Long considered Japan's quiet achiever, Nagoya is stepping confidently into the global spotlight after being named one of the world's top destinations for 2026 by Australian newspaper The Age. For decades, the city has lived in the shadow of tourist giants Tokyo and Kyoto, but that's set to change as it prepares to co-host the 2026 Asian Games and 2026 Asian Para Games in September and October next year. Thousands of athletes and visitors are expected to descend on the city, bringing unprecedented international attention with them.
Beyond the sporting spotlight, Nagoya offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and cutting-edge industry. Each spring, crowds gather for the city's famous cherry blossom season, with the reconstructed Nagoya Castle providing one of central Japan's most photogenic hanami backdrops. The castle's Edo-era design and surrounding parklands deliver a vivid reminder of the city's samurai past.
For a look at Nagoya's modern identity, few places are more revealing than the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Here, visitors can trace the remarkable transformation of the Toyota group from humble textile loom maker to one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. Meanwhile, transport enthusiasts flock to the SCMaglev and Railway Park, often dubbed "train heaven," for its full-scale Shinkansen and maglev displays.
With major international events on the horizon and a deep well of attractions already in place, Nagoya's listing among the world's must-visit destinations for 2026 feels overdue. For travelers seeking a side of Japan that blends tradition, innovation, and far fewer crowds, this once-overlooked city is finally having its moment.
