Recently, I was asked by Ken Xu to write something about Nagoya since I am currently staying here. Actually, for the past 3 1/2 years that I am here, I have not written anything specifically related to Nagoya. So I thought it would be interesting to showcase Nagoya in my blog. It would be like a simple hitchhiker guide to Nagoya for those that are easily amused.

OK, where shall I start. Nagoya is one of the five largest cities in Japan. It is located in Aichi Prefecture. Yes, in Japan, they don’t call it “state” but “prefecture” instead. So what is interesting in Nagoya? Nothing! I am just kidding. Everything is interesting in Nagoya. (Alright, I am boasting here. Darn, I should get some promotion fees from Japan Tourism Board for doing this.)

To keep the long story short, I will just summarized for you what is actually interesting in Nagoya. I shall start with Nagoya Castle. Everyone in Nagoya is very proud of Nagoya Castle. It is a must-see tourism spot. Nagoya Castle is noted for the golden dolphins on top of the roof. This motif is used as a talisman for fire prevention. They are also said to be a symbol of the feudal lord’s authority. Too bad the castle was burnt down during World War II. Today, Nagoya Castle is a “fake” building with air-conditioning and even elevators. (Haha, I told you there is nothing interesting in Nagoya!)

Nagoya “fake” castle

Next, Atsuta Jingu or Atsuta Shrine is also very famous in Nagoya. It is the second most sacred shrine in Japan. The shrine has over 4,000 national treasures representing its 2,000 years of history. It holds around 70 festivals in a year, and many people visit the shrine year-round. Most of the people in Nagoya will go to Atsuta Shrine during the new year for prayer.

Monetary offerings are thrown in by devotees
Nagoya is also one of the venue for the Grand Sumo tournament. It is held at the month of July at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. If you are fan of watching semi-naked obese men slapping each other, then I guess Sumo is the sport for you.

Besides all those cultural stuffs, Nagoya has flourished as the base for industries since olden days. Basically you can find almost everything in Nagoya. As compared to Tokyo that is heavily crowded, Nagoya offers a better choice for living.

Modern architectures of Nagoya, OASIS 21 and Nagoya Tower
During the Spring season, Cherry Blossom flowers or Sakura can be seen almost everywhere in Japan. Nagoya is no exception. One of the famous spot for Cherry Blossom viewing or Hanami is at Yamazakigawa riverbank.

Sakura trees along Yamazakigawa

Sunflowers during summer
So I guess that’s about it. If you are still impressed, then maybe you should come to Nagoya to see this!

Japanese Penis Festival