Issue 48: 8-Day Family Trip to Nagoya, Japan 🇯🇵
Explore Ghibli Park, Nagoya Science Museum, and visit Osu Temple with our family-friendly Nagoya itinerary.
Konnichiwa Friends 👋!
Have you ever visited Nagoya? Japan is still a hot spot for traveling and one of the perks are that the US dollar stretches far (we’re talking a satisfying meal for $10 vs. $18 on Guam). While Tokyo and Osaka are popular places to visit, Nagoya still has all the cultural nuances of thoughtful innovations marked by accurate train and bus schedules and the efficient handling of long lines.
Check out Marissa’s family itinerary below and other special prefecture delicacies you probably didn’t know about.
Happy travels,
Week to Weekend gals
Family Trip to Nagoya
By Marissa
📍Nagoya, Japan, often flies under the radar compared to its more famous counterparts like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka (check out Akina’s itinerary in Issue #25, where she ventures to Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo!). However, Nagoya has so much to offer, with noteworthy attractions and experiences that make it a wholesome destination for families.
Check out my eight-day itinerary to see how my family and I explored the city.
Why Nagoya is an Underrated Family Destination:
Nagoya presents a diverse array of attractions that cater to both the young and the young at heart. From the technological wonders at the SCMAGLEV Railway Park and the immersive fun at Legoland and Sea Life to the educational experiences at the Nagoya City Science Museum, there's something to spark everyone's curiosity and joy. Additionally, one can see the contrast between the appreciation of nature at Ghibli Park and the rich industrial history displayed at the Toyota Museum.
Both provide a deeper look into Japan's cultural and technological advancements while displaying the importance and realization of preserving nature. The itinerary also includes activities like exploring the vibrant streets of Osu, visiting Osu Temple, enjoying the marine exhibits at the Port of Nagoya Aquarium, and rounding out a trip that blends learning with leisure.
Peaceful Experience Away from the Overwhelming Tourist Crowds
Foreign tourists are less frequent in Nagoya than Japan's primary tourist hubs. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto see significantly higher international visitors, often leading to crowded attractions. In contrast, Nagoya offers a more relaxed experience. The quieter atmosphere allows families to enjoy the city's attractions without the rush, making it easier to appreciate each experience fully. In 2019, Tokyo welcomed approximately 15.12 million international visitors, whereas Nagoya saw a more modest influx, reflecting its status as a less explored gem.
The city’s more tranquil vibe and rich attractions make Nagoya an ideal destination for families seeking a comprehensive Japanese cultural experience without overwhelming crowds in more popular cities. This blend of accessibility, education, and entertainment, coupled with the ability to explore leisurely, positions Nagoya as a desirable location for families traveling with children.
8-Day Family Itinerary to Nagoya, Japan
Where We Stayed
Day 1 to Day 2: LEGOLAND Hotel
Commuting can be hectic for parents traveling with young kids. LEGOLAND’s slightly secluded location offered a relaxing stay while stimulating and fun for the kids. We enjoyed exploring Maker’s Pier, SC Maglev Park, and leisurely visited both LEGOLAND Park and Sealife on separate days without feeling rushed.
Price per night: $200-$300 (Breakfast buffet included)
I booked the stay through Klook.com but you can book directly through the hotel website, which also offers room and park ticket bundle deals.
Day 3 to Day 8: JR Gate Tower Hotel at Nagoya Station
JR Gate Tower Hotel at Nagoya Station offers a surprisingly affordable stay in a central and convenient location. Located above Nagoya Station, it’s also connected to the Nagoya City Bus Terminal, where we took advantage of the sight-seeing bus pass to explore the city. Ideal for shopping and dining, the hotel features various restaurants, a Uniqlo, Ghibli store, and more. The stay includes a complimentary breakfast at The Gatehouse, offering a variety of dishes from freshly baked pastries to traditional Japanese options. A highlight is their barista-made Café Lattes and smoothies made to order—one of the smoothest coffees I’ve had.
Price per night: $140-$200 (Breakfast buffet included)
I booked through the United Hotels website to earn bonus miles as a United MileagePlus cardholder.
Day 1: Arrival and Fun at the Rails
Morning: Check into the Legoland Hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the SCMAGLEV Railway Museum. This museum offers kids and individuals the chance to learn about Japan’s history and the future of high-speed rail travel. The museum features interactive exhibits that explain the science behind magnetic levitation, and visitors can see a life-sized maglev train model up close. There are activities throughout the day, including simulations where you can pay additional fees to participate, allowing you to experience what it’s like to operate a train. For younger kids, there’s a dedicated play area where they’re given train sets to build and play with, fostering creativity and hands-on learning.
Day 2: Legoland Discovery
Full Day: Enjoy the themed attractions and rides that are perfect for families at Legoland. We’ve been here three times in the past, and although it’s a smaller and least popular theme park in Japan, it’s the best option for my 10-year-old and two-year-old boys. It’s also not as crowded as Disneyland and Universal Studios, and the tickets are also cheaper in comparison.
Tip: Easily book the tickets online. The QR passes are directly sent to you AND you avoid the additional handling fee of ¥500 (approx. $3 USD)
Day 3: Underwater Adventures, Maker’s Pier, and the Aeon Mall Noritake Garden
Morning: Explore Sealife at Legoland.
Afternoon: Child’s play at Maker’s Pier. Right outside Legoland, Maker’s Pier is a little area perfect for families to relax with a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and a little petting zoo. While it opens late and closes early, it offers a variety of free outdoor games and activities for kids to enjoy. One of the highlights is the slide that takes you from the connecting walkway from the train down to MakersPier. It's a good spot for both kids and adults to unwind, play, and enjoy the surroundings after a morning of excitement at Legoland.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Check into JR Gate Tower Hotel at Nagoya Station. Visit Aeon Mall Noritake Garden for dinner, arcade fun, and the Konica Minolta Planetarium (English headsets are available).
Day 4: Science Wonders
Full Day: Discover the interactive exhibits at the Nagoya Science Museum, great for sparking curiosity in young minds. Each floor was dedicated to a specific subject science, it was like walking into a science book. They also had an epic a tornado demonstration 🤯
💭Did you know?
The Nagoya Science Museum is home to one of the world's largest planetariums. Its dome measures an impressive 35 meters in diameter, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Heads Up: The narration during the planetarium shows is all in Japanese, but you can lie back and enjoy the visual experience or take a relaxing nap 😅
Day 5: Animation and Innovation
Morning: Living a childhood dream of visiting Ghibli Park
Afternoon: Walk through Toyota Museum, which offers a look at automotive history and technology.
Tip: Book a tour on Klook for a convenient, hassle-free commute. The tour includes tickets to Ghibli Park, a vegetarian bento box for lunch, and tickets to the Toyota Museum. You also get the comforts of an air-conditioned tour bus and a tour guide from Nagoya who provides insights about the city along the ride.
Day 6: Cultural Exploration
Morning: Take a sightseeing bus around Nagoya's key spots.
Afternoon: Dine at Moricafe, a Ghibli-themed cafe, then shop and explore Osu Street, which is filled with eateries, second-hand shops, arcades, drugstores, and a temple. End the day with a visit to the historic Osu Temple.
Day 7: A Full Day to Re-PORT at Port of Nagoya
Full Day: Spend the day at the Port of Nagoya Aquarium, Port Building Observation Lounge and Fuji Antarctic Museum.
Aquarium: The Port of Nagoya Aquarium had a diverse array of marine life, including orcas, dolphins, and many other sea creatures. The aquarium offers engaging shows and interactive exhibits that educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
Port Building Observation Lounge: After the aquarium, head to the Port Building Observation Lounge. This spot provides panoramic views of the port and surrounding area, offering a serene place to relax and take in the sights. It’s a great opportunity to capture some stunning photos of the port and the city skyline.
Fuji Antarctic Museum: Next, visit the Fuji Antarctic Museum, which is housed in a retired Antarctic research vessel. Explore the ship and learn about its expeditions to the frozen continent, discovering what life was like for the crew on their scientific missions.
Amusement Park: Don’t miss the seasonal amusement park located nearby. It offers a variety of rides and attractions that can add an extra layer of fun to your day. Check the seasonal schedule to see what’s available during your visit.
These activities are bundled together for a discounted price (except for the amusement park), making it a cost-effective way to enjoy a full day of exploration and entertainment. End your day with a leisurely stroll around the port area, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps grabbing a bite to eat at Jetty, a small shopping center nearby with a food court.
Day 8: Farewell Nagoya 🥺
Morning: Last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local snacks.
Afternoon: Check out and depart.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Pack Extra Luggage. Bring additional bags for essentials like diapers, clothes, and toys. Extra space allows for easy organization and quick access to necessities.
Use a Baby/Toddler Carrier. A baby carrier or toddler harness can make navigating crowded areas easier and keep your hands free.
Get Organized with Packing Cubes. Use packing cubes to separate each person’s clothing. This makes it easier to unpack and repack, keeping everything organized.
Bring Dish Washing Soap. Put dish washing soap in a small spray bottle. It’s more effective than hotel hand soap and can be used to wash reusable bottles, straws, and other items.
Snacks and Entertainment for the Little Ones. Pack plenty of snacks and small toys or books to keep your toddler entertained during travel.
Check the Weather App. Check the weather app a week before your trip to pack outfits effectively as well as plan your itinerary.
First Aid Kit. Carry a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
Travel-Friendly Stroller. Use a lightweight, compact stroller that is easy to fold and carry, especially when navigating airports and public transportation.
Plan for Breaks. Schedule regular breaks to allow your toddler to move around and burn off energy. This can help prevent restlessness during long journeys.
Travel Insurance. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage to provide peace of mind.
Dish Nagoya is Known For
Every prefecture in Japan is known for its unique delicacy or food. In Nagoya, it’s the red miso. Known for its deep reddish color and pungent flavor compared to the typical white or yellow miso that we are used to, it offers a bolder flavor, like miso nikomi udon and udon noodles with red miso broth.
Week to Weekend Reads
To wrap up our Japan-inspired issue that will leave you hungry, we recommend The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai.
Synopsis:
The Kamogawa Food Detectives follows the charming duo of Koishi and her father, Nagare Kamogawa, as they run a unique detective agency in Kyoto. Instead of solving typical mysteries, they delve into culinary puzzles, helping clients rediscover lost recipes and the memories tied to them. Each case they take on is a heartfelt journey through Japanese cuisine and the personal stories that food can evoke.
Why We Love It:
This book is an appetizing blend of mystery and gastronomy, perfect for food lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike. Kashiwai's vivid descriptions of food and meticulous attention to cultural detail make it a fiesta for the senses.
“We get used to things too easily. You think something’s tasty the first time you eat it, but then you start taking it for granted. Never forget your first impressions.”
This quote from The Kamogawa Food Detectives resonates deeply with our travel experiences. Just as with food, first impressions of a new place can leave an indelible mark on our hearts. Whether it's the first bite of a Nagoya delicacy or the first sight of the city's unique charm, these moments remind us to savor and cherish the new and wonderful experiences life offers. As you explore Nagoya or any city of Japan, we hope you'll hold onto those initial sparks of joy and wonder, making your journey all the more memorable.
Happy Travels!
We love hearing from you guys & gals 👋🏻 Don’t be afraid to hit reply to connect with us directly 🤗 Follow our IG for upcoming visual guides on our curated family itinerary to Nagoya. Stay tuned for more travel tips, recommendations, and exclusive content!
This was great and very informative! Did you fly directly to Nagoya from Guam?