Nagoya Castle Visit and Ogura Toast Feast

Nagoya was the third city we visited during our latest Japan trip. While the pull for visiting the two cities before was somewhat food-related (Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama and Nozawana Pickle in Nagano), the main reason I wanted to visit the city was Nabana No Sato.

Unfortunately, the claimed to be a spectacular light show was a major letdown.

Though I am on board about making an effort to take Instagram-worthy pics, I couldn’t justify the travelling and waiting time of almost four hours only to take a less than 10 minutes picture with pretty lights in the background. It wasn’t worth it.

Another reason for visiting Nagoya was because of hometown peer pressure. Most of my friends who have been to Japan have always stayed over in Nagoya. So I thought, there must be something interesting here to be explored.

There was. The shopping scene.

Nagoya is the fourth largest city in Japan, with too many shopping malls, all connected to each other from the above and underground passageways, starting from the main train station itself. It reminded me of the malls in Jakarta and Singapore, which must have been glorious for some, just not for me.

I was bored within a day of being there.

Nagoya Castle

The next day we walked all the way from Nagoya train station to Nagoya castle. The castle visit was interesting, especially seeing its beautifully designed interior.

I learned a few more tidbits about Japanese culture, especially the emperors’ lifestyles, which was pretty neat. But as attractive as a Japanese castle could be, after seeing Osaka castle on a prior Japan trip, I think I have been Japanese castle-ed up. The majority of the time I spent here was in the gift shop. No surprise there.

Eating in Nagoya

The one thing that turned Nagoya into an unforgetful happy memory was the food. I came with no expectations but was blown over by their delicacies, such as Tebasaki chicken wings and Ogura (red bean), everything from Ogura toast breakfast to popcorn.

Does it mean you should skip Nagoya? Yes, if it’s your first time in Japan. There are more interesting cities to explore than Nagoya. I, for one, would not go back there just for a touristy visit.

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