A Short Trip to Japan: Nagoya and Kumamoto

This article recounts a brief trip to Japan, focusing on the cities of Nagoya and Kumamoto. While the time in Nagoya was limited, offering only a glimpse of the city, the information presented here aims to be helpful for those planning a similar journey.

The chosen itinerary may prove beneficial for many travelers, providing a starting point for further exploration.

Nagoya, the capital of the Chubu region in Japan, is a fascinating city and the largest in the region. While I didn't have the opportunity to visit Nagoya Castle, which is said to be beautiful, I did learn about some of the city's famous dishes. These include Hitsumabushi, a dish of grilled eel on rice, and Tebasaki, Nagoya-style chicken wings. Interestingly, the popular fried chicken restaurant "Yamachan" originated in Nagoya, although it now has branches in Thailand. During my brief visit, I passed by several important landmarks in the city.

Preparing for and Knowing Before Going to Japan

  1. Ensure you have your passport readily available, as it serves as your global identification document and should always be carried with you.

2. The electrical outlets are different from those in our country. They have two prongs instead of three. You can search for images online to see what they look like.

3. The currency is ￥, which is pronounced "yuan". Thai banks do not exchange coins, only banknotes.

4. Escalator etiquette: stand on the left, if you need to exit on the right, walk past on the right.

5. Research the local weather conditions. If the temperature is expected to be 22 degrees Celsius or lower, it is advisable to wear warmer clothing.

6. Nagoya offers free internet access. However, if you plan to stay for 7-8 days, it is recommended to use a SIM card for roaming, such as the AIS SIM2Fly, which costs 399 baht. (The recommended offline map app is maps.me, which has helped me navigate many places.)

7. Photographing Japanese People

When photographing individuals in Japan, it is always advisable to seek their permission first. While there may not be explicit regulations against it, respecting personal privacy is paramount. Alternatively, consider capturing wider shots that do not focus on specific individuals.

8. Tax refunds are available depending on where you make your purchase. For example, at Don Quijote, purchases over 5,000 yen can be refunded at the store. Look for the red and yellow "Tax Refund" signs.


Itinerary

October 24, 2018: Arrival at Chubu Centrair International Airport / Nagoya Sakae Washington Hotel / TV Tower

10/25/2018: Nagoya Castle / Port Messe / TV Tower / Oasis 21 / Don Quijote

October 26, 2018: Chubu Centrair International Airport / Kumamoto

Day 1 - Departure from Thailand at 10:45

The immigration process at the Thai airport was straightforward, with no need to fill out any paperwork. The usual checks for prohibited items were conducted. This was my first time flying with Thai Airways.

The food was excellent, and drinks were readily available. There were plenty of activities to keep us entertained during the long journey. The flight took approximately 6 hours, and Japan is 2 hours ahead of Thailand. We adjusted our watches as soon as we boarded the plane. The flight attendants distributed Disembarkation Cards and Customs Declaration forms, which we completed for a smoother arrival. Upon arrival, we collected our luggage and proceeded through two immigration checkpoints. The first checkpoint involved a review of our Disembarkation Cards and general documents. At the second checkpoint, we submitted our Customs Declaration forms. While I passed through without issue, my companion's luggage was inspected. The inspection was thorough but routine, and he was allowed to proceed after no prohibited items were found.

Leaving the Airport and Entering Nagoya City: Three Main Options

1. Meitetsu Airport Line: A Direct Rail Connection

The Meitetsu Airport Line offers a direct connection between Chubu Centrair International Airport and Nagoya Station, the city's central transportation hub. This convenient option takes approximately 28 minutes and provides a comfortable and efficient way to reach your destination.

2. Airport Limousine Bus: A Flexible and Affordable Choice

Airport limousine buses offer a flexible and affordable alternative to the train. These buses depart regularly from the airport and travel to various destinations within Nagoya, including major hotels and tourist attractions. The journey typically takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

3. Taxi: A Convenient but Costly Option

Taxis are readily available at the airport and provide a convenient way to reach your destination directly. However, this option is significantly more expensive than the train or bus. The fare to Nagoya Station typically costs around 10,000 yen, and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

1. Most people avoid taking taxis because it is too easy.

2. The Meitetsu Line offers both express and non-express trains, taking less than 30 minutes to reach Nagoya Station. The fare is 870 yen for non-express trains and 1,230 yen for express trains.

3. Bus: This is the method I used because it allows you to store your luggage under the bus, eliminating the need to carry it around. My destination was Sakae, which requires a transfer at Kanayama. If you are traveling to the Sakae area, this option is more convenient. The fare for adults is 1200 yen, and for children, it is 600 yen for the entire route. (*Note: The airport bus here is called a limousine.)

Table https://www.nagoya-info.jp/th/access/files/centrair-limousine.pdf

After exiting immigration, follow the "Bus" signs. These will lead you down one level, where you can purchase tickets from the machines. Once you have your ticket, wait for the bus to arrive. When boarding, be sure to take a seat ticket from the dispenser at the front of the bus. While I'm not entirely sure if this is the correct procedure, it worked for me!

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This is a picture of the bus schedule.


The bottom one is the boarding pass, the top one should be the seat, I guess. Haha.

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The first stop, Nagoya Tokyu Hotel, is right next to Oasis21. However, this is not our accommodation. We continue on the bus, which will stop in front of the TV Tower. This is the Oasis21 stop because they are next to each other. My accommodation is Sake Hotel Plaza, so I need to get off at Nishiki Dori Hommachi Station, which is just across the street from the hotel.


Get off the bus and walk a little further, you will arrive. This is a picture of the entrance sign.

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The single room is equipped with standard amenities, including hot and cold water, towels, soap, shampoo, and a brush. While not spacious, it is comfortable and not cramped. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay. Two breakfast sets are available: a Japanese set and a Western set. The weather is cool at 19 degrees Celsius, which may be chilly for those who are sensitive to cold.

This area is a bustling hub with a plethora of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Notable landmarks include Don Quijote, Skyward Swing, TV Tower, Oasis21, Nagoya Castle, Science Museum, and Otsu Kannnon Temple, as depicted in the image. However, walking distances can be substantial. For instance, the hotel is approximately 800 meters from Sakae Station or Oasis21. While manageable for those who enjoy walking, it's worth considering transportation options for longer distances.


Let's grab a beer after we've finished packing. There's a bar called Gomitori near our accommodation, just two blocks away.

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Drinking beer with edamame (Japanese soybeans).


Deliciously grilled eel.



I don't know what it is, but it's delicious and crispy on the outside. After I finished eating, I went for a walk to see what the night was like here. It's not ordinary around here, there are plenty of nightclubs, but I didn't dare go in. The thing is, I can't understand them, haha.

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Walking back towards Sakae Station, the landmark is right here, the TV Tower, with a little lighting. If you come to this point, you will find everything: Oasis21, Don Quijote, and the Ferris wheel. You can take pictures and enjoy the cold weather.

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A short walk will lead you to the Sky Swing. Next to the Sky Swing, at the corner of the building, is Don Quijote.

Don Quixote's appearance is like this. You can go in and choose to buy things. There are a wide variety of items, ranging from cheap to expensive. Something you should know is that if you buy more than 5,000 yen, you can request a tax refund. This branch has Thai staff on hand, so you can ask them questions. We can buy items on the upper floors by paying the full amount. If the price reaches several bills, you can bring your passport and bills to exchange for a tax refund on the first floor. Try it, you can save 8%.

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This is a photo of Oasis21 at night.


Day 2 - I woke up early today, having a meeting with the team at 9:00 AM. But before that, I decided to take a walk to see the castle, as I had never been there before and had not done any research on how to get there or what it was like.

I knew it was within walking distance from the hotel, so I decided to take a walk and check it out. However, it wasn't open yet, as it only opens at 9:00 AM. So, we ended up getting some exercise by walking around. It wasn't exactly close to the hotel, though. It took me about 30 minutes to get there. But it gave me a good sense of the city's atmosphere. Throughout the walk, I saw people cycling everywhere. There were so many of them, and they were all very skilled. They were even cycling in suits! It was a nice atmosphere.

Before the trip, the hotel provided a preview of the breakfast options.

Translation:


This is a Japanese set. Everything is delicious except for the stinky beans. They are chewy and smelly. I'll pass on those.


This set of Western-style bread comes with a variety of jams for spreading. This photo is from another day.


This is a picture of the path to the castle, which I'm not sure is correct, but from what I've read on other websites, it's possible to get there this way. However, at the end of the path, there is a white sign, and if you turn right and go towards Shiyakusho Station, you can get there. Or, if you don't want to walk, you can take a bus or train, which is easier.

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This is the closest I could get to seeing the castle. I feel sorry for myself that I couldn't go in. Haha, I only saw this much and then had to turn back. I'm out of personal time.

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The path leading to the Aichikengokoku Shrine today will have people like nuns sweeping the front yard. A little knowledge of Japanese temples is that even though it is a Buddhist religion, the monks can get married and have children. And the nuns are more like volunteers, which in reality may not even be directly comparable.

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Although it is called a city, the atmosphere or environment is full of large trees.


Today, we will continue to Kinjofuto station, where there is Legoland and the Railway Museum. However, I did not take any pictures, but I will only recommend the route.

The first step is to take the train to Fushimi station and get off at exit 4. Remember which exit you used, as you will need to use the same one on your return trip. This station is an interchange for two lines, so be careful not to get lost. From here, take the train one station to Nagoya station. Nagoya station is a major hub for trains, but only one line goes to Kinjofuto: the Anonami line. The walk to the Anonami line is quite long, but it is worth it.


A view of the entrance to Fushimi Station.


The train station is right next to the expressway, but our train is a classic model. P.S. I forgot to take a picture of the train we were on.

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This image shows Kinjofuto Station, which is conveniently located near tourist attractions. Consider visiting and sharing your experience.


The scene cuts to the evening. Today, we're back on the streets with the team, ready to explore further. We'll be walking around the back of Don Quijote, where the shops are similar to those near our accommodation. However, there are Japanese men soliciting customers at the intersections. If you have some basic Japanese language skills, you'll know exactly what they're inviting you to do. Haha.

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There are many shops, but I don't know which one to enter. I can't communicate with them as usual.

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However, I still need to find something to eat. Today, I stopped by this restaurant, but I don't know its name.


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The ramen was delicious, but the local cuisine tends to be quite salty. However, there are a plethora of restaurants to choose from, and many of them are accessible by elevator. It's worth trying a few different places to see if you can find some hidden gems.


After finishing our meal, we continued walking and crossed over to the hotel side. This time, we were very close to the Science Museum, but it was already closed. From what I read, there is a planetarium inside. If you come during the day, you can stop by and take a look. The building has a unique design, with a sphere in the center and a three-way intersection directly in front. It is visible from a distance and makes for a great photo opportunity.

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The street in front offers an interesting perspective, featuring a zebra crossing with large trees and buildings in the background, reminiscent of a Beatles album cover.

Continue walking towards Wat Ounalom, and stop by to see the temple. The location is not far away, and according to what I read on the website, it is open 24 hours. However, when I arrived, it was closed. You tricked me, but it didn't stop me from walking around the temple. I was able to take some pictures.

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Ōsu Kannon Temple



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The side alley is a market that would likely be lined with stalls during the day, but our late arrival gave it a somewhat lonely or deserted atmosphere.

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Translation:

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Manhole covers in every city in Japan are different. If you don't look closely, it looks like a picture of a monkey hypnotizing you. But if you have enough imagination, it will have six arms, which should be a butterfly. You ask me what I am? Of course, a monkey hypnotist.

Day 3 - Today, we will take a flight from Nagoya to Kumamoto. But before we go, we will take you to Chubu Centrair Airport, which has a rooftop observation deck where you can enjoy the view of the sunset. The atmosphere is truly romantic.

Translation:

Let's start by waiting for the airport bus at the Nishiki Dori Hommachi station. If you're coming from my hotel, cross the street first. The bus stop is a regular bus stop with a sign indicating the destinations. It's easy to spot the airport bus, as the sign will have an airplane symbol. The buses are very punctual, and you can check the destination on the electronic display. Be aware that Nagoya has two airports, so read the name carefully. Also, remember that the airport bus here is called a "limousine." Put your luggage under the bus and hop on. You pay at the end of the journey, directly to the driver. There's a slot in front of the bus to drop your money. Make sure you put in the exact amount, as they don't always give change. I'm not sure if this applies to all buses, though.

I have arrived at the airport. There are ninjas here.

Translation:

The first thing you'll encounter is the famous Ebisenbei No Sato rice crackers. If you see this sign, you've arrived at the shop. Located within the airport, it's a must-try for anyone visiting. They offer free samples, and prices start around 400 yen. While I found many delicious flavors, there were a few I didn't enjoy as much. So, I opted for a small mixed pack to share with friends.



If I recall correctly, the airport's rooftop has a walkway or structure that allows access to an outdoor area known as the Sky Deck. I arrived just as the sun was setting, and the atmosphere was fantastic. However, as soon as I stepped outside, I was met with a blast of cold air. Haha!

Panoramic views of the aircraft from both sides.

Why is the road wet? I'm confused. Did it rain?

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Walk to the end and you can find a corner to take pictures of the sunset. The background is the sea.

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Moreover, the water in this vending machine tastes the best, especially the Milk Tea flavors.


This was my first time flying ANA for a domestic flight. I didn't expect the plane to be so small, and I didn't realize that the smaller the plane, the more turbulence there would be. I was shaking from the time we left Nagoya until we arrived in Kumamoto. It was so rough that I couldn't even drink coffee normally; I had to move with the turbulence. Haha! But maybe it was also because of the weather. I'm just guessing, but it was a bit too rough. The person sitting next to me got airsick and threw up. It was a new experience. Will you have the same experience as me? Hehe.


Despite this, the seats were spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning and complimentary refreshments, similar to other airlines.

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While there are other interesting attractions in the area, due to time constraints and inconvenient conditions, I have only included the main information here. This is in case I return to visit again, as I tend to forget things quickly.

Approximate Financial Summary

The cost of lodging at Nagoya is 28,000 baht, excluding meals. I estimate that meals will cost around 1,000 yen per meal.


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