Nagoya gets a bad rap. It’s often called “Japan’s most boring city,” which, to be honest, is what made me curious in the first place. But after spending time there, I think that reputation is totally undeserved. Sure, it’s not flashy like Tokyo or overflowing with temples like Kyoto — but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and full of little gems that most people overlook. If you’re willing to slow down and explore, Nagoya just might surprise you in the best way.

Kiyosu Castle: A Peaceful Slice of History

One of my favorite discoveries was Kiyosu Castle, just a 26-minute metro ride from Nagoya Station (210 yen one way) and a 15-minute walk. Is it the original castle? Nope — it’s a 1989 reconstruction. But honestly, that doesn’t take away from its charm. The museum inside is filled with interesting artifacts (all in Japanese, but still fun to look at), and the castle grounds are gorgeous, with a zen rock garden and a scenic bridge that many say looks like it came straight out of Spirited Away.

And the rooftop view? Incredible. You get a full panoramic look over Kiyosu City, with barely anyone else around.

Hiyoshi Shrine: Torii Gates, Monkey Spirits & Fertility Legends

This shrine is associated with child-rearing and fertility, and its “messenger” is said to be a monkey, which can be seen all throughout the area. There’s even a local legend about a “vulva stone” that, if touched, is said to help with pregnancy. Whether you believe it or not, it adds a bit of quirky charm.

Kirin Factory Tour: Beer with a Side of Culture

If you’re in the area (and in the mood for a drink), there’s also a Kirin beer factory nearby where you can take a tour and sample some of their brews. The paid tour is in Japanese, but it’s still worth it— you get to see how it’s made and enjoy a tasting session at the end.

Ghibli Park: Childhood Dreams Come to Life

Now, let’s talk about the main event: Ghibli Park. If you’re even a little bit of a Studio Ghibli fan, this place is magical. It’s about an hour from Nagoya Station by train (one transfer), and it’s on the grounds of the 2005 Aichi Expo, which was later renovated into the park we know today.

Please note that tickets are tough to get. They go on sale on the 10th of each month at 2 PM Japan time, two months in advance, and they sell out within minutes (especially if you’re trying to buy from outside Japan). Their website says to bring photo ID for entry (and to prove that you bought the tickets yourself) but no one checked mine… do what you will with that information…

We had the Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Standard Pass, which gave us access to two areas:

• Valley of the Witches: This outdoor area is absolutely precious— it has a small carousel and a “flying machine” ride inspired by Castle in the Sky. My favorite part was the bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service. If you walk down the alley beside the building next door, you’ll find a back staircase that leads right up to Kiki’s bedroom.The little details inside made brought the story to life, and is one of only interactive exhibits for those with the standard day pass.
• Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse: The Ghibli Grand Warehouse is an indoor space filled with immersive exhibits, detailed sets, and playful displays — it was whimsical, nostalgic, and just a joy to wander through. One of the highlights is a small theater that screens 10-minute short films, exclusive to the park and rotated monthly. It’s a rare chance to see Ghibli films you won’t find anywhere else.
• I also highly recommend checking out the food exhibit. It highlights memorable food scenes from Ghibli films and includes displays of classic Japanese sample food — the hyper-realistic fake dishes you’ll often see outside restaurants in Japan to draw people in. Beyond being fun to look at, the exhibit offers a glimpse into how important the presentation of food is in Japanese culture. The concept of moritsuke, or the art of beautifully arranging food, is something Ghibli captures so well, and seeing it showcased like this was a real treat. Note: pictures are not allowed in throughout this exhibit.

If you want to go inside Howl’s Moving Castle or Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro, you’ll need the Premium Pass, which gets you access to everything. Although we had access to Mononoke Village, we ended up skipping it — partly due to time, and partly because we’d read some rather bland reviews.

One important tip: wear comfy shoes. The park is beautiful, but very spread out, and you’ll be walking a lot. For food, there aren’t many options inside the park, but the food trucks between Valley of the Witches and the Warehouse had solid (and affordable) choices.

Even though I think they could have done more with the outdoor spaces, I really loved the park. It brought out my inner child in the best way.

Not Flashy, Still Fantastic

Here’s what I really liked about Nagoya: it’s not trying to be anything it’s not. It’s not dressed up for tourists. It’s not fighting for attention. It’s just doing its own thing — and that’s kind of refreshing. You get to see a different side of what city life can look like in Japan. A slower, quieter one.

One last tip: if you’re passing through Nagoya Station, please swing by Boul’ange — a French-inspired bakery with pastries that we visited not once, but twice during our three days in Nagoya. My French partner gave it a nod of approval, so you know it’s the real deal. I don’t even have pictures because I ate my croissant faster than a stray dog.

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So, Is Nagoya Really That Boring?

Nagoya might not be the first city you think of when planning a trip to Japan — and maybe that’s exactly why you should go.

So if you’re heading to Japan and looking for a break from the crowds, consider giving Nagoya a chance. You might just find yourself loving this “boring” city too.