Nagoya, Japan’s Gateway Between Tokyo and Kansai

Nagoya, Japan’s Gateway Between Tokyo and Kansai


Nagoya Station serves as a major transportation hub, strategically located along the Shinkansen (bullet train) route. As a key transit point between Tokyo and the Kansai region—home to Kyoto and Osaka—Nagoya Station is operated by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central). Its central location makes it an ideal stopover for travelers heading between these major cities, offering a chance to explore the city's unique attractions and enjoy its local cuisine before continuing toward the Kansai area.

Japan’s Economic Powerhouse and Cultural Hub


Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, is a prominent economic and cultural center in Aichi Prefecture. Positioned in the Chubu region, it conveniently lies between Tokyo to the east and Osaka and Kyoto to the west, enhancing Nagoya's role as a key node in Japan’s transportation network.


Known as a powerhouse in Japan's economy, Nagoya is renowned for its thriving industrial and manufacturing sectors. The city is home to major corporations, including Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers. Nagoya’s significant contribution to Japan’s automotive industry, along with numerous suppliers and related businesses, underscores its importance in the region’s economic landscape.

A Majestic Revival of Edo-Era Elegance


During my family visit to Nagoya, I was fortunate to witness the reopening of Honmarugoten, the Palace of Nagoya Castle. Originally built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, this palace served as the residence and administrative center for the Tokugawa clan. Although it was destroyed during World War II, its recent meticulous reconstruction has restored it to its former splendor.

Honmarugoten is celebrated for its exquisite traditional Japanese architecture, including beautifully painted sliding doors and intricate woodwork. Its reopening provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of this cultural treasure.


The palace's interior showcases stunning traditional craftsmanship, featuring elegant fusuma paintings, tatami flooring, and the use of high-quality wood. The fusuma (sliding doors) are adorned with intricate artwork by renowned artists from the Kano school, often depicting serene landscapes and nature, embodying Japan's cultural heritage with artistic elegance.

Throughout the palace, tatami mats cover the floors, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. This traditional flooring material adds warmth and softness to public and private spaces, including audience halls and waiting rooms. The use of cedar and cypress wood further enhances the aesthetic, with beams, pillars, and coffered ceilings showcasing Japanese carpentry’s intricate details that balance form and function.


The ceilings are particularly artistic in the grand audience rooms, with gilded gold leaf and elaborate nature-inspired designs. This opulence is especially evident in the Jodan-no-Ma, where the lord would hold court from an elevated platform, symbolizing his authority. Even in the simpler private quarters, the craftsmanship is remarkable, with wooden lattice windows and delicately designed sliding doors adding understated elegance to the living spaces.

Together, these elements—fine woodwork, artistic detail, and traditional materials—create an interior that is both grand and tranquil, reflecting the Edo period's cultural values while serving the practical needs of a feudal lord. More information, video, and virtual tour: https://lnkd.in/gGv46tkf

A Historic Landmark Revitalized Through Reconstruction and Festive Celebration

Nagoya Castle, which houses Honmarugoten, was a significant political and military center during the Edo period. The castle's iconic five-story main keep and golden shachihoko statues symbolize Nagoya's historical prominence. While the original castle was destroyed in 1945, a concrete replica served as a museum until efforts began to rebuild it using traditional wooden techniques. This reconstruction project preserves the castle’s historical authenticity while incorporating modern safety measures. The restoration of Nagoya Castle, including Honmarugoten, underscores Japan’s dedication to preserving its architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Nagoya Castle hosted a vibrant festival when we visited, attracting large crowds with its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. The event celebrated local culture and cuisine, featuring numerous food stalls and wagons that showcased Nagoya's renowned culinary scene. Attendees could sample a variety of traditional and regional specialties, including Nagoya Meshi dishes like Miso Katsu, Tebasaki (Nagoya-style chicken wings), and Tenmusu (a fusion of tempura and sushi). Beyond the food, the festival highlighted Nagoya's cultural traditions through performances, crafts, and other activities, offering a festive and communal experience that celebrated the city's rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy. The picturesque setting of Nagoya Castle provided an ideal backdrop for this memorable event.

A Revered Shinto Sanctuary and Cultural Landmark

Our next stop was Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Located in Nagoya, this historic site, over 1,900 years old, houses the sacred Kusanagi sword, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures. While the sword itself is not on display, its presence adds to the shrine's deep spiritual significance.

Atsuta Shrine is a key cultural landmark and a major center for Shinto worship, hosting numerous traditional ceremonies and the popular Atsuta Matsuri festival in June. The shrine’s main structure, the honden, exemplifies classic Shinto architecture, and its tranquil grounds offer beautiful walking paths surrounded by ancient trees.

Modern Transport and Culinary Delights


After visiting these culturally significant sites, we took a ride in a new type of taxi en route to the Marriott Hotel atop Nagoya Station. This innovative taxi, designed for the Tokyo Olympics, is compact yet surprisingly spacious and comfortable. While the standard color for these taxis is black, in Nagoya, they feature a distinctive white and green mix, perhaps reflecting the city's pride as Toyota's hometown.


Near Nagoya Station, there’s a culinary hotspot known as Nagoya Meshi, perfect for exploring the city’s unique cuisine. The station’s central location offers an excellent starting point to savor some of Nagoya's most distinctive dishes.


I couldn’t resist indulging in Nagoya's renowned local cuisine. I enjoyed a delicious lunch and continued sampling the city’s specialties after dinner at the hotel and the following day. Must-try dishes include Miso Katsu, a local take on tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) served with a rich hatcho miso sauce that has a deep umami flavor; Tebasaki, Nagoya-style chicken wings, crispy and marinated in a soy-based sauce with black pepper and sesame seeds; and Tenmusu, a delightful fusion of shrimp tempura wrapped in rice and nori (seaweed). You can find these dishes near Nagoya Station at spots like Yabaton, Sekai no Yamachan, Furaibo, and Senju. For seafood lovers, try the huge oysters, freshly caught and available in limited dishes.


Nagoya Station features a variety of dining options, including restaurants, food courts, and underground shopping areas like Esca and Meieki. Casual eateries and upscale establishments offer Nagoya Meshi, and department stores such as JR Central Towers and Takashimaya have gourmet floors showcasing local delicacies and souvenirs. With its central location and diverse dining options, Nagoya Station is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the city’s rich food culture.

A Culinary and Cultural Retreat


Our family continued to Hamanatsu, renowned for its Hitsumabushi, a signature dish featuring grilled eel over rice. It’s traditionally eaten in three ways: plain to savor the eel’s natural flavor, mixed with seasonings like wasabi and green onions, and with dashi broth for a delightful soup-like experience. Popular places such as Atsuta Horaiken are conveniently located around the station area.

Hamanatsu, situated in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its proximity to Lake Hamana, a large brackish lake, contributes to the region's environment and economy.

On our first day in Hamamatsu, we enjoyed dinner at Les Quatre Saisons, a French restaurant that combines classic French cuisine with local Japanese ingredients. Known for its refined ambiance, the restaurant emphasizes seasonal menus, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend traditional and contemporary French cooking techniques.


Beyond dining, Les Quatre Saisons offers luxurious accommodations on its upper level, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the fine dining and relaxation experience. With its serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, it’s an ideal spot for unwinding and enjoying an indulgent retreat.

A Tranquil Stay by Lake Hamana

We didn’t stay at the restaurant since its accommodations were suited for two people, and we were traveling with our daughter and other family members. Instead, we stayed near Lake Hamana, a popular destination in the Hamamatsu area known for its beautiful views and recreational activities. The lake’s calm waters make it perfect for boating, fishing, and bird-watching, allowing visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the tranquil environment.

In addition to outdoor activities, the area around Lake Hamana is famous for its hot springs (onsen), many of which offer stunning views of the lake. This made our stay even more enjoyable, allowing us to unwind and appreciate the natural landscapes while experiencing the rejuvenating effects of the hot springs.

Lake Hamana, located near Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The lake isn't large, but it is popular for a range of water activities including boat rides, kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. These activities make the lake appealing for both locals and visitors who enjoy being outdoors.

The surrounding area is designed for relaxation, with numerous hotels, ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), and private residences nearby. Kanzanji Onsen, on the eastern side of the lake, is a notable hot spring destination, where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake while soaking in natural hot springs. Additionally, the area features leisure spots such as Hamamatsu Flower Park, Hamamatsu City Zoo, and even an amusement park for families. Overall, Lake Hamana is a blend of outdoor activity and serene relaxation, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to enjoy nature without heavy crowds.

Fruit-Picking Fun and Relaxation at Hamanatus Fruit Park

During our visit to Hamanatus Fruit Park, we were immersed in a delightful world of fruits and outdoor fun. The park is renowned for its expansive orchards, where visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit-picking, from juicy apples and peaches to plump grapes and sweet strawberries. The experience extends beyond just harvesting; the park is equipped with barbecue (BBQ) areas, making it easy to cook and savor the fruits of your labor amidst the lush surroundings. For those seeking a more immersive stay, the park offers "gramping" options, blending the rustic charm of camping with added comfort and luxury. There are also several on-site restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced fare. Given the park's vast size, we rode a convenient train bus to navigate the various areas, though some adventurous visitors opted for Segways or golf carts to explore more efficiently. Overall, Hamanatus Fruit Park is a perfect destination for a fun-filled day of fruit picking, dining, and relaxation, set against the backdrop of nature’s bounty. On our way back home, we picked up some wines and juices from the local winery to savor the flavors of our visit even longer.

Savoring Unagi Eel Before Heading Back to Tokyo

Finally, the highlight of the trip was the unagi eel dishes, which we savored before taking the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Unagi is typically served with a sweet soy-based sauce known as tare, but in this region, we had the opportunity to enjoy it in a simpler, more traditional style—unseasoned, with just a pinch of salt. This minimalist approach allowed the natural flavors of the eel to shine through. The eel was expertly grilled over charcoal, which imparted a subtle smokiness, adding depth to its tender and rich texture. The dish was a refreshing departure from the usual tare-glazed preparation found in other regions, offering a true appreciation of the eel’s inherent taste. It was a perfectly satisfying meal, leaving us feeling both happy and full as we concluded our memorable day and headed back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen.

A Journey Through Japan’s Cultural and Culinary Treasures


Nagoya stands as a pivotal gateway between Tokyo and the Kansai region, offering both a strategic transit point and a rich array of experiences. From the historic charm of Honmarugoten Palace and the spiritual significance of Atsuta Shrine to the culinary delights of Nagoya Meshi, the city provides a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Our journey through Shizuoka Prefecture, including visits to Hamanatsu Fruit Park and Lake Hamana, showcased the region's natural beauty and culinary excellence, culminating in a memorable unagi eel meal that highlighted the area's commitment to authentic flavors. Whether you're exploring Nagoya's vibrant cityscape or the tranquil surroundings of Shizuoka, this trip offers a comprehensive taste of Japan's diverse cultural and gastronomic landscape.









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