Introduction
Nagoya is often called Japan’s ‘boring city’, but it is a place that feels too good to be dismissed as simply uninteresting. It is true that it has a lower profile because it sits between Tokyo and Osaka. However, the number of visitors has been steadily increasing thanks to the opening of Ghibli Park and winter trips to see the snowy scenery in Shirakawa-go.
For travelers who want to avoid crowded tourist areas and enjoy shopping in a calm atmosphere, Nagoya can be an even more attractive choice. Nagoya is often considered one of Japan’s three major cities, and it also ranks fourth in population nationwide, so it offers plenty of urban appeal.
It is especially recommended for families traveling with children in middle school or younger. Depending on the attraction, admission for middle school students and younger is often free or discounted, which is a big advantage for the budget.
If you are interested in Japanese myths or history, you can also extend your trip to Ise Grand Shrine in nearby Mie Prefecture. Nagoya also has its unique local cuisine, “Nagoya-meshi (名古屋めし)”, adding the joy of eating to the trip.
Nagoya Flight Booking Tips
When visiting Nagoya, you will use Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). If you plan to travel around Nagoya city, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen, and Mie Prefecture, it is fine to book a round-trip flight to Nagoya. However, the situation changes if you also plan to visit Tokyo or Osaka.
Some travelers book round-trip flights to Nagoya and visit Osaka as a day trip or a 1-night, 2-day trip. Others do the opposite and book round-trip flights to Kansai International Airport (Osaka), then try to visit Nagoya’s Ghibli Park as a day trip.
Of course, you can travel by shinkansen. However, considering the round-trip cost and time, it is hard to recommend. In this case, it is much more efficient to book flights as Nagoya In → Osaka (or Tokyo) Out, or the reverse route. ✈️
Nagoya Hotel Area Guide
If your plan is mainly city sightseeing or taking a bus tour, it is more efficient to stay multiple nights in one place without moving hotels. In Nagoya, hotel areas are generally divided into four zones, so check the pros and cons of each area and then choose one place that fits you .
1) Around Nagoya Station
- A transportation hub, with easy access to the airport and other regions
- Great for shopping, with large department stores and underground malls
2) Sakae
- Nagoya’s main downtown area, and the center for shopping, food, and night views
- A direct bus from the airport runs 8 times a day (one-way 2,000 yen, more expensive than the train)
- Two subway stops (about 5 minutes) to Nagoya Station, or about 1,300 yen by taxi
- Most bus tour meeting points are in front of MIRAI TOWER, so this area is especially recommended if you plan to join a bus tour
3) Around Kanayama Station
- Many good-value hotels compared to Nagoya Station area
- About 5 minutes to Nagoya Station by train
- Also very convenient for airport access, great for budget-focused travelers
4) Around Osu Shopping Street
- An area with many guesthouses and budget accommodations
- Popular with young travelers and long-stay visitors 👍
If you visit Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Gero Onsen independently (not by bus tour), a day trip can be a bit too rushed. In this case, it is recommended to stay 1 night in Takayama, visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, and then go to Shirakawa-go, or stay in Gero Onsen and enjoy a more relaxed onsen experience.
Exclusive TourCast Tips!
Must-check item before booking flights to Nagoya
If a large event such as a concert is held in Nagoya, hotel prices can jump by 3–4 times or more compared to normal. For this reason, it is best to check local hotel prices first before you finalize your travel dates.
If you booked your flights first without checking, it is smart to stay in Takayama or Gero Onsen instead of central Nagoya and combine it with a Shirakawa-go trip.
How to Get Between Nagoya and the Airport
1) By Train
From Chubu Centrair International Airport, you can take the Meitetsu Line to Meitetsu Nagoya Station. The main options are the μSKY (Mu Sky) Limited Express and other trains such as the Limited Express, Airport Line, and Tokoname Line.
- μSKY Limited Express: all seats are reserved 🚄
- Meitetsu Limited Express: Cars 1–2 are reserved, the rest are non-reserved
- Base fare (section ticket): 980 yen one-way - If paying cash, buy a ticket before boarding - With an IC card or contactless card, you can board non-reserved seats on the Meitetsu Limited Express directly
- Limited Express reserved-seat ticket: 450 yen one-way - You must buy the Limited Express ticket before boarding - Cash, IC card, and card payments are accepted
- You can also book the reserved-seat Limited Express ticket in advance online: online booking 💻
You can check the difference between Limited Express and local trains, and the basic rules for reserved and non-reserved seats, in 'Common Part 2 – Japan Transportation System'.
2) By Bus
Currently, the direct bus between Nagoya Station ↔ the airport is suspended. Only the bus from the airport directly to Sakae (Oasis 21 Bus Terminal) runs 8 times a day.
- Of the 8 services, 1 bus does not accept cash. The others accept cash, IC cards, and contactless cards.
- The one-way fare is 2,000 yen, which is slightly more expensive than the train.
- A direct bus between Chubu Airport ↔ Ghibli Park is also operating, but note that departures are limited: the airport departure is only at 10:00 AM, and the Ai-Chikyuhaku-Kinen-Koen Station departure is only at 3:00 PM.