With its famed gilded roof ornamentation portraying kinshachi, Nagoya Castle is the de-facto symbol of the city. Dating back to 1612, the main edifice was reconstructed in 1959 on its original foundation after being destroyed in World War II and now houses a modern museum with a significant escape into its bygone splendor. What was once one of the largest and the most powerful castles of the country, today stands as a monumental vestige carrying the legacy of the Tokugawa family. Flanked by beautifully-designed turrets, a dry inner moat sheltering deer, and a water-filled outer moat, the castle is a marvelous canvas laden with vibrant peonies and cherry blossoms come spring, where melodious songbirds croon into its regal expanse. The castle grounds are home to a multitude of waterfowl, along with the glorious Honmaru Palace, while an arsenal of antiquated gates attests to its magnificent, historic glory.

Located in the very center of the city and standing 180 meters (590 feet) tall, this tower is one of the city's most visible modern landmarks and features observation decks that provide spectacular views of central Japan. Completed in 1954, this tower was the first multipurpose television transmission tower in Japan and continues today to transmit TV programs for a number of different broadcasting companies. It also houses coffee and souvenir shops.

The Noritake Garden was formerly called Noritake arts center. The garden is a patch of beautiful green that houses a Museum of Pottery and Porcelain in it. The garden is well landscaped and offers a neat trail through its environs. If you are tired of the hectic city life or simply want to explore the city, do not give Noritake Garden a miss.

If you have already seen the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the Ise Shrines in Mie, a visit to Atsuta Jinja will complete your tour of the three most sacred sites in Japan. An ancient, Japanese prince's sword (kusanagi) is housed here. The shrine itself is modest, but the approach lined with cypress trees merits a visit in itself. Other national treasures are on display at an on-site museum.

One of the newest and largest aquariums in Japan, the Port of Nagoya Aquarium divides its aquatic life into five different ecosystems representative of the Pacific Ocean. Also involved in scientific research, including the breeding of sea turtles and other aquatic life, the aquarium's natural exhibits are heavily supported with multimedia displays. The underwater tunnel and the penguin exhibit are especially popular. The aquarium is located at the port's Garden Pier along with many other attractions.

A uniquely-designed Port Building with a 57-meter-tall observatory and museum, cruises allow visitors to view firsthand the harbor that perennially handles the greatest volume of international cargo of any port in Japan. Within walking distance are a modern aquarium, a moored Antarctic exploration ship open as a museum, and an amusement park, as well as various shopping and dining facilities. Various events, including semiannual fireworks displays, are also held here.