It was drizzling when I visited Nagoya Castle. I thought there might be fewer people, but I was way off—it’s a popular attraction, so it was still packed with tourists!
Nagoya Castle truly deserves its reputation as one of Japan’s three great castles. The most eye-catching feature is the pair of gleaming golden shachihoko atop the castle tower. They stood out even more against the gray sky and looked incredibly majestic. As I slowly explored the grounds, every corner felt steeped in history, and the rain added a unique atmosphere. This is definitely worth including in your Nagoya itinerary. It’s not only beautiful for photos, but also offers a wonderful glimpse into the Edo period.
Nagoya Castle | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Oasis 21
The Oasis 21 is famous for its symbolic glass roof, also known as the “Spaceship-Aqua ”. The facility has a bus terminal and is also connected to the subway and the Meitetsu line .Located within the heart of Nagoya city, the facility is known to be a photogenic location due to the illuminations lighting up the skyline.
This was my first visit to Oasis 21. I thought it was just a transit hub, but it completely blew me away at night!
The glass roof, known as the “Spaceship-Aqua,” is truly unique. You can stroll across it while enjoying nighttime views of the entire Sakae area. Once the lights come on, the nearby Nagoya TV Tower lights up too, creating a gorgeous scene. Even casual phone shots turn out great. I recommend visiting around sunset so you can experience both the daytime and nighttime atmosphere. It’s definitely worth adding to your Nagoya itinerary. -
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Sushi Dai
Located inside the bustling Toyosu Market-Tokyo’s hub for fresh seafood-Sushi Dai is a famous sushi restaurant that consistently draws long lines. Being situated within the market allows the chefs direct access to top-quality ingredients. The head chef’s expert judgment ensures only the very best seafood is selected, prioritizing freshness and flavor over brand or origin.
One of the must-try restaurants at Toyosu Market is Sushi Dai. I thought arriving early would be enough, but when I got there a little after 6:00 a.m., there was already a long line. People really go all out for a taste of this fresh sushi!
The wait takes patience, but the moment I sat down and tried the first piece, I knew it was worth it. The chefs prepare each piece right in front of you. The fish is fresh with a subtle sweetness, and every bite highlights the natural flavor of the ingredients. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying. -
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AFURI Ebisu
Located just a 3-minute walk from Ebisu Station, this stylish ramen shop specializes in tanrei-kei (light and refined) ramen, crafted with pure natural spring water from Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and a carefully simmered blend of chicken and seafood. AFURI has expanded from Tokyo to Kanagawa, Hokkaido, and even overseas in the U.S. and Hong Kong. The Ebisu branch is open until 5 a.m. and operates as a completely cashless restaurant.
If you always order tonkotsu ramen, it’s definitely worth switching things up!
AFURI is best known for its yuzu shio ramen. The broth is light and refreshing, with the savory flavors of chicken and seafood plus a subtle hint of yuzu that makes a great first impression. I was worried it might taste bland, but not at all—it became more delicious with every sip, and I couldn’t resist finishing the entire bowl of broth. This is a great choice when you’re craving ramen but don’t want anything too rich or greasy. -
