"Nagoya, Japan" a Nagoya Travel Page by cvilla007

Nagoya, Japan, is my adopted hometown.

The city is at the heart of Japan, about a two-hour train ride from Osaka and a four-hour ride from Tokyo. On the bullet train it takes less than half the time. Nagoya is an important, modern city in Japan.

It's the fourth largest city after Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Toyota city, Gifu, and Inuyama are important cities close to Nagoya. Nagoya's population is 2.1 million. But with over 8 million people in the metropolitan Nagoya area, the city is the 30th largest in the world!

Much of original Nagoya was destroyed in World War II. The city itself was completely rebuilt, and now stands as modern metropolis in the making.

2005 marks the World Expo of Japan. Also, a new international airport, and third 'island' airport in Japan opened in 2005, Centrair.

Special Nagoya "tid-tips":
* It's hot here. Maybe one of the hottest places in mainland Japan. Be prepared for humid weather from June to September. The heat is unreal.
* People in Nagoya are reknowned for their thriftiness. During the economic crisis of the 90's, the city of Nagoya kept growing because the Nagoya-ites didn't blow their money. Here you'll find some of the nicest dressed people and some of the most expensive shops. Somehow they like to spend, but save, yet spend. Yet another Japanese paradox.

The JR Nagoya twin towers, Nagoya's landmark. The buildings are the tallest in the city. There are currently three other skyscrapers under construction near Nagoya towers, so the city-scape is going to change.

Start your visit to Nagoya at the International Center Building - Kokusai Center. They have a lot of tourist information in many languages on the 3rd floor. The staff speak English and other languages. Located at Kokusai Station, one station from Nagoya Station. It's about a 15-minute walk from Nagoya station.