Your complete guide to must-visit attractions in Japan, including opening hours, tickets, and tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Nagoya is not only an important city in central Japan but also a hub for exploring the culinary delights of Gifu, Mie, and Aichi. Unlike the bustling energy of Tokyo or the classic elegance of Kyoto, Nagoya boasts its own unique 'Nagoya meshi' culture—a miso-based, rich and saucy flavor profile that has deeply influenced surrounding cities. Starting from Nagoya Station, you can experience the finest ingredients from both mountain and sea in a single day, creating a food map that only central Japan can offer.
If Tokyo is the temple of Japanese cuisine, then Nagoya is the capital of miso. The local obsession with miso extends to various dishes, from miso-nikomi udon for breakfast to miso kushiyaki for late-night snacks—miso practically dominates the taste buds of Nagoya residents. This dietary characteristic has expanded outward, forming a unique 'Nagoya food circle' encompassing neighboring Gifu Prefecture and Mie Prefecture. This is why many food enthusiasts are willing to depart from Nagoya and spend a day exploring surrounding towns, just to savor those ultimate delicacies that can only be found locally.
Recommended Spots
1. Owariasahi: Birthplace of Miso-Nikomi Udon
Just 30 minutes by car from central Nagoya, Owariasahi City is the true hometown of miso-nikomi udon. The soul of this dish lies in using hatcho miso—a rich miso produced in the Gifu region, fermented longer than regular miso, carrying caramel-like depth in flavor. Master chefs at local longstanding shops cook the noodles directly in earthenware pots, with the miso broth and noodles continuously simmered over flame, forming a slightly charred锅巴 (crust)—this texture can only be fully appreciated when tasted on-site. Prices range from ¥1,200-1,800 per bowl, and it's recommended to arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds. From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Seto Line for about 25 minutes to Owariasahi Station, then walk 5 minutes to reach the shops.
2. Tsu: Seafood Treasury of Ise Bay
Tsu Station, located in eastern Mie Prefecture, is the last stop before heading to Ise Shrine, and also an excellent spot to savor Ise Bay's seafood. The fish market here unloads fresh catches daily from the confluence of Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean, with Ise lobsters, live oysters, and wild sea bream being the most prized. Local sushi restaurants source directly from the fish market—the temperature of the vinegared rice and the fat content of the fish blend together in a way that often surpasses even high-end Tokyo sushi establishments. Tsu's sushi prices are relatively affordable, with 10-piece nigiri priced around ¥3,000-4,500, making it an excellent choice to experience Japanese seafood. From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line rapid train for about 50 minutes to Tsu Station, then walk 10 minutes to reach the fish market area.
3. Gifu City: The Carb City's Somen and Gohei-Mochi
Gifu City, historically known as 'Noshū,' was an important stronghold during the Sengoku period. Today, it's famous for two popular dishes—somen (thin wheat noodles) and gohei-mochi. The way somen is eaten in Gifu is completely different from Tokyo: locals dip the chilled noodles into rich sesame sauce, paired with freshly grilled gohei-mochi. Gohei-mochi is made by threading rice cake onto炭火 (charcoal fire), brushing on miso sauce to create its unique texture, with subtleRice fragrance and sweet soy sauce caramelization. This combo can be enjoyed at local eateries around Gifu Station, with average costs around ¥800-1,200. From Nagoya, take the JR Takayama Line rapid train for about 35 minutes to reach Gifu Station.
4. Tokoname: A Culinary Journey of Pottery and Soy Sauce
Located in the northeastern part of the Chita Peninsula, Tokoname City is the hometown of 'Tokoname ware,' one of Japan's six major pottery producing regions. But what excites food enthusiasts even more is the soy sauce brewing here. Local breweries with over a century of history still adhere to traditional wooden barrel brewing methods, producing miso soy sauce with complex aroma layers. Visitors can sample freshly extracted raw soy sauce at the breweries—that rich yet non-pungent umami instantly explains why Nagoya cuisine relies so heavily on these condiments. Tokoname soy sauce souvenirs range from ¥800-2,000, making them an excellent local特色 gift option. From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Tokoname Line for about 40 minutes to Tokoname Station, then walk to reach the main soy sauce breweries.
5. Inuyama Castle Town: A Time Warp to Sweets and Matcha
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan's oldest existing tenshu (castle keep), and its castle town below has become a popular selfie spot among young people in recent years. However, the real treasures are the wagashi (Japanese confections) and matcha shops hidden in the alleys. Local artisans use matcha from the Gifu mountain regions and locally produced rice flour to develop limited-edition sweets that can only be purchased at Inuyama Castle Town—perhaps matcha combined with chestnut paste into mizumanju, or matcha daifuku paired with hand-whisked matcha. These sweets range from ¥350-600, making them a relatively affordable afternoon tea choice. Inuyama Castle's admission fee is ¥600, open from 9 AM to 5 PM. From Nagoya, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line for about 25 minutes to Inuyama Station, then walk 10 minutes to reach the castle town.
Practical Information
Regarding transportation, Nagoya Station serves as the hub for all day trip itineraries. It's recommended to purchase a day pass (¥800-1,000) for unlimited rides on private railways and JR lines within the designated area, saving you the trouble of buying tickets each time. Restaurant hours are mainly from 11 AM to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 8 PM. During lunch hours, many popular establishments may require queuing.
Regarding costs, the total budget for a day trip is recommended at ¥4,000-8,000, covering transportation, meals, and attraction tickets. If planning to visit multiple attractions, purchasing a central Japan pass (¥2,000-3,500) would be more cost-effective.
Regarding business hours, Japanese restaurants may close on Wednesdays or national holidays. It's recommended to check the official website of your target establishments before departure. Fish market sushi shops usually close before 10 AM. To sample the freshest ingredients, be sure to set out early.
Travel Tips
Nagoya residents eat breakfast much earlier than Tokyo. Many miso-nikomi udon shops start operating at 7 AM—this is a great opportunity to experience the local lifestyle rhythm. When purchasing souvenirs, soy sauce and miso have strict liquid restrictions at airports. It's recommended to make these purchases on your final day when returning to Nagoya Station.
Additionally, Mie Prefecture's oyster season runs from November to March each year. If visiting Tsu during this period, don't miss the freshly grilled oyster platter. Overall, for a day food trip departing from Nagoya, allocate half a day for the city and half for the mountains and sea—this rhythm best captures the culinary depth of central Japan.
