Have you ever been to Nagoya?😁💓

Today, I’d love to introduce you to my hometown—Nagoya! ✨

I was born and raised there, and I truly believe it’s one of the most exciting cities in Japan. ✊

Even though it’s the country’s third-largest city, Nagoya is often called a “big countryside city” and isn’t usually considered a major tourist destination...even by Japanese people...

But there’s so much more to Nagoya!

There’s even a direct flight from Singapore via Singapore Airlines (SQ), and it’s actually a perfect base for exploring many other parts of Japan. So why not give Nagoya a try?😘

① Tokugawa Art Museum & Tokugawa Garden🌿☀️

This is one of my favorite places to take friends from overseas.

The museum preserves the 400-year legacy of the Owari Tokugawa family and displays many of their treasured items—including national treasures like illustrated scrolls from The Tale of Genji.

While the museum itself is amazing, I personally recommend the Tokugawa Garden right next door even more. ☺️✨

It’s a peaceful, photogenic space tucked away in the middle of the city.

It’s usually quiet, beautifully landscaped, and sometimes features seasonal light-up events.👏

There are many gardens in Japan, but after visiting quite a few, I believe this is one of the most tranquil, compact, and beautiful ones.✨

② Nagoya Castle🏯✨

We used to enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves here!  🌸

Nagoya Castle is the proud symbol of the city—especially the iconic shachihoko on the main tower (tenshukaku).  ✨

A shachihoko is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a tiger, believed to protect buildings from fire. 🔥

There’s even a traditional dance performed by Nagoya geisha called the “Golden Shachihoko Dance,” where they pose like the shachihoko. 💃

Please check the photo I’ve attached—it’s such a distinctive and impressive pose!

Recently, a new castle town area has opened around the castle, where you can enjoy Nagoya-style food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a relaxing walk.🍙

③Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology🚗🌟

Nagoya’s neighboring city, Toyota, is home to the headquarters of the world-famous Toyota Motor Corporation.

This museum showcases Toyota’s beginnings in the textile industry and its evolution into one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. 

It’s a fascinating place for car lovers and anyone interested in innovation.

Many of my family members and friends work for Toyota, so learning about its rich history always feels personal to me.

Lastly, we can’t talk about Nagoya without mentioning its famous kissaten (Japanese cafés) and their morning service.

Just order a cup of coffee, and you’ll get extras like toast and a boiled egg—for free!  👀

Starting with Komeda Coffee, there are many beloved local cafés where you can enjoy a relaxed start to your day.

Grab a coffee and take a stroll through the city—it’s a perfect way to enjoy Nagoya’s laid-back charm.

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