Born and bred in England, I have now lived here for one year. My wife is originally born in Nagoya so I have first-hand experience getting to know this historical and relatively new city.
Eating is a great passion of mine and I can safely say that in Japan you are spoilt for choice with food. I am an avid fan of any Japanese cuisine and I am renowned for having an endless palette, from Sashimi to Natto. As I am keen on traveling, we try to explore new places at least every week. While you are in Japan, try to find the old Japan and branch out to the countryside using the train or renting a car as well as spending time in the cities!! It is well worth it.
Japan is packed full of hidden gems and surprises. So much so, that I do not know where to start. You will have to see for yourselves!! A country so unique, that ancient history co-exists with new technology.
 
William Dallyn
(UK)
 
     
 
The history of Arimatsu, a town known as the center of shibori or tie-dyeing, dates back to 1608, when Takeda Shokuro and other pioneers of shibori started the business.
The 400-year-success of Arimatsu Shibori began when the lord of Owari decided to protect the industry as the region's special product and gave credit to Takeda Shokuro.
Then tourists began to buy tie-dyed products, such as tie-dyeing hand towels and bathrobes, as souveniors to their home town, and eventually these products began to be known as one of themost famous items of the area.
Thethriving business of the town in those days was often depicted in various ukiyoe prints by Katsushika Hokusai and Ando Hiroshige.
The city-scape, which still keeps traditional beauty of Japanese architecture and old-time prosperity is now valued as the cultural heritage. The whole area was nominated by Nagoya Municipal Office as the first¡°Town-Street-To- Be-Preserved".
Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Kaikan(Tie-dyeing Museum)
http://www.shibori-kaikan.com/kaikan-e.html
 
 
Toyota history. Full of working examples from the beginning to today. Looms, cars, robots!
Do I need to say more!?
 
  The Toyota Industry and Technology museum is an absolute must see: a remarkable story from the modest beginnings of Toyota to the present day. It is jam packed full of working models. You may think Toyota started out as a car manufacturer. However, you may be surprised to know it was previously a weaving company.
As you enter the premises you will notice the distinctive red brick building which was previously the Toyoda Spinning and Weaving Co Ltd headquarters. The founder was ¡®Sakichi Toyoda¡¯ and his oldest son ¡®Kiichiro Toyoda¡¯, hence the name.
Armed with our extremely knowledgeable guide, Mr. Idota, we started out on our tour. Inside the main entrance, you will see a circular loom dating back to 1906 which will wet your appetite.
Along the way you will see working looms with actual demonstrations. Watch how cotton is taken from its base product to the process of refining it and weaving it into fiber. There are machines made by Sakichi Toyoda himself in 1890 and also machines from the UK Company Pratt Brothers, who supplied the first Non-stop Shuttle Auto loom to Japan.
You will be amazed by the speed and sophistication of the modern day loom machines such as the Air Jet loom which can produce 300km of thread in one hour, and computerized models that can weave pictures within seconds from a picture on a screen.
Between the Loom museum and the Car museum, take a look through the courtyard and notice the line markings on the red brick walls which show roof lines of the old factory. Also say hi to the Toyota Partner Robot which will entertain you by playing several catchy tunes.
Under increased competition from American car manufacturers, Kiichiro Toyoda, under his father¡¯s spirit of ¡®Studiousness and Creativeness¡¯ started developing domestic made cars. In 1936, Toyota made its first passenger car, the Model AA, at a selling price of 3350 yen!!
View demonstrations of metal working technologies, the first practices of panel forming, engines old and new, and working examples of how car parts actually work. By the end you should have a clear understanding of how a car is made and also how it physically works.
From a risen floor you have an intriguing view down onto working examples of the production line, such as painting, spot welding, press machines and many more. The main press is an enormous machine, so much so that you can feel the vibrations under your feet.
Toyota has a fascinating history and I can assure everybody will have an unforgettable experience. 		 
 
       
 
 

The finest exquisite Japanese ceramics, hence the price !!
 
  Just a stones throw away from Toyota Industry and Technology museum, you will find Noritake No Mori. Set in an extensive park surrounded by six chimneys symbolizing Noritake¡¯s dream, Japan¡¯s most exquisite china maker is a testimony to itself. Full of exquisite ceramics and an overwhelming variety of hand painted designs, this is a gem you cannot miss.
Within the park you can¡¯t help but notice the Meji Era red brick factory buildings, which were built in 1904 and once supplied the world with their products.
Our guide was Nakagawa san, and armed with his informative expertise and knowledge, we eagerly started our tour. Inside the Craft Centre, you can see working areas where craftsman and craftswoman are showing off their exceptional skills. Watch in ore at the detail and skill needed to be one of the world¡¯s best. Often having items made to order, you can envisage the time and effort to make one piece. Standing at about one meter high was a spectacular vase. Totally taken by it, is asked how long it took to paint. The reply was one month, and the price could bring tears to your eyes!!
Guests can also try their skills at creating their own designs. If you can show off your talents enough, you perhaps might be given a job!!
Within the Noritake museum you immediately know you have arrived somewhere special. A surrounding of quality and a silence you know is worthy to the products you are mingling with.
Originally Noritake formally known as the Morimura brothers, they produce dinnerware and decorative items, which the former especially helped to grow the company. They spent 10 years researching and another 10 years perfecting white china for suitable dinnerware to suit western needs and tastes.
The museum displays a collection of ¡®Old Noritake¡¯ which includes styles such as ¡®Japonism¡¯ which are Japanese artistic and stylistic themes that were admired greatly in the western world. Also ¡®Chinoiserie¡¯ which is a decoration style based on Chinese motifs. The collection with their variety in astonishing designs and creativity will enthrall anybody who sets eyes on them. You will also find delicately hand-painted catalogues of the designs, which were once used to help customers make their important buying decisions.
Noritake was the first company to introduce Bone China in Japan. Bone china products are made from 30% bone china which helps to create a creamy, shiny surface.
Noritake offers a dream of a rich life by offering the best ceramics of its kind. This is one of Nagoya¡¯s hotspots you should not miss!! 		 
 
       
 
 
A monument of power and even wild deers!!
 
     
 
Nagoya castle, I believe is the centre point of Nagoya. Once home of the prominent and affluent Owari Tokugawa family, until the Meji Era, the castle stood as an important stop along the Tokaido road between Kyoto and Edo.
Nagoya castle is set in a vast lush area. As you walk over the moat, take a glimpse and you may see wild deer resting peacefully in the tranquil environment. You will also feel very enthused by the sheer grandeur of the castle and its impenetrable defenses.
You will be struck by the sheer size of the boulders used to construct the foundations of the castle. Look carefully and you will see symbols on various blocks, which represent which lord contributed which tremendously difficult to move stone. At that time, a Stone-smith made a very lucrative living.
Throughout the castle you will see model sets which whisk you back to how life was back then. Such as, book stores, weapon stores and the old kitchens. The experience comes to life with sound effects and lighting. So it¡¯s been told that the kitchens were so far from the Daimyo, that the lord rarely had a warm meal!! You can also test your muscle by pulling a boulder!! Good luck.
During 1945 and the bombing of the Nagoya, the castle was regrettably affected. The fire damage was extensive to say the least, so the main Donjon was reconstructed and finished in 1959. Amazingly the art work was mostly saved, and quite appropriately it adorns the walls around the castle.
On a clear day, you can have an outstanding view of the green castle surroundings, Nagoya city and further points of interest such as Mount Ibuki. If you can not face climbing up the stairs, help is at hand as the castle is fully equipped with elevators.
 
 
Pristine samurai swords, furnishings, poetry, games and the list goes on...
 
     
 
If you would like to see exquisite artifacts passed down through the Owari Tokugawa generations you have come to the right place. Pass through the main gate and treat all of your senses to the wonderful courtyard surroundings. Take a seat and listen to the water tricking over the stones, which will put anyone¡¯s mind at peace.
Tokugawa Art museum was opened in 1935. It has a powerful yet simple structure, with its copper roof and elegant design. Inside the museum it is exceptionally well laid out and kept in a beautiful state. It contains an array of items that will take you back, such as personal items, household utensils, educational tools, games and more.
War equipment was close to the heart of the samurai class, and relentlessly respected. This can be seen in Tokugawa¡¯s faultless collection, from Katana samurai swords, long swords, arrows, armor and more. With the dim light and the silence within the museum the atmosphere brings the artifacts to life.
As you walk through you will see replicas of inside typical Japanese style houses, decorative alcoves, theatres and tea houses. The Tea house was an integral part of the Edo samurai social and cultural life. Experience a partial replica of the Daimyos residence, with breathtaking furnishings and display alcoves.
An important part of the Daimyo¡¯s residence was the Noh Theatre which was a sophisticated musical drama. The play often represented a felicitous or tragic story. See a replica of the Noh Theatre which was erected in the early 17th century at Nagoya castle for the Daimyo, his household and his guest.
Poetry is a major part of this museum with poetry adorning the walls by Fukiwara no Mototoshi and others. If you want to put a poem to a face there are portraits of these immortal poets dating back to 1618.
You may have heard of The Tale of Genji, one of the most famous and read books written in Heian Era by Murasaki Shikibu. Here, you can see the illustrated version with reproductions and video images. You can even buy copies of the story in delightfully illustrated books.
The museum has a very systematic layout and along the way you will pass through the centre court yard. Take in the soothingly tranquil Japanese and Zen garden. Enjoy this picturesque spot, pull up a seat and take a well earned breather.
 
 
 
Nagoya delights with a taste of character
 
     
 
I am especially taken by Nagoya cuisine. It has a uniqueness that is different from other parts of Japan. Such dishes are Nagoya miso soup with its deep, thick texture. There is also nothing like ¡°Hitsumabushi¡±, which is one of the most famous Nagoya¡¯s proud and special dishes. Grilled eel (a personal favorite of mine) is laid on top of rice in a wooden rice container called ¡°O-hitsu¡± along with seasonings called ¡°Yakumi¡± such as leek and seaweed and hot stock soup called ¡°Dashi¡±. The reason Hitsumabushi is so special is that you can enjoy three different tastes in one meal. It is not ¡°killing two birds with one stone¡± but ¡°killing three birds with one stone¡±!
 
 
     
 
Nagoya is a mix of the old and new. Take time to explore its deep history, culture, people and not to mention the food!! Furthermore, take in the newness of the city with its clean streets, wide roads and its vast variety of shops and restaurants.
Nagoya is a must see on anybodies itinerary and conveniently situated on the route between Tokyo and Kyoto. Have fun!!
 
Displayed information is as of Nov 1st, 2007. and is subject to change without notice.