Whenever we talk about the best places in Asia to visit, Japan usually comes up as one of the countries on the list. After talking about how you could spend $10 in Tokyo a few years ago, this time we're going back to Japan and talk about how you could travel on the budget in Nagoya!
Thanks to Louis of Outdoor Explorer, we will find out how to spend a day on the budget in the 4th largest city in Japan.
When most people come to Japan, they tend to visit popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. While these places are great, there are plenty of other cities in Japan that have a lot to offer, especially for budget-conscious tourists!
Nagoya happens to be one of these cities! Conveniently located between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, it is actually the 4th largest city in Japan, yet it is virtually unknown to tourists!
Let's take a look at what you can do in Nagoya for $10 USD (~1,100 yen).
Did you know?
Among some other significant industrial businesses, Nagoya is also the home of Toyota Motor Corporation. One of the main attractions in Nagoya is the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Known as Toyota Techno Museum, it is located in the original red brick buildings of the Toyota textile factory and research center, which was the forerunner of the present-day Toyota.
1. Nagoya Castle
First stop on our journey is Nagoya Castle. Originally constructed over 400 years ago, it was destroyed in WWII when Nagoya was bombed and subsequently rebuilt, keeping to traditional style.
During the Edo period, this was one of the most important castles in Japan, as it occupied a strategic point on the road between Tokyo (called Edo at the time) and Kyoto.
The central keep area is surrounded by a deep moat as well as beautiful, well-maintained grounds. If the weather is nice, it's a great place to sit down and enjoy some peace and quiet.
If you feel like something to eat or drink, stop in at the teahouse located within the castle walls and enjoy some matcha green tea and some sweets (500 yen).
The tea and sweets are in an authentic manner, giving them a subtly yet delicious flavor.
Cost: 500 yen ($4.50) for adults, free for children.
2. See Cherry Blossoms Or Autumn Leaves.
Next up is a completely free option! If you are visiting Nagoya in spring or autumn, you can go and see the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
These trees are spread out all over the city, so you can go pretty much anywhere and enjoy the spectacular colours!
The cherry blossoms create a sea of pink from late March through to early April, while the autumn leaves turn red, orange and gold for most of November.
Cherry blossoms in Nagoya, Japan.
3. Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Lastly, why not visit Nagoya's largest zoo and botanical garden? At just 500 yen, this is an excellent choice for those who want a full day of fun for just a few dollars!
This is the second most visited zoo in Japan – and with good reason! It has over 125 species of animals from all over the globe, plus a huge botanical garden with a wide variety of plant species.
There are often a number of colourful flowers on display, making this a lovely spot for a stroll or a picnic.
For 300 yen ($2.80), you can even go up to the top of Skytower located within the zoo and get a fantastic view over Nagoya city.
Cost: 500 yen ($4.50) for adults, free for children.
Contributor: Louis of Outdoor Explorer.
With camping experience in Australia, Africa and South America, Louis is a lover of the great outdoors. He writes all about camping and hiking over at his site, Outdoor Explorer.
