Though not famous for hot springs itself, Nagoya is actually a key gateway to some of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. From Nagoya Station, the JR Takayama Line takes about 2 hours to reach Gero Onsen, a hot spring district with over 80 years of history that still preserves the traditional atmosphere of a therapeutic bath town. Travel to Hida Takayama on regular trains takes about 3 hours, giving travelers ample time to enjoy the mountain scenery along the way. For those wanting to discover more remote hidden hot springs, express buses departing from Nagoya provide extensive coverage.

Recommended Spots

1. Nagoya Station and Surrounding Area (About 1-2 Hours)

Why Visit: As the gateway to the Chubu region, Nagoya Station itself is worth exploring. The station building houses three railway companies (JR, Kintetsu, and Subway), and features a unique "double-deck platform" design—with conventional lines on the upper level and Shinkansen on the lower level. This "three-dimensional boarding" concept is quite rare globally. The nearby "JR Central Tower" main building rises 245 meters and stands as Nagoya's landmark, while the "Eki-Re" shopping complex in the station concourse offers over 100 shops and restaurants.

2. Inuyama Castle Town (About 50 Minutes)

Why Visit: Located northeast of Nagoya and accessible via the Meitetsu Seto Line in about 50 minutes, Inuyama Castle Town was a vital transportation hub during the Sengoku period. Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest wooden castle keeps, features distinctive irimoya-style roofing and a yagura-type three-story tower, designated as a National Treasure. The castle town preserves Edo-period merchant houses and samurai residences on both sides, offering a walk through time. Just an hour's drive from Nagoya, it's perfect for a half-day excursion.

3. Sakae District (About 15 Minutes)

Why Visit: Just one subway stop from Nagoya Station on the Higashiyama Line, Sakae is Nagoya's most vibrant commercial district. It features the "Sunshine Sakae" Ferris wheel observation deck offering panoramic views of central Nagoya. The surrounding Shirakawa Park area is a gathering spot for young people, filled with trendy boutiques and cafes. Each evening, Sakae's neon lights create a quintessential Japanese urban night scene.

4. Tokugawa Garden (About 20 Minutes)

Why Visit: Located in eastern Nagoya, Tokugawa Garden was built in the early Showa period to commemorate the Tokugawa shogunate—a representative strolling garden style. Centered around a symbolic pond, it features teahouses and shrines around the perimeter, with particularly stunning cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn. Only 20 minutes from Nagoya Station with an entrance fee of just ¥300, it makes an ideal rest stop to break up your journey.

5. Shikemichi (About 25 Minutes)

Why Visit:Located about 2 kilometers west of Nagoya Station, Shikemichi is the site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's former castle residence. Though most of the castle keep no longer exists, the stone walls and moat remains give a glimpse of the former fortress's scale. The surrounding area preserves traditional machiya townhouses and storehouses, some converted into ryotei restaurants and coffee shops, creating a unique blend of old and new.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

### Shinkansen

• **Tokyo → Nagoya**: Approx. 1 hr 50 min, Unreserved ~¥11,000 / Reserved ~¥11,500
• **Kyoto → Nagoya**: Approx. 35 min, Unreserved ~¥5,000 / Reserved ~¥5,500
• **Osaka → Nagoya**: Approx. 50 min, Unreserved ~¥6,000 / Reserved ~¥6,500
• **Kanazawa → Nagoya**: Approx. 2 hr 20 min, Unreserved ~¥8,000 / Reserved ~¥8,500

### Getting Around the Station

Walking from the Shinkansen platforms to the JR conventional line platforms takes about 5 minutes; from the Shinkansen exit to the subway entrance takes about 7 minutes. It's recommended to allow at least 15 minutes for transfers within the station.

### Express Bus Information

Direct buses to Gero Onsen depart from Nagoya Station, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with single fares around ¥3,000 or a round-trip coupon for ¥5,500.

Budget Suggestions

• **Shinkansen One-Way**: Unreserved ¥5,000–¥11,000
• **Station Dining**: ¥500–¥2,000
• **Nearby Attractions**: Free–¥600
• **One-Day Pass** (Subway all lines): ¥870

Operating Hours

Shinkansen Counter: First train 5:30–Last train 23:00

Station Shops: Typically 7:00–22:00

Recommended Restaurants: Lunch 11:30–14:00, Dinner 18:00–21:00

Travel Tips

### ⚡ Efficient Travel Tips

• **Early Bird Discounts**: JR's "Hayatoku 21" discount tickets require booking 21 days in advance and offer up to 30% off
• **Rail Passes**: If you plan to ride the Shinkansen multiple times, the "JR Pass Nationwide" (¥29,650/7 days) or "JR Chubu Region Pass" (¥14,000/5 days) are highly recommended and can save significantly on transportation costs
• **Reserved vs. Unreserved Seats**: During rush hours (7:00-9:00, 17:00-19:00), unreserved cars can be very crowded—it's worth paying extra for reserved seats

### 🌸 Seasonal Suggestions

• **Spring** (March-May): Cherry blossom spots in Nagoya include "Nagoya Castle" and "Tsutagawa Park," but expect crowds—arrive early
• **Summer** (June-August): The "Nagoka Port Festival" fireworks display offers a great opportunity to experience local festival culture
• **Autumn** (September-November): Ideal for day trips to enjoy fall foliage toward Karuizawa via Shinkansen
• **Winter** (December-February): While colder, the Christmas lights and year-end festivities create a lively atmosphere throughout the city

### ⚠️ Precautions

• **Large Luggage Storage**: Nagoya Station offers coin-operated lockers (¥400–¥700/day)—consider storing your luggage before exploring the surrounding area
• **Theft Prevention**: Be especially cautious of pickpockets in crowded station shopping areas
• **Weather Contingencies**: Being near the coast, Japan's Chubu region experiences rainy season (June-July) and typhoon season (August-September) that may affect bus schedules—in such cases, consider switching to rail instead

Whether you view Nagoya as a transit point to Kansai or use it as a base to delve deeper into Chubu region's culture, Nagoya Station's functionality and abundant surrounding resources will make your journey more fulfilling. Making flexible use of the Shinkansen network will allow you to experience a depth of Japanese culture that goes beyond typical Kansai tourism.