10 Things to Do in Nagoya on a Small Budget
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Nagoya?
You’ll find much to see and do in Nagoya on a small budget. From entry to selected museums to sightseeing buses that take you on a historic journey through this enchanting city, a vacation here doesn’t have to be expensive.
Bring out your inner scientist, marvel at beautiful feats of nature, and learn all about Nagoya’s rich culture at these free or low cost attractions. Join us as we tour some of the highlights of Nagoya City that won’t break the bank.
1. The Science Museum of Electricity
A hands-on science adventure for curious minds of all ages
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
The Science Museum of Electricity in Nagoya is a fun, free destination that’s ideal for families. Kids can dive into hands-on science experiments, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy games and quizzes at the Ohm Theater’s giant screen. On the 4th floor, the Land of Scientific Mysteries and the Forest of Learning zones dazzle with sensory illusions that challenge sight and sound.
With free admission and enough activities to fill half a day, it’s a brilliant bargain. Don’t forget to check the website for theater and experiment times. Just a 2-minute walk from Fushimi Station (Higashiyama & Tsurumai Lines), it’s easy to reach and hard to forget.
Location: 2-2-5 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 52-201-1026
The Science Museum of Electricity
2. Nagoya City Science Museum
A cosmic journey through science, space, and surprising discoveries
Good for: Couples, Families
Nagoya City Science Museum is home to one of the world’s largest planetariums, making it a great choice for both a romantic date or a family outing. The iconic dome offers dazzling star shows, with special family-friendly hours. Grab your planetarium tickets early, explore nearby sights, and return before showtime.
Inside, quirky highlights like the periodic table-themed lockers are extremely photogenic. Don’t miss the “Our Universe” exhibit, where you can trace zodiac paths and ponder cosmic mysteries. The towering twister in the Tornado Lab is sure to leave you in awe, too. You’ll find the museum inside Shirakawa Park.
Location: 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays and 3rd Friday of the month)
Phone: +81 52-201-4486
Nagoya City Science Museum
3. Obata Ryokuchi
A peaceful escape with nature, play, and seasonal charm
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Obata Ryokuchi Park is a spacious green retreat in Nagoya, featuring 4 distinct gardens: Main, West, East, and Central. With free admission, it’s ideal for nature walks along forest paths, spotting fish and water plants, or enjoying seasonal firefly events. Families love the playgrounds, tennis courts, and baseball fields, while the birdwatching forest and health plaza offer peaceful escapes. It’s a lovely choice for a picnic or a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Parking is plentiful, and access varies by garden. Main Garden visitors can take the Meijo Subway Line to Osone Station, transfer to the Yutorito Line, and walk 3 minutes from Obata Ryokuchi Station.
Location: 1632-1 Nakayama, Ushimaki, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 463-0094, Japan
Phone: +81 52-791-9492
Obata Ryokuchi
4. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
A showcase of industrial ingenuity and automotive milestones
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology offers a fascinating journey through Japan’s industrial evolution. Housed in a historic red-brick factory from 1911, the museum showcases Toyota’s roots in textile machinery and its rise to automotive innovation. Highlights include the vast Automobile Pavilion, featuring a full-scale factory, and hands-on zones where you can build mini cars and straps.
Admission is budget-friendly, and you can save even more money by purchasing a combo ticket for Noritake Garden’s Craft Center. To visit, hop on the Me~guru Sightseeing Bus from Nagoya Station and get off at the museum stop, it’s just a short walk away.
Location: 4-1-35 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0051, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 52-551-6115
Explore Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology Hotels
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
5. Asahi Brewery Nagoya
Behind the scenes of Japan’s iconic beer brand
Good for: Couples, History, Single
Asahi Beer Nagoya Brewery offers a free 75-minute factory tour that’s made for beer lovers. You’ll explore the brewing process from fermentation to packaging, touch hops, and see the massive outdoor tanks. Sample up to 3 drinks per person, including Asahi Super Dry and Dry Black.
Afterward, browse the gift shop for exclusive souvenirs. Tours are mostly in Japanese, with English tours on selected days, but audio guides are available in English. The brewery is a 15-minute walk from JR Shin-Moriyama Station on the Chuo Line, and parking is available. Remember you must book your tour in advance either by phone or online.
Location: 318 Nishigawaracho, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 463-0089, Japan
Open: Tour times vary
Phone: +82 06-6388-1943
Asahi Brewery Nagoya
6. Shikemichi
Nagoya’s preserved merchant quarter full of hidden gems
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Shikemichi is a charming historical district in Nagoya that’s ideal for a relaxed stroll. After the Great Fire of 1700, its streets were widened for safety and commerce, giving the area its name: “Shikemichi” means “4-measures-wide street.” Lined with Edo-period storehouses and townhouses built on stone walls, the riverside path evokes a timeless atmosphere.
Enjoy cafes and restaurants tucked into renovated heritage buildings, and don’t miss the 131-feet-long Kawaito-ya merchant house or the 300-year-old trees at Sengen Shrine. The Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus Me~guru stops nearby, making it easy to visit.
Location: 1-36-36 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042, Japan
Shikemichi
7. Shirotori Garden
Where tea, tranquility, and tradition come together
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
Shirotori Garden is one of the largest Japanese gardens in the Chubu region, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of Nagoya. Inspired by the flow of the Kiso River from Mt. Ontake, its landscape features gentle hills, winding streams, and lush greenery that reflect Japan’s natural beauty. A stroll through the garden reveals seasonal colours and peaceful views that feel far removed from the city.
At the garden café, you can enjoy freshly prepared matcha green tea served with traditional Japanese sweets, an ideal way to relax and take in the serene surroundings. Just a short walk from Jingu-Nishi Station, it’s a wonderful spot for quiet reflection.
Location: 2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 52-681-8928
Shirotori Garden
8. Nagoya Castle
A golden gateway to samurai history and architectural splendor
Good for: History, Photo
Nagoya Castle stands as the proud symbol of the city, known for its golden shachihoko ornaments and majestic architecture. A visit inside reveals the beautifully restored Honmaru Palace, where gold leaf and traditional design create a truly regal atmosphere. Free guided tours run throughout the day, and costumed samurai and ninjas often make appearances, adding a fun twist to the historical experience.
The Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus Me~guru stops right outside, making access easy and convenient. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, this castle is sure to impress.
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +81 52-231-1700
Nagoya Castle
9. Nagoya City Archives and Museum
A Neo-Baroque masterpiece with stories carved in stone
Good for: Budget, History
Nagoya City Archives and Museum is a stunning example of Neo-Baroque architecture, originally built in 1922 as the Nagoya Court of Appeal. Its red brick façade, accented with white granite and black slate, makes a striking impression, while the grand central staircase inside is a true showstopper.
Inside, you can explore exhibits on the city’s legal and civic history, admire preserved courtrooms, and enjoy the elegant atmosphere of this Important Cultural Property. It’s a peaceful, free-to-enter destination just a short walk from the Me~guru bus stop or Shiyakusho Station.
Location: 1-3 Shirakabe, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0011, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays and the 3rd Thursday of the month)
Phone: +81 52-953-0051
Nagoya City Archives and Museum
10. Cultural Path Futaba Museum
A graceful blend of East and West in Nagoya’s heart
Good for: History, Photo
Cultural Path Futaba Museum is a beautifully restored Taisho-era residence that blends Japanese and Western styles in striking harmony. Once home to Japan’s first actress, Sadayakko Kawakami, and energy pioneer Momosuke Fukuzawa, the building features a grand parlor with stained-glass windows, elegant lighting, and traditional Japanese rooms.
You can explore exhibits on Taisho-era lifestyle, admire period furnishings, and browse a unique literature archive dedicated to local authors. The museum’s photogenic interiors and rich historical atmosphere make it a must-visit for lovers of architecture, design, and cultural heritage. It’s easily accessible via the Me~guru Sightseeing Bus.
Location: 3-23 Shumokucho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0014, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 52-936-3836
Cultural Path Futaba Museum
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