I love Nagoya and lived there for more than two years. It is true that it isn’t a tourist spot, but if you’re into retailing or urban planning, it’s an interesting place. Most people simply ignore it, but it has an important part in Japanese history, is next door to the Toyota HQ, and, believe it or not, is the most brand conscious place in Japan. Cosmetics and foreign car sales are some of the highest anywhere in this city and people are extremely status conscious.

If you do go, Nagoya does have a few local dishes that are worth trying (more than can be said for Kobe for example, unless you count the Indian food there). Kishimen are the local noodles. There is also Misonikomi Udon. This is a very salty, thick soap noodle dish that is sold very hot. Some people don’t like it because the taste is very strong, but you should definitely try it.