Attractions Nearby Nagoya, Day Trips and Excursions

(Nagoya, Chubu, Central Honshu, Japan)

Whilst the attractions of Nagoya are more than enough for many tourists, others choose to venture outside of the city and explore the surrounding cities and towns. Of particularly interest are the many world-class attractions centred around Kyoto and Osaka.

Also of interest are the sights within the cities of Gifu and Hikone, which include Buddhist temples, ancient shrines and magnificent castles. The main attractions nearby Nagoya are as follows.

Kyoto

Kyoto can be found to the west of Nagoya and is a city not to be missed. If you are visiting Nagoya then your trip can only be enhanced by visiting nearby Kyoto, where the many attractions include Buddhist temples, shrines, gardens and a number of World Heritage Sites. Also of interest is the Museum of Kyoto, the lively Nishiki Market and also the traditional street of Ponto-cho.

Osaka

Osaka stands on the south-western side of Nagoya and is an important city in the Kansai region. Successfully combined modern-day Japan and the past, historic attractions in Osaka include the ancient Buddhist temple of Shitenno-ji, the festival gate of Tenno-ji, and the shrine of Sumiyoshi Taisha. Contrasting are the further attractions of Osaka Aquarium, the Universal Studios Japan, and the botanical gardens of Tenno-ji-koen.

Gifu

North of Nagoya and close to both Ichinomiya and Ogaki is the city of Gifu. With a population of more than 400,000 people and a neighbouring mountain top castle, Gifu's top attractions include the huge Buddha statue at the Shoho-ji temple, and both the Mount Kinka Ropeway and the Gifu City History Museum in the Gifu-Koen area.

Hikone

A relatively large city with over 105,000 residents and a particularly beautiful castle, Hikone is well connected to this part of Japan by a comprehensive rail network. Hikone-jo castle dates back to 1622 and dominates the very heart of the city, being regarded as one of the finest examples of a Japanese castle still standing.