About Nagoya

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, and together they form Japan's financially strongest region.
Surrounded by sea, mountains, rivers and plains, centrally located Nagoya had long been the envy of the many neighboring warlords. The wide, flat, fertile Nobi Plains were ideal for rice and crop production. The sea to the south was a rich fishing grounds and like the many surrounding rivers, was ideal for transportation and trade. Fine timber, clays and stone from the mountains made it most desirable, and so this bountiful region found itself at the heart of the Sengoku, or Warring States period. It is little wonder the Oda clan, and later the mighty Tokugawa clan chose Nagoya for the site of their great castles. Naturally, increased samurai military presence invited talented craftsmen, and many traditional industries were formed.
Innovation has always been part of Nagoya's culture, and this is where the Japanese art of manufacturing was perfected. The worlds's first wooden robots, mechanized puppets known as karakuri dolls, were developed in Nagoya during the early 1600's. Originally used atop the traditional festival floats unique to this area and as playthings for the affluent, the technology from these handcrafted wooden mechanical wonders led to automated loom manufacturing, which in turn influenced vehicle production line techniques, launching Nagoya's powerful industries.

Sprawling and mostly flat, Nagoya at night provides an amazing sight. Try a helicopter night flight over the city from the Komaki based Nagoya Airport, or see the city landmarks from the Sky Promenade on the top 3 floors of the of Nagoya’s highest building, the 46 story Midland Square. Alternatively, Higashiyama Sky Tower is said to be among Japan’s best night views.
Popular summertime rooftop Beer Gardens dot the city center, while the central Nishiki 3-Chome areas’ nightclubs, pubs and discos really only come alive after dark.
Other night attractions include the Nagoya Port fun park, Sea Train Land with its huge illuminated Ferris Wheel and other side-shows. This can be coupled with a weekend Nagoya Port Night Cruise taking in the surprisingly beautiful-at-night factories lit up like year-round X-mas trees. See the towering Nagoya Castle lit up at night, or for something a little more cultural, one of Nagoya's oldest remaining traditional restaurants dating back over 400 years, the Kawabun, offers Cultural Nights, with traditionally trained Geisha providing song, dance and timeless entertainments while interacting directly with the clientele.

Nagoya’s cuisine, known affectionately as “Nagoya Meshi”, is without doubt the most unique food culture within mainland Japan. Although it is undoubtedly Japanese, it is among the most Western-friendly of Japanese cuisines, and often a welcomed alternative to the unfamiliar Japanese fare one encounters on trips to Japan.
While Japanese food is as much a feast for the eyes as it is the palate, Nagoya Meshi admittedly looks a little bland. Everything is brown, but what it lacks in color, it certainly makes up for in taste. A highly nutritious and delicious traditionally fermented soybean paste called miso is often used in Nagoya Meshi.
Must try items include Miso Nikomi Udon, thick, udon noodles simmered in a rich miso-based broth, perfect for those cold winter days. Tebasaki, Nagoya Fried Chicken Wings, deep fried wings dusted with an eclectic mix of herbs, salts and seasoning, enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Kishimen are long flat noodles in a unique soup supposedly enjoyed by the samurai of old. Hitsumabushi, grilled eel served on a bed of rice with various condiments included to enjoy in four ways, and Miso Katsu, soft pork cutlets smothered in a topping of miso sauce. Large fried shrimp, known as Ebi Fry, also the locally bred Nagoya Kochin chicken, Ogura Toast, being sweet red beans served on toast, and Temusu, fried shrimp in rice-balls, are perennial local favorites. There's so much more to discover, taste and enjoy when you visit Nagoya.