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Hidden Gems and Secret Spots in Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture
Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, serves as a midway point between Tokyo and Osaka and is Japan’s third-largest metropolitan area. However, it’s often said that there are few interesting places here. This is somewhat true, as it’s the center of Japan’s modern automotive industry and the heart of the Toyota empire, making it an industrial city. Most of its historical buildings were destroyed in air raids during World War II. Of course, there are popular tourist spots like Nagoya Castle. But this time, I’d like to introduce some interesting places from a different perspective.
Fushimi Under Ground Shopping Street – interaction with locals
The first is Fushimi Underground Shopping Street. The street is lined with bars, izakayas, barbershops, and cafés, all exuding the atmosphere of 1980s Japan. There are various eateries, so you can choose a place that serves your favorite cuisine. It’s a spot not well-known to foreigners and is frequented by many Japanese, so English might not be widely spoken, but I think it will be fine. Just consider it as a cultural exchange and give it your best! Since it’s an old underground shopping street, most of the shops still operate on a cash-only basis, so be sure to bring Japanese yen with you. This underground shopping street is directly connected to Fushimi Station, but it’s very hard to find. It’s easier to exit the station and then look for the entrance. For detailed directions, please refer to the article linked below.
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Fushimi Underground Shopping Street and Handsome Burger
Hidden Shopping Street loved by the locals Fushimi Underground Shopping Street Fushimi Underground Shopping Street is a passageway lined with restaurants, ca…
“Nayabashi Yoichi” – night market in Nagoya
A night market held monthly in Nagoya is Nayabashi Yoichi. It takes place about a 15-minute walk from Nagoya Station and attracts many people. The atmosphere is open and lively. For those from overseas, it might feel like an exotic experience. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a day it’s happening, I think it would be worth checking out.
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Nayabashi in Nagoya, Best night market for food at street
Best night market for food at street in Nagoya called Nayabashi Yoichi Instagram account of Nayabashi Yoichi is here . Foreigners who wonder if Nagoya has ni…
Hozoji Temple – hidden grave of legendary Samurai
Now, let’s move on to historical buildings. I recommend Hōzōji Temple. It’s a very quiet temple, about an hour by train from Nagoya Station. It was used by Tokugawa Ieyasu(1543-1616) during his childhood when he was studying. This temple is also known for the legend that the head of Kondō Isami(1834-1868) is buried there. Kondō Isami was a swordsman from Tokyo in the late Edo period and the 4th master of the Tennen Rishin-ryu(Japanese martial art). He was the leader of the Shinsengumi. Born to a farming family, he rose to the rank of samurai through his skill with the sword. The Shinsengumi was a security force in Kyoto, and they are famous for their role in the Ikedaya Incident. It is said that Kondō and just four of his men stormed the Ikedaya, where 20 to 30 enemies (considered terrorists) were, killing and capturing many of them. Kondo, who was so strong, finally lost the battle against the new government forces and was executed in Tokyo. After Isami Kondo’s head was exposed in Kyoto, it has not been found to this day. According to legend, he was buried at Hozoji Temple, which was connected to the Tokugawa family to which Isami Kondo pledged allegiance. It’s a not-so-famous temple, so there aren’t many tourists, so it’s quiet and highly recommended.
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Hozoji Temple in Okazaki, which has Kondo Isami’s Secret Head Mount
Who is Kondo Isami? Isami Kondo was a swordsman from Edo(Tokyo) during the late Edo period(1603-1868), the fourth generation master of Tennen Rishin-ryu…
Eikokuji Temple – hidden grave of Christian in Feudal Japan
Eikokuji is a small temple located near Higashi Betsuin Temple. It was once an execution ground where both criminals and Christians were executed. A memorial tower was erected in 1649 to honor those who were executed, and Eikokuji Temple was established thereafter.
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Eikokuji temple, which has Hidden Christian History in Nagoya
About Eikokuji Temple Eikokuji is a small temple located about a 10-minute walk from Higashi Betsuin. Before this temple was built around 1660, the site was …
Kasadera Park – hidden historical site
Kasadera Park was once the site of anti-aircraft platforms during World War II, built to defend against American forces. Even today, you can still see two of these anti-aircraft platforms set up on the hill.
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Kasadera Park in Nagoya: A Place of Light and Shadow in History
Hidden Park in Nagoya Kasadera Park carries a history filled with both light and shadow. While today it serves as a peaceful, beloved spot for locals to rela…
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