Why Nagoya is the Ideal Starting Point for Your Japan Adventure
Why Nagoya?
If you're planning a trip to Japan, Nagoya might just be the perfect entry point to begin your journey. Centrally located between famous cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, Nagoya makes traveling across Japan simple. Not only is it a transportation hub, but the city itself offers a mix of modern attractions and traditional experiences. Here’s why Nagoya should be your starting point.
Airport Experience
I think we all almost have that same experience in Tokyo Narita, just got up from a long haul flight in a sleepy mood trying to find the correct train station at different terminals where they have different entrances for different trains like JR vs Keisei trains... so confusing! But not in Nagoya! Navigating at Nagoya Chubu airport is easy—there’s only one train station, so you won’t get lost.
The express train between the airport and Meitetsu Nagoya Station costs 980 yen for a normal coach (though you might need to stand during peak hours) or 1,450 yen for a First Class non-stop reserved train that guarantees a comfortable seat.
Immigration Line 🛂
Nagoya airport is not so big and has fewer international flights. My personal experience here is that the immigration line is significantly faster compared to Tokyo and Osaka.
To streamline our arrival, we registered our immigration and customs procedures in advance using the Visit Japan website. This convenient system eliminates the need to fill out forms manually, significantly speeding up the process. Upon arrival, we simply presented our QR code and passport to the immigration officer. Within minutes, we were cleared. Our luggage arrived promptly on the conveyor belt—no long waits. Before exiting the arrivals area, we had a quick routine customs check where our bags were inspected. The customs officers were very friendly, and the process was smooth. I highly recommend using the Visit Japan website to register your arrival details; it saves a lot of time and hassle.
Tip💡: you can even use the website to generate a QR code for your tax refund! Check out their webpage for more details.
Quick Currency Exchange
Once we exited to the arrivals hall at Nagoya Airport, we exchanged around 200 € to Japanese yen at MUFG Bank. The exchange rate was surprisingly better than most city exchange shops—highly recommended for travelers landing here at Nagoya Chubu Airport. While we usually rely on cards for payments, it’s a good idea to carry some cash since many vending machines at train stations only accept yen. (You will need cash to pay for the train tickets)
If you use an ATM, the exchange rate is even better. Depending on the machine, there is usually a charge of around 200 yen for withdrawals when using the ATM.
Transportation hub
Nagoya is a major transportation hub, with a well-connected airport (Chubu Centrair International Airport) and an efficient rail system, including the iconic Shinkansen bullet trains. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Japan, whether you're heading to the mountains or coastal areas. From Nagoya, you can easily take the Shinkansen to major metropolitan areas: Kyoto (35 minutes), Osaka (50 minutes), and Tokyo (2 hours). Plus, scenic onsen routes lead you to stunning destinations in nearby prefectures, such as Gifu, and Nagano.
Luxurious Stay at an Affordable Price
For a comfortable and luxurious stay, Hilton Nagoya is an excellent choice. Conveniently located just an 18-minute walk or one subway stop from Nagoya Station, it offers easy access to both the city’s attractions and transportation hubs. From spacious rooms to impeccable service, Hilton Nagoya provides a relaxing home base for your travels. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast or unwinding after a day of sightseeing, Hilton Nagoya ensures a restful start to your Japanese adventure. Click here to view my experience of staying at Hilton Nagoya
Scenic 2-Day Gateway to Nearby Towns: Matsumoto to Takayama
Once you're settled in Nagoya, consider a scenic journey through Japan’s picturesque countryside. Take a 2-hour train ride from Nagoya to Matsumoto, where you can explore the iconic Matsumoto Castle and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town, which is less busy than the big cities. Hotel prices here are also more affordable.
Next, continue your journey to Takayama, where you’ll experience traditional architecture and charming villages, including Narai-juku. A standout along this route is the Shirakawa Ice Pillars, a breathtaking natural display. Takayama is also home to ryokan-style accommodations, offering the chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture with onsen baths, traditional meals, and scenic views. Click here to view my trip to Matsumoto!
Exploring Nagoya’s City Life and Culture
Beyond its convenience as a travel hub, Nagoya is also a city that transforms beautifully with the seasons. In summer, you can experience vibrant festivals like the Nighttime Tsutsuicho Tenno Festival (東區花車節), where illuminated festival floats, traditional music, and performances bring the streets to life. In winter, the city glows with illuminations and festive decorations, especially in areas like Sakae and Nagoya Station, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a nighttime stroll. No matter when you visit, Nagoya offers a dynamic and memorable experience.
Airport Lounge
Unlike my experiences at Tokyo Narita and Osaka Kansai airports in 2023 and 2024, where lounges that accepted Priority Pass only offered small dry snacks and basic tea, Nagoya’s airport offers lounges that serve food, and they accept Priority Pass members. In 2025, we visited the Plaza Premium Lounge at Nagoya Chubu Airport, and the experience was pleasantly relaxing. The lounge was not crowded, creating a peaceful atmosphere. They offered a selection of soba noodles, fried chicken, vegetables, and fresh fruit. Overall, the experience was positive, providing a much more comfortable and enjoyable way to wrap up our trip than at the other airports in Japan.
Conclusion
Nagoya offers a seamless blend of convenience, culture, and natural beauty, making it the ideal launchpad for your Japanese adventure. Whether you're exploring the city or venturing into nearby scenic towns, your journey through Japan starts off with ease and excitement from this central hub.