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12 Amazing Things to do in Nagoya with Kids

Traveling with kids adds an extra challenge to all travel plans.

You need to find activities that are interesting to your kiddies because many probably won’t want to see the same attractions that adults do.

This post is filled with the top things to do in and around Nagoya with your family. It is filled with all the best amusement parks, interactive museums, and parks that your kids will enjoy for sure.

Enjoy Family Time in Nagoya at Theme Parks, Museums, and More

If you don’t want to travel very far there are multiple great attractions in Nagoya to enjoy with kids. They usually have very convenient public transport options and from Nagoya Station, you will be able to reach all of them within just a couple of minutes.

Legoland Japan

Legoland Japan
The entrance of Legoland Japan

The top attraction in Nagoya for kids is without a doubt Legoland Japan. The Lego-themed park only opened in 2015 and is very popular, especially with small children.

Attractions inside the park include gigantic models of famous places in Japan such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Kyoto built from millions of Lego blocks.

You can also learn how Lego bricks are manufactured, build your own Lego models, and enjoy some kid-friendly rides. Of course, there are countless restaurants serving kid-friendly food, and shops where you can buy Lego sets.

Check out this article about Legoland Japan for valuable tips and the best places to check out inside the park. And if you have already decided to go, you can easily buy your tickets here.

Legoland Japan Resort (レゴランド・ジャパン・リゾート)
Entry Fee:
Check the different prices here.
Opening hours: Depending on the season, park hours vary. Check here the opening hours.
Address: 2-2-1 Kinjo-futo, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Aonami Line to Kinjo-futo, the last train station. From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps | Tickets

Sea Life

Inside Legoland Japan Sealife
Fish tank at the Sea Life

Sea Life aquarium is located within the Legoland Hotel. It was created to spark an interest in the ocean in children, and it follows the concept of “see, touch, and learn”. Eleven different areas invite children to learn about sea animals from more than 50 countries around the world.

Some highlights include the mighty spider crabs which can reach up to 5.5 meters in size, cute seahorses, and of course the stingrays.

Workshops and other hands-on experiences are available for children (and adults) of all ages.

Sea Life Nagoya (シーライフ名古屋)
Entry Fee: from 1300 yen depending on the day, combination ticket with Legoland Japan available
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00, weekends: 10:00 – 18:00
Address: 2-7-1 Kinjoufutou, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Aonami Line to Kinjo-futo, the last train station. From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps

SCMaglev and Railway Park

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Shinkansen trains at the SCMaglev and Railway Park

Next to Legoland Japan you will find a train museum called SCMaglev and Railway Park. The park opened only recently in 2011 and educates its visitors on the advancements in train travel.

You and your kids can see some actual trains here including an old steam locomotive, a high-speed bullet train concept, and even the latest magnetic levitating trains called Maglev.

JR Central, the train company in Central Japan is currently working on creating a high-speed Maglev connection between Osaka and Tokyo, of which the Nagoya to Tokyo part will be ready in just a couple of years. One section of the museum covers the project and offers a lot of information.

Some of the most popular attractions of the Nagoya train museum are the train simulators where your children can drive different trains including a Shinkansen train and become a train conductor for a couple of minutes, opening and closing train doors.

The simulators cost extra and are very popular which is why you need to sign up at least 45 minutes in advance.

SCMaglev and Railway Park (リニア・鉄道館)
Entry Fee:
adults 1000 yen, school children 500 yen, children 200 yen
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:30, closed Tuesdays
Address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0848
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Aonami Line to Kinjo-futo, the last train station. From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Nagoya Port Aquarium
Nagoya Port Aquarium tank with visitors

At Nagoya Port, you will find the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. It is one of the best and biggest aquariums in Japan, and especially with children, it is worth a visit.

The aquarium is split into two sections, the North and South Buildings. 

The North Building has the world’s largest outdoor tank with about 3000 surrounding seats. Regular shows with dolphins and orcas are held here to awe the audience with their intelligence and tricks.

The South Building is split into sections to teach children about different ecosystems from the rivers in Japan to the ice of Antarctica. Learn about the hideous deep-sea creatures, get up close with sea turtle babies, and observe stingrays. Admire the colorful corals and fish which resemble a real coral reef in the oceans of the world. And don’t forget to stop by the penguin encounter where you can learn about the life of different penguin species.

Not only the aquarium but the whole port area is one of the best places to visit with children. You can find some more ideas here and you can easily buy your tickets here.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (名古屋港水族館)
Entry Fee:
adults 2030 yen, Elementary/Junior Highschool students 1010 yen, children 400 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:30
Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033
Access: From Sakae Station take the Meiko Line to Nagoyako Station. From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps | Tickets

Nagoya Port Sea Train Land

Nagoya Port Sea Train Land Winter Illumination
Sea Train Land at night during illumination season

Not far from Nagoya Aquarium is the so-called Sea Train Land, an amusement park at the port of Nagoya. It opened in 1995 but is still the biggest amusement park in the area.

The number one highlight is the 85-meter-tall ferries wheel, the largest in the Tokai area of Mie, Gifu, and Aichi prefectures. From the see-through gondolas, you get a 360-degree view of the port area as well as Ise bay and the city of Nagoya.

All in all, Sea Train Land features 16 different rides for everyone from adults to small children. Not only families enjoy the amusement park, but it is also a popular date spot for young couples as it is especially romantic after dark when the whole park is lit up.

Sea Train Land Nagoya (名古屋港シートレインランド)
Entry Fee: free, rides cost extra (free pass 2500 yen)
Opening Hours: varies daily
Address: 1-51 Nishikuracho, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0034
Access: From Sakae Station take the Meiko Line to Nagoyako Station. From there it’s a 4-minute walk.
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Higashiyama Tower and lake at dawn

More animal encounters await you and your family at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

At the zoo, the most popular animals are koalas, giraffes, and elephants as well as the animal house for nocturnal animals. But it houses a total of 550 species and so there will be definitely an animal you will love.

The botanical garden has a greenhouse, cherry trees, and flower fields. Each season is great for a visit to the botanical gardens but the cherry blossom season in March/April and autumn leaves season in November/December are a must-see highlight.

If you cannot make it to Shirakawa-go on this trip to Japan be sure to check out the Gassho Zukuri House located at the botanical garden, it was relocated to its current position from the world heritage site of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture itself.

The Higashiyama Sky Tower is an observation tower inside the Higashiyama park. From its 134-meter high observation deck, you have a superb view over Nagoya, which is especially spectacular during the sunset. The top floors also feature a French restaurant where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular view.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (東山動植物園)
Entry Fee:
adults 500 yen, children free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30, closed Mondays
Address: 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Higashiyama Line to Higashiyamakoen Station. From there it’s a 3-minute walk to the zoo entrance.
Website | Google Maps

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Toyota Museum in Nagoya
Cars and assembly line at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

If your kids are interested in cars, you have to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. It tells the story of Toyota, first as a textile manufacturer, and later as japan’s first and foremost car maker.

Aside from English tours and audio guides, there is a lot to see and experience here. Children will especially love the opportunity to build their own car key chains or pull-back cars at the Waku Waku Experience Corner.

For more details on what to do during a museum visit read this article.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (トヨタ産業技術記念館)
Entry Fee:
adults 500 yen, high-school students 300 yen, children 200 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00, closed Mondays
Address: 4-1-35 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0051
Access: From Nagoya Station it’s a 16-minute walk, or take the Meitetsu Train Line to Sako Station and walk from there for 5 minutes.
Website | Google Maps

Nagoya City Science Museum and Planetarium

Planetarium of the Nagoya City Science Museum
Nagoya City Science Museum building

If your kids love to learn about science and the stars you shouldn’t miss the Nagoya City Science Museum. The building alone is pretty impressive with its gigantic globe housing the world’s biggest planetarium.

Aside from a regular exhibition, the science museum holds changing exhibitions. 

The planetarium has regular sessions throughout the day with themes changing every month with a focus on current astronomical events. While the shows are only conducted in Japanese it is still interesting to watch the stars projected on the gigantic spherical screen.

Nagoya City Science Museum (名古屋市科学館)
Entry Fee:
adults 800 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00, closed Mondays
Address: Shirakawa Park 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Access: Take the Higashiyama line to Fushimi. From there it’s an 8-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps

Togokusan Fruit Park

Togokusan Park plum blossoms
Greenhouse at the Togokusan Fruit Park in spring during cherry blossom season

On the outskirts of Nagoya, you will find Togokusan, a mountain with an impressive fruit park, the Togokusan Fruit Park.

This park was established as a recreational facility with orchards growing Japanese fruit such as Japanese mandarins called Mikan and persimmons. These fruits can be harvested (and eaten) while they are in season.

An ‘Orchard of the World’ grows fruit from all over the world including papaya and jackfruit. Here you can learn about and taste delicious exotic fruit.

Multiple restaurants and shops are also on the premises making it a great place to hang out all day.

Togokusan Fruit Park (名古屋市東谷山フルーツパーク)
Entry Fee: free, World Tropical Fruit Greenhouse adults 300 yen, children free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30, closed Mondays
Address: Togoku-2110 Kamishidami, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 463-0001
Access: From Nagoya Station take the JR Chuo Line to Kozoji Station. From there it’s a 23-minute walk.
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Unforgettable Activities with Kids around Nagoya

If you have exhausted everything to do in Nagoya with kids it might be time to look a little further afield. There are a couple of theme parks not far from Nagoya that might be of interest to you and your family.

Ghibli Park

Concept drawing of Ghibli Park, image via Ghibli Park

On November 1st the first Ghibli-themed park is coming to Nagakute, right next to Nagoya. The park features areas from the most popular Ghibli movies such as Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Spirited Away.

Adults, as well as children, will love the world creation and impressive models all designed to fit seamlessly with the surrounding forest, nature, and park.

We are expecting Ghibli-inspired foods and drinks and many fun activities and play areas.

Ghibli Park (ジブリパーク)
Entry Fee: depending on the area between 1000 and 2000 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30, closed Mondays
Address: 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1342
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Higashiyama line to Fujigaoka, transfer to Linimo and get off at Aichi Hyakaku Kinenkoen Station. Walk from there.
Website | Google Maps

Nagashima Spa Land

Nagashima Spa Land roller coasters and ferris wheel, image via Nagashima Resort Facebook Page

About 30 minutes from Nagoya is the biggest amusement park in the region called Nagashima Spa Land. It is part of Nagashima Resort which also has an outlet shopping mall, Onsen, and a flower park called Nabana no Sato.

The amusement park offers around 40 rides, from gentle ones for small children to high-speed roller coasters for thrill-seekers. Nagashima Spa Land has a reputation for being the best theme park for roller coasters in western Japan.

Nagashima Spa Land (ナガシマスパーランド)
Entry Fee: adults 1600 yen, children 1000 yen, rides cost extra
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 16:00 to 18:00 depending on the date
Address: 333 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie 511-1192
Access: By Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station to Nagashima Spa Land.
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Little World Museum of Man 

German village at the Little World Museum of Man, image via Wikipedia

In Inuyama a town about 30 minutes from Nagoya to the north you will find many interesting attractions. One of them is the Little World Museum of Man. A theme park featuring countries from around the world. You can learn about foreign cultures, taste dishes from different countries and learn about traditional clothing and way of life.

There are 33 buildings from all over the world which will let you experience these countries. A great opportunity to get your children interested in the wider world.

Little World Museum of Man (野外民族博物館 リトルワールド)
Entry Fee:
adults 1800 yen, children 1100 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
Address: Narisawa-90-48 Imai, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0005
Access: By Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station to Little World.
Website | Google Maps

Some other places that might be fun for your family to visit in Nagoya are the many beautiful parks and gardens (we have a list of the best ones here), the Sakae area with the Nagoya TV Tower and the spaceship-shaped Oasis 21, and of course Nagoya Castle, the symbol of the city where you can meet real Samurai and Ninja!


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Make sure to also check out our other posts about Nagoya and trust us if we say Nagoya is not boring!

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About the author

In love with Japan and its amazing food, Lena wants to share her passion with the world. Her goal is to make everyone interested in Nagoya, her adoptive home, online through her writing and offline through unique food tours.

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