This blog is all about our visit in Nagoya—with a special highlight on the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, how to get there, and whether it’s worth your time.
If you think Nagoya is just a quick stop between Tokyo and Osaka, think again. In just one day, we explored a historical castle, indulged in a scenic lunch near its stone walls, and ended our afternoon in a surprisingly massive museum that made us feel like we traveled through Japan’s railway history.
Location: Toyoko Inn Nagoya Meiekiminami
Price/night: ¥7560 for two
The hotel was clean, affordable, and just 15 minutes from Nagoya Station (or you could take the free shuttle). Rooms were compact but fully equipped—with Wi-Fi, AC, and even pajamas. Bonus: a free breakfast buffet to kickstart your day.
Exploring Nagoya Castle (11:00 AM)
Our day began with a visit to Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic fortresses. Built in the early Edo period, the castle stands out for its golden shachihoko (dolphin-like roof ornaments) and well-preserved grounds. We spent a relaxing morning exploring the main keep, walking through the Honmaru Palace, and enjoying the peaceful garden views.
Lunch at Pop Over (1:00 PM)
Right outside the castle grounds, we discovered Pop Over, a stylish café serving Western-Japanese fusion dishes. The ambiance was casual and welcoming—perfect for a mid-day break. Their signature popovers were fluffy and delicious, and the lunch sets were generous. We recommend getting a window seat to enjoy the castle views while you dine.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park (2:30 PM)
location: SCMaglev and Railway Park
3 Chome-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0848
Train fare: 360 yen
Travel time: 25 minutes
After lunch, we made our way to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, located in the Minato Ward, near Kinjofuto Station. We initially thought this museum only showcased Japan’s future transport system—the SC (Super Conducting) MAGLEV train. But we were wrong.
The park is massive. It traces the evolution of Japan’s railway system—from early steam locomotives to the sleek, futuristic maglev trains. Walking through the exhibits felt like stepping into a living timeline of Japanese innovation.
What surprised us the most was the interactive train simulators. There’s even a Shinkansen driving experience, which we assumed was just for kids—but it turned out to be just as fun (and challenging!) for adults too.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park Tickets
Tickets to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park are affordable.
Adults: 1,200 yen
Elementary & Junior High Students: 500 yen
Children (3 years and older): 200 yen
Simulators like the Shinkansen driver experience may require additional fees and reservation via lottery on the day of your visit. You can purchase general admission tickets at the entrance or via convenience stores (like Lawson or 7-Eleven ticket machines) in Japan.
How to Get to SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
The park is located near Kinjofuto Station on the Aonami Line. From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line bound for Kinjofuto (終点) and get off at the last stop. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and the park is just a short walk from the station exit.
Final Thoughts
Nagoya may often be overlooked for bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but it offers its own unique mix of culture and innovation. From majestic castles to hands-on train adventures, our one-day visit was packed with surprises. If you’re planning a trip to central Japan, make sure to include the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park—and give yourself more than two hours to enjoy it fully.
