Hotels in Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's industrial engine — Toyota was founded in the surrounding Aichi region and the wider area still builds much of the country's cars — which is part of why travellers often skip it, and it is fair to say it is a working city more than a sightseeing one. That sells it short.

Its rebuilt castle wears two golden shachihoko, the mythical tiger-fish, on its roof; Atsuta Shrine is one of Shinto's most sacred, said to guard the legendary imperial sword; and the local food is a distinct cuisine of its own — hitsumabushi (grilled eel eaten three ways), miso katsu in dark red bean sauce, and tebasaki chicken wings. The Osu district mixes an old temple with cheap shopping and street food. Stay around Nagoya Station or Sakae for transit, dining and an easy reach to the castle.