Nagoya-Shi, Japan

While not as famous as some other cities in the nation when it comes to gastronomical enjoyment, residents here are known to be fussy consumers, so quality is often consistently high wherever you go. The people of Nagoya have a reputation (it is almost a national joke) for liking specific ways of preparing shrimp or prawns, called ebi in Japanese. The dish most synonymous with Nagoya is ebi-furai—deep fried prawns—usually served with a cabbage-based salad, miso soup and rice.

Another culinary eccentricity of the people of Nagoya is their fondness for the rich taste of miso paste for flavoring various dishes. Pork cutlets will often be smothered in miso sauce in a dish called misokatsu. A real treat, however, is misonikomi udon. This dish is based on thick wheat noodles called udon that are boiled in a savory miso broth along with other ingredients, including leeks, egg, and chicken. But regardless of whether you're looking for one of these local delights, or the tastes of some other far-flung destination, you'll be sure to find it in Nagoya.

Naka-ku

Of course, no visit to Nagoya would be complete without sampling the standard array of local Japanese cuisine, and there's no better place to do it than in the city's central district of Naka-ku, where delicious options abound. For great sushi in the "Merchants Town Osu" area, try Sushitune , which gives diners the option of ordering set bento box lunches, or dining a la carte. For another tasty favorite that's popular all over Japan, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), you could do no better than go to Shige Yakitori Dining Bar , whose uptown New York bistro atmosphere is an enjoyable as the simple yet stunning food they serve.

In Nagoya, there is also an appreciation for cuisine from other cultures, and as a result Nishi-ku is also packed with flavors from around the world. For Italian try Nishiki Kabenokabe , whose wood-fired oven produces great pizzas to accompany their light pasta dishes, all of which are slightly altered from standard Italian fare to cater to the Japanese pallete. Or for a slightly more exotic night out, why not opt for something less classical, such as Downunder or Nova Urbana for antipodean and Brazilian fare, respectively. Thai cuisine is also popular in Nagoya; try Sawasdee Sumiyoshi , or for eclectic southeast fare, you can't go wrong with Raffles .

Speaking of flavors from around the world, you should also consider Karakuchi , an interesting restaurant that offers the tastes of many countries, with a spicy theme centered around the humble pepper.

Chikusa-ku

There is a large variety of traditional Japanese, as well as international, fare in the eastern ward of Chikusa-ku. Among the most unique is chanko ryori, the traditional fare of Sumo wrestlers in training, which can be sampled at Tamakabuto . European cuisine is also popular in Nagoya, so much so that you can often find small restaurants serving a specific cuisine even in the most remote neighborhoods. For a romantic Italian meal, head to Yoshikawa Enoteca , which serves light cuisine in the quiet atmosphere of their own private garden. If curry is what you crave, then Eikokuya , one of the most established ethnic restaurants in Nagoya, offering a fine assortment of curry, tandoori and tea, is the place for you. And, of course, Chinese food can be found easily at such great places as ultra-casual Taiwan Ramen Motoyama , which specializes in extra-spicy noodles.

Drinking is often associated with dining, and Nagoya does not disappoint visitors in this area. Although the city is not especially famous for any particular brand of sake or beer, both can be enjoyed here in various venues, from small, cozy, neighborhood izakaya, to boisterous beer gardens, and even high-end clubs like Bottom Line Nagoya , sister to the famed New York night club. Another great option for those thirsty for a drink, and among the best known expat hangouts in Nagoya, is Bumphy's Bar/Restaurant .

There is no special trick to finding a place to eat or drink in Nagoya. The shopping and business areas all host a myriad of almost every kind of establishment imaginable. Department stores and malls always have one or two floors devoted to light dining and quick snacks, family restaurants are found on all the major thoroughfares, and even the corner coffee shop usually has a simple lunch set. Many places offer specially-priced lunch sets between 11:00AM and 2:00PM, and as is often in the case in Japan, most of the reasonably-priced, casual dining options will have a window with detailed, full-size models of the dishes they serve with prices clearly displayed, as well as menus that make heavy use of photographs. Bon appetit!

Nagoya, the industrial hub of Japan, is dismissed by many travelers as not worth a stop if you are trying to experience the culture and beauty of this exotic country, but there are actually many sites in and around Nagoya which will make for a memorable experience if you have time between your journeys to Tokyo and Kyoto.

To start with, purchase a day pass subway ticket at any subway station for JPY750. This allows unlimited travel on the subways and gives you convenient and speedy access to the city. A visit to Nagoya's Nagoya International Center near Nagoya Station will provide you with all the necessary maps and additional information you will need for sightseeing.

Nagoya Castle

First on your list should be Nagoya Castle , originally constructed in 1612 by the legendary Tokugawa Ieyasu, but later destroyed by aerial bombardment during World War II. The detailed replica that you see today was completed in 1959 and houses a museum depicting the history of the castle. Its gardens alone merit a visit, especially during the hanami season of cherry blossom viewing in early April.

After viewing this most iconic of Nagoya attractions, head to the Southwest side of the castle grounds, where you'll find the Nagoya Nohgakudo , a modern theater that showcases one of Japan's most esoteric arts, Noh theater. Lastly, finish off the day with a wood-fired pizza or some delicate pasta by conintuing South to Nishiki Kabenokabe , located just East of Sakae station, where the night will only just be beginning. Another delicious option is the spicy flavors of Karakuchi , even closer to the vibrant downtown nightlife.

Nagoya TV Tower

Next, stroll through Sakae, the city's central shopping, dining and entertainment district to get a feel for the energy of Nagoya. And when you're tired of shopping, a peaceful walk through Hisaya Odori Park will provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. While there, for a bird's-eye view of Nagoya, ascend the Nagoya TV Tower , located on the North end of the park, or take an elevator up 64 floors in Nagoya Station's spectacular twin towers. Numerous department stores and restaurants are also located in this area, including Central Park , an underground shopping mall beneath the Tower. The area is also full of great places to eat, meaning anytime is a good time to take a break to grab a bite to eat. For sushi, try Sushitune , or for something a little more upscale feeling but equally authentic in flavor, head to Shige Yakitori Bar .

Inuyama Castle

One of the beauties of staying in Nagoya is that it makes a good base for interesting excursions into the surrounding areas. For example, a day trip to the historic town of Inuyama, home of Inuyama Castle , the oldest privately-owned castle in Japan, is a must. While you are here, a fascinating thing to watch is cormorant fishing ,where leashed birds swoop down to scoop up fish and bring them back to their masters. Another option is to check out the Japan Monkey Park , a specialized zoo and research center that features thousands of primates, as well as an amusement park. Next, not far to the South is Meiji-Mura , an outdoor museum containing 63 traditional houses from the Meiji era that have been moved from other parts of Japan and preserved in their entirety. Inuyama can be reached by taking the Meitetsu train from any station on the Tsuramai Line, and Meiji-Mura can be reached by bus from Inuyama Station.

Inuyama is also home to Gifu, another beautiful area north of Nagoya. Gifu Castle, situated high up on a hill, is reached by ropeway, and is well worth the trip for the view from the castle. At the base of the hill is Gifu Koen, or Gifu Park, with its many beautiful flowers and bonsai, its ponds and gardens harmoniously arranged. Cormorant fishing is also held here. In the city of Gifu, art lovers will find the Gifu Museum of Fine Arts and Gifu Prefectural Museum of interest. Be warned, however, that while these sights are worth the trip, you might be best served by driving if possible, as notable sites outside the city tend to be much farther apart.

Although most travelers bypass Nagoya on their trips to Japan, there is much to see and do here. You will certainly not be disappointed and, who knows, a trip to this city might just turn out to be one of the more memorable of your stay in Japan.

Guided Tours

Sunrise Tours (+81 35 796 5454/ http://www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/JTB.SunriseTours/frontend/category.aspx?SubCategoryNo=6)
Volunteer Tour Guides (http://www.ncvb.or.jp/en/contents/sightseeing/view/volunteer/)
Aichi Goodwill Guides (+81 56 175 6977/ http://www.aggn.jp/)
Nagoya International Center (+81 http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/)

Bus Tours

Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus (+81 52 521 8990/ http://www.ncvb.or.jp/routebus/en/)

Self-Guided Tours

Nagoya Information Navi (+81 52 201 5972/ http://www.ncvb.or.jp/en/contents/sightseeing/view/model/)

Helicopter Tours

SECO International (+81 58 639 2122/ http://seco-air.com/english.html)