Table of Contents
If you’re looking for some unique and lesser-known attractions in Nagoya, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to share the top 6 hidden gems in Nagoya. Shhh don’t tell anyone else 😉
All of the information in this article is from our own personal first-hand research and experience. We have lived in Nagoya and explored the area extensively. We really love this part of Japan. There is so much to see and do, and we are excited to share some of our personal favorites.
If you are planning to visit Nagoya, there are, of course, the classic attractions like Nagoya Castle, the TV Tower, and the Nagoya Science Museum. However, if you’re hoping to experience some more unique attractions (things that other people miss), we recommend that you take some time perusing this article and getting to grips with some of the best hidden gems in the area. Most people who visit Nagoya miss these wonderful hidden gems.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A TOUR? Explore with a local expert. Why not take a Nagoya City Tour and discover Hidden Gems with a local? This awesome Nagoya City half day tour is fun, affordable, flexible & engaging – your guide can take you to some secret spots and hidden gems
Map of the BEST hidden gems in Nagoya
What do we mean by “hidden gems”?
When we are talking about hidden gems, we are talking about attractions and activities that most tourists and travelers miss. Being a hidden gem in Nagoya does not mean you will be the only person visiting (Nagoya is a very busy city). What we mean by hidden gems are places that are lesser known and underrated. These are places that you will not find in typical articles online.
VISITING IN BLOSSOM SEASON? – This is such a special experience we actually have a dedicated guide for this one. Don’t miss our guide to the BEST places to see Blossom in Nagoya – find the spots that other people miss!
1 Shike-michi Townscape
For such a central and beautiful district, the Shike-michi townscape is surprisingly tranquil and not well-known. It is a mere 15-minute walk from the Central Station. Shike-michi has the ambience of a small village situated in the city, with small quiet streets, quaint Japanese houses, and small beautifully landscaped gardens. The best way to enjoy this area is to take a stroll through the streets. Perhaps you could incorporate it into the route of a walking tour. There is also a little accommodation in the area and a few shops and cafes. It is free to explore the Shike-michi townscape.
2 Tokoname Pottery Village
The Tokoname Pottery Village is genuinely one of the most underrated and impressive hidden gems in Nagoya. Situated around 40 minutes south of Nagoya by train, the pottery village is free to visit and walk around (don’t miss our Tokoname Free Self-guided Walking Tour). You can explore artistic pottery studios, authentic pottery workshops, and coffee shops. Don’t miss the iconic waving cat statue, the historic step kilns, and the pottery walkway (a great spot for some photography). The pottery village itself is packed with hidden gems, including quaint gardens and beautiful viewpoints. And of course, don’t miss the fresh homemade noodle restaurant situated close to the station. If you have time, you can also take a walk to the INAX Museum where you can learn about terracotta and tile production and even take part in a tile workshop. We recommend allowing a full day to visit the Tokoname Pottery Village.
THINGS TO DO – The Best things to see and do in Tokoname Pottery Village
3 Tasty Local Ramen Restaurant
If you’re exploring Japan and you see an authentic local ramen restaurant, you owe it to yourself to go in and try a bowl of delicious fresh ramen. One such opportunity can be found a few blocks north of the Science Museum. This restaurant is called Udon Field Den (when you see this restaurant, the name is only written in Japanese and not English). It is situated on the corner of Nagashimacho-dori and Irecho-dori. They serve a selection of supremely fresh, tasty, and delicious ramen dishes. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with local culture and enjoy a special Japanese meal with your kids.
4 Buddha Statue of Shuurakuen
If you’re looking for unique cultural things to do in Nagoya, then why not take a visit to the Buddha Statue of Shuurakuen? This is a large Buddha statue situated on a small hill in the beautiful Shurakuen Park (it is around 15 minutes south of Nagoya by train). As a very unique spot, you’re unlikely to see any other foreign travelers here, and you’ll probably not find many photos of this before you visit. So this really is an opportunity to visit a unique attraction that other people miss. It is free to visit the Buddha Statue of Shuurakuen. Top tip – you could tie this in with a visit to Tokoname because it is on the same train line. Win win!
5 Floating Lake at Oasis 21
This is a relatively central and prominent attraction; however, it is easy to miss if you do not know it is here. So we’ve included the floating lake at Oasis 21 on our list of hidden gems in Nagoya (even though it’s not the most hidden activity on the list). The floating lake is situated on the glass roof of the Oasis 21 shopping center. It is beautifully illuminated at night with colorful light, and you can walk around the floating lake taking in beautiful views of the surrounding Sakae area and the TV Tower. It is free to visit the floating lake (it is also called Spaceship Aqua).
6 Flight of Dreams (Chubu Airport)
And last but not least, we highly recommend a visit to the Flight of Dreams entertainment center situated at Chubu Airport (around 45 minutes south of Nagoya). The Flight of Dreams has a decommissioned Boeing 787 Dreamliner. You can actually walk up the steps and have a look in a recreated cockpit. There are also several learning exhibitions situated around the aircraft. Flight of Dreams is a fantastic attraction for families. It is free to enter, and there are a range of physical and creative play areas. They also have a flight simulator (you do need to pay to do the flight simulator). There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area. We have included this on our list of hidden gems because many people miss this awesome attraction. This is particularly good if you’re traveling with kids, especially if you or your family are interested in aviation.
7 Sengen Shrine
Here is a lesser-known inner city temple situated a short walk from the central station. Sengen Shrine is a small Shinto Temple – open to the public for free. The exact date of establishment is unknown – however, the temple was transferred to its current site in 1647. So this is an ancient temple, even if you just consider the age at the current location! There are 7 old trees in the temple area (Camphor and Zelkova trees) And there are also a few blossom trees here (perfect if you’re looking for a secluded spot to see some cherry blossom). They also hold an annual celebration at Sengen Temple on 1st and 2nd October. As a true Hidden Gem – this temple is easy to miss and hard to find. Don’t rely on Google Maps which prioritises a temple in Tokyo of the same name. We have pinned the correct location of the Nagoya Sengen Shrine on our map at the top of this article ….you’re welcome 🙂
