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If you’re looking for the best indoor activities in Nagoya, you have come to the right place. Don’t let a rainy day spoil your fun in Nagoya.
We have lived in Nagoya and explored the area extensively. We have used our own first-hand research and experience to pull together this dedicated guide on the best indoor activities and attractions in Nagoya.
For each of our recommendations, we have also included key information such as opening times, prices, transport tips, and some context to give you more information and help you plan your time. This is, of course, not an exhaustive list; there are plenty of other indoor activities that we have not covered. We have tried to pick a good range of activities, including some of the best things to see and do on a rainy day.
Map of the Best Indoor Activities in Nagoya
Top Tips for Exploring Nagoya on a Rainy Day
- Use the subway to travel around: The entire subway system is underground and sheltered from the elements.
- Use an umbrella: It is easy to find affordable and high-quality umbrellas in Japan. You can even buy them in convenience stores like Family Mart.
- Plan and pace your day: Plan your activities and timings carefully. Some of the activities in this article are very short, and other activities can take an entire day.
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing: During the winter months, it can be particularly cold in Nagoya. Make sure that you bring plenty of waterproof and warm layers.
Looking for some unique lesser-known activities in Nagoya? Don’t miss our full guide to the BEST Hidden Gems in Nagoya
1 Nagoya Castle – Honmaru Palace
- Time: 1 – 2 hours
- Nearest subway station: 10 minutes from Nagoyajo
Nagoya Castle itself is not an indoor activity; you’re not allowed to go inside the main castle. However, there is an indoor section that you can explore called Honmaru Palace. This is included in the price of the entry ticket. You do, however, need to queue up and wait to enter this building (so you will need to spend some time outside). Entry to Nagoya Castle costs 500 yen (roughly £2.50 or $3), with junior high school students and under free. The castle is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The best way to get to Nagoya Castle is to use the subway (Nagoyajo stop, exit 7). If you are visiting the Nagoya Castle, don’t miss the beautiful traditional Japanese tea house (not far from the East gate).
2 Skyboat – Ferris Wheel
- Time: 20 minutes
- Nearest subway station: 5 minutes from Sakae
Another option for a rainy day is the Skyboat Ferris wheel, which is located at Sunshine Sakae shopping mall. This is a great way to get some panoramic views of the city, and it is also a unique and fun experience with kids. However, the Skyboat experience only lasts around ten minutes (so don’t expect to fill a full day with this activity). The Skyboat Ferris wheel costs 600 yen per person.
3 Visit a Gaming Arcade
- Time: 1 – 2 hours
- Nearest subway station: 5 minutes from Sakae
If you have an hour or two on a rainy day, why not visit one of the many gaming arcades in Nagoya? Arcades are a fun part of Japanese culture. If you are looking for somewhere to start, we recommend King Joy, a few blocks from Sakae. Arcades generally cost around 100 to 200 yen per game. This is another great option for families.
4 Nagoya Science Museum
- Time: 2 – 7 hours
- Nearest subway station: 10 minutes from Fushimi
If you have a full day and you’re looking for an indoor activity, we highly recommend the Nagoya Science Museum. It is absolutely packed with fascinating exhibitions, experiments, and interactive demonstrations. They cover a wide range of science themes including matter, energy, the human body, space, and much more. There is also a huge planetarium with shows throughout the day (the presentations are only in Japanese, but it is still a fascinating experience). We recommend that you arrive early to book your planetarium slot; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Nagoya Science Museum is also a great value for money, costing 400 yen for the museum only (free for junior high and below) and 800 yen for the museum and planetarium.
5 Sky Promenade
- Time: 1 hour
- Nearest subway station: 5 minutes from Nagoya Central Station
If you have a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon, we highly recommend a visit to the Sky Promenade, which is a tall skyscraper situated next to the Nagoya Central railway station. The Sky Promenade is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It costs 1,000 yen to visit the spectacular observation deck. It is an impressive 220 meters tall with amazing 360-degree views.
6 Mirai Tower (Chubu Electric Power Tower)
- Time: 1 hour
- Nearest subway station: 5 minutes from Hisayaodori
The Mirai Tower is one of the most iconic and prominent attractions in Nagoya. Although it is not as tall as the Sky Promenade, you can still see a lot from the top of the Mirai Tower. It is also more expensive, costing 1,300 yen for adults (£6 or $8) and 800 yen for kids (elementary and junior high). Preschool children are free. Mirai Tower is right in the heart of the Sakae district, the cosmopolitan hub of Nagoya.
7 Visit the Osu Shotengai Shopping Street
- Time: 1 hour
- Nearest subway station: 10 minutes from Kamimaezu Station
If you’re exploring Nagoya on a rainy day, don’t miss the Osu Shopping Street. This is a touristy market (it is a covered walking street, so we have included this as an indoor activity). This is a great opportunity to sample some Japanese street food, and you can also find plenty of shops selling gifts, clothing, and artwork.
8 Visit the Nagoya Aquarium
- Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Nearest subway station: 5 minutes from Nagoyako
If you’re looking for indoor activities in Nagoya, why not visit the Nagoya Aquarium, which has an impressive range of sea life. It is also a great place to connect with and learn about ocean life. Nagoya Aquarium has dolphins, sea turtles, and you can even see a killer whale. It is also excellent value for money, costing around £10.
9 Explore the Nagoya City Art Museum
- Time: 2 -3 hours
- Nearest subway station: 10 minutes from Fushimi
Last but not least, we highly recommend a visit to the Nagoya City Art Museum, which is situated right next to the Nagoya Science Museum. We recommend allowing a few hours to explore this museum (you could spend an entire day here if you are an art enthusiast). They have a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Don’t miss the Van Gogh exhibition and the Monet exhibition. The Nagoya City Art Museum is also excellent value for money; it costs 300 yen for the permanent exhibitions.
