Nagoya is an economic powerhouse, home to Japan’s auto manufacturing giants Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. It once served as a castle town of the Owari, a branch of Japan’s ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo Period (1603–1868). Most of the town’s historic buildings, temples and shrines didn’t survive the WWII bombing campaigns – the Nagoya Castle we see today is a concrete recreation of the original that was built in the early Edo Period.
Most visitors to Japan often catch a glimpse of Nagoya between bullet train stops, but those who take the time to discover the city will find a very lively nightlife, great restaurants, and a number of interesting attractions. The city has a wonderful zoo and botanic gardens in Higashiyama, as well as an excellent orchid garden that will delight anyone who loves the delicate flora species.
