ElizabethAn Easy Weekend Getaway for Families: Exploring Nagoya from Tokyo
Pulling the kids from school for an impromptu family trip can sometimes be the best decision you’ll make. That’s exactly what we did for a weekend jaunt down to Nagoya, Japan—a city known for its rich history, technological marvels, and, surprisingly, a Legoland that exceeded all our expectations. From our first family Shinkansen ride to exploring the wonders of science and technology, here’s how our weekend unfolded in Nagoya
The Shinkansen Experience
Our adventure began with a morning Shinkansen train from Shinagawa Station to Nagoya. The experience of riding Japan’s bullet train for the first time was seamless. Make sure you book your tickets in advance. With coffee in hand (Watch me get my coffee from a vending machine on the platform) and bakery treats for the journey, we discovered the joys of traveling light and fast across Japan.
Day 1: Exploring Industry and Technology
After storing our luggage at Nagoya Station, the kids and I ventured to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology while Jeff attended a work meeting. The museum, originally a loom company, captivated us with its operational looms and interactive exhibits. A volunteer brought the machines to life, enriching our experience. Lunch at the museum was delightful, with options ranging from filling lunch sets to quick cafe bites.
The afternoon was spent marveling at Toyota’s automotive history and innovation. From looms to cars, the transition was fascinating, especially with live demonstrations and the unexpected charm of a violin-playing robot. The museum’s blend of education and entertainment kept us engaged far longer than anticipated.
The Toyota Factory Tour (also located in Nagoya) is currently closed for visitors. (We are hopeful it will open soon.) In the meantime there is a small “theater” area of the museum where you can watch the full process.
Finally, kids and adults alike won’t want to miss the station where you get to make your own car keychain. You can watch the plastic press into a car (colors varry from day to day) then pick out your favorite color string and assemble your own mini toyota suvenier.
Tip for Kids at the Toyota Museum
Securing tickets to the children’s play area upon arrival is a must for families. This engaging section of the museum offers a hands-on adventure into the worlds of innovation and creativity. Kids are captivated by the wind tunnel, where they can feel the force of air currents first-hand, and the opportunity to navigate tiny cars gives them a taste of driving within a safe, controlled environment. Additionally, the loom activities provide a tactile experience that connects them to Toyota’s origins, blending history with interactive fun. This area is not only a highlight for the little ones but also offers a unique educational experience that’s hard to find elsewhere, making it a memorable part of our visit. Make sure you pick up your timed tickets when you enter the museum.
(Click here to watch the Instagram reel of our visit.)
After a full day at the museum, we timed our rendezvous with Jeff perfectly, picking a 15th-floor Starbucks within Nagoya Station, where we enjoyed cakes and warm drinks alongside stunning city views.
Day 2: Legoland and Railway Wonders:
Legoland Japan was next on our agenda. Unlike our mixed experiences in other Legolands, Nagoya’s version was a hit! (You can read about our visits to Legoland Billund and Legoland Florida here.) Minimal wait times and engaging attractions like the Flying Ninjago and Submarine Adventure made it a memorable visit, though the culinary offerings left much to be desired.
Our journey through Legoland Japan was marked by an array of rides and attractions, each offering its unique blend of thrill and engagement. Among the standout experiences was the Flying Ninjago. Strapped onto the back of a mechanical dragon, we soared through the skies. The ride’s ability to spin 360 degrees added an element of excitement that had us lining up for more. Jeff, with a knack for getting it spinning, elicited cheers from onlookers as the boys reveled in the joy of flight, ride after ride. Despite my initial apprehension, given my susceptibility to motion sickness, I found the experience surprisingly pleasant. Though I only rode it once, while the rest of the family ran onto the ride over and over.
The boys were thrilled by Lloyd’s Spinjitzu Spinners, a spinning ride that became an instant favorite with its exhilarating twists and turns, providing endless fun and laughter. I didn’t dare try.
Another unexpected gem was the Submarine Adventure, which offered a serene contrast to the adrenaline-fueled Ninjago. Boarding our own submarine, we embarked on a voyage through underwater realms, surrounded by a vibrant array of aquatic life. This unique sail-through aquarium allowed us the freedom to move around and immerse ourselves fully in the experience, making it a memorable highlight of our visit.
The hands-on building stations throughout the park also captivated our imagination, particularly the boat-building area. Here, the kids engaged in creative play, designing their boats before launching them down a waterfall, watching with anticipation to see how their creations fared.
Miniland stood out as a highlight of our Legoland adventure, captivating us with its intricate Lego replicas of famous Japanese landmarks. This miniature marvel offered us a tour of Japan, showcasing animated parts that brought the scenes to life. Adding to the excitement was the Legoland Factory Tour, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Lego bricks are made. Not only did we gain insight into the production process, but we also received a special treat: a commemorative brick made right before our eyes. This unique souvenir, exclusive to visitors of the factory, served as a tangible memory of our fun-filled day.
SCMaglev and Railway Park Museum:
Not one to waste an opportunity, we spontaneously visited the SCMaglev and Railway Park museum across from Legoland. The interactive exhibits, simulators, and hands-on experiences with real trains provided an educational end to a fun-filled day.
The museum is a treasure trove for train enthusiasts and curious minds alike, showcasing an impressive collection of rolling stock that visitors can explore up close. From stepping inside a full-size Shinkansen to interacting with hands-on exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the evolution of train travel in Japan. A standout was the Maglev area, where we immersed ourselves in the future of rail travel. The maglev simulator provided a thrilling glimpse into what riding on these ultra-fast trains feels like, complemented by interactive exhibits explaining the science behind the magnetic levitation technology. This area, in particular, piqued our curiosity and left us marveling at the advancements in transportation.
For families visiting, securing a spot in the simulators is a must-do. There are several options and we were able to get a spot on one of the subway train simulators even with our late visit. If you have your heart on driving the shinkansen simulator you are best to arrive early and secure your spot as soon as you arrive.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Science Fun
Our final day in Nagoya was a delightful exploration of local culture, nature, and science, taking us from sacred shrines to interactive museums.
The journey began at Miwa Shrine, known affectionately as the ‘shrine of happiness.’ This tranquil spot is famed for its adorable bunny statues and the trio of torii gates believed to grant wishes threefold. The shrine’s connection to the deity Okuninushi and the legend of the Hare of Inaba adds a layer of mythic charm to the visit, making it a serene start to our day. (Watch the Instagram reel of our shrine visit.)
Next, we ventured to Uramonzen Park, a hidden gem that houses a unique cement replica of Mount Fuji. This quirky attraction provided an unexpected burst of outdoor fun, allowing the kids to scale its slopes and ignite their imaginations in a playful ascent. The park’s simple yet engaging feature was a delightful reminder of the whimsical side of Japanese parks, offering a moment of joy and laughter under the open sky. It’s also the reason we went home with ripped pants. Ah well!
Our cultural morning gave way to an afternoon of discovery at the Nagoya City Science Museum. Renowned for housing one of the world’s largest planetarium domes, the museum was a treasure trove of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity across all ages. There was quite a line to get in, so while Jeff waited in line I supervised the kids on the playground on the otherside of the park. Jeff called when he was aproachign the ticket counter and we joined him just in time to enter.
While the planetarium show, delivered in the soothing darkness beneath the immense dome, inadvertently turned into a restful interlude for us. (If you don’t speak Japanese maybe skip the planatarium show.) The museum’s hands-on science displays kept our minds engaged and eager to learn. From the physics of everyday objects to the wonders of the natural world, the museum provided an immersive educational experience that perfectly capped our Nagoya adventure.
After exploring the Nagoya City Science Museum, we found the perfect spot to recharge at the museum’s cafe. Offering a selection of quick, tasty meals and a chance to sit outside, it was an ideal place for a family lunch, letting the kids unwind and discuss the day’s discoveries.
As our adventure in Nagoya came to a close, we boarded the Shinkansen for our journey back to Tokyo, each of us carrying the excitement of the weekend’s discoveries. To make the ride home even more enjoyable, we indulged in Ekiben, the iconic bento boxes sold at the station, savoring a delicious meal that was a fitting end to our unforgettable trip.
Have you embarked on a family adventure that surprised you at every turn? Share your experiences or your favorite family travel tips below. And for more stories from our travels, be sure to follow ‘Dutch, Dutch, and Goose!” on Instagram.
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