ข้อมูลกิจกรรม

Nagoya is full of fun events like illuminations and projection mappings, a Christmas market, fireworks, and more in winter. Have a wonderful time in Nagoya with that special someone.

Nagoya Station area

Midland Christmas 2018

Wednesday, November 7-Tuesday, December 25, 2018
5:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Midland Square (Nagoya Station)
Enjoy a heart-warming "European Christmas" featuring a red and green Christmas tree decorated with lanterns, and more. *Free admission
WebsiteExternal Link

KITTE Nagoya's Star Christmas

Friday, November 9-Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Illumination Program: 5:15 AM-12:30 AM
Location: KITTE Nagoya (Nagoya Station)
In the first floor's atrium, an actual Japanese fir is used for a large Christmas tree. An illumination program creating an exciting Christmas ambience with both light and sound. *Free admission
WebsiteExternal Link
*Japanese page only

Noritake Garden's Christmas Garden 2018

Saturday, November 10-Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Illumination time: After sundown-7:00 PM (Until 9:00 PM, 12/21-12/25)
*Closed: Mondays (Open on 12/24 (Mon).)
Location: Noritake Garden (Kamejima Station on the Higashiyama subway line / Me~guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus "Noritake Garden" Bus Stop)
This year too, a giant Santa Claus is making an appearance. The garden is filled with color with the main illumination of a giant, 14-meter high Christmas tree. *Free admission
WebsiteExternal Link

Sakae area

CITY LIGHT FANTASIA BY NAKED -Anniversary-

Saturday, October 27, 2018-Sunday, January 6, 2019
・6:00 PM-10:00 PM (Until 9:00 PM in January)
Location: Nagoya TV Tower's indoor observation area, Sky Deck (Sakae Station on the Higashiyama and Meijo subway lines)
Experience Nagoya TV Tower one last time in a special, shimmering nightscape before its renovation.
WebsiteExternal Link

Iceless skating rink, Toyoda Gosei Rink

Friday (national holiday), November 23, 2018-Sunday, March 3, 2019
・1:00 PM-8:00 PM (Weekdays)
・10:00 AM-8:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and 12/24-1/6)
Location: Oasis 21 (Sakae Station on the Higashiyama and Meijo subway lines)
You can skate on this rink as it is made of a special plastic material.
WebsiteExternal Link

Nagoya Christmas Market 2018

Saturday, December 8-Monday (national holiday), December 24, 2018
Weekdays: 3:00 PM-8:30 PM
Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays: 11:00 AM-8:30 PM
Location: Edion Hisaya Square, Hisaya-Odori Park
Experience sweet German mulled wine and sausages; enjoy treats and cuisine fitting to the Christmas season; and buy great merchandise all among a big Christmas tree and a merry-go-round. *Free admission
WebsiteExternal Link

Flarie Christmas 2018

Saturday, November 17-Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Illumination: 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Hisaya-Odori Garden Flarie (3-minute walk south from Exit 4 of Yaba-cho Station on the Meijo subway line)
Come and take pictures at this Christmas photo spot in the shape of a heart.
WebsiteExternal Link

ASUNAL KANAYAMA FANTASY ILLUMINATION

Friday, November 16, 2018-Thursday, February 28, 2019
5:00 PM-11:00 PM (Tentative)
Location: ASUNAL KANAYAMA (Kanayama Station on the subway, Meitetsu, and JR lines)
A world of dreams where girls are like the heroines of fairytales.
WebsiteExternal Link
*Japanese page only

Shirotori Garden's Akari Art

Friday (national holiday), November 23-Sunday, December 9, 2018
*Closed Mondays
Sundown-9:00 PM
Location: Shirotori Garden (10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Jingu Nishi Station on the Meijo subway line)
Akari lantern art made with Mino-washi Japanese paper and illumination of autumn leaves with Japanese lanterns.
WebsiteExternal Link

Port of Nagoya

ISOGAI Fireworks Theater in Port of Nagoya

Monday (national holiday), December 24, 2018
Doors open at 5:30 PM. Event from 6:30 PM.
*Held rain or shine (moved to the next day on the 25th in severe weather)
Location: All around Garden Pier, Port of Nagoya (Just outside Nagoyako Station on the Meiko subway line)
Paired with music, fireworks soar upward creating an Xmas story in a beautiful fireworks musical. *Held rain or shine
WebsiteExternal Link
*Japanese page only

Outside Nagoya

Centrair Sky Illumination --Cathedral of Light--

Saturday, November 3, 2018-Sunday, March 31, 2019
5:00 PM-10:30 PM
*From 6:00 PM on Saturday, November 3 and after Friday, February 1.
Location: Sky Deck on 4F of the Passenger Terminal Building, Chubu Centrair International Airport (A short walk from Central Japan International Airport Station on the Meitetsu Airport Line)
The Centrair Sky Deck illumination event held every year. Enjoy this splendid, dazzling illuminated world themed after cathedrals. *Free admission
WebsiteExternal Link

Nabana no Sato Illumination

Saturday, October 20, 2018-Monday (national holiday), May 6, 2019
Around sundown-final business hours
Location: Nabana no Sato (30-minute ride by Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station)
One of the largest illumination events in Japan. An impressive and beautifully touching illumination spectacle of awe that everyone should see at least once.
WebsiteExternal Link

The brightest ever Winter Laguna

Saturday (national holiday), November 3, 2018-Sunday, March 31, 2019
Sunset-Lagunasia's closing time (business hours may differ by season)
Location: Lagunasia in LAGUNA TEN BOSCH (15-minute ride by free shuttle bus from Gamagori Station on the JR Tokaido Line)
Debut of the dome-shaped Promenade of Light illumination on sparkling blue water and four illumination photo spots. Enjoy five illumination events in all, three projection mapping shows, and a fireworks show.
WebsiteExternal Link

Monday is known for facilities like art museums and zoos being closed. Here is a collection of recommended sightseeing spots you can enjoy even on Mondays.

In Nagoya, these ≪staple spots≫ are where to go

Nagoya Castle

The shimmering golden "shachi" upon Nagoya Castle's castle tower is are a symbol of the city. Within the castle is a museum where you can have fun learning about Nagoya's history. Reconstruction of the Hommaru Palace is also progressing, and completed areas open to the public as they occur.

Access Method: 5-minute walk from Shiyakusho Station on the subway
Nagoya Castle bus stop on the Me~guru bus route
Closed: Year-end/new year holiday
Website

Osu Shopping District and Osu Kannon Temple

The "most active shopping district in Japan," lined with shops of all kinds offering household appliances, used clothing, fine food, etc. The flea market held within Osu Kannon Temple's premises is also popular.

Access Method: Osu Kannon Station and Kamimaezu Station on the subway
Closed: Osu Kannon Temple open year-round
Days closed differ from store to store in the shopping district
Website

Atsuta Shrine

This historical shrine is the second most revered after Ise Shrine, and is known for holding one of Japan's three sacred treasures, the legendary "Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi" sword.

Access Method: 3-minute walk from Jingu-mae Station on the Meitetsu Line
7-minute walk from Jingu Nishi Station on the subway
Closed: Open year-round (Treasure Hall closed the last Wednesday of the month and the following day)
Website

Enjoy the city in ≪downtown Nagoya's Sakae area≫

Nagoya TV Tower

From its observation deck 100 meters above ground, look over the city of Nagoya and its outlying mountains. Lit up at night, this spot becomes a romantic setting, and has been named a "Lovers' Sanctuary."

Access Method: 5-minute walk from Hisaya-odori Station and Sakae Station on the subway
Closed: Open year-round (closed once a year for maintenance)
Website

Oasis 21

This three-dimensional park is known for its giant floating "Spaceship-Aqua" glass roof. A variety of events are held on the "Galaxy Platform" atrium.

Access Method: Directly connected to Sakae Station on the subway
Closed: Twice a year
Website

Hisaya-odori Garden Flarie

Feel nature while relaxing among gardens with blooming seasonal flowers. Also enjoy great tasting food and shopping.

Access Method: 3-minute walk from Yaba-cho Station on the subway
Closed: Year-end/new year holiday
Website

Go on an excursion to ≪the city's outer edge≫

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Focused on bullet trains, and featuring train car exhibits from local trains to the Superconducting Maglev train. You can learn about the workings of railroads and their histories through things like dioramas and driving simulators.

Access Method: 2-minte walk from Kinjo-futo Station on the Aonami Line
Closed: Tuesdays, year-end/new year holiday
Website

Arimatsu-Narumi Tie-Dyeing Museum

Get an introduction to the tie-dyeing culture of the Arimatsu and Narumi area. Walking through the still existing beautiful townscape portrayed in the woodblock prints of even Hokusai and Hiroshige is recommended.

Access Method: 5-minute walk from Arimatsu Station on the Meitetsu Line
Closed: Open throughout April-November
Closed on Wednesdays and the year-end/new year holiday from December-March
*May be closed at unspecified times

Nagoya Ceramics Hall

An exhibition introduction to pottery pieces for export which have captivated the world. The building's art deco atmosphere, featuring things like ceiling reliefs, is also worth a look.

Access Method: 3-minute walk from the Akatsuka Shirakabe city bus stop
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, the summer season, year-end/new year holiday
*May be closed at unspecified times

ในช่วงสิ้นปี ที่ญี่ปุ่นจะมีเทศกาลและกิจกรรมต่างๆที่นิยมปฏิบัติกันในช่วงนั้น และหนึ่งในเทศกาลนั้นก็คือ การตีระฆัง 108 ครั้งตอนเที่ยวคืนก่อนเข้าสู่ช่วงปีใหม่ ตามความเชื่อของศาสนาพุธ  การตีระฆัง 108ครั้งนั้นเชื่อว่าจะทำให้เราหลุดพ้นจากปีศาจ 108 ที่อยู่บนโลก เพื่อให้เข้าสู่ช่วงปีใหม่ได้ได้อย่างราบรื่นและบริสุทธิ์ โดยวันในนาโกย่าก็จะจัดพิธีนี้ทุกๆปีเช่นกัน วัดที่จัดพิธี 

วัด Osu Kannon 
วัด Koshoji 
วัด Kakuozan Nittaiji
วัด Kenchuji
วัด Arako Kannon
วัด Higashi Betsuin *Japanese only

ฮัทสึโมเดะคือ การไปสักการะศาลเจ้า หรือ วัด ในวันปีใหม่ของชาวญี่ปุ่น เพื่อขอพรแรกให้ตนปลอดภัยและสงบสุขในปีนั้นๆ  กล่าวกันว่า ฮัทสึโมเดะควรทำภายในสามวันแรกของเดือนมกราคม  และถ้าเข้าสักการะในวันที่ 1 มกราคมได้นั้นเชื่อว่าจะปลอดภัยตลอดทั้งปี  ซึ่งชาวญี่ปุ่นเรียกการเข้าสักการะนี้ว่า “ฮัทสึไมริ”
Especially, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple are crowded on New Year when many people come to pray.

An abundance of fun, must-see New Year's events during the year-end and new year holiday like countdown events, the tolling of temple bells, the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple, and special new year events. Have a wonderful time bringing in the new year in Nagoya with family and friends.

New Year's Eve Events

"Nagoya Castle Countdown Show!" and Opening of Nagoya Castle's Gates in the New Year

◆"Nagoya Castle Countdown Show!"
Date and time: 9:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (closing at 2:00 a.m.), Monday, December 31, 2018
◆Opening of the gates in the new year
Date and time: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closing at 5:00 p.m.), Tuesday (national holiday), January 1, 2019
Location: Nagoya Castle
Admission fee: Required
Count down together with Nagoya's idol group "Team Syachi".
For more details, click here.

Nagashima Countdown & New Year's Party 2019

Date and time: 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2018-3:00 a.m., Tuesday (national holiday), January 1, 2019
Location: Nagashima Spa Land (External link)
Admission fee: Required
Enjoy live performances by famous artists and fireworks. You can also enjoy the amusement park rides.
For more details, click here. (Japanese only)

LAGUNA TEN BOSCH New Year's COUNT DOWN 2019

Date and time: 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 31, 2018-1:00 a.m., Tuesday (national holiday), January 1, 2019
Location: Lagunasia, Laguna Ten Bosch (External link)
Admission fee: Required
Enjoy live performances by famous artists and fireworks. You can also enjoy the amusement park rides.
For more details, click here. (Japanese only)

First Sounding of Temple Bells & D-K Live Digital Scroll Art at Higashi Betsuin

Date and time: 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2018-1:30 a.m., Tuesday (national holiday), January 1, 2019
Location: Higashi Betsuin (Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin)
Fee: Free to watch
Enjoy a collaborative performance of light, art, and traditional Japanese culture with performances of "D-K Digital Scroll" art and the magical atmosphere it creates through projections of digital images on historic architecture, Noh theater, Japanese taiko drums, and more.
For more details, click here. (External link: Japanese only)

Tolling of Temple Bells

Date: December 31-January 1
Location: Temples everywhere
In Japan, the tolling of bells on New Year's Eve is done in what is called Joya no Kane. The bells are struck 108 times. It is said that within people dwell 108 worldly temptations (responsible for deceiving people's hearts and causing suffering in them), and the bells are run to expel those temptations. There are many temples where you yourself can strike the bell.
For more details, click here.

Spots to view the first sunrise of the year

Watch the first sunrise of the year from Nagoya TV Tower

Date and time: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., Tuesday (national holiday), January 1, 2019
(Final admission at 7:30 a.m.)
Location: Nagoya TV Tower
Admission fee: Required
You can watch the first sunrise of the year from two observation decks; the Sky Deck (90-meters high, indoor) and the Sky Balcony (100-meters high, outdoor).
*Admission limited to 400 people.
The last chance to see the first sunrise of the year from Nagoya TV Tower before it closes down for renovations (sun rises around 7:00 AM).

Watch the first sunrise of the year from Sky Promenade!

Date and time: 5:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m., Tuesday (national holiday), January 1, 2019(Tentative)
Location: Midland Square Sky Promenade
Admission fee: Required
You can watch the first sunrise of the year from the tallest building in Nagoya.
Find out more (External link: Japanese only)

First Visit of the Year to a Shrine or Temple

First Visit of the Year to a Shrine or Temple

Date and time: January
Location: Temples, shrines, etc.
Admission fee: Free
Japan has a custom, known as hatsumoude, where people visit temples and shrines in the beginning of the new year. People pray to ensure that the new year will be a good year.
For more details, click here.

Other

Matsu wo Kotobuku, Celebrating New Year at Tokugawaen

Date: Wednesday, January 2-Thursday, January 3, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
*Closed: Mondays (if a national holiday or compensatory holiday, the immediately following weekday), Year-end and New Year Holiday (December 29-January 1)
Location: Tokugawaen
Admission fee: Required
This is a special event held to celebrate the new year.
From 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, a drawing is held and warm adzuki bean soup is served to the first 300 guests to arrive. Also, tree peonies, a feature of Japan's winters, are displayed from January 2 through February 17.

New Year's Events at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Date: Wednesday, January 2; Thursday, January 3; and Saturday, January 5, 2019
*Some areas cancelled on rainy days
Time: 9:00 AM-4:50 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)
Location: Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (External link)
Admission fee: Required
Animal Talk is held on the 2nd and 3rd in celebration of the new year. On the 5th, lucky koala bookmarks will be given to 500 students studying for school entrance exams on a first come, first served basis.

New Year Tea Party at Shirotori Garden

Date and time: Sunday, January 6, Sunday, January 13, Monday (national holiday), January 14, 2019
11:00 AM-3:30 PM on Sunday the 6th
10:00 AM-3:30 PM on Sunday the 13th and Monday (national holiday) the 14th
Location: Shirotori Garden
Admission fee: Required
Enjoy tea ceremony in Seiu-tei, a tea house authentically built in with sukiya-style architecture, while gazing at beautiful yukizuri (ropes to prevent branches from snapping under heavy snow) scenery. A traditional Japanese instrument concert is also held.

Chinese New Year Festival in Nagoya

Date and time: Saturday, January 12-Monday (national holiday), January 14, 2019
11:00 AM-5:00 PM on Saturday the 12th
10:00 AM-5:00 PM on Sunday the 13th and Monday (national holiday) the 14th
Location: Hisaya Plaza, Hisaya Odori Park
Admission fee: Free
The traditional Chinese lunar new year's "Chinese New Year Festival" is held. Learn about Chinese culture through this traditional festival. You can also get a taste of flavors, scents, and emotions.
For more details, click here.

Featuring all the firefighting equipment for ground, sea, and air, such as fire engines, fire boats, firefighting helicopters, and more. Watch approximately 2,000 firefighting staff marching in line and performing rescue drills, as well as the simultaneous discharging of water and other firefighting drills.
In addition, events and a display of fire engines are held in the Shobo Fureai space.

A mysterious skating rink you can slide around on with skates even though it's not ice!
You can skate on this rink as it is made of a special plastic material. First-time skaters and children can easily experience skating as you don't get wet if you fall, and it's not cold. At night, images are projected onto the rink's surface, so you can enjoy the illumination in the middle of the rink.

Closed: None during the event period
Website:
*Japanese page only
https://www.nagoyatv.com/toyodagoseirink/

The Japanese word Setsubun means the parting of seasons, and in modern-day Japan, particularly represents the period between the changing of winter to spring. During this period (February 3), people throw beans around inside their houses in order to dispel evil spirits.

Nagoya's main Setsubun festival information:

◆Osu Kannon Setsubun Treasure Ship Parade
February 3, from 1:18 PM–3:00 PM
Transportation: Osu Kannon Station on the subway
Inquiries: +81-52-231-6525
For more details, click here.

◆Kasadera Kannon
Transportation: Meitetsu Moto Kasadera Station
Inquiries: +81-52-821-1367
Night Festival Before Setsubun: February 2, from 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
Setsubun Festival: February 3, from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
For more details, click here.

◆Jimokuji Kannon
Transportation: Meitetsu Jimokuji Station
Inquiries: +81-52-442-3076
Setsubun: February 3, from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

◆Arako Kannonji
Transportation: Takabata Station on the subway, Arako Station on the Aonami Line
Inquiries: +81-52-361-1778
Setsubun Festival (First Half): February 3, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Setsubun Festival (Second Half): February 3, from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
For more details, click here.

◆Ryusenji (Kannon's Lucky Direction This Year)
Transportation: Ryusenjiguchi Station on the elevated bus line, the Yutorito Line
Inquiries: +81-52-794-3647
Night Festival Before Setsubun: February 2, from 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
Setsubun Festival: February 3, from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
For more details, click here.

The Cultural Path Futaba Museum, built in Japanese/Western-style, is the former residence of "first Japanese actress" Sadayakko Kawakami and "king of electricity" Momosuke Fukuzawa during the Taisho period (1912–1926). It was established as the base facility for the Cultural Path (spanning approx. 3 kilometers east to west from Nagoya Castle to Tokugawaen) in February 8, 2005.
The name of the facility and the date it was opened are similar each other's Japanese pronunciations, and so February 8 came to be known as "Futaba Day", with various events such as taishogoto musical performances.

Nagoya City

Nagoya Castle

Best viewing time: The end of January-beginning of March
More than 10 kinds of approximately 100 trees (white and red plum trees)
Transportation: 5-minute walk from the Shiyakusho Station Exit 7 on the Meijo subway line, or just next to the Me~guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus "③ Nagoya Castle" Bus Stop
Website

Togokusan Fruit Park (closed Mondays)

Best viewing time: The beginning of February-middle of March
35 kinds of approximately 200 trees (white and red plum trees, weeping plum trees)
Transportation: 13-minute walk from "Togokusan Fruits Park" City Bus Stop
Website

Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens (closed Mondays)

Best viewing time: The middle of February-middle of March
Approximately 20 kinds of approximately 200 trees (white and red plum trees)
Transportation: 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama subway line, or a 7-minute walk from Exit 6 of Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama subway line
Website

Aichi Prefecture

Ogata Shrine / Inuyama City

Best viewing time: The middle of February-end of March
Approximately 300 trees (red and white weeping plum trees)
Transportation: Approximate 20-minute walk from Gakuden Station on the Meitetsu Line
Website (External link: Japanese only)

Sori Pond / Chita City

Best viewing time: The middle of February–end of March
25 kinds of approximately 5,400 trees
Transportation: Chita Bus "Ume no Yakata-guchi" Bus Stop from Asakura Station on the Meitetsu Line
Website (External link: Japanese only)

Oike Park / Tokai City

Best viewing time: The middle of February-beginning of March
13 kinds of 300 trees
Transportation: Approximate 20-minute walk from Otagawa Station on the Meitetsu Line
Website (External link)

Mukaiyama Ryokuchi Plum Garden / Toyohashi City

Best viewing time: The middle of February-beginning of March
29 kinds of approximately 400 trees (white and red plum trees)
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Toyotetsu Bus "Daimachi" Bus Stop from Toyohashi Station on the Meitetsu and JR lines
Website (External link)

Gifu Prefecture

Bairin Park / Gifu City

Best viewing time: The middle of February-middle of March
Approximately 50 kinds of trees including 700 white plum trees and 600 red plum trees
Transportation: Approximate 3-minute walk from "Bairinkoen-mae" Bus Stop after taking a bus from JR Gifu Station (bus stop 14/15) or Gifu Bus Terminal
Website (External link)