This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Nagoya is frequently overlooked by travelers, which is a crying shame! The city itself is nice enough to spend a day wandering around to see its castles and shrines, the super modern downtown, or maybe even a visit to the zoo.
But what actually makes it a prime tourist spot are that it is a perfect base for trips to the insanely picturesque backcountry, with destinations such as Takayama or Shirakawa-go and Kiso Valley; and also that it has the best factory tours in Japan. First and foremost, of course, is Toyota -- it's a little train ride outside of Nagoya in Toyoda Shi, and offers tours and unique insight into the ultra famous production system!
For those needing something less technical, you can visit two of the most famous Japanese breweries -- Kirin and Asahi! Tours (Kirin is offered only in Japanese, but still, you should go!) include the production as well as an all-you-can-drink tasting in the end. And best of all -- all the factory tours are entirely for free! Getting around in Nagoya is hassle free due to various lines of subways and trains, which make it a bliss to even reach further-flung destinations. It's also on the main Shinkansen route form Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto all of which could actually be reached as a daytrip -- if you have that sort of pocket money, that is.
Nagoya's hostel scene does not have much to offer, due to a lack of budget tourists staying over night. Considering the vastness of Nagoya, those few hostels there are are reasonably central and conveniently reached by public transport or even by walking from the train station. Nagoya hostels don't differ much in price or service but are all recommendable (as almost all other Japanese hostels), well kept, and friendly. They are usually quiet and attract travelers of the same quietness, with the occasional exception of a youngster group spending the night to make the best use of the free beer at the breweries.
Written by local expertz for Nagoya
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