '''Sakurad?ri Line''' (______) curves southwest from Nagoya Station.
  • The purple '''Meij? Line''' (______) runs in a loop around the eastern side of the city, connecting Sakae and Kanayama; the '''Meik? Line''' (___`__) spur branches from Kanayama to Nagoya Port.
  • The yellow '''Higashiyama Line''' (___R__) connects Nagoya, Fushimi, Sakae, and Fujigaoka.
  • The blue '''Tsurumai Line''' (______) connects Fushimi and Osu Kannon, then goes south.
  • Subways run every several minutes between about 5:30AM until about 12:30AM. Fares range from \200 to \320. One day passes can be bought for \600 (bus), \740 (subway), and \850 (bus & subway).

    On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you can also take advantage of the cheaper ''Donichi-Eco-Kippu'' (_h_j_`_G_R_______j one-day subway ticket which offers unlimited subway travel for \600. Please note that this pass is often not available from subway ticket machines and may have to 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 [http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/english/index.html].

    By taxi

    Taxis are a viable option in this car city, especially as the '''basic fee is only \480''' (compared to \710 in Tokyo or Yokohama). The catch is that the basic fee only takes you 1.3km compared to 2km 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 (from 2 persons) also as cheap as the subway.

    See

  • Port of Nagoya Aquarium. ______`______ Nagoya-ko-suizoukan . short walk from Subway Nagoyako Stn. (Meiko line). 81-52-654-7080. ttp://www.nagoyaaqua.jp/. pen daily 9:30AM-5:00PM (until 8:00PM Jul 21-Aug 31). dults \2,000. (site in Japanese) Large aquarium featuring a number of different marine environments.

  • Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. g___^_Y___Z_p_L_O___@Toyota-sangyou-gijutsu-kinenkan. -1-35 Noritake Shinmachi, Nishi-ku. minute walk from Meitetsu Sako Stn (Nagoya line), 10-minute walk from exit 2, Subway: Kamejima Station (Higashiyama Line). 81-52-551-6115. ttp://www.tcmit.org/english/index.html. u-Su 9:30AM-5:00PM (Last admission 4:30PM), (restaurant open until 9:00PM), Closed M, (T if M is a holiday), New Years' holidays. dults \500, Jr. & Sr. high school students: \300, Elem. School Students: \200. 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.

  • Nagoya City Art Museum. ______s___p___@Nagoya-shi-bijutsukan. 2-17-25 Sakae, Naka-ku. mins on foot S of Fushimi stn (Higashiyama, Tsurumai Line), exit 5 . 81-52-212-0001. ttp://www.ncvb.or.jp/kankou_e/40/index.html. u-Su 9:30-5:00PM(F 9:30-8:00PM) (Last admission 30mins before closing). Closed M, (T when M is a national holiday), Dec 29-Jan 3. ermanent Collection: Adults \300, Students (over 16): \200, (under 15): Free. 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.

  • Nagoya Castle. _______ Nagoya-j?. ubway: Shiyakusho Stn (Meijo line). 5 min. walk from exit 7.. 81-52-231-1700. ttp://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/13_english/index.html. pen daily 9:00-4:30PM. Closed Dec 29-Jan 1. dults: \500, Jr. high school students and younger: free. Trumpeted as a famous landmark, particularly the two golden carp (______ ''kin-no-shachi'') 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.

  • '''Atsuta Shrine''' (_M_c___{ ''Atsuta Jing?''), Jing?mae station. This shrine houses the sacred ''Kusanagi no mitsurugi'' (________) sword, one of the three Imperial regalia of Japan — but unfortunately nobody but the emperor and a few high priests get to see it. There are some 4,400 other artifacts on the grounds though and the shrine hosts some 70 festivals every year.
  • Toyota Automobile Museum. ake the Higashiyama subway line to Fujigaoka, then take the Linimo line to Geidei-dori. 81-56-163-5155. ttp://www.toyota.co.jp/Museum/index.html. :30-5PM, closed M and holidays. 1000. 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.

  • Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts. ______{_X_g_____p__ Nagoya-bosuton-bijutsukan. -1-1 Kanayama-cho, Naka-ku. ext to Kanayama station. 81-52-684-0786. ttp://www.nagoya-boston.or.jp/. u-F 10AM-7PM, Sa, Sun, Hols 10AM-5PM Closed M. tudent / Adult admission: \300/400 for the general collection, \900/1200 for special exhibits. Like any world-class art museum, the MFA in Boston 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.

  • '''Nittaiji Temple''' (______), 1-1 Hohocho, Chikusa-ku, tel. +81-52-751-2121, [http://kikuko.web.infoseek.co.jp/english/nittai-ji.html]. Among the 165,000 square meters of 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.
  • '''Shirakawa Park'''. Beautiful trees, Nagoya Science and Modern Art Museums. South of Fushimi subway station.
  • Tokugawa Art Museum. 017, Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku. 81-52-935-6262. ttp://www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/english/index.html. 0AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM). Displaying some treasures of the Tokugawa family.

  • Koshoji Temple. min walk from Subway Yagoto stn (Meijo, Tsurumai lines). 81-52-832-2801. Koshoji Temple was established in the 17th century by the Tokugawa family. The temple hosts the annual "1,000 Latern Festival." There are numerous restaurants and universities surrounding the Koshoji Temple area.

  • Shiroyama Hakusan Shrine. min walk uphill N. of Motoyama stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines). Formerly the Suemori Castle, the present day Shrine hosts festivals that feature Japanese dance and music.

  • Toganji Temple. otoyama stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines). Dating back to the 16th century, this temple features a statue of the seated Buddha and has many ties to Hindu religion, particularly a temple honoring the Goddess Saraswati, who is honored in a Benzaiten Festival every May 7-8. Toganji also contains a huge wood block said to purge past sins if touched with one hand.

  • Nagoya City Science Museum. ushimi stn., exit 5. :30AM-5PM; closed Monday. 300. Located in the city centre, this museum houses samurai armory and weaponry.

    Sakae

  • Nagoya TV Tower. ______e___r__ Nagoya-terebi-tou. isaya-odori koen, Naka-ku. ubway: Hisaya Odori Station (Meijo line/Sakura-dori line). 81-52-971-8546. 81-52-961-0561. ttp://www.nagoya-tv-tower.co.jp/english/english.html. -F 10:00-6:00PM, Sa-Su 10:00-9:00PM. dults: \500, Children \250. Standing 180 meters tall, the Nagoya TV Tower 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.

  • '''Hisaya-oodori Park'''. Nice trees and fountains, Nagoya TV Tower observation deck. Sakae or Hisaya-oodori subway exits.
  • Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art. __m_____p__ Aichi-ken-bijutsukan. ichi Arts Center, 10F, 1-13-2 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku. min walk via Oasis 21 park from Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines) or Sakaemachi station (Meitetsu Seto Line). 81-52-971-5511. ttp://www-art.aac.pref.aichi.jp/eng/index.html. u-Th, Sa, Su:10:00-6:00PM; F:10:00-8:00PM (Last admission: 30 mins before closing). Closed M (or Tu if M is a public holiday), Dec 28-Jan 3. ermanent Collection: \500; High-school/college students: \300; Groups of 20+ people: adults \400, students \240; High-school groups, junior high-school students, children 12 and under, disabled visitors and escorts: free. Collection features international and Japanese 20th century art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Joan Miro, Max Ernst, German Expressionists, Surrealists, and postwar US artists. Japanese collection features the art of Yuichi Takahashi, Ryuzaburo Umehara, Sotaro Yasui, Taikan Yokoyama, and Shunso Hishida. Two private collections donated to the museum also include Edo-period paintings and traditional crafts.

    Do

  • Ride the gold and white '''Nagoya Sightseeing Bus ''Me-Guru''''' [http://www.ncvb.or.jp/routebus/en/info/index.html] past many of the city's main attractions. Operates T-Su. Offers hop-on-hop-off hourly service from 9:30AM-5:30PM T-F, and every half hour on Sa-Su. 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''' (_________@''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''' (___R____ ''Higashiyama-koen''). (''Higashiyama-koen station''). Features a zoo, conservatory, monorail, roller coasters, "sky tower" and a great deal of open space.
  • Events

  • Nagoya Sumo Tournament. ____o___________@Oo-sumou-Nagoya-bashou. ichi Prefectual Gymnasium, 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka-ku. short walk from Shiyakusho stn. (Meijo Line). 81-52-221-0737. 81-52-221-0739. ttp://event.chunichi.co.jp/sumo. 15 days mid-July]. Watch the big boys of Japanese sumo battle it out in Nagoya. An annual tradition.

  • <listing name="Kakuozan Summer Festival" alt="_o___R____ Kakuozan natsu-matsuri" directions="In front of Nittaiji temple (_______j. A short walk uphill from Kakuozan stn (Higashiyama line)" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kakuozan.com/event/2009/summer/" hours="" price="">Featuring live performances, games, an art market, beer garden, and foreign food vendors.</listing>
  • <listing name="Osu Summer Festival" alt="___{______ Osu Natsu-matsuri" directions="Short walk from Osu Kannon Stn (Tsurumai line) exit 1" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.osu.co.jp/2008summer/page/" hours="" price="">Yearly street festival held in the shopping streets around Osu Kannon temple. Featuring live stage performances, street performers, Brazilian samba parade and cosplay parade.</listing>
  • <listing name="World Cosplay Summit" alt="___E_R_X_v___T_~_b_g Sekai-kosupure-samitto" directions="Parade: Osu Kannon (Tsurumai line) exit 1, World Cosplay Championship: Oasis 21, Sakae stn. exit 4A." address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/e/" hours="" price="">An ''otaku'''s dream come true. Watch as fans of Japanese animation from around the world dress up as their favorite ''anime'' characters and parade around the streets of Nagoya. The Summit culminates with the World Cosplay Championship _i___E_R_X_v___`_____s_I___V_b_v_@''Sekai-kosupure-championshippu'') pitting teams from a number of countries as they show off their costumes and perform stage shows in tribute to their favorite Japanimation characters. Cheer on your nation's entry or just stare in wonderment at the strangeness of it all.</listing>
  • Nagoya Castle Summer Night Festival. _______________ Nagoya-jo-sho-matsuri. agoya Castle, Subway: Shiyakusho stn.. 81-52-231-1700. 81-52-201-3646. ttp://nagoyajo41.com/index.htm. dults: \800 (\700 w/ adv. purchase), Children \200 (\100 w/ adv. purchase).. A traditional-style summer festival, complete with lanterns, numerous styles of traditional ''bon-odori'' (_~_x___jcircle dancing (to honour family ancestors), festival stalls, and a beer garden under an illuminated Nagoya castle.

    Sports

    The '''Chunichi Dragons''' (_____h___S___Y_@''Chunichi-doragonzu'') [http://www.dragons.jp/] (Japanese), winners of the 2008 Japan Series, play in the Central League of Japanese Professional Baseball. Check out one of their games at the '''Nagoya Dome''' [http://www.nagoya-dome.co.jp/] (Japanese) in Ozone, northeast of downtown. (''Subway: Nagoya-dome-mae-yada (Meijo line)'')

    Buy

    Shopping Areas

  • '''Osu Market''', subway Osu 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. Osu is the shopping area and Osu Kannon the temple just to the west side.
  • '''Sakae''' is a good choice for your mainstream 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

  • Maruzen. __P. ubway: Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo Lines). Next to the Maruei department store. -F 9:00-8:00PM Sa-Su 9:00-7:00PM. 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.
  • Sanseido Books. 1F, JR Central Towers above JR Nagoya Station. ubway: 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 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 newspapers. Features books on Japan plus a decent selection of current nonfiction titles and business books. A small selection of guidebooks are also available.

    Electronics

    Best bets for cameras and electronics include '''Bic Camera''', a massive 5 story camera and electronics megastore across the street from Nagoya station (on the Taiko-dori side). Osu Market also has a number of large and small electronics shops, including '''Goodwill''' (computers and peripherals - ''otaku'' culture fans will also want to check out the maid cafe in the basement), '''DOS Para''' and others. Unfortunately, some of the electronics shops in Osu (such as Goodwill) are not located on the main shopping streets, and you may have to ask around to find them. There are also two '''Eiden''' electronics superstores located in Fushimi and near JR Ozone stn on the JR Chuo Line.

    Eat

    Nagoya is big on ''miso'', a sauce made from fermented soybeans and grain. You should not leave the city without trying ''misokatsu'' (___X_J_c), fried pork cutlet with a rich, red miso sauce on it.

    The other Nagoya classic is shrimp ''tempura'', particularly when wrapped up in rice and dried seaweed and turned into a handy portable package known as a ''tenmusu'' (_V____).

    The city is also known for ''uir?'' _i_O_Y_j, 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 (____ ''azuki''_j and green tea (____ ''matcha''_j.

    Nagoya's noodle specialty is ''kishimen'' (________), a flat, broad noodle often served in a miso or soy sauce broth. Available in most ''restaurant-gai'' in shopping centres or close to major railway stations.

    Budget

  • '''Cafe 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.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Kanran aka Marche du Soleil''', [http://www.passauto.com/13801005/]. European style restaurant, near Osu Kannon subway station. Plenty of vegetarian options on the (available in English) menu - the organic vegetable sticks and vegetable pizza are good choices. Staff are friendly and speak a usable amount of English.
  • '''Yamamotoya S?honke''' (_R_{_____{__), 25-9 Meieki, B1F Horinouchi Bldg (''on Sakura-dori not far from Exit 6 of the Nagoya subway station''). The home of the classic Nagoya miso dish ''nikomi udon'', consisting of thick, chewy, handmade ''udon'' noodles served in boiling hot miso sauce/stock. Fairly pricy at \1200 for a basic bowl and rather difficult to eat — diners are provided with bibs to protect themselves from soup spray — but the effort is worth it.
  • Splurge

    Nagoya's ''nouveaux riche'' are catered for by several luxury department stores and many first-class restaurants, which are sometimes difficult find for auto-less tourists.

  • '''Arena Venini'''. Chikusa-ku, Kiribayashi 1-4-1 Ikeshita Hills 1F, Tel: +81-52-757-5100. An outstanding yet small Italian restaurant in a very small on the street behind the Chikusa Ward office across the street from Ikeshita station.
  • '''Antica Roma''', Higashi-ku, Daikancho 39-18 (''close to Kuruma-michi subway''), Tel: +81-52-930-2770. Excellent high-class Italian food (like seafood risotto, broccoli pasta or herb-stuffed pork rolls), but also delicious oven-baked pizzas. All this in three superbly furnished rooms. The main room is baroque-style with chandeliers and has not only a live pianist, but also a '''live opera singer''' every night (dress code for this room). The course menus start at \4,000, the pizzas at \1,500, a half-bottle of house wine is \2,500.
  • Serge Gen's Restaurant Group NAGOYA. 1-26 Nishiki 3-Chome, Naka-ku. 81-52-209-2333. ttp://gensg.jp/en/. 1:00AM-3:00PM. 3000. Five top-quality restaurants in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. From Italian cafe, Yakiniku, Sushi, to catered party events.

    Drink

    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''' [http://nagoyafriendsparty.net/] 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).

  • Serge Gen's Restaurant Group NAGOYA. ddress: 11-26 Nishiki 3-Chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 460-0003 . 81-52-209-2333. ttp://gensg.jp/en/. 1:00AM-3:00AM. 3000. Five top-quality restaurants in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. From Italian cafe, Yakiniku, Sushi, to catered party events.

    Bars

  • '''Shooters''' [http://www.shooters-nagoya.com], close to Fushimi station. An American sports bar that attracts a mixed crowd with live music on Sundays.
  • Hard Rock Cafe. XA Bldg 3F, 1-4-5 Sakae, Naka-ku. ubway: Fushimi stn (Higashiyama, Tsurumai lines) Exit 7. Close to Hilton.. 81-52-218-3220. u-Th: 11:30-11:00PM, F and before natl. holidays: 11:30-12:00AM, Sa: 11:30-3:00. Serves the usual mix of rock music and American food.
  • Misfits. maike Bee House Bldg. 3F, 4-10-16 Imaike, Chikusa-ku. ubway: Imaike stn. (Higashiyama line) Exit 4 or 5. Located on the street behind the Imaike post office.. 81-52-733-7525. ttp://misfitsnagoya.com. pen Daily 7:00 PM-late. A small and cozy bar located behind the post office in Imaike. Attracts a mixed crowd of young Japanese and both short and long time expats. Often live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Yama-chan. R______. 5 locations in and around Nagoya. ttp://www.yamachan.co.jp/index.html. (Japanese) Known for its ''tebasaki'' (___H__) fried chicken wings (one of Nagoya's specialties), this seemingly ubiquitous chain of izakayas is one of Nagoya's favorites. English menu available.

    Sakae

  • St. James's Gate. iyaki Bldg. 1F, 3-14-22 Nishiki, Naka-ku. ubway: Sakae stn (Higashiyama, Meijo lines). Short walk NW of Exit 1.. 81-52-973-4560. -Sa 6:00PM-5:00AM. Closed Su. Hidden in a courtyard at the end of a small alleyway, this large Irish pub features imported beer, whiskey, cigars, TVs blaring the latest football/rugby matches, and a small outdoor seating area.
  • MyBar. atenomachi Bldg. B1F, 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku. akae stn. exit 3. S. of the Nagoya TV tower on the W. side of Hisaya-odori park. 81-52-971-8888. u-Th 6:00PM-1:00AM, F, Sa 4:00PM-3:00AM. Run by a Canadian expat, MyBar offers hockey night on Monday evenings. Serves imported beers and cocktails, Italian food, tacos, and burgers.
  • '''The Red Rock''' [http://www.theredrock.jp/], located directly behind the Chunichi Building in Sakae. An Australian pub experience.
  • Nightclubs

    Nagoya has some of the best clubs in Japan, possibly second only to Tokyo. A lot of the DJs who play Tokyo also pass through Nagoya. Many of the most popular clubs are located in '''Sakae''' and '''Shin-sakae-machi''' (just east of Sakae and south of the Naka ward office).

    Be aware that even on week-ends, on less popular nights, clubs empty or even close early (around 2-3AM) in Nagoya. This is a sharp contrast to Tokyo, where most people come by train and have to stick around for good or for bad until the first train in the morning. In auto-city Toyota, however, many people come by car; they can and will go home early if they are bored.

  • Radix. -7-38 Chiyoda, Naka-ku. surumai stn. (JR Chuo, Subway Tsurumai line) 10 min walk SW of exit 6 alongside the elevated train tracks. 81-52-332-0073 . 81-52-332-0180. ttp://www.radix.to. One of the bigger clubs in Nagoya, a lot of big house, jungle and dub Djs play here. Expect to pay from \2000-3000, usually with a free drink included.

  • '''J-Max''' [http://www.jmax-jmedix.co.jp/] in Fushimi attracts foreigners and Japanese alike for weekend dance events. Entry fee is usually \2000-3000, with a couple of drinks included.
  • Sakae

  • '''ID club''' [http://www.idcafe.info/] - the most popular and well-known club in Nagoya. Nagoya's largest club, 5 different floors of style and music. R & B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Hard House, All Mix, 70's & 80's disco. Open Thurs-Sun 8:00PM-closing. Entry \1000 (2 drinks) weekdays, \2000 (4 drinks) Fri, \3000 (4 drinks) Sat, \2000 (4 drinks) Sun. 3-1-15 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya Tel:+81-52-251-0382.
  • STEPS. asegawa Bldg. 2F, 3-2-29 Sakae, Naka-ku. lose to subway Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines) Opposite ID Cafe. Around 100m S of Sakae Tokyu Inn Hotel on the left.. 81-52-242-7544. -Sa 6PM-6AM. Closed Su. Food and drinks from \500 including pasta, hamburgers, and steak dishes. TVs covering live sports events. Music from 12AM with DJs, occasional live music. Hip Hop, Reggae, R&B.

  • '''Club Daughter''' [http://www.clubdaughter.com/] has something happening almost every night, so you'll never be stuck for something to do. It's a small place though. To western clubbers, it may seem more like a basement party than a club, and if you're going out on a Monday or a Tuesday, you may find it pretty empty. Fridays and Saturdays, though, the place is normally packed. Drinks are about \600 each, entry varies, check on the site.
  • '''Club JB's''' [http://www.shscity.com/jbs/] is another good Nagoya club. Right around the corner from Club Daughter.
  • Lush The Underground. arumi Kanko Bldg. 3-4F, 3-4-15 Sakae, Naka-ku. n Shin-sakae-machi entertainment district.. 81-52-242-1388. 81-52-264-9663. ttp://www.underground.co.jp/index.html. u-Su 11:00PM-5:00AM. Closed M.. Has two floors for one price, upstairs is hip-hop at maximum volume levels, while downstairs more dance music is played. Always a happy crowd without annoying bouncers, on weekdays ladies pay \1000 and guys \1500 with 1 drink included. Foreigners welcome.

  • '''Club Mago''' [http://www.club-mago.co.jp/] In Shin-Sakae on the basement level of the Flex-building. Great for house, techno, electro-clash, progressive house. \2500-3000 cover.
  • Jazz Inn Lovely. -10-15 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku. ubway: Hisaya-odori stn. (Sakura-dori, Meijo lines). Exit the subway for "Central Park" underground shopping arcade. 2 minute walk from Central Park shopping arcade exit 5b. 81-52-951-6085. nfo@jazzinnlovely.com. ttp://www.jazzinnlovely.com/. pen Daily 6PM-3AM. over charge varies per artist. From \1500 to \5000. Jazz club featuring Japanese and international jazz artists.

  • Club Quattro Nagoya. N___u_N_A_g___@Kurabu-kuatoro. agoya Parco Department Store East Building (____ ''Higashi-kan''), 8F, 3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku . ubway: Yaba-cho stn. (Meijo line). Located in the east building of the Parco Department Store. 81-52-264-8211. ttp://www.club-quattro.com/access_nago.html. oncerts in early evening (5:30-8PM start). icket price varies per artist. One of Nagoya's main live houses, featuring a wide array of Japanese and international rock and pop music acts.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Capsule Inn Nagoya''' (_J_v_Z___C________), 7F Kanayama 4-1-20 (''on Otsu-dori near Kanayama stn''), tel. +81-52-331-3278, [http://www.nisshinkanko.co.jp/healthy/cp/cap_top.htm]. Showing its age, but kept clean and still a perfectly functional capsule hotel. Reservations accepted and you're free to come and go, payment on arrival by cash or credit card. \2800 gets you a capsule for night, plus \800 if you want to sample the sauna/spa downstairs (there are no bathing facilities in the capsule levels) and \500 extra if you check-in after midnight. You get \300 off if you present a paper with the printout of the online coupon [http://www.nisshinkanko.co.jp/cp/coupon.html] at check-in time. Hotel is men only.
  • Mid-range

  • '''APA Hotel Nagoya Nishiki''', 3-15-30 Nishiki, Chuo-ku (''Sakae subway station, exit 2, one block forward''), +81-52-953-5111, fax +81-52-951-7269. This business hotel is in the middle of the Sakae dining and shopping district. The rooms are comparatively clean and the staff speaks English; internet access is included. \9800/single. [http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/ah_nagoyanishiki/eng.html]
  • '''Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Kanayama''' (___S_C___________R), 1-11-7 Kanayama, Naka-ku (''Kanayama subway station, exit 6. Turn right at Daiei, left at Coco, look for the blue-and-white Japanese sign''), +81-52-324-3434, fax +81-52-324-3435. This business hotel was built in February 2005 and has very clean rooms; in-room internet access and breakfast is included. The staff has some limited English ability. \6800/10,800/13,000 for single/small double/double [http://www.meitetsu-inn-nagoyakanayama.jp/] (in Japanese)
  • '''Mielparque-Nagoya''' 3-16-16 Aoi, Higashi-ku (''Chikusa subway station, exit 1, right across the street''), +81-52-937-3535, fax +81-52-937-3673. This hotel is optimized for business and weddings, with in-room internet access and rooftop wedding chapel. The staff has some limited English ability. Large breakfast buffet, Western & Japanese, \1,000/adult, \800/child, 7:00-9:30 am. Rooms: \6,300 single, \12,390/15,540 twin for two/three, \23,520/29,400 Japanese-style for three/five [http://www.mielparque.ngy/eng.html]
  • Splurge

  • '''Marriott Associa Hotel''', Nagoya Station (''directly above Takashimaya Department Store''). A three minute walk from a Nozomi Shinkansen train to a well-marked elevator portal takes you to the 15th floor check-in level. This often-full five star hotel (\20,000-70,000/night) is equipped with ten good restaurants, which tend to be jammed, but the adjacent office tower also has more than 20 restaurants on two levels ranging from inexpensive noodle eateries to high-end sushi places. Note that if you have a concierge room reservation, you need to go to the concierge level (35th floor) to check in. Rooms are extremely clean and comfortable. [http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ngodt-nagoya-marriott-associa-hotel/]
  • '''Nagoya Kanko Hotel''', 19-30, Nishiki 1-chome, Naka-ku (''Fushimi station, exits 8, 9 or 10, 2 minute walk'')+81-52-231-7711, fax +81-52-231-7719. This hotel founded in 1936 as Nagoya State Guest House boasting the longest history in Nagoya has since then become a leading luxury class hotel. The rooms are available from standard room (\15,015) to suite room (\346,500). It is free parking.[http://www.nagoyakankohotel.co.jp/en/]
  • Rental

  • ''' Freebell Apartments''' [http://freebell.co.jp] +81-52-571-5055 (''Exit Nagoya Station Sakura-dori side entrance and turn left. Continue past the post office. The building will be on your left.'') Provides monthly furnished and non-furnished apartments for a range of budgets. Popular with longer-term visitors seeking to avoid the hefty deposits required by traditional Japanese landlords.
  • Cope

  • <listing name="Nagoya International Center" alt="___________Z___^_[ Nagoya kokusai sentaa" directions="Subway: Sakura-dori line, Kokusai Center stn." address="1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku" phone="+81-52-581-0100" email="info@nic-nagoya.or.jp" fax="" url="http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/" hours="Tu-Su, 9:00-7:00PM. Closed M, Dec 29-Jan 3, 2nd Su of Aug and Feb" price="free"> This city-run center for newcomers to Nagoya provides useful information about upcoming local events through their free monthly publication ''The Nagoya Calendar'' [http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/english/events/NIC%20Out%20and%20About.htm] (available at numerous locations around the city) and offers various multilingual services for foreigners on longer stays or taking up residence in the city. Their headquarters near Nagoya Station also includes a lending library with books on numerous topics in English and other languages. </listing>
  • Banking

    Nagoya has two '''Citibank''' [http://www.citibank.co.jp/en/] branches for foreign-friendly cash withdrawals with a main branch in Sakae and a mini-branch in the North Tower above Nagoya Station:

  • <listing name="Citibank Nagoya Branch" alt="" directions="Subway Sakae stn. (Higashiyama, Meijo lines), Exit 7. 5 min walk from Crystal Hiroba in the Sakae subway mall. In Sugi Building, 8th floor, which is across the street from Sakae Gas Building at Shirakawa Street Ohtsu Crossing on Ohtsu Street." address="1F, 8F, Sugi Bldg., 3-14-15 Sakae, Naka-ku" phone="(M-F 9:00-5:00PM) +81-52-243-9252" email="" fax="" url="http://www.citibank.co.jp/en/branch/br008a.html" hours="M-F 9:00-3:00PM, Sa (ltd. services) 10:00-4:00PM. Closed Su and Hols. ATM Open 24/7" price=""></listing>.
  • <listing name="Citibank Nagoya Station Mini-Branch" alt="" directions="Located the North tower." address="33F Office Tower, JR Central Towers, 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku" phone="(M-F 9:00-17:00) +81-52-565-4430" email="" fax="" url="http://www.citibank.co.jp/en/branch/nagoya.html" hours="M-F 9:00-7:00PM, Sa (ltd. services) 10:00-4:00PM. Closed Su and hols. ATM only open during branch hours." price=""></listing>
  • There is also a 24/7 Citibank ATM across from the Meitetsu station entrance gate at the airport. As elsewhere in Japan, post offices and 7-11s also allow international ATM withdrawals.

    Foreign Exchange

  • <listing name="Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank Foreign Exchange Shop" alt="_O_H____UFJ___s_O_______V___b_v_____X Mitsubishi-Tokyo-UFJ-Gaika-ryougai-shoppu-sasajima-ten" directions="Located on 1st flr. of Nagoya station near the Meitetsu Bus Terminal" address="1-2-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku" phone="+81-52-541-6330" email="" fax="" url="http://www.mapion.co.jp/c/f?uc=4&ino=BA591875&pg=1&grp=bk_mufg" hours="M-F 10:00-19:30, Sa, Su, Hols. 10:00-5:00PM, Dec 30: 10:00-3:00PM. Closed Dec 31-Jan 3" price="">(Website in Japanese)</listing>
  • Money Transfers

    Those seeking to send or receive money via '''Western Union''' should note that there is only one agent in Nagoya where this is possible:
  • <listing name="Suruga Bank" alt="_X___K___s Suruga Ginkou" directions="Subway: Sakae stn (Higashiyama, Meijo lines) Exit 8. Located on Hirokoji Dori, East of Mitsubishi UFJ bank branch and across the street from Maruzen bookstore." address="3-22-26 Nishiki, Naka-ku" phone="+81-52-961-5311" email="" fax="+81-52-951-4509" url="http://www.surugabank.co.jp/" hours="M-F 9:00-3:00PM Closed Sa, Su" price="">(Japanese)</listing>
  • Consulates

  • <listing name="Australian Consulate Nagoya" alt="_I_[_X_g_____A______ Osutoraria-ryoujikan" directions="" address="Level 13, AMMNAT Bldg. 1-3-3 Sakae, Nakaku" phone="+81-52-211-0630 (Emergency line: +81-3-5232-4111)" email="" fax="+81-52-211-0632" url="http://www.consular.australia.or.jp/nagoya/" hours="M-F 9:00-17:30. Closed Sa, Su" price="">Offers limited consular services for Australians by appointment only.</listing>
  • <listing name="Consulate General of Brazil" alt="_u___W__________ Burajiru-souryoujikan" directions="" address="Shirakawa Daihachi Bldg. 2F, 1-10-29 Marunouchi, Naka-ku" phone="+81-52-222-1077, +81-52-222-1078 (Emergency line: +81-90-3483-6949, +81-80-6637-6131)" email="consulado@consuladonagoya.org, visa@consuladonagoya.org" fax="+81-52-222-1079" url="http://www.consuladonagoya.org/english/index.php" hours="General: M-F 9:00-3:00PM, Visa desk: M-F 9:00-2:30PM Closed Sa, Su, and Hols." price="">Provides consular services for Brazilians and issues Brazilian visas for foreign visitors to Brazil</listing>
  • <listing name="Consulate of Canada" alt="_J_i_________@Kanada-ryoujikan" directions="Subway: Hisaya-odori stn (Meijo, Sakura-dori lines) Exit 1. Walk 2 blocks N on Otsu-dori to Uonotana-dori. Consulate located at the intersection of Otsu-dori and Uonotana-dori and directly across the street from Circle K convenience store." address="Nakato Marunouchi Bldg. 6F, 3-17-6 Marunouchi, Naka-ku" phone="+81-52-972-0450" email="ngoya@international.gc.ca" fax="+81-52-972-0453" url="http://www.canadanet.or.jp/en/nagoya_en.shtml" hours="" price="">Offering limited consular services for Canadians in Nagoya</listing>
  • <listing name="U.S. Consulate" alt="_A_____J______ Amerika-ryoujikan" directions="Subway: Kokusai Center (Sakura-dori line)." address="Nagoya Kokusai Center Bldg. 6F, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku" phone="+81-52-581-4501" email="" fax="+81-52-581-3190" url="http://nagoya.usconsulate.gov/" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • Radio Stations

  • '''RADIO-i 79.5 FM''' [http://www.radio-i.co.jp/] (site in Japanese) In between the music and DJ chatter, Radio-i offers a 5 min. public service broadcast about local events and community news in English on Mondays at 6:46, 12:56 and 11:56PM.
  • '''ZIP FM 77.8''' [http://zip-fm.co.jp/] (site in Japanese) Broadcasts ''Global Voice Weekend Magic'' a ten-minute long program in English on daily life and events in the Nagoya area for earlybirds at 5:40 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Publications

  • '''Avenues: Voices of Central Japan''' [http://www.centraljapan.jp/] Quarterly magazine featuring articles on local history and culture, reviews of attractions, events, restaurants and bars. Available free at International Center and for a fee at Maruzen Bookstore in Sakae.
  • '''Japanzine''' [http://www.seekjapan.jp/japanzine] Monthly tabloid-style magazine published in Nagoya featuring a section on local events, concerts, job listings, and a restaurant/bar map and guide. Available free at numerous businesses catering to foreign residents, the International Center, and at Maruzen bookstore in Sakae.
  • '''ET People''' [http://www.et-people.com/] Small monthly magazine aimed at English learners. Offers restaurant/bar map and listings in English. Available free at numerous bars and restaurants around the city.
  • Like other major cities in Japan, you can also pick up the (Tokyo-centric) English dailies '''The Japan Times''' [http://www.japantimes.co.jp/] and '''Daily Yomiuri''' [http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/] at selected bookstores and convenience stores around the city (or read them for free at the International Center library).

    Get out

  • Inuyama, with its picturesque castle, kinky fertility shrines, and nearby Meiji Village, is a short day trip from the city. From Meitetsu Nagoya station [http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/english/index.html] located 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.
  • Ise, home to Japan's holiest shrine, is within striking distance.
  • Gifu - Visit Gifu castle (take a bus from the train station). Ride the cable car up the mountain, 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.
  • 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).
  • Okazaki - Take in the castle, tour the miso factory and enjoy the fresh suburban air.
  • Gujo Hachiman, an idyllic town where 80% of Japan's plastic food replicas are created.
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