{"id":19662,"date":"2025-04-07T20:17:29","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T18:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wandernotizen.com\/?p=19662"},"modified":"2026-04-25T20:41:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T18:41:03","slug":"nagoya-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wandernotizen.com\/en\/nagoya-sehenswuerdigkeiten\/","title":{"rendered":"The 18 Best Nagoya Attractions with Insider Tips for Kyoto & Gifu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Visiting sights in an industrial city like Nagoya wasn't originally on my agenda. Let's just say: Nagoya isn't a tourist city. The Shinkansen (Japanese high-speed train) makes a brief stop here on the Osaka to Tokyo route, usually for people to get off rather than get on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is our destination, because the city, which I have already visited once in 2024, has an incredible amount to offer for both locals and tourists. Most of the travel reports and Nagoya travel tips I've read so far advised me to visit other parts of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That's why in the following travel report, I want to share the truly worthwhile Nagoya sights with you, sprinkled with some Nagoya travel tips, and encourage you to visit this great city on your next trip to Japan. You won't be disappointed, as the city is much more authentic and genuine compared to many other cities in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Getting there and hotel recommendation for Nagoya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nagoya Travel Tips \u2013 Arriving by Flight via Russia in Winter<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Malta, I'm heading to Frankfurt, Germany in March 2025. I'll be meeting my mother there because I'm accompanying her to Japan this time. We have family in Japan, which is also the reason we're traveling to Nagoya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are flying from Frankfurt towards Berlin and just before the Brandenburg Gate, we turn right towards Russia. Punctually at sunset, we reach the Russian border. We fly past St. Petersburg and head towards Novosibirsk. Throughout the entire flight over Russia, we have a star-filled sky. Okay, that's nothing special when flying. But the people on the ground also have a star-filled sky and a full moon. Additionally, it is winter, which means the ground is white. It was a sensational sight from the airplane with the best conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We flew over Russia for a good five hours, and it was a pleasure. Afterward, we continued south over Mongolia towards Shanghai. With a short and culinary stopover in the Chinese metropolis, we reached Nagoya after a total of approximately 24 hours. At NGO airport, you can easily and cheaply purchase a train ticket to the city. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 9 EUR (as of 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afterwards, we'll travel from Nagoya Station to Sakae to check into our hotel. I've booked two hotels in total for our two-week stay in Nagoya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel \u2013 5-Star Luxury in Nagoya City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A great hotel in Nagoya, right in the center \u2013 Nagoya travel tips <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the best Nagoya travel tips I can give you is to spend a few days at this hotel. Especially for families, but also for couples, you can have a great stay here. The Nagoya Tokyu Hotel<\/a><\/strong>is only a five-minute walk from Sakae Subway Station. Exit 12 will practically drop you right in front of the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the doorman to the reception and the staff in the restaurants, everyone here was super accommodating and friendly. The hotel is very spacious, which is usually very hard to find in Japan. Most other hotels are rather cramped and small, and the rooms are tiny. I also noticed that most of the staff spoke good English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nagoya Tokyu Hotel also has a wellness area on the 5th floor, with a swimming pool, sauna, and gym. Additionally, there is a lounge where you can enjoy complimentary coffee and other non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic beverages and snacks throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, that was great because I could also work there in peace. It's best to book the hotel through Trip.com because there's usually a discount compared to Booking.com and all the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, the food was super delicious. There are several restaurants, and in the morning, you have at least three restaurants to choose from for breakfast. We always went to the big buffet, which offered everything from Japanese to Intercontinental cuisine. I love Miso Soup in the morning. I could get used to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Nagoya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Magnificent view from the room at Royal Park Hotel - Nagoya travel tips<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I'm Royal Park Hotel in Nagoya<\/a><\/strong>I was already there for a few days last year. It is a 4-star hotel in Nagoya with a significantly higher standard. Therefore, it is in no way inferior to the Nagoya Tokyu Hotel. While there is no lounge with snacks and drinks, there is a nice, quiet tea lounge. You don't get tea there, but you sit wonderfully quietly with a magnificent view of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Nagoya is located directly at the Sakae Subway Station. You can enter the hotel directly from the station through Exit 13, and it's located in the famous Chunichi Building. The hotel's reception is on the 24th floor. This alone is great, and the view from the rooms is accordingly impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our room was on the 31st floor with a sensational view over Nagoya. That is also the biggest plus point for this hotel. For me, it's the best viewing platform in the city, and it's particularly brilliant at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the breakfast is also delicious and very generous. It's distinctly fresher, with a smaller buffet than at the Nagoya Tokyu Hotel, but a level above in terms of quality. However, there aren't as many servers buzzing around here, which has its pros and cons. The staff at the reception speak perfect English, and some are even from England. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both hotels are a great starting point for visiting all of Nagoya's sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trains and Subways in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Shinkansen \u2013 Train Travel in Japan \u2013 Nagoya Travel Tips<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The train and subway network in Japan is perfectly developed. It's fantastic that you only need a single card for it. There are very few exceptions where this so-called IC card is not valid. The IC card for Nagoya is called Manaca Card<\/strong> And you can buy them at any train station.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Manaca
Works throughout Japan - Nagoya Travel Tips<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Even though it's specifically for Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, you can use it all over Japan. There are about 10 major providers of these cards. The Manaca Card costs a one-time fee of 2,000 Yen, of which you can use 1,500 Yen directly for fares. The 500 Yen is a deposit that you get back at the end when you return the card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the Manaca Card, you can ride the subway, train, and bus. You only need a separate ticket for the Shinkansen. I always book that through 12go.asia. You then simply tap the Manaca Card on the sensor at the entrance of each platform, and that's it. You only pay when you leave a station. There, the remaining balance of the card is always displayed, and you can top it up on-site with cash if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We used the Manaca card in Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Tokyo, Gifu, and on the island of Okinawa. You can even pay in shops with it. I didn't do that, though, as I use my cashback card worldwide for that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nagoya Castle and Hommaru Palace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hommaru Palace - Nagoya Attractions<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nagoya Castle is the city's most famous landmark and an absolute must-see for every visitor. Even from afar, the castle impresses with its elegant, multi-story structure. The original castle dates back to the 17th century and likely played an important role during the Edo period. Unfortunately, you cannot tour the castle itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you can visit the particularly impressive and reconstructed Hommaru Palace. With intricate woodwork, gilded wall paintings, and traditional Japanese architecture, the palace complex offers an authentic glimpse into samurai life. I've been there twice, and it's worth it every time. Everything has been restored using historically accurate materials and techniques, so you can literally feel the history as you stroll through the elegant reception halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we were there in mid-March, the plum trees were just blooming. Later in spring, cherry blossoms transform the entire area into a sea of pink blossoms. That's certainly a real highlight for photographers. But the plum trees were also already beautiful and created a magical ambiance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We walked to Nagoya Castle from the hotel. Straight across Central Park, the castle is about a 30-minute walk away. It's best to check the schedule briefly before your visit official website<\/a><\/strong> over. There you will find the location and opening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the admission prices as of March 2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/th>Individuals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Adults<\/th>500 Yen<\/td><\/tr>
Children, schoolchildren, students<\/th>Free<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Source: Official website<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shojoji Temple \ud83e\uddd8\u200d\u2642\ufe0f and Miwa Shrine Nagoya \u26e9\ufe0f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Shojoji Temple Nagoya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Miwa Shrine Nagoya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Hisaya-odori Garden Flarie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
3 insider tips for your Nagoya visit \u2013 Nagoya attractions<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here's a hot tip and therefore a must for my list of Nagoya Travel Tips<\/strong>. Directly in Sakae, after the two large shopping malls Matsuzakaya and Parco, you'll find a small, charming temple and a shrine. They are located in the Osu district and are off the beaten path for tourists. If you don't go out of your way to visit them, you'll miss these two magical places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Shojoji Temple<\/strong>, also known as Yaba Jizo<\/strong> As you may know, it's a Buddhist temple in eastern Nagoya. Surrounded by modern buildings, it forms a true oasis of peace in the center of Nagoya. Enclosed by old trees and stone lanterns, the temple radiates a peaceful and almost meditative atmosphere. A place where you can take a deep breath, even though the city of Nagoya is anything but stressful and crowded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We're lighting some nice-smelling incense sticks here, and I'm buying one of the small, cute monk figurines. My mother is buying the remaining six figures, so only our wishes will come true here today. \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagonally opposite Shojoji Temple, in the second row behind the buildings, there is a small shrine. It is the Miwa Shrine<\/strong> and this too is an absolutely silent place full of Japanese symbolism. The Shinto shrine is surrounded by traditional stone gates, and the large Torii arch at the entrance is particularly impressive. This shrine is dedicated to the god \u014cmononushi, who is worshiped for harmony, health, and protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My third insider tip in this chapter is the Hisaya-odori Garden Flarie<\/strong>. I stumbled upon this by chance, and it's also on the other side of the street from Shojoji Temple, though in the opposite direction. It's a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city that doesn't appear in any tourist guide. A real insider tip in my Nagoya travel tips. Especially now in spring, countless flowers are blooming here, transforming the garden with its bridges and small pond into a huge sea of colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Overview map \u2013 Shrine on the left, temple in the middle, and garden on the right<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the Flarie Garden, by the way, we met the only German we encountered in those two weeks. There's so little foreign tourism in Nagoya, at least in the spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SCMaglev and Railway Park \u2013 The Train Museum in Nagoya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nagoya Sightseeing - Nagoya Railway Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whenever I'm in train museums, I have to think of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. \ud83d\ude00 Although I generally find airplanes more exciting, the train museum in Nagoya far exceeded my expectations. Probably for the sole reason that the history of the Shinkansen, the bullet train, is shown there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This kind of travel is quite special in Japan, even though it's just a train ride. But on the Shinkansen, you almost feel like you're on an airplane, just without the turbulence. The speed, frequency, punctuality and, above all, the safety of the Shinkansen are truly impressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first Shinkansen ran in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics, and since then, there hasn't been a single fatality due to an accident or incident. This makes the Shinkansen one of the safest trains in the world. The fact that small and large earthquakes are measured every day in Japan doesn't change the fact that the Shinkansen is so safely on its way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The museum was opened by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) and is located directly at Kinjo-futo Station. You can reach this station via the Aonami Line (Subway) directly from Nagoya Station. The journey is therefore super easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here you'll find over 35 real trains that you can also enter, and on the Shinkansen, you can even sit and eat. Snacks like sushi and sandwiches, as well as drinks, are sold in the museum's cafeteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission in March 2025 was 1000 yen for adults, which is approximately 6 EUR. Children pay about half that. There is also a great kids' play area in the museum that can be used free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the official website<\/a><\/strong> You can find the current opening hours and further information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Odaka Ryokuchi \u2013 Nagoya Bamboo Forest and Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Odaka Ryokuchi Greens - Nagoya Travel Tips 2025<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I visited Odaka Ryokuchi Park on my first Travelogue about Nagoya<\/a><\/strong> already mentioned. We had visited the Dino Adventure there in 2024. But the park has so much more to offer. Since it's considerably cooler in spring than in summer, I went to the park again. It's located only about 30 minutes from Sakae by subway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now in spring, the plum trees are blooming here, and later the cherry blossoms, of course. In the center of the park, which by the way is free to enter and accessible from everywhere, there is a larger lake. Together with the adjacent bamboo forest and also the mixed forest, Odaka Ryokuchi forms a great local recreation area for city dwellers. But for travelers like us, it's also a great change from the bustling city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling like 500 photos later and after a few kilometers of hiking, we end up near an Aeon Shopping Mall. We spend some more time there before heading back to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Odaka Ryokuchi Park is also a hidden gem, as it doesn't really appear in any tourist guide. But the trip there is worth it, and you can really relax and enjoy the nature of Japan here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Osu Shopping Street Nagoya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Right in the Osu Shopping District \u2013 Osu Kannon Temple \u2013 Nagoya Sightseeing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you love shopping as much as I do, then Osu Shopping Street in Nagoya is the perfect place for you. Over 1,200 shops, restaurants, and cafes line several narrow alleys here. You'll find a lot of second-hand goods, but also cool electronics stores and numerous street food stalls. The streets themselves are very lively, colorful, and flashy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entire district is a paradise for you if you love immersing yourself in Japanese everyday culture. There's a lot to discover here, and even a Nagoya attraction or two in between. First and foremost is the Osu Kannon Temple, which is located directly on Osu Shopping Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contrast between the bustling shopping street and the temple, which represents an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle, is exciting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MAID MADE Cafe Nagoya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Themed Cafes in Nagoya \u2013 Nagoya Attractions<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you're an anime fan or gamer and want to experience Japanese anime culture up close, be sure to visit a Maid Caf\u00e9. In the Osu district, I saw Maidreamin, which I read about in my Tokyo Travel Report<\/a><\/strong> I've written before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MAID MADE Cafe is located right in the heart of the Osu Shopping District. Unlike Maidreamin, which is more reminiscent of a pixelated video game world, everything at MAID MADE Cafe takes place in the future. The maids are dressed in robot costumes, and the shop is decorated in a very futuristic style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be welcomed by all the maids who gather around your table shortly after you sit down and greet you with song. That's pretty freaky. But you wouldn't go to such a cafe for a cozy meal either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I'm ordering the famous rice omelet, on which a maid draws something funny and then decorates it with a few Japanese words. I could choose the animal and chose a squirrel. So she drew a teddy bear with a fluffy tail. When asked if she was from Nagoya, she replied: No. I'm from the Nagoya of the future. Thus, the conversation ended. \ud83d\ude00 Even though the maids are really funny and are there for your entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n

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You love Polaroids<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A visit to a maid cafe is simply an experience you should have at least once. To finish, you can take a photo with a maid of your choice. You are not allowed to take photos or videos inside the cafe itself, unless a maid allows you to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One downside in Japan is that hardly anyone speaks English. That makes it hard to strike up a conversation or even ask questions. You usually just get some Japanese in response, though it\u2019s delivered with a super sweet and friendly smile. The Japanese are also incredibly helpful and make an effort to understand you. But even translation apps often fail, since there are no adequate translations for many Japanese expressions. C\u2019est la vie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the Maid Caf\u00e9, we discovered another 100 Yen store. Here, everything costs only 100 Yen. You can find Temu's entire range in these stores, or maybe even a bit better. I stocked up on soup bowls and chopsticks. Afterwards, we head back to Sakae, where we'll have a relaxed dinner. I owe this to my mother after lunch at the Maid Caf\u00e9. \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tsuruma Park \u2013 Tsuruma Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nagoya Travel Tips \u2013 Tsuruma Park<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the Nagoya Tokyu Hotel, we walk to Tsuruma Park. This park is one of the most beautiful and oldest parks in Nagoya. It is especially popular with locals, families, and young people. The park is known for its 750 cherry trees, which transform the park into a sea of pink blossoms every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, we're about 2 weeks too early for that. Nevertheless, the park is beautifully arranged. You can feel and see the detailed Japanese garden art on every corner. The plum trees are already blooming, and that's a feast for the eyes too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though we're here during the week, numerous families are picnicking on the expansive lawns. There are food trucks and street food stands all over the park. You can even find the occasional grill restaurant here. Every table there has its own grill. That looks super delicious and is totally safe for the forest and the garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you enjoy taking photos, you'll get your money's worth here too, thanks to the old and traditional architecture mixed with modernity. The well-tended gardens also provide one or two excellent subjects for a photo. You can let your creativity run wild here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shirotori Garden \u2013 Japanese Garden Artistry Perfected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Shirotori Garden \u2013 Nagoya Attractions<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wow wow wow, this Japanese Garden amazed us so much. The Shirotori Garden<\/strong> is Nagoya's largest traditional Japanese garden. This green oasis is located just a few minutes' walk from the Atsuta Jingu Nishi subway station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The garden was designed to symbolize the landscape of an entire Japanese region. For instance, an artificial stream flows from the mountain to the sea, passing by small waterfalls, footbridges, tea houses, and lovingly arranged rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the traditional teahouse \u201eSeiu-tei,\u201c you can stop for a break and enjoy matcha tea with a view of the garden. This Japanese garden is a true insider tip for connoisseurs, photographers, and anyone yearning for tranquility. I love these many little oases of peace in Japan. It can't really get too stressful in this country. Unless, of course, you completely ignore all these places. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Atsuta Shrine \u2013 Spirituality in the Heart of Nagoya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Atsuta
Nagoya Attractions \u2013 Atsuta Shrine<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

a few minutes' walk from Shirotori Garden is the Atsuta Shrine<\/strong>. In Japanese, it's called \u71b1\u7530\u795e\u5bae \ud83d\ude01. It is one of the most significant Shinto shrines in all of Japan. This shrine was built over 1,900 years ago and is particularly famous because it houses one of the three imperial regalia, the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So much for the history. We walked just a few steps to the shrine itself, but we didn't have much time left that day. Therefore, it was only a short visit. The grounds are large, and you can certainly spend a good two hours here. Most shrines in Japan were built with great attention to detail, and that's why there's always a lot to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So take a little more time and you're sure to find plenty to discover here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My personal highlight in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Graduation Ceremony of an International School in Nagoya<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before I give you two tips for day trips from Nagoya, I'd like to share a personal experience with you. We were invited to my nephew's graduation party in Nagoya. It was a great event and a special experience. Since my nephew also goes to a school with a British system, just like our kids, the process was somewhat familiar to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Japanese put in a lot of effort and it was very, very emotional. Of course, we understood hardly a word, but I'm used to that from Malta. When the Japanese teacher gave her speech with tears in her eyes and in her gentle voice, even we started to cry, even though we didn't understand a word. Thank God the principal spoke English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast to Malta, a teacher in Japan has one class for several years. This naturally builds a completely different relationship between teachers and students. My nephew, in any case, was too proud to cry because his relatives had traveled from Germany. Suddenly, a Japanese boy stood next to me, and I was supposed to take a picture with him. My nephew placed him next to me, and the boy called me Uncle Dennis. \ud83d\ude03 So adorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, many mothers were wearing traditional kimonos, which gave the whole thing a totally exotic touch for us. It was beautiful to see and an experience that I don't normally have when traveling. \ud83d\ude4f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nagoya Excursion Tips Tourist Attractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Day trip to Gifu from Nagoya \u2013 Nagoya travel tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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View from Mount Kinka in Gifu - Nagoya Travel Tips<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just an hour by train from Nagoya lies the beautiful city of Gifu, nestled at the foot of Mount Kinka. Situated right on Mount Kinka is Gifu Castle, a place full of history, nature, and spectacular views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of taking the cable car, we opted for the hike. It was absolutely worth it. The trail winds through a dense, green forest for about an hour, accompanied by birdsong, mossy stones, and occasional glimpses down into the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slightly above the gondola, there's a lovely restaurant with a view of the valley. Directly above that, you have the opportunity to ascend a 360-degree observation deck. From here, you can not only gaze out at Gifu and the surrounding area, but you can even see the JR Towers in Nagoya. That's Nagoya Station, and when looking north, you can even see the Japanese Alps. The view from up there is impressive and, for that reason alone, the hike and day trip to Gifu are worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right at the mountain station of the Kinkazan Ropeway, there's a cute Squirrel Village. In the squirrel village, you put on a thick glove and can then feed the squirrels. This is not only great for the kids, but we adults had fun too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apropos Kids. The hike is also great for children. We went with my six-year-old nephew, who completed the hike without any problems. It's 2.3 km to walk and you gain about 300 meters in altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We then took the cable car down, and just above the valley station, there's a small shrine that we visited. Adjacent to it is a nice little park. This is sure to be wonderful in the summer when everything is blooming and green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Gifu by train from Nagoya is super easy. We went from Sakae to Kanayama Station, and from there, directly to Gifu. In Gifu itself, Google will show you the bus that goes next to the valley station of the Kinkazan Ropeway gondola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We did not visit the city of Gifu itself. My sister-in-law told me about the traditional fishing in Gifu. It's called Ukai and it's a centuries-old tradition. This cormorant fishing has been carried out on the Nagara River for 1,300 years. Gifu is one of the last places in Japan that still continues this tradition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The season runs from May to October, and fishing takes place daily except during a full moon. The water is illuminated with torches in the dark, and the cormorants then catch the fish. If a fish is in the net - meaning in the cormorant - it is gently pulled back into the boat on a string. I've found a video that shows how this is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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