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Picture: Nittaiji Temple

The East End - Shopping, Temples & Shrines

A day well spelt - and one we almost missed save for a rainy day and a cancelled trip to Mt.Fuji - is a walking tour of Nagoya's East End.

As you travel East from Shinsakae Station following the Hirashiyama Subway Line, the city thins out and you find yourself in quiet residential areas set amongst tree lined streets.

We elected to begin the walk from the Eastern end of our map, at Matoyama Station, walking back towards downtown Nagoya.

Picture: Toganji Temple Entrance

Our 1st stop was Toganji Temple. A surprisingly quiet and peaceful place, in amongst the hustle of the outside streets, and home to Nagoya's largest sitting Buddha. Built in the 16th century, this smallish temple is set amongst perfectly manicured gardens, Indian architecture and a pet cemetery.

Exit Motoyama Station via Exit #5, turn right and walk 100m and it's on the left. The temple is open 9:00-18:00.

Picture: Nittaiji Temple Entrance

Next stop was Nittaiji Temple, 200m North of Kakuozan Station. This is a much larger temple with bigger grounds and several buildings to view. The interior of the temple was similar to Osukannon and had the same calming, almost humbling, effect.

The buildings are finished in the classic Japanese style with a 5 storey pagoda. The large grounds play host to an outdoor market on the 21st of every month.

Other temples in the area which we didn't visit, due to the inclement weather, are;

1. Shiroyama Hakasan Shrine - built in the 16th century.

2. Sohoji Temple - built in 1643 and which now hosts the Grand Sumo Tournament in summer.

Other points of interest are;

1. Higashiyama Zoo - including polar bears & elephants.

2. Botanical Gardens

3. Sky Tower - standing 134m

4. Heiwa Park - a large park complete with a large statute of Kannon (the goddess of mercy) and small lake.

Our walk then continued back towards downtown Nagoya; and it's a long walk about 3hrs, with a stop for lunch, before you reach Sakae. However, you are following the Higashiyama Subway Line, so you can always opt to take the train.

A number of temples and shrines (12 in total), which give an insight in to a by-gone time, can be found in downtown Nagoya. Whilst they are crowded in amongst the high rise concrete buildings they must offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life to the locals, while giving us a glimpse into the past and a sample of the local culture.

Located between Sakura-dori to the North, Wakamiya-Odori to the South, Fushimi-dori to the west and Hisaya-Odori to the East, all 12 shrines can be assessed easily and make for an interesting end to the tour of "Hidden Nagoya".

Nagoya Gallery

                        Click here to view the Nagoya Picture Gallery