Nagoya is one of the major transportation hubs in Japan. It is the gateway and the usual jump-off point to the rest of the Chubu Region. It connects to other major cities in the country like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Getting in and around Nagoya is pretty much convenient for both locals and foreigners. If you want to explore the areas surrounding or near Nagoya, here are some of the places that you can go on a day trip.

Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass

But before that, you might want to consider getting a Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass for you to easily navigate Nagoya and other historical attractions like the UNESCO-listed heritage sites (Shirakawa-gō, Takayama, and Gokayama). You can redeem your pass from accessible locations such as Chubu Centrair International Airport, Takayama Nohi Bus Center, Meitetsu Bus Center, and others.

➡️ GET HIGHWAY BUS PASS HERE

Nagashima Resort

Located just less than an hour from the city center, Nagashima Resort is a favorite vacation destination. It boasts an amusement park, a flower park, a hot spring complex, a water park, and shopping district.

Admission Fee:
¥1,600 – admission only; individual ride fees range from ¥300 to ¥1000 per ride
¥3,500 – admission + unlimited rides at the waterpark
¥5,000 – admission + unlimited rides at Spaland
¥6,400 – admission + unlimited rides at Spaland and waterpark
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (lean season); 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM (peak season); 10 AM – 9 PM (shops and restaurants); schedule may vary, so check the official website before going
Location: 3-3-3 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, 511-1192

Getting There: From Meitetsu Bus Center (just beside Nagoya Station), board a bus bound for Nagashima Onsen. Alight at either Nabana no Sato stop or Nagashima Onsen stop.

Nabana no Sato

One of the features of Nagashima Resort, the flower park is a picturesque vacation destination. Aside from the colorful seasonal flowers in bloom, it is also famous for its winter illumination event.

Admission Fee: ¥1,000 (summer); ¥1,600 (spring and autumn); ¥2,300 (winter illumination); the fee is inclusive of ¥1,000 gift certificate which is only valid inside the park
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (until 10 PM during winter illumination); schedule may vary, so check the official website before going
Location: 3-3-3 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, 511-1192

Getting There: From Meitetsu Bus Center (just beside Nagoya Station), board a bus bound for Nagashima Onsen. Alight at either Nabana no Sato stop or Nagashima Onsen stop.

Inuyama

Another city in Aichi is Inuyama, about 30-minute train ride from Nagoya. It is an old castle town where you can get a good view of the Kiso River from the balcony of the historic Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s original wooden castles and the oldest existing in the country. Kiso River is where the cormorant fishing takes place from June to October; the river also separates Gifu Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture.

Another attraction in Inuyama is the Meiji Mura Museum. It is an open-air museum, much like a historical theme park where visitors can get a view of what life was like during the Meiji Period in Japan.

Location: Aichi Prefecture
Getting Here: From Nagoya Station, take a short walk to Meitetsu Nagoya Station and take the express train to Inuyama Station.

If you happen to love matcha green tea, it’s possible for you to experience this after your visit to the castle and the Sanko Inari Shrine when you book the tour offered by Klook.

➡️ CHECK AVAILABILITY/RESERVE A SLOT HERE

Shirakawa-gō Village

Visit one of UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites in Japan, just about three hours from Nagoya by bus. Shirakawa-gō is located in Gifu Prefecture and is most famous for its Gassho-style roof farmhouses which are centuries old. These houses are still inhabited even while others function as guesthouses, museums, restaurants, and cafes. Any season is the best time to visit Shirakawa-gō, but the most popular is during winter when the village illumination activities take place.

Although most of these historic houses are open to the public, always respect the residents and the owner; ask permission before entering or if you want to take some photos.

Location: Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture 501-5600
Getting There: From Nagoya Station, go to Meitetsu Bus Center and board a Gifu Bus via Shirakawa-gō Express Line. Alight at Shirakawa-gō bus stop.

Visit not one, but two historic villages – Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Ainokura — when you book the tour via Klook. Travel with ease to these two UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

➡️ RESERVE A SEAT HERE

Takayama Old Town

Another interesting day trip destination from Nagoya is the mountain city of Takayama, also called Hida-Takayama. It is also approximately three hours from Nagoya by land travel. The city is an interesting combination of modern and traditional. The old castle town vibe still lingers through the old streets, locally known as San-machi, right at the center of the city while progress visibly mingles with the old in the form of modern structures such as the train station and bus center, convenience stores, and hotel establishments.

Aside from the famous old streets, Takayama is also known for its morning markets, such as the Miyagawa Morning Market, where farmers sell their fresh produce and locals and tourists can have a chance to interact. Come April and October, the city is bursting with visitors who want to experience the colorful Takayama Festival where they can marvel at the beautiful festival floats.

Location: Gifu Prefecture
Getting There: From Nagoya Station, go to Meitetsu Bus Center and board a Nohi/Meitetsu/JR Tokai bus via Takayama-Nagoya Line and alight at Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Another way is to take the JR Limited Express Wide Hida train from JR Nagoya Station and alight at Takayama Station.

If you want a combination tour of Shirakawa-go and Takayama from Nagoya or visit all three historical sites – Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, and Takayama, Klook is offering these tour package options. If you don’t want to think about the logistics and worry about the bus schedule, joining a group tour will give you the ease and comfort while traveling.

➡️ CHECK SHIRAKAWA-TAKAYAMA TOUR HERE

➡️ CHECK SHIRAKAWA-GOKAYAMA-TAKAYAMA TOUR HERE

Korankei

One of the most scenic places in Chubu Region, if not the country, during autumn, is located about two hours from Nagoya. Korankei is a favorite autumn season destination for those who would like to revel in the warm and romantic color of the season brought about by the bountiful maple trees in and around the area. The favorite viewing spot is Taigetsukyo Bridge where Tomoe River flows and where maple tree tunnels can be experienced. Take photos of the lovely scenery which is also perfect background for photo ops.

Best time to go is mid-November to late November when Korankei Maple Festival is also held. There’s illumination event from sunset until 9 pm during this time. The area can get very crowded and busy, most especially on weekends.

Location: Korankei, Iimori, Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture 444-2424
Getting There: From JR Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line train to Fushimi Station; then transfer train to Tsurumai Line and take the train to Toyotashi Station. Take the Meitetsu Bus going to Asuke from the East Gate bus platform. Alight at Korankei.

Nagoya Essentials

Nagoya Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Nagoya! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass Easy access to highway buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE
Nagoya City Walking Tour See some of Nagoya’s iconic landmarks! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE