For those who enjoy city life but don't particularly care for the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Tokyo, Nagoya is a nice alternative. It is also not a very well known city, except by natives, therefore tourists are practically obsolete.
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In the summer of 2003, I made my first overseas voyage to the country of Japan. Having made the decision to take such such a spontaneous journey and knowing so little about the country of Japan prior to my trip left alot open for discovery. In the five weeks that I lived there with friends, I became immersed within a culture that I found to be inextricably beautiful, peaceful and above all : simple.
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The Oasis Infrastructure and Nagoya Castle are a couple, amongst the many, worthy locations to visit. The Oasis is worth a visit (or several) merely because of the uniqueness of its structural design. It is a newly built structure that combines a rooftop view of the city, an underground shopping and eating area and a train station. There is also a large empty area where different events are held.
Nagoya Castle is also definitely worth a visit. At only 500 yen, it is a deal that can not be missed. The castle and surrounding gardens are simply beautiful and a few hours can easily be passed there.
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| What's really great: |
There is really a great abundance of things to do and experience while in Nagoya. There is something offered for everyone- between extensive underground subway malls, bookstores, karaoke bars, museums of all types, restaurants, arcades, shrines, department stores and so much more... As for bookstores I would highly recommend Maruzen and Mana House. For anyone who loves reading (and especially for those who can speak and read Japanese) the multiple storied bookstores are amazing! Also don't miss out on the ever popular purikura (sticker photo) machines that are to be found in arcades and stores all over Nagoya and much of Japan. I also recommend not missing out on mega department stores - Mitsukoshi & Tokyo Hands (which house a variety of products from clothing to toys). And, by all means take advantage of Japan's train system especially the shinkansen or high speed train. It is undoubtedly the most convienent and enjoyable way to travel quickly from place to place.
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| Sights: |
Aside from The Oasis and Nagoya Castle, I would also recommend the park in central Nagoya, the Nagoya Science Museum, the Osu Kannon Shrine (pictured at right) , the Nagoya T.V. Tower and the shoutengai. The shoutengai , which is basically like a flea market, is a great place to get some bargains on everything from electronics to clothing and toys.
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| Accommodations: |
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The gardens at Nagoya Castle
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I personally am not familiar with the accomodations anywhere in Japan, as I stayed with friends the entire time.
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| Nightlife: |
Not sure of many clubs, although nightlife in Nagoya is quite upbeat. However it should be noted that many of the nightclubs I noticed were indeed strip clubs and other such related places.
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| Hangouts: |
I did not visit any pubs while there, so I don't know of any off hand.
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A moving crab on a seafood restaurant
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For a good portion of my meals in Japan, I had home cooked food with my friends, however when we went out there were always a great many restaurants to choose from. For lunch, the best choice is usually to purchase a bento box from one of several convienence stores (Circle K or Lawson are good choices). Bento boxes are prepared daily and include a variety of japanese noodles, rice, fish and/or other items. Always an affordable and great tasting choice and easy to take along if you go picknicking! As far as dinner is concerned, my favorites was a restaurant (translated from japanese as Stab- It, I don't know the japanese word for it unfortunately) on the top floor of Meizokoshi which is a buffet cook-it-yourself type restaurant. Not cheap, but great food and a lot of fun! Also, do not leave Japan without stopping by one of the pastry shops (I recommend Fujiya Cake Shop and also the bakery at The Oasis) and also the meat and fish markets (found in the basement of most dept. stores).
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Published on Friday August 13th, 2004
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Tue, Oct 21 2008 - 02:23 AM
 by mistybleu
| The train that I was on stopped in Nagoya, I now wish I had gotten off, nice read! |
Tue, Oct 03 2006 - 08:41 AM
 by mrscanada
| I've been to Japan but not to Nagoya. Maybe next time I go I'll go see it. |
Tue, Sep 14 2004 - 12:31 PM
by ravinderkumarsi
hii michelle,
nice to read ur such a narrative report on nayoga..
its great
ravi |
Fri, Aug 13 2004 - 10:58 AM
 by bootlegga
| Pretty good job. Do you have any pictures of Nagoya to add to it? Nagoya Castle looked pretty cool from the Shinkansen when I passed through... |
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