Overview

Square: 326.43 km2 – Population: 2,306 million (2016)

Nagoya is located at the center of Honshu (the main island of Japan) and has a population of 2.24 million. Nagoya has a long history and is the birthplace of three notable feudal lords, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Traditional industries like ceramics and textiles as well as key modern industries including automobiles, aviation and machine tools have developed in Nagoya. The Nagoya region plays an important role in Japan's industrial society and Nagoya City continues to draw attention with its development as one of Japan’s top 5 international hubs.

 

History

Nagoya has a long history dating back 1,900 years, when Atsuta Jingu, which has a close relationship with the legendary people who appear in the Kojiki (the oldest history book of Japan), was established. Nagoya was defined in history after the establishment of Nagoya Castle. After a prolonged period of war, Tokugawa Ieyasu was victorious at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. That event marked the start of the Edo period, which lasted for 300 years. Ieyasu, who became the first Shogun (military ruler of Japan), built Nagoya Castle and moved the whole town of Kiyosu, until that time the main city of the region, to Nagoya.

This move was called the “Kiyosu-goe” and occurred in 1614. Following that, the first lord of Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Yoshinao, improved the infrastructure of Nagoya as a castle city, which contributed to the prosperity of the Owari Tokugawa family. During the rule of the seventh lord, Muneharu, a distinctive culture which including Noh (classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century), Kyogen (a form of traditional comedy that is performed with Noh) and Chanoyu (traditional tea ceremony), blossomed. Examples of this cultural development, along with items ranging from crafts to books that illustrate the development of Nagoya and the prosperity of the Owari Tokugawa family, are preserved and exhibited at Tokugawa Art Museum.

 

Tourism

"There is a paradise in heaven, On earth there is Hangzhou” ... the words in a song about Hangzhou, one of the seven ancient capitals of China and the capital of the Zhejiang Province. The city is a wonderful mix of old and new with West Lake as the heart of the city. This historical place is famous all over China for its beauty and culture and is one of the most visited tourist cities in the world. It is said that if you have you not been to Hangzhou you have not seen the real China.

Hangzhou is an elegant and harmonious city with a leisure perspective that no other city in China. This is the birthplace of the famous Dragon Tea with a history over 1,200 years. Here you find shopping streets that are still genuine but also shopping centers that showcase every modern Chinese and international brand and fulfill every shopping need.

Hangzhou’s West Lake is probably the most famous lake in China. It is completely man-made in the imperial garden style and highlights a strong Buddhist influence. Peak Flown in from Afar is famous for its thousands of Buddhist carvings, and nearby Lingyin Temple is a classic and celebrated example of a Buddhist temple. Hills embrace the West Lake on three sides; with the city proper to the east of the lake. For hundreds of years, the Chinese people have praised the West Lake area as a land of intoxicating beauty. It is like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast land of China, reputed for beautiful scenery, a multitude of historical sites, brilliant cultural relics, and a profusion of native products. Legend has it that the West Lake was a heavenly jewel fallen to earth and it has inspired painters for centuries.

 

Business Overview

Nagoya is a city that was known in the past for its samurai culture but has now evolved to become Japan’s 21’st century hub for both the automobile and aircraft manufacturing industries. Nagoya has also made its way onto the “must see” tourist map to get away from the city madness of Tokyo or Osaka and who are eager to enjoy a slightly off-beaten vacation in Japan.

Nagoya Castle is the most famous tourist spot in Nagoya. It was built in 1612 on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa family, who ruled Japan during the Edo period. Its ten-shu-kaku (the castle’s tallest and most-central building with rooftop views), which has an observation deck on its roof, was burned down during the Second World War, but was later rebuilt. Nagoya Castle is in the center of Meijo Koen (Meijo Park) and is familiar to the city’s citizens. Ten minute drive east from Nagoya Castle is the Tokugawa Garden, which used to be home to the Tokugawa family. Built on a huge plot of land, this Japanese garden features a number of beautifully landscaped hills and ponds.

The Nagoya city center has a variety of shopping malls with brand-name department stores as well as historical shopping districts. Nagoya is a haven for shoppers and all major international brands can be found in Nagoya. Shopping lovers will want to visit the Sakae underground mall, the Sakae Oasis 21 and Osu-dori shopping street and the Kamimaezu (traditional shopping district). Nagoya has a thriving nightlife and bar culture and many bars will be found around the Sakae shopping area and the railway station.

 

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