Nagoya is known as one of largest industrial cities in the country, but it is also a very green city. Its streets are lined with trees and shrubs and there are parks of various sizes dotted about town whether it’s Nagoya’s impressive Meijo Park or a tiny little patch of grass acting as a playground for the local children. Wherever you go, you’ll see some form of nature in the...

One reason Nagoya is not boring is the very exciting array of food you can find in the region.  We have to admit, there is great regional food in many parts of Japan, such as the delicious Udon of Shikoku, unbelievably scrumptious Okonomiyaki variations in both Hiroshima and Osaka, and the best variety of Ramen in Kyushu and Hokkaido. But Nagoya has such a wide variety of great regional dishes...

Okazaki is a peaceful city with a rich history that can be seen in its castle, temples, and historical sites. It is a city that prides itself as being the birthplace of one of the most famous men in Japanese history Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was a major player in the unification of Japan and the establishment of the feudal system that ruled Japan for centuries.  It was able to thrive...

At first glance, Ankake Spaghetti may look like the Italian pasta that Mama used to make, but it’s certainly no Ragu. Give this to an Italian chef and he would probably spit it out and smash the plate on the floor! From shock and in a very Gordon Ramsey sort of way, you understand. Don’t let the theatrics mislead you; by no means is this Nagoya specialty anything but a...

Japanese kites are considered some of the most spectacular in the world, appreciated both for their aesthetic value, and as traditional toys. They have many different styles and types of kites, and each region of Japan has its own distinctive shape. Here we have some cicada kites. Thankfully they don’t make the same noise! In Aichi, and more specifically in Nagoya, there is a variety of kites called Nagoya Koryu...