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Rae & Cheloi
Hello and welcome to our site of travels, misadventures and lifestyle! I'm Rae Argallon, traveling the world with Cheloi Marasigan. Hope you find this blog exciting and trigger the inner traveler in you. Say yes to adventures. - R

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Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

NAGOYA FOR FIRST TIMERS: Itinerary, Helpful Tips, and Budget for Filipinos

Nagoya, the fourth-largest city in Japan, is a vibrant blend of traditional culture and modern attractions. Known for its rich history, technological advancements, and unique culinary delights, Nagoya offers a perfect mix of experiences for travelers. 

HEADING TO NAGOYA SOON? GET DISCOUNTED HOTEL BOOKINGS WITH KLOOK!

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Nagoya Morning Service
Nagoya:
City in Aichi Prefecture, Chūbu Region
Country: Japan
Coordinates: 35.1815° N, 136.9066° E
What to eat/drink: Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), Nagoya-style Tebasaki (chicken wings), Miso Katsu (fried pork cutlet with miso sauce), Kishimen (flat udon noodles), and Nagoya Morning Service with Ogura Toast (sweet red bean paste on toast). 
What to do: Explore Nagoya Castle, shop at Osu Shopping Street, visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, see Oasis 21 and Nagoya TV Tower, and take day trips to Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
Where to stay: Sakae for nightlife and shopping, Nagoya Station area for convenience, and Kanayama for budget-friendly options.
Ideal time to visit: Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather. Avoid the rainy season in June and the peak summer heat in August.
Language: Japanese (basic English is understood in tourist areas).
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY): 1 JPY = ~0.38 PHP (rates may vary).

HOW TO PLAN YOUR NAGOYA ITINERARY
1. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU'LL BE STAYING
Miso Katsu & Hitsumabushi
• 1 Day:
Perfect for a quick introduction to Nagoya! Focus on top sights like Nagoya Castle, Osu Shopping District, and a visit to the Nagoya TV Tower for city views.
• 2 to 3 Days: Great for a more relaxed exploration! You’ll have time to visit attractions like Atsuta Shrine, Oasis 21, and maybe fit in a trip to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. 
• 4 Days or More: Ideal for a leisurely pace with day trips! Explore further afield, like a visit to Inuyama Castle, or take a scenic trip to the historic city of Gifu. With extra time, dive deeper into Nagoya’s food scene or enjoy a day at LEGOLAND Japan Resort.
Tip: We stayed for 5 days where we were able to explore nearby areas with four whole days. It is ideal for experiencing the city’s highlights and have day trips to nearby cities. If you have more time, Nagoya offers plenty of cultural and natural gems to explore!
2. DETERMINE YOUR HOTEL LOCATION
Osu-kannon Temple
• Sakae:
Perfect for shopping, dining, and nightlife. You’ll be close to landmarks like Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21, with plenty of restaurants and entertainment options.
• Fushimi: A quieter area near Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon Temple. It’s a peaceful stay with easy access to major attractions and public transport.
• Nagoya Station: Ideal for travelers planning day trips. It’s a transportation hub with great shopping, dining, and easy access to other cities via Shinkansen.
• Osu: A mix of culture and shopping, known for the Osu Kannon Temple and quirky local shops. It’s great for exploring traditional spots and modern boutiques.
Tip: For easy access to shopping and attractions, we stayed in Sakae. 
3. DETERMINE YOUR IDEAL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Airport Train
Getting to Nagoya

• By Air: The easiest way to get to Nagoya is by flying into Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), located about 35 minutes from the city center. Direct flights are available from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities across Asia. This airport is well-connected to the city with trains, buses, and taxis, making it a convenient entry point.
• By Train: If you’re coming from another Japanese city like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya. 
Getting Around Nagoya
• Public Transportation: Nagoya has an excellent and affordable public transportation system, including subways, buses, and trams. The subway is often the easiest and fastest way to get around, with most attractions and shopping districts well-connected.
• Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available, though they can be more expensive than public transportation. For a more cost-effective alternative, you can also use ride-sharing services like Uber or JapanTaxi.
• Walking: Nagoya is walkable and perfect for exploring on foot since some of the tourist spots are located near each other.
• Bicycles: If you want to explore more at your own pace, consider renting a bicycle. There are bike rental services available throughout the city, allowing you to travel easily around the city at a low cost.
Tip: We mostly walked around and used the subway and purchased a Manaca Card. 

OUR ITINERARY FOR NAGOYA, JAPAN
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, FLIGHT OF DREAMS, AND SAKAE AREA
Mirai Tower and Nagoya Castle
We arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport at 1PM and had our lunch at the Flight of Dream where we saw a replica of the Boeing 787. We headed to the Access Plaza of the Airport to buy a local SIM card and get our pre-booked 
Meitetsu Chubu Centrair Airport Express Ticket, that we purchased via Klook, that will take us to Nagoya Station. We upgraded our ticket to first class for additional JPY 500. By late afternoon, we explored Sakae, starting with Oasis 21 and the Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower.

DAY 2: TAKAYAMA AND SHIRAKAWA-GO
Shirakawa-go
Hida Beef with Oden and Gokayama Tofu
Hida Beef Nigiri & Yuki-guni Ice Cream
We joined a Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Tour with Hida Beef Lunch from Nagoya, departing early from Nagoya Station’s VIP Liner Bus Stop. At Takayama’s Morning Market, we sampled a Hida Beef Nigiri and window-shopped for local crafts.


For our lunch we had the finest Hida beef paired with Oden and Gokayama Tofu. In Shirakawa-go, we strolled along the UNESCO-listed village and viewed the gassho-zukuri houses both up close and from the view deck. We enjoyed in Yuki-guni soft-serve ice cream before heading back to Nagoya.

DAY 3: NAGOYA CASTLE, KIYOSU CASTLE, AND SKY PROMENADE
Sky Promenade
We started the day with the famous Nagoya Morning Service (ogura toast are provided free of charge when you order a drink) a
t Komeda Coffee. Then, we visited Nagoya Castle and explored the historic Honmaru Palace. We headed to the nearby Kinshachi Yokocho where we had our Miso Katsu lunch at Yabaton. From there, we took a train ride to Kiyosu Castle, a hidden gem with one of the most picturesque views. We ended the day at the Sky Promenade in Midland Square, with breathtaking views of the city skyline.

DAY 4: ATSUTA SHRINE, OSU SHOPPING STREET, OSU-KANNON TEMPLE
Atsuta Shrine and Osu Shopping Street
We started our day with a visit to Atsuta Shrine, one of Nagoya's most significant Shinto shrines. For lunch, we lined up for get our hands on the famous Hitsumabushi at Atsuta Houraiken. In the afternoon, we explored the vibrant Osu Shopping Street for souvenirs and visited Osu Kannon Temple.

DAY 5: CHUBU AIRPORT SKY DECK AND DEPARTURE
Flight of Dreams
On our final day, we checked out early and made our way to Chubu Centrair International Airport. Before our flight, we visited the Sky Deck to enjoy views of the sea and planes along the runway.

OPTIONAL DAY TRIPS:
Kiyosu Castle
If we had more time, here are some amazing day trips we would have loved to explore:
Legoland Japan Ticket: A nearby theme park!
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium: An impressive aquarium showcasing many of Japan's sea creatures.
Nagashima Mitsu Outlet & Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination Tour: A shopping and illumination experience! It is popular to locals and foreigners.
Gifu: Torokei Mountain Eihoji Temple & Korankei "Cherry Blossom and Maple Leaf Frame" Day Tour: A scenic spot especially beautiful during autumn foliage. 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR YOUR NAGOYA TRIP:
Pre-book your tickets: Save time and money by booking transportation passes, attraction tickets, and tours through platforms like Klook.
Carry cash: While Japan is increasingly card-friendly, many local shops and smaller eateries still prefer cash.
Learn basic Japanese phrases: Simple words can go a long way.
Layer your clothing: Nagoya’s weather can vary, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
Use IC cards: Cards like Manaca make public transportation easy and efficient.

BUDGET GUIDE:

NAGOYA, JAPAN ITINERARY

ACTIVITY

TIME

2 PAX IN A GROUP

NOTES

EXPENSE IN JPY

PHP

(PER PAX)

USD

(PER PAX)

GROUP

PER PAX

Day 1: Arrival in Nagoya, Sakae Area

Arrival in Nagoya Airport

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore Flight of Dreams

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Ramen Lunch at Flight of Dreams

     (Fujiyama Go Go Seattle Ramen)

 

 

 

1500¥

 

577

 

10$

 

Purchase Sim Card at Access Plaza

 

3000¥

1500¥

577

10$

Journey Sim Card (Vending Machine)

Travel from Nagoya Airport to Nagoya Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Access Plaza to Meitetsu Tourist Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Airport Train

 

 

 

370

6.50$

Pre-booked with Klook

     Purchase first Class Car Ticket

 

 

500¥

193

3.50$

 

     Train: Airport to Nagoya Station

 

 

210¥

81

1.50$

 

     Purchase Manaca Card

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel from Nagoya Station to Sakae Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Meitetsu Nagoya to Nagoya Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Nagoya Station to Sakae Station

 

 

210¥

81

 

 

 

     Walk: Nagoya Station to Sakae Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Check-in: The B Nagoya Hotel

 

 

 

4983.50

85$

Pre-booked with Klook

Explore Sakae Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Oasis 21

 

 

1500¥

577

10$

 

Rest

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL DAY 1:

5420¥

7439.50

128$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Takayama & Shirakawa-Go

Breakfast (Konbini)

 

 

1000¥

385

7$

 

Sakae Hotel to Nagoya Station (Meet-up Location

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Sakae Hotel to Sakae Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Sakae Station to Nagoya Station

 

 

210¥

81

1.50$

 

     Walk: Nagoya Station to VIP Liner Bus Stop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Takayama & Shirakawa-Go Tour

 

 

 

4250

72.50$

Pre-booked with Klook

     Pick-up at Bus Stop

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Takayama

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Hida Beef Nigiri (Snack)

 

 

600¥

231

4$

 

     Shirakawa-Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Hida Beef, Oden, Gokayama Tofu (Lunch)

 

 

(included)

 

 

 

     Yuki-guni Soft Serve Ice Cream (Snack)

 

 

500¥

193

3.50$

 

     Drop-off at Nagoya Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nagoya Station to Sakae Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Nagoya Station to Sakae Station

 

 

 

210¥

 

81

 

1.50$

 

Monja Dinner (Tsukishimamonja)

 

 

1500¥

577

10$

 

Rest

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL DAY 2:

4020¥

5798

100$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Nagoya Castle, Kiyosu Castle, Sky Promenade

Nagoya Morning Breakfast (Komeda Coffee)

 

 

1000¥

385

7$

 

Sakae Hotel to Nagoya Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Sakae Hotel to Sakae Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Sakae Station to Nagoyajo Station

 

 

210¥

81

1.50$

 

     Walk: Nagoyajo Station to Nagoya Castle East Gate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nagoya Castle

 

 

500¥

193

3.50$

 

Miso Katsu Lunch (Yabaton at Kinshachi Yokocho)

 

 

1500¥

577

10$

 

Kinshachi Yokocho to Kiyosu Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Kinsachi Yokocho to Nagoyajo Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Nagoyajo Station to Hisaya-odori Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Transfer Train

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Hisaya-odori Station to Nagoya Station

 

 

240¥

 

93

 

2$

 

 

     Transfer Station: Nagoya Station to Meitetsu-Nagoya Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Meitetsu-Nagoya Station to Shin Kiyosu Station

 

 

270¥

 

104

2$

 

     Walk: Shin Kiyosu Station to Kiyosu Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiyosu Castle

 

 

400¥

154

3$

 

Kiyosu Castle to Sky Promenade

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Kiyosu Castle to Shin Kiyosu Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Shin Kiyosu Station to Meitetsu-Nagoya Station

 

 

270¥

 

104

2$

 

     Walk: Meitetsu-Nagoya Station to Midland Square

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sky Promenade (Midland Square)

 

 

 

300

 

Pre-booked with Klook

Sky Promenade to Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Midland Square to Nagoya Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Nagoya Station to Fushimi Station

 

 

210¥

81

1.50$

 

     Walk: Fushimi Station to Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gyukatsu Dinner (Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu)

 

 

1500¥

577

10$

 

Rest

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL DAY 3:

6100¥

2649

46.50$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Atsuta Shine & Osu Shopping Street

Breakfast (Konbini)

 

 

1000¥

385

7$

 

Sakae Hotel to Atsuta Shrine

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Walk: Hotel to Sakae Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Sakae Station to Atsuta Jinju Temma-cho Station

 

 

240¥

 

93

 

2$

 

 

     Walk: Atsuta Jinju Temma-cho Station to Atsuta Shrine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atsuta Shrine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hitsumabushi Lunch (Atsuta Houraiken)

 

 

4600¥

1769

30$

 

Atsuta Houraiken to Osu Shopping Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walk: Atsuta Houraiken to Atsuta Jinju Temma-cho Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train: Atsuta Jinju Temma-cho Station to Kamimaezu Station

 

 

240¥

 

93

 

2$

 

 

Kamimaezu Station to Osu Shopping Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osu Shopping Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osu Shopping Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banshoji Temple

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osu-kannon Temple

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osu-kannon Temple to Sakae

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walk: Osu-kannon Temple to Osukan-non Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Train: Osukan-non Station to Sakae Station

 

 

210¥

81

1.50$

 

Sakae

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Quijote

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Ramen Dinner (Ichiran)

 

 

1500¥

577

10$

 

TOTAL DAY 4:

7790¥

2998

56.50$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5: Departure

Breakfast (Konbini)

 

 

1000¥

385

7$

 

Sakae Hotel to Nagoya Airport

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Taxi: Sakae Hotel to Meitetsu-Nagoya Station

 

1000¥

500¥

193

3.50$

 

    Purchase First class ticket

 

 

500¥

193

3.50$

 

    Airport Train

 

 

 

370

6.50$

Pre-booked with Klook

Sky Deck

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch (Flight of Dreams)

 

 

1500¥

577

10$

 

Flight

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL DAY 5:

3500¥

1718

30.50$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

26830¥

20602.5

USD 361.50$

 

Here’s a quick overview of estimated costs to help you plan:
Accommodation (Per Night): Budget: ¥4,000–¥8,000 ($27–$54 USD or ~PHP 1,500–3,100), Mid-Range: ¥9,000–¥15,000 ($60–$100 USD or ~PHP 3,400–5,700), Luxury: ¥20,000+ ($135+ USD or ~PHP 7,500+)
Food: Local Eats: ¥500–¥1,000 per meal ($4–$7 USD or ~PHP 190–380), Mid-Range Restaurants: ¥2,000–¥4,000 per meal ($14–$27 USD or ~PHP 760–1,520), Fine Dining: ¥6,000+ per meal ($40+ USD or ~PHP 2,280+)
Transportation: Subway/Train Rides: ¥200–¥500 per ride ($2–$4 USD or ~PHP 75–190), Taxi Rides: ¥1,000–¥2,500 within the city ($7–$18 USD or ~PHP 380–950), Car Rentals (Day Trips): ¥7,000–¥10,000 per day ($47–$67 USD or ~PHP 2,660–3,800)
Entrance Fees: Most attractions: ¥300–¥1,000 ($2–$7 USD or ~PHP 115–380)
Estimated Daily Budget: Budget Traveler: ¥6,000–¥9,000/day ($40–$60 USD or ~PHP 2,280–3,420), Mid-Range Traveler: ¥12,000–¥20,000/day ($80–$135 USD or ~PHP 4,560–7,600), Luxury Traveler: ¥30,000+/day ($200+ USD or ~PHP 11,400+)

Heading to Nagoya? Click here for:

Klook.com

Nagoya has something for everyone. From its rich history and vibrant shopping districts to serene cultural spots and delicious food, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained.

FOOTNOTES: Photos by Cheloi Marasigan and Rae Argallon | Samsung S23 Ultra | Nagoya, Japan | November 2024

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