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If you’re visiting Nagoya with kids – planning and preparation is everything! Japan may be an epic country to travel – but it is not the kind of place that you can wing it. In this article we will help you with the first step of your planning process – by finding the best areas to stay in Nagoya with kids. Having stayed in Nagoya and explored the area with our own kids – we have first-hand experience to help you plan your own trip.
To keep it concise and as helpful as possible we will take it down to 4 areas – each of which has its own unique advantage and vibe. Three of these areas are situated in central Nagoya City (within the subway network) and one of them is situated around 40 minutes south of the city (an area called Tokoname – this one is a real gem so don’t skip past this one!)
Each of the areas that we share offer unique advantages to families – whether it is engaging activities, public transport connections, availability of family-friendly accommodation or the vibe of the area. For each of the area that we recommend we will also include some accommodation recommendations – so that you can find the best places to stay with kids. And of course we will also give you booking links to make your planning process as quick and efficient as possible.
Map of the best areas to stay in Nagoya
1 Shike-Michi Heritage District
The Shike-Michi heritage district is a hidden gem in Nagoya. We chose this area with our kids – and to be honest we are very glad we did! There are lots of advantages to the Shike-Michi area.
This really is one of the best areas to stay with kids. It offers a fantastic balance of beauty, tranquility, and proximity to the central station (1 km from central station; it only takes around 20 minutes to walk). The small quiet roads make this a lovely area to explore with little ones. It is situated next to the Kokusai Centre subway station on the Sakura-dori line (which allows you to connect quickly and efficiently with other areas of town).
The Shike-Michi heritage district is a very pretty area. There are lots of beautiful traditional Japanese houses. There is a handful of shops, cafes, and restaurants to the north of the Shike-Michi heritage district. Alternatively, you can walk toward the station, and you will find several convenience stores so you can get snacks and supplies for your kids. There are also lots of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants around the station too. Slightly further, you can also walk to the beautiful Nagoya castle – a must-see attraction in Nagoya with kids.
Best of all you can find some very comfortable, affordable family-friendly accommodation in the Shike-Michi heritage district. In our humble opinion this is one of the best areas to stay in central Nagoya.
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN SHIKE-MICHI HERITAGE DISTRICT
Don’t miss the awesome Cafe & Guest House Nagonoya. This guest house has a lovely sociable vibe. It is one of the most affordable places in Nagoya and they have a very comfortable family room (we stayed as a family of 5!). The futons and bedding as so comfortable! It is a great location and very clean & well designed – no surprises there. You can book this place on Agoda. You can also book this guest house on booking.com.
2 Osu Area
If you’re looking for a central shopping hub in Nagoya, then we highly recommend finding a place to stay in the Osu area. This cosmopolitan district is situated to the south of Nagoya City Center. In the area, you can visit the Osu Shotengai shopping street. This is a great opportunity for you and your kids to immerse yourself in a cultural Japanese city experience.
The Osu area is also not too far from the Nagoya Science Museum (one of the best attractions in Nagoya for kids). You could genuinely spend a few days visiting the science museum. It is affordable, fun and packed with amazing things to explore.
Nearby you can also visit the Nagoya City Art Museum, and Public Park – a great space for kids to run around and burn off some energy. This area is also very accessible, situated on the Meijo Loop line (the closest subway station is Kamimaezu). This means you can easily access the Sakae district and the Nagoya Central Station. So if you want to be close to shops, transport and amenities – we highly recommend the Osu area for families in Nagoya.
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN OSU
Check out Grand Base Osu – this hotel has a charming traditional Japanese style. They have a beautiful spacious triple room which can comfortably accommodate a family of 3. You can book Grand Base Osu on Agoda. You can also reserve Grand Base Osu on booking.com.
3 Sakae area
The Sakae district is the cosmopolitan hub of Nagoya. So if you want to be super-central, Sakae is a great choice. This area has a lovely vibe. The main attraction in this area is the iconic Mirai Tower (also known as the Chubu Electric Power Tower). If your kids need a run around you can also take a walk through the Hisaya Odori Park – which runs along the center of the promenade.
There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops around here (the food is pretty expensive in this area). This area has a lot of international options, so if your kids are fussy eaters you should be able to find something suitable. The closest subway station is the Sakae Station, which is connected to an extensive underground shopping precinct (great for taking shelter in bad weather). Sakae Station is on both the Higashiyama Line and Meijo Line.
If you are exploring this area with kids, check out Oasis 21 mall with a floating lake on the rooftop (it is free to walk around the lake). Thi is magical for kids in the evening! If you enjoy unique attractions, you might also be interested in the Sky Boat at Sunshine Mall (this is a large Ferris wheel on the side of a shopping mall) – our kids particularly loved the cheezy J-pop music!
Near Sakae, you can also find Kura Sushi, a contemporary sushi belt restaurant where you can get surprisingly affordable sushi. This is a great way to feed your family without blowing your budget! Also, don’t miss the Aichi Museum of Art. The Sakae district is also a 20-minute walk from Nagoya Castle. The main disadvantage of this area is the price – accommodation, food and drinks are pretty expensive around here.
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN SAKAE
If you are staying in the Sakae area we recommend staying in an apartment like the Guest House Re-worth Yabacho1 401 – this is great value for money and relatively affordable. You can book this apartment on booking.com. You can also book this apartment on Agoda.
4 Tokoname Pottery Village
Tokoname Pottery Village is one of Nagoya’s best-kept secrets and is a true hidden gem in Japan. But it is not situated in the city centre area. Tokoname is situated around 40 minutes south of Nagoya City Center on the Meitetsu Line (not all of the trains stop at this village, so you will need to check the information carefully). Tokoname is situated close to the Chubu Centrair Airport. The village itself is absolutely stunning, with historic kilns, art shops, pottery workshops, boutique coffee shops, and cafes. They also have a lot of Edo period houses in the area.
Tokoname is famous for the iconic Japanese cat pottery, and it is also the scene of “A Whisker Away” (a Japanese anime film about a girl who finds a mask which allows her to become a cat to get close to a boy). Tokoname has a good range of shops, including convenience stores and a couple of supermarkets. There is also a large shopping mall nearby (Aeon Mall) and a very beautiful beach. It is a couple of train stops away from the Chubu Centrair Airport, where you can visit the Flight of Dreams (a free attraction which is great for kids). Tokoname is definitely off the beaten track. Although there is some local Japanese tourism in the area, you are unlikely to bump into Western tourists around here.
DON’T MISS THIS – Take a FREE Self-Guided Tokoname Walking Tour AND The Best things to See and Do in Tokoname
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN TOKONAME
Don’t miss the authentic and stylish GUESTHOUSE TANUKI – This is a quaint rustic and cozy guest house with traditional Japanese design, artwork and furniture. They even have a quadruple room – perfect for families. You can book Tanuki on Agoda and you can also book Tanuki on booking.com.
