Directly Connected to Centrair! Discover the Charms of Central Japan on the Nagoya Railroad

For more on Nagoya's lesser-known attractions:
https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/nagoya-sightseeing/

*This article was sponsored by Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. 

Easy Access from Overseas! The Appeal of Traveling Around Nagoya

Known as the land gateway to the Chubu region, Nagoya is a city with a captivating blend of history and modern culture. 

Located close to Nagoya, Centrair serves many international flights, primarily from Asia. From the airport, you can directly access the city of Nagoya, as well as Inuyama, Gifu, and other surrounding areas using the Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu).

Operating across a vast area from central Nagoya to regional cities rich in nature and history, the Meitetsu is your reliable travel partner from the moment you arrive at Centrair. Riding the Meitetsu to explore these diverse and captivating areas will shift your perspective from "just passing through Nagoya" to "staying and enjoying the greater Nagoya area."

Nagoya: A Metropolis Where Traditions and Urban Culture Intersect

Nagoya is one of the biggest cities in central Japan and is an area where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Streets where ancient faiths and the lingering atmosphere of a castle town breathe life, alongside futuristic architecture, a diverse food culture, and youth culture, which all mix to create a townscape where every step reveals a new facet of Nagoya. This rich contrast - where tradition and modernity, formality and playfulness coexist - is precisely what makes this city so captivating.

For more on Nagoya's lesser-known attractions:
https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/nagoya-sightseeing/

Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Boasting over 1,900 years of history, Atsuta Jingu Shrine is a venerable ancient shrine that enshrines the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. The shrine grounds are filled with dense forest, including a giant camphor tree over a thousand years old, enveloping visitors in a solemn atmosphere.

The Treasure Hall houses and displays approximately 6,000 treasures, including national treasures and important cultural properties. This includes traditional Japanese mirrors, “bugaku” masks, ancient documents, and ritual implements. It’s a great opportunity to fully appreciate the depth of Japanese culture. 

At the Kusanagi-kan, visitors can find exhibits of renowned swords befitting the status of Atsuta Jingu Shrine. As you bask in their overwhelming presence, you’ll come to realize just how it earned the title "Treasure Trove of Swords." 

Surrounded by trees, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, as a sacred site of Nagoya, is a place where visitors can truly relax in tranquility.

Atsuta nagAya

Located near Atsuta Jingu Shrine in the west district of Meitetsu Jingumae Station, Atsuta nagAya opened in September 2024. The area used to be a town on an old trade route, so the commercial complex features buildings with facades inspired by the traditional row houses that once lined it. It offers a variety of shops, including restaurants that serve gourmet food made with locally grown ingredients and stores selling goods that reflect local culture, creating a unique space where nostalgia and modernity coexist. After visiting the shrine, stop by to experience everyday life in Nagoya.

Sakae Area (Oasis 21)

Nagoya's central Sakae district is a vibrant neighborhood brimming with diverse charms, from the trendy south area to the iconic architecture lining the north area. Particularly notable is "Oasis 21," a commercial complex and landmark directly connected to Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakae Station and Meitetsu Sakaemachi Station.  It features Spaceship-Aqua, a glass-roofed rooftop plaza perfect for “elevated” strolls; Green Earth, a lawn offering seasonal natural beauty like cherry blossoms and autumn foliage; a bus terminal area, an event plaza, shopping areas, and much more.

At Oasis 21, you can enjoy daytime strolls and shopping or lose track of time in its mystical illuminated nighttime atmosphere. As a true urban oasis, it is bustling daily with visitors.

Osu Area (Osu Shopping District)

Nagoya's premier shopping district, Osu, brings together about 1,200 shops offering everything from classic coffee culture to the latest fashion and local gourmet food. Surrounded by four major streets, Osu is the perfect place for souvenir hunting and strolling. You can savor Nagoya specialties like chicken wings and miso pork cutlet while exploring, making every step in this shopping district an exciting experience.

There are also several events held throughout the year at Osu, such as the "Osu Summer Festival" in August, the "Osu Daido Chonin Matsuri" in October, and the "Osu Kannon Temple Setsubun Festival Treasure Ship Parade" in February. You'll discover something new with every visit!

Inuyama: Feel the History and the Charm of a Castle Town

Located at the northernmost tip of Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama City is an area that strongly retains the charm of a castle town where history and nature exist in harmony. Spots where you can feel history up close are scattered throughout, including Inuyama Castle (a National Treasure) and streets with appearances that hark back to its past. Walking along the beautiful Kiso River and through Inuyama’s tranquil streets, you can enjoy the historic atmosphere in a serene way.

For more on Nagoya's lesser-known attractions:
https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/nagoya-sightseeing/

Inuyama Castle

Built around 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of the renowned Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga, Inuyama Castle is a national treasure that is home to Japan's oldest original castle tower. Inside, much of the original timber remains, and the creaking floors and the warmth of the wood convey the weight of the history this castle has witnessed.

Standing on the top floor of the castle keep, you can see the Kiso River below, Mount Ontake off in the distance, and Gifu Castle. In spring, approximately 400 cherry trees lining the riverbanks enhance the castle's beauty. Combining majesty and elegance, Inuyama Castle is a unique historical stage where you can experience the atmosphere of the Sengoku period.

Museum Meiji-mura

Meiji-mura is an open-air museum preserving and displaying over 60 historical buildings that are primarily from the Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Established in 1965 through the efforts of architect Yoshiro Taniguchi and Motoo Tsuchikawa, then-president of Nagoya Railroad, it aims to protect Meiji-era cultural assets threatened by war, earthquakes, and rapid economic growth. The main attraction is the Wright’s Imperial Hotel central lobby – designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the intricate ornamentation and unique architectural beauty make it a must-see.

Within Meiji-mura, visitors can also enjoy foods inspired by the era, such as "gyunabe" (beef hot pot, a symbol of modernization) and recipes from the Meiji-era novel "Shokudoraku.” Additionally, there is a popular experience where you can dress up in Meiji-era school uniforms and take commemorative photos, further deepening your connection to the Meiji period. Think of Meiji-mura as a unique historical theme park where culture, food, and experiences come together.

Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden

Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden offers a luxurious location with panoramic views of Inuyama Castle - a National Treasure - and the Kiso River. The adjacent Japanese garden, Urakuen, features “Joan” - one of only three surviving national treasure tea ceremony rooms - and the "Shodenin Shoin,” designated an Important Cultural Property. Guests can explore this special garden for free by presenting their room key card.

Guest rooms feature playful designs infused with the local traditions and culture, including walls with ukiyo-e prints depicting Inuyama's scenery that have been given a contemporary twist. They also have premium view rooms that offer vistas of Inuyama Castle, the Kiso River, or the national treasure tea ceremony room Joan - in those rooms, the scenery itself is a true highlight of your stay.

Guests can also relax and rejuvenate at the natural hot spring "Hakutei no Yu," known for its skin-beautifying effects, and in the dry sauna. The on-site restaurant, Indigo Home Kitchen Yamateras, serves creative original cuisine featuring local ingredients. 

At this hotel, you can experience Inuyama's history, culture, and scenery with all five senses, making for a truly unique stay.

Gifu: Where the Spirit of the Sengoku Period Meets Refreshing Clear Streams

The Gifu area served as the base from which warlord Oda Nobunaga sought to unify Japan. Today, it is a city where history and nature are in perfect harmony. Walking through the streets that retain the atmosphere of a castle town, or around Gifu Castle towering atop Mount Kinka, you can feel the echoes of the Sengoku period. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the clear Nagara River and refresh your mind and body at the local hot springs. Combined with breathtaking views from the local ropeway, this area is a great destination for anyone looking for a slice of history along with plenty of relaxation.

For more on Nagoya's lesser-known attractions:
https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/nagoya-sightseeing/

Gifu Castle Rakuichi

Opened in April 2025 within Gifu Park, Gifu Castle Rakuichi is a spot packed with Gifu's charms. Eleven shops line seven single-story wooden buildings, offering everything from gourmet food made with local ingredients to traditional crafts. Why not visit to souvenir shop or grab a bite to eat?

It’s a new landmark in Gifu that visitors to Gifu Castle or Mount Kinka can easily visit, creating a sightseeing experience where you can absorb both the local history and modern culture.

Gifu Mount Kinka Ropeway

The Gifu Mount Kinka Ropeway connects the base station in Gifu Park to the summit of Mount Kinka in just 4 minutes. Riding in the entirely glass-walled gondola offers panoramic views of the clear Nagara River below, the rich nature of Mount Kinka, the city of Gifu, and the Nobi Plain.

While spring's fresh greenery and autumn's vibrant foliage are stunning, the night view from the summit is so beautiful it has been certified as a Japan Night View Heritage site. The ropeway also provides easy access to Gifu Castle located at the summit, making it perfect for enjoying both historical exploration and breathtaking scenery. Why not take an aerial journey aboard the ropeway and fully experience the views of Mount Kinka, which shows off different expressions by day and night?

Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village

Located in front of the summit station of Gifu Mount Kinka Ropeway, Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village offers the unique experience of feeding adorable squirrels. It's a one-of-a-kind relaxation spot in Gifu where you can enjoy history, nature, and interaction with small animals.

Nagaragawa Onsen

Nagaragawa Onsen, where inns dot both banks of the clear Nagara River, is a hot spring resort area renowned for its 1,300-year tradition of cormorant fishing. The iron-rich spring water turns reddish-brown when exposed to air, making for an interesting bathing experience. 

At the inns in the hot spring district, you can enjoy a luxurious soak while taking in spectacular views of the Nagara River, Mount Kinka, and Gifu Castle. Some inns have hot spring baths open to day visitors, so why not spend some time relaxing at one of them while sightseeing?

Gifu Grand Hotel

Gifu Grand Hotel in Nagaragawa Onsen is a hot spring inn offering refined moments against a backdrop of rich nature and tradition. Their large bathhouse features an open-air bath, herbal bath, and sauna, providing soothing relief from the day’s travels.

With 144 guest rooms in both Japanese and Western styles, you can choose according to your preference. The Premium Twin rooms are styled modern Japanese, featuring tatami flooring and furnished with Western-style beds, Japanese paper lanterns, and pieces inspired by Hida Shunkei lacquerware, which is known for its natural wood grain and deep, translucent lacquer tones. Guests can truly appreciate the region's traditional craftsmanship during their stay.

The inn also offers a variety of dining experiences, including a French restaurant overlooking the clear Nagara River from 45 meters above ground, as well as Japanese cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and a charming bar. Breakfast is a buffet featuring over 40 Japanese and Western dishes primarily using local ingredients. Indulge in some of the finest eats around like omelets cooked to order by chefs and freshly fried young sweetfish tempura, making for a splendid start to your day. 

Enjoy a stay unique to Gifu, where history and nature come alive, that offers breathtaking views of the Nagara River and Mount Kinka.

Riding the Nagoya Railroad transforms Nagoya from a mere stopover into a city worth staying in and savoring. Why not experience the charm of central Japan, where new discoveries await with every visit, aboard the Nagoya Railroad?

For more on Nagoya's lesser-known attractions:
https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/nagoya-sightseeing/