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| Nagoya
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It is Japan's
fourth largest city, the center of Chukyo (Japan's third largest
industrial zone), and a commercial and industrial city. It is Nagoya.
Nagoya is a toned-down version of Tokyo with its many English language
signs around to make it easy for non-Japanese speaking visitors
to visit. From a castle town, the city rose to power during the
feudal age. However, most of the old buildings and castles were
destroyed during World War II. The city was rebuilt after WWII with
expansive avenues and side streets that connect in straight lines,
making it easier to find one's way around town. The two major sights
in Nagoya are the Nagoya-jo Castle and the
Atsuta-jingu Shrine.
By
Air : The Komaki
airport links most major cities in Japan to Nagoya. All Nippon Airways
(ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), and Japan Air Systems (JAS) service
this airport. An increasing number of international carriers have
started flying into Komaki airport to avoid the congestion at Tokyo's
Narita airport. Hence direct flights from Bangkok, Beijing, Hong
Kong, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, and Vancouver are
available.
By
Rail : It is much
easier to use the shinkansen (bullet train) if you are coming in
from Tokyo. The fastest rail service to Nagoya is the JR shinkansen.
Normal rail lines are also available from various cities in Japan.
By
Bus : Buses do operate
between Tokyo and Osaka with stops in Nagoya and Kyoto. However,
they do take a longer time than rail services.
By
Boat : The Taiheiyo ferry
operates between Nagoya and Tomakomai through Sendai (21 hours,
¥9580 2nd class). Ferries depart from Nagoya-futo pier, a 40 minute
journey by bus from Meitetsu bus station.
An
excellent subway system with four lines signposted in both English
and Japanese operates within Nagoya. The most beneficial lines are
the Meijo, Higashiyama, and the Sakura-dori line. Fares range between
¥200 to ¥320 for all lines. The more adventurous can try using the
extensive bus system. Do note that it will be advantageous if you
understand basic Japanese. Meitetsu bus station, located on the
third floor of the Meitetsu department store, is the main bus terminal.
Acting
as the main lure to Nagoya city, Nagoya-jo Castle is a symbol of
days gone by. Originally built in 1612, the castle was then a fine
specimen of modern castle architecture. However, the grandeur of
the castle was destroyed with the coming of World War II. The present
five-storied building was rebuilt in 1959. Visitors can get an impressive
view of the surroundings on its fifth floor. Three meter long replicas
of the famous shachi-hoko, or dolphin-like sea creatures, standing
on either end of the roof are interesting sights to behold.
The rooms on the second, third, and fourth floors exhibit armors
and family treasures that were not destroyed during the war. Also,
the Ninomaru Garden, which has a teahouse, is often admired for
its splendor. Opened from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the castle is
a five minute walk from Shiyakusho station, which is on the Meijo
subway line.
Originally
built in the 3rd Century, the Atsuta-jingu Shrine was rebuilt again
in 1935. It has been regarded as one of the most important shrines
next to the Ise Grand Shrine, as it enshrines the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi
or grass-cutting sword, which is said to be sacred. Together with
the curved jewels and sacred mirror, they make up the three imperial
regalia of the imperial family. According to mythology, the sacred
sword was handed down to the imperial family by the goddess Amaterasu
Omikami. No one is allowed to view the sword except for the Emperor
and a few selected Shinto priests. A small museum houses various
Shinto and Tokugawa-era artifacts. The shrine opens daily 24 hours,
while the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last
Wednesday and Thursday closed every month. From Nagoya station,
take the Meitetsu Nagoya Honsen line to Jingu-mae and walk west
for five minutes to reach the shrine.
 Those
who are interested in history should visit the Tokugawa Art Museum,
which houses more than 10,000 valuable objects that were handed
down by the Tokugawa family. Items such as prints, calligraphy,
painted scrolls, lacquerware, and ceramics can be viewed. With the
exception of Mondays, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. The easiest way to reach the museum is to take bus No. 16 from
Shiyakusho subway station and alight at the Shindeki stop.
The
cargo area houses several interesting attractions, including the
hi-tech Nagoya Port Aquarium, which is one of Japan's largest aquarium,
while the Port Tower offers good views of the harbor. To get to
the port area, take the Meijo subway line to Nagoya-ko (Nagoya port)
subway station. Directions are also signposted in English.
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