Nagoya Landmarks: MIRAI TOWER, Aquarium, and Osu
From MIRAI TOWER — long cherished as Nagoya's television tower — to an aquarium where you can meet ocean mammals, Nagoya's attractions span a wide and varied range.
From treasured historical collections to the latest urban spaces, Nagoya's sights stretch across an impressive breadth.
Here we introduce the landmark destinations you need to know, together with what makes each one special.
Landmarks for History and Industry
Tokugawa Art Museumとくがわびじゅつかん
An art museum that stores and exhibits the feudal lords' furnishings, armor, and equipment handed down by the Owari Tokugawa clan. It is especially noted for holding the national treasure 'Tale of Genji Picture Scrolls.' The adjacent Tokugawaen is a strolling-style daimyo garden where seasonal flowers can also be enjoyed.
Source:徳川美術館 公式サイト
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technologyとよたさんぎょうぎじゅつきねんかん
A museum built on the site where the Toyota Group was born, allowing visitors to learn through actual machines about the journey from textile machinery to automobile manufacturing. The striking red-brick former spinning factory is an architectural landmark in its own right. Note that Toyota's main automaking headquarters is in Toyota City, not within Nagoya city limits.
Source:トヨタ産業技術記念館 公式サイト
Landmarks for Nature and Hands-On Experiences
Nagoya Port Aquariumなごやこうすいぞくかん
One of the largest aquariums in Japan, where visitors can encounter marine mammals such as orcas, dolphins, and belugas. The dolphin performances in the expansive pool and the Antarctic wildlife exhibits are particular crowd-pleasers. A major family attraction that draws visitors from the surrounding port area.
Source:名古屋港水族館 公式サイト
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardensひがしやまどうしょくぶつえん
A comprehensive park combining a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement facilities, nationally recognized for the sheer variety of species kept there. It gained fame for Shabani, the gorilla who became a social media sensation for his photogenic looks. The Higashiyama Sky Tower in the park offers a panoramic view across the city.
Source:東山動植物園 公式サイト
Classic Urban Spots in the City Center
Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWERちゅうぶでんりょくみらいたわー
Completed in 1954 as Japan's first consolidated broadcast tower, long cherished as the Nagoya TV Tower before renovation transformed it into an observation and lodging facility. Rising above Hisaya Odori Park, its nightly light-up has become an emblem of Nagoya's nightscape.
Source:中部電力 MIRAI TOWER 公式サイト
Oasis 21おあしすにじゅういち
A multipurpose facility in Sakae whose eye-catching glass rooftop canopy filled with water — nicknamed 'Spaceship Aqua' — draws immediate attention. The elevated walkway offers a view of MIRAI TOWER, while the underground level hosts a bus terminal and shops. A popular meeting point and nighttime scenic spot for locals and tourists alike.
Source:名古屋観光情報サイト Nagoya Info
Osuおおす
A shopping street that flourished as a gate-town for Osu Kannon temple, now a lively mix of vintage clothing, electronics, and multinational street food. Its unique atmosphere — where old and new culture coexist in cheerful disorder — attracts everyone from young locals to international tourists. It is equally well known as a great street-food destination.
Source:大須商店街 公式サイト
FAQ
What is an efficient itinerary for a full day of sightseeing within Nagoya city?
Starting from MIRAI TOWER and Oasis 21 in Sakae, then hopping by subway to Osu for some street food, and heading in the afternoon to either Higashiyama Zoo or Nagoya Port Aquarium lets you cover both urban and natural attractions in a single day.
What should families with young children focus on at Nagoya Port Aquarium?
The aquarium is well known for its large tanks and participatory programs including live shows. Since the schedule changes by day, checking the official daily timetable for show and feeding times before you arrive will help you make the most of your visit without rushing.