Nagoya: Japan's Hidden Gem of Tradition and Innovation

• Helloこんにちは
  [Konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayonara]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Douzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [Arigatou gozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せていただきたいのですが
  [Menyuu o misete itadakitai no desu ga]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [Niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [Okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!行ってください！
  [Itte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んでください！
  [Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んでください！
  [Isha o yonde kudasai!]
• I'm lost迷子です
  [Maigo desu]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy......を買いたいです
  [ ... o kaitai desu]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [Miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値引きしてもらえますか？
  [Nebiki shite moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半
  [Juuji han]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinou]
• Today今日
  [Kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Shi]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyuu]
• 10十
  [Ju]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [... wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Jusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [Chizu de misete moraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次のバスはいつですか？
  [Tsugi no basu wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)一枚の切符（...へ）
  [Ichimai no kippu (... e)]

Nagoya, located in the heart of Japan, has roots that trace back to the 16th century. Originally a castle town, it was founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. Nagoya Castle, built in 1612, became a symbol of the city's strategic military significance. The golden shachihoko (mythical dolphin-like creatures) adorning the castle roofs are iconic symbols of Nagoya's heritage.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Nagoya flourished as a key economic and cultural center. The city was a major stop along the Tokaido road, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. This period saw the establishment of various traditional crafts, such as Arimatsu-Narumi shibori (tie-dyeing) and Seto ceramics, which continue to be significant cultural trademarks of the region.

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 brought profound changes to Nagoya, transforming it into an industrial powerhouse. The city embraced modernization with the introduction of railways and the establishment of industries such as textiles, ceramics, and machinery. This period also saw the inception of major corporations like Toyota, which originated as a textile manufacturer in the nearby city of Toyota.

World War II had a devastating impact on Nagoya, with extensive bombing raids causing significant destruction. However, the city's resilience shone through in the post-war era, leading to rapid reconstruction and modernization. The rebuilding efforts included the restoration of Nagoya Castle, which had been destroyed during the war, and the development of new urban infrastructure.

Today, Nagoya stands as Japan's fourth-largest city and a vital economic and cultural hub. It is home to numerous attractions such as the Atsuta Shrine, one of Shinto's most significant shrines, and the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses samurai artifacts and cultural treasures. The city's culinary scene is also notable, with local specialties like miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) and hitsumabushi (grilled eel) offering a taste of Nagoya's rich gastronomic heritage.

Nagoya is accessible via Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), located approximately 35 kilometers south of the city center. From the airport, you can take the Meitetsu Airport Line to reach Nagoya Station in around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can arrive via bullet train (Shinkansen) from major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nagoya is also well-connected by highway buses and conventional trains.

Nagoya has an efficient public transportation system, including subways, buses, and trains. The city's subway network consists of six lines that cover most major attractions. The Me~guru tourist bus offers a convenient way to explore key sights. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. For those preferring to drive, car rentals are available, but be mindful of local driving laws and parking restrictions.

The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and retail shops; however, cash is still preferred in smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful, and international cards are accepted at most 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and transportation.

Nagoya is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should still be taken. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded places. The area around Nagoya Station can be busy, so keep an eye on your valuables. There are no particular neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for fire and ambulance services. English-speaking operators may be available. Nagoya has several hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are common and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites. Bow slightly when entering and exiting. Public Transport: Do stand on the left side of escalators and let people pass on the right. Don't talk loudly on your phone or eat and drink on public transport. Greetings: Do bow slightly when greeting people and say 'Konnichiwa'. Handshakes are less common but acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and eat quietly. Don't stick chopsticks upright in your rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.

To experience Nagoya like a local, visit Osu Shopping District for a mix of traditional and modern shops. Try the local specialty, hitsumabushi (grilled eel), at one of the many renowned restaurants. Explore the city by bike; rental services are available and many areas have dedicated cycling paths. Participate in local festivals, such as the Nagoya Matsuri, for an authentic cultural experience.