Practical Information: Nagoya

Communication Options

Stay connected during your travels.

SIM Cards & eSIMs

Prepaid data-only SIM cards are available for tourists.
eSIMs present a digital alternative for compatible phones. Explore eSIM options on Airalo.com.
Obtain these online for airport pickup or hotel delivery.

Internet & Postal Services

Access the internet and send mail with ease.

Connectivity & Mail

Free Wi-Fi appears widely at stations, airports, and many cafes.
A portable Wi-Fi device offers a reliable personal hotspot. Find portable Wi-Fi devices at Solis Wi-Fi.
Japan Post offices are efficient for domestic and international mail.

Language & Translation

Navigate language differences during your visit.

Tools & Tips

English proficiency varies; more common in tourist areas.
Google Translate (offline) and DeepL support communication.
Speak clearly, slowly, and use gestures. Learn Japanese with Rosetta Stone.

Phrases

Learning basic Japanese phrases shows respect and aids interactions.

Common Expressions

Hello: Konnichiwa
Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu
How much?: Ikura desu ka?

Airport Services

Lounge Access & Compensation

Priority Pass Grants airport lounge access globally.
Compensair Supports compensation for flight disruptions.
Lounge benefits enhance your travel comfort.
Compensation services recover funds for disrupted flights.

Common Airport Services

Limousine bus services connect airports to city centers.
Train services offer rapid transit from airport terminals.
Rental car agencies are present at major airports.
Luggage delivery services are widely available.

Stay Connected & Informed

Prepare for communication in Japan. A pocket Wi-Fi device or eSIM often yields the most reliable internet access.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigate Nagoya with knowledge of typical operating times.

Shop Hours

Generally open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; department stores may close earlier.

Restaurant Hours

Lunch 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM-10:00 PM; some izakayas stay open later.

Convenience Stores

Most convenience stores (konbini) operate 24/7 for your needs.

Banking & ATMs

Access your funds with awareness of banking hours.

Financial Access

Banks typically open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
ATMs are widely available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) and post offices.
Many ATMs present 24/7 access.

Museums & Attractions

Plan your cultural visits by checking opening and closing times.

Operating Details

Open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Many have a regular closing day, often Mondays or Tuesdays.
Always check specific websites for current hours and seasonal changes.

Holidays & Seasonal Impacts

Major Holidays

Golden Week (late April - early May): Major travel period, crowded.
Obon (mid-August): Traditional holiday, crowded transport.
New Year's (late Dec - early Jan): Many businesses close briefly.

Planning Reminders

Public holidays affect services and crowd levels.
Transportation and accommodation are often fully booked during peak times.
Prices for travel and lodging may ascend significantly.

Plan Ahead

Holidays impact operating times and crowd levels. Advance planning ensures a smoother experience.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interaction and awareness of local customs enrich your experience and honor Nagoya's heritage.

General Conduct

Adhere to local customs for polite interactions.

Guidelines

A slight bow is customary for greetings.
Modest and neat attire is preferred; shoulders and knees covered at shrines.
Maintain low noise levels on public transport.

Dining & Taboos

Understand Japanese dining practices and common cultural taboos.

Cultural Notes

Do not tip; it is not customary and may confuse.
Slurping noodles indicates enjoyment.
Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan, temples, and some shops/restaurants.

Photography & Privacy

Observe guidelines for respectful photography.

Picture Protocols

Generally allowed at tourist sites unless signs state otherwise.
Always seek permission before photographing people, especially children.
Obey all "no photography" signs in museums or sacred spaces.

Sensitive Topics

Be aware of common taboos to avoid unintended disrespect.

Considerations

Avoid eating/drinking while walking in crowded areas.
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
Public displays of affection are rare for any couples.

Religious Site Etiquette

Temple & Shrine Visits

Maintain quiet and respectful demeanor within grounds.
Ensure shoulders and knees are covered.
Follow purification procedures at the temizuya.

Offerings & Customs

Toss a coin into the offering box.
Bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, and bow once more.
Observe local worshippers for guidance on rituals.

General Manners

Public Conduct

Queue politely and await your turn in lines.
Use an open hand or slight nod instead of pointing with a single finger.
Avoid blowing your nose loudly in public; do so discreetly in a restroom.

Social Awareness

Japan is generally a conservative society.
Public displays of affection are rare for any couples.
Nagoya city offers partnership certificates for same-sex relationships.

Cultural Awareness

Embrace local etiquette. Simple gestures and polite conduct foster positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Nagoya steadily improves its accessibility for travelers with disabilities.

Mobility Infrastructure

Nagoya's public transportation system is increasingly accessible.

Transport Access

Subway and major train stations present elevators and escalators.
Accessible restrooms are available at stations.
Newer trains and stations have accessibility features.

Accessible Sites

Many major attractions accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.

Attractions & Transport

Nagoya Castle (Honmaru Palace) offers ramps and elevators.
Nagoya City Science Museum has accessible pathways.
The Me~guru Sightseeing Bus is wheelchair accessible.

Sensory Accessibility

Support for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Aid & Information

Tactile paving appears commonly in stations and on sidewalks.
Public announcements may include English translations or visual displays.
Some stations utilize visual information alongside audio.

Resources & Planning

Find current accessibility information for your trip.

Guidance Sources

Consult the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website.
Contact specific attractions directly for their accessibility details.
Plan routes considering accessible pathways and transport options.

Accessible Nagoya

Nagoya aims for an inclusive visitor experience. Confirm specific venue access prior to your visit.

Practical Information