City in Aichi, Japan
Nagoya
Japan's practical fourth city: cheaper and calmer than Tokyo or Osaka, with Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and strong local food. Few visitor crowds; a handy base for Alps and Shirakawa-go day trips.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,390–2,090Comfortable, one person · ¥220,000–330,000Details
- Value for money66/100Better value than 65% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Air quality9.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink; restaurants serve free water or tea.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–57Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGOWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and IC cards work at stations, chains and malls; Osu stalls, small noodle shops and temples often take cash only.Details
Where to stay in Nagoya
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nagoya Station area (Meieki) | Shinkansen, malls, business hotels and easy day trips |
| Sakae | Nightlife, shopping, food and cafés; central subway hub |
| Osu | Street food, vintage shops, anime stores and cheaper dining |
| Fushimi | Calmer business district with good restaurants |
| Kanayama | Hub for Nagoya airport trains and Atsuta Shrine |
Apps that work in Nagoya
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Taxis are metered, safe and abundant at stations; no tipping. Few drivers speak English, so show the address on your phone.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and IC cards work at stations, chains and malls; Osu stalls, small noodle shops and temples often take cash only.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Nagoya solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Nagoya meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.