For travelers following Japan’s famed “Golden Route,” Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto often take center stage. These cities offer a dazzling mix of history, modernity and cultural icons, yet there’s a rewarding detour many visitors overlook: Nagoya. Conveniently situated in Aichi Prefecture in the Chubu region, Nagoya is just a two-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo and offers a refreshing mix of local charm, culinary delights and contemporary experiences that make it a fascinating destination in its own right.
Nagoya earned a spot on Time magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023, celebrated for its natural landscapes, vibrant whiskey culture and as the home of Ghibli Park. The city is also steeped in history, from Nagoya Castle and the resplendent Atsuta-jingu Shrine to the 17th-century Togan-ji Temple. Museum enthusiasts can explore the Nagoya City Science Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest planetariums.
For a more leisurely pace, the serene Shirotori Garden offers a peaceful retreat with its meticulously landscaped ponds and seasonal blooms. The nearby Hisaya Odori Park — famous for its wide green avenues, fountains and seasonal events — provides another relaxing spot to stroll and enjoy the outdoors. Meanwhile, the bustling downtown district of Sakae, with its mix of modern boutiques, cafes and entertainment venues, is ideal for shopping and people-watching. Food lovers will find plenty to savor, from tender hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice, served in three courses) to miso katsu, a rich pork cutlet coated in savory red miso, and tebasaki, Nagoya-style seasoned chicken wings.
For travelers looking for a sophisticated and restful base to experience the city, the Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier provides an elevated stay with sweeping skyline views and thoughtfully designed interiors. Guests can easily balance a day of sightseeing with evenings spent relaxing or enjoying fine dining at the hotel.
Unwind With the Clouds
Aptly titled “Premier in the Sky,” the hotel is perched atop the high-rise floors of the Symphony Toyota Building. The hotel’s stunning city view maintains its connection to the heart of the metropolis, but still provides peaceful serenity from the hustle and bustle below. Its design brings together celestial motifs and local artistry, infusing the lobby, guest rooms and hallways with a sense of refined tranquility.
It also has a large public bath, allowing for a quintessentially Japanese relaxation experience. Its courtyard has a tsuboniwa garden and an art installation that alludes to the calming movement of undulating ocean waves and clouds floating in the sky.
Guest rooms maintain this harmony of comfort and design. The Junior Suite Twin and Deluxe View Bath Wide King provide high-floor accommodations where landmark views accompany sunrises and sunsets directly from the bath. Many standard rooms showcase sweeping city vistas, ensuring every stay is elevated by the cityscape.
Savor the Local Tastes of Nagoya
Culinary exploration is central to experiencing Nagoya, and the hotel brings local flavors to the forefront. On the 18th floor — where the lobby is also located — The Living Room with Sky Bar offers panoramic city views and dishes that blend modern Asian cuisine with local traditions. Guests can enjoy experimental fusion that combines regional ingredients with herbs and spices that have their roots in Turkey, Greece and other parts of the Middle East.
Breakfast at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier follows a half-buffet format, where travelers select a main dish complemented by a curated assortment of buffet items. Local specialties shine, most notably hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s beloved char-grilled eel dish. The dish is best enjoyed in three courses. The first bites are dedicated to savoring the bare flavors of each ingredient — the smoky char on the tender flaky eel and the rich sweet and savory sauce that gently coats it. The second portion is an opportunity to add accompanying toppings and condiments such as shredded seaweed, fresh spring onions or wasabi. With the third segment, tea or broth is doused over the remaining dish to enjoy as a gentle ochazuke, a soothing conclusion to a wonderful meal.
Guests can start their morning with this carefully curated breakfast, then set out to explore the city, knowing a luxurious stay awaits upon their return.
A Gateway to Nagoya
Strategically located just a five-minute walk from Nagoya Station, with direct underground access, Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier makes exploring the city a breeze. From here, visitors can wander to museums, historic sites and local markets or enjoy Nagoya’s burgeoning urban culture scene, from whiskey bars to boutique shops.
Mitsui Garden Hotels operate under the concept of “Hotels That Create Lasting Memories,” offering stays that go beyond mere accommodation. With thoughtful spaces, local-inspired cuisine and panoramic views, the Nagoya Premier property exemplifies the brand’s commitment to refined hospitality and immersive travel experiences that celebrate the city itself.
For more information and to make a reservation for your next visit to Nagoya, please visit the Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier website.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier
Symphony Toyota Building
4 Chome-11-27 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
T: 052-587-1131
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier is a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station, with direct underground access.
