Kinshachi Yokocho

A superb gourmet area in Nagoya Castle Town, Kinshachi Yokocho, is divided into two sections.

The first section is the “Yoshinao Zone”, which is based on the characteristics of Tokugawa Yoshinao, a great ruler who followed the legacy of his father, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and faithfully governed the Owari Domain by improving laws, cultivating lands, controlling floods, and promoting industries. It is located in front of the main gate of Nagoya Castle and features many long-established and well-known Nagoya-meshi restaurants, making it especially popular among tourists. “Yabaton” for miso cutlets, “Yamamotoya Sohonke” for udon in miso soup, and “Nagoya Bicho” for hitsumabushi (chopped kabayaki eel on rice) are the first restaurants you should try. Some bar-style restaurants offer samples of Aichi’s local sake and beer for a fee, and there are some Nagoya souvenir shops as well.

The second section is the “Muneharu Zone”, which is based on the characteristics of Tokugawa Muneharu, the seventh lord of the Owari domain, who dressed like a kabuki actor and developed Nagoya into a cultural and vibrant city. It is located near the east gate of Nagoya Castle, featuring many restaurants and cafes with a pop atmosphere, making it popular among locals. Many of them are open until late at night. For tourists, “Ankake Taro” for pasta with a nice starchy sauce, is especially recommended.