Nagoya Travel Diary | Scented Eel, Quiet Shrines, and Excellent Hotels

📍Four Days and Three Nights in Nagoya | Super Simple Itinerary Day 1 | Arrival, Check-in, Strolling and Bathing Day 2 | Museums, Inuyama Castle, Shopping Day 3 | Nagoya Castle, Noriyama-no-Mori, AEON or Outlet Day 4 | Shrines, Shopping Street, Return 🏨 Stay at Hotel Campana near Nagoya Station For this trip to Nagoya, I chose to stay at Vessel Hotel Campana Nagoya, a quiet and thoughtful hotel. The lobby features warm wood design and a perfect ambiance. I loved the 24-hour self-service beverage bar on the first floor, offering a variety of teas, juices, carbonated drinks, and hot coffee. A cup on the way out and back became a daily ritual. ⸻ 🛁 After a Jog, Self-Service Laundry & a Bathing in the Baths Although the hotel doesn't have a gym, the hot springs and jogging are perfect. I jog along the streets every morning; the air is pleasant and the pace is just right. The second floor features a large public bath and laundry room, and the relaxing feeling after a soak is irreplaceable. The hair dryer is a new Panasonic negative ion hairdryer, and toothbrushes, facial cleansers, and other supplies are available for pick-up in the lobby—so thoughtful and waste-free. I love being able to take care of myself while traveling. ⸻ 🍜 Ramen & Izakaya Late-Night Snacks For a simple evening meal, I walked just a few minutes to the Ichibanken Meieki branch. The rich broth and chunky chashu (char siu) were incredibly satisfying. For a change of pace, the izakaya street next door is home to the aroma of skewers, fried food, and beer. It's lively but not noisy—just the kind of relaxed atmosphere I love. ⸻ 🍱 My new favorite eel rice restaurant has arrived. I used to always go to the Maruya main store (9th floor of Meitetsu Department Store) when I visited Nagoya; it was familiar and reliable. This time, I switched to the Hitsumabushi Bincho ESCA branch and was completely impressed. Slow-roasted over charcoal, it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy it three ways: 1️⃣ Savor the charcoal aroma plain. 2️⃣ Add chopped green onions, nori, and wasabi for a more intense flavor. 3️⃣ Finish with hot dashi broth for a perfect chazuke. Both places are on my list for a return visit! ⸻ 🚗 A half-day in Inuyama Old Street and the castle tower is perfect. The drive takes about 40 minutes. Park in the parking lot at the entrance to Inuyama Old Street and stroll slowly to Inuyama Castle. The route is perfect. The old street retains its Edo-style charm, and the snacks and handmade goods are all very appealing. Finally, ascend the castle tower, and the Kiso River and mountain views unfold before you, and the air becomes tranquil. ⸻ 🛒 Perfect for shopping, groceries, fruit, and relaxing. Next to the hotel is AEON Mall Nagoya Noritake New Town, offering a supermarket, beauty products, and restaurants all in one place, making daily necessities incredibly convenient. I also visited a local produce supermarket and discovered that Japanese fruit is not only beautiful but also incredibly affordable. I'm so eager to bring back strawberries, apples, and grapes to freeze at the hotel. Next door, Nori-no-Mori Park is a forest-like green space perfect for strolling, daydreaming, and snapping some photos that feel like a short trip. Nearby is the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, with its rich exhibits and educational content. ⸻ 🧳 This is the slow travel pace I'm looking for. Nagoya isn't fancy, but it has its own unique flavor. It's filled with history, old streets, artisans, and everyday life, making every step a relaxing and down-to-earth experience. I didn't plan a specific itinerary this time, but I naturally fell into the rhythm of the city. Eating, running, enjoying a hot spring bath, and browsing the market is my ideal travel experience. Because it's convenient and familiar, Nagoya is a perfect place for those who want to relax and unwind.