Quote:
Originally Posted by Japean
hey guys,
I don't wanna be a bad host so here's some info on Nagoya. 
First, Yabaton (and many other restaurants) offers "MisoKatsu" that is one of the specialties of Nagoya. Once you visit this city, you must try it:
Misokatsu Yabaton
Otherwise you should try "Izakaya" that is the hybrid of a pub and a restaurant. I'm sure the hotel staff will introduce you some in the neighborhood.
Just in case, here are some izakayas in Sakae area:
Japanese- Izakaya
Don't worry about language in Japanese restaurants because most of the menus are with photos. Good thing about Izakaya that the portions are small so you can try many things.
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Not sure what you guys are interested in but I think one day may be interesting for "culture and history":
Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus
... you don't have to get off at all the stops so check out what interests you before getting on.
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As I wrote before Toyota Plant Tours (not museum!) are great (you can actually see how they manufacture the cars from scratch). All of my friends and family enjoyed it so far. (Found the english website):
TOYOTA:Plant Tour & Toyota Kaikan Museum
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If you are already in Sakae, you should go underground... and by that I mean to one of the largest "underground shopping mall" in Japan. Starting from "Oasis 21" may be a good idea... When you get lost, just follow the crowd.
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If you want to see Nagoya from above, then you should have a drink at Nagoya station's "twin towers" (if you see it, you'll get it). One of the towers - from the 15th floor to the top floor - is Mariott Hotel, with a restaurant/bar on the top floor. It's good to make a reservation ahead if you go at night (do not forget to ask for a table at the window, with view!).
If you do not want to spend much on the night view (drinks are pricey), then the 15th floor's "terrace" will do.
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Not sure how old you guys are but if you are interested in night-life then:
Dance Club in NAGOYA - Bar-and-Restaurant.com
ID Cafe is one of the most popular clubs in Nagoya:
iD-caf? in Naka-ku, Nagoya - Bar-and-Restaurant.com
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You may also be interested in experiencing a Tea Ceremony, Shodo (calligraphy) and Kimono wearing (if you are or with a lady).
I hope this'll help you enjoy your stay.
Good Luck! |
Hi Japean,
Thanks a lot for your input. I've read your posts in this thread and I think I might skip Nagoya in favor of another city but maybe not. If I do, I'll definitely take the advice you posted in this message.
I'm making an itinerary so I will use these places in case I decide to go.
I have been to a Toyota plant in the United States and you're right: They are enjoyable. Not only do you see the cars being built but the robotics they employ even down to self-governing robots that deliver materials to points in the plant without any supervision. It was fascinating.
In reference to one of your earlier posts questioning the amount of enjoyable content in Nagoya a foreign tourist would receive as opposed to a native I can agree with some of your points.
I live in the United States and when people say "I went to America and experienced the culture when I went to New York and to Time Square." my thoughts are .. well if you wanted to experience America why did you go to Time Square or New York? lol
I'm sure it's the same for people who have lived in Japan for some years or are from Japan. I can understand their points as well as I've never been to Tokyo (this will be my 2nd trip to Japan and I am not going to Tokyo this time either...but maybe next year) since the thought of a big, expensive, city jam packed with people doesn't really excite me but is one of the first things to do for a tourist going to Japan. It's kind of like my New York example.
Thanks again for your post and I will definitely look into your advice.