Torisu shinmeisha shrine in Minami ward in Nagoya

13/10/2025

When visiting temples or shrines in Japan, please remember that these are sacred places. Any behavior that shows disrespect — such as touching sacred objects, entering restricted areas, or making noise — can be seen as both culturally offensive and legally punishable under Japanese law (Article 188 of the Penal Code).

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A shrine on top of an ancient burial mound called Kofun

Nagoya has many ancient burial mounds called kofun. In the central area of Nagoya, the one in Osu is well known. Torisu shinmeisha shrine, which I’m introducing this time is also built on top of a kofun. t’s interesting to see a slightly elevated hill-like structure in the middle of a residential area.

At the entrance, there is an explanation about the shrine in English as well. It seems that no one knows whose kofun this is or even when it was built. While many of the massive kofun in the Kansai region are related to the imperial family and have well-documented historical backgrounds, most of the kofun in Nagoya remain unidentified.

Looking out over the surrounding residential area from the shrine atop the kofun, I feel a strange sense of time blending ancient and modern eras. This is not a tourist spot, but a shrine known only to the locals.

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I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.