1. Travel Concept & Overview
This journey was born from the perfect blend of a father wanting to dive into historical romance and a son wanting to master the art of play. This Nagoya and Inuyama trip condenses everyone’s “must-do” lists into a single adventure.
I am sharing a highly practical and repeatable model itinerary that efficiently covers three castles (including a National Treasure original keep), Legoland Japan, a Pokemon Center, and iconic Nagoya gourmet over 2 nights and 3 days.
- Destination: Aichi Prefecture (Nagoya City, Kiyosu City, Inuyama City)
- Schedule: January 10th – January 12th, 2026 (3 Days, 2 Nights)
- Travelers: Family (Wife, 8-year-old son)
2. Time Schedule (Actual Record)
【Day 1】Owari Castle Exploration & Nagoya Night
| Time | Activity | Details & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:40 | Kiyosu Castle Expedition | The “Castle of Success” associated with Oda Nobunaga. The view of the red bridge and the keep is stunning. |
| 14:30 | Nagoya Castle Expedition | My castle-loving son was thrilled by the brilliance of the reconstructed Honmaru Palace. |
| 16:30 | Yabatton (Kinshachi Yokocho) | A delicious discovery! A bowl that completely changed my perception of Miso Katsu. |
| 18:00 | Pokemon Center Nagoya | Visited the renewed Matsuzakaya store. The staircase mural is a must-see! |
| 19:00 | Check-in: Hilton Nagoya | Great location in the Fushimi area. Evening travel was a breeze. |
| 20:00 | Hotel Pool | Refreshment time to soothe tired legs from all the castle walking. |
Kiyosu Castle
Nagoya Castle
【Day 2】Unlimited Play! Legoland Day
| Time | Activity | Details & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Breakfast | Dad fueled up with protein at the hotel’s luxurious buffet. |
| 10:00 | Legoland Japan | The perfect size for elementary schoolers! Minifigure trading was a highlight. |
| 19:00 | “Upscale” Sekai no Yamachan | At the Fushimi branch. Exquisite for adults, but a bit spicy for the son!? |
| 21:00 | Relax at Hotel | Resting in a spacious room to prepare for the final castle of the trip. |
【Day 3】National Treasure Inuyama Castle & Journey Home
| Time | Activity | Details & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Hotel Check-out | Stored luggage and headed to the National Treasure castle town. |
| 09:15 | Inuyama Castle Expedition | National Treasure / Original Keep. The view of Kiso River from the top is unforgettable. |
| 10:30 | Stroll the Castle Town | Enjoyed local snacks and souvenir shopping in the charming old streets. |
| 13:00 | Depart from Nagoya Station | Headed home via Shinkansen. Mission accomplished with plenty of memories! |
Inuyama Castle
3. Deep Dive Review: Favorite Spots Beyond the Castles
Pokemon Center Nagoya (Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store)
The newly renovated store is packed with Nagoya-inspired touches that both parents and children can enjoy.
- Golden Magikarp and Shachihoko: The “Golden Magikarp statue” in the store is an eye-catcher. Its arched pose is exactly like the “Golden Shachihoko” of Nagoya Castle. Having just visited the castle, my son and I were excited to spot the resemblance!
- The “Hidden Spot” Between Floors: Don’t just look at the sales floor; check the wall of the staircase connecting the 1st and 2nd floors. There are wonderful illustrations there. It’s often overlooked, but I highly recommend walking the stairs to immerse yourself in the world of Pokemon!
- Why Celebi? Pikachu and Celebi welcome you at the entrance. Celebi has been a symbol of the Nagoya store since its opening in 2002, representing the connection between “past, present, and future.”
Yabatton (Nagoya Castle Kinshachi Yokocho Branch)
To be honest, I never used to go out of my way to choose “Miso Katsu,” but this bowl completely changed my perspective!
- Total Shift in Image: The miso sauce, with its unique richness and sweetness, is divine. Since this trip, Miso Katsu has become a staple for us, even when picking out bento boxes back home.
Legoland Japan Resort
For those traveling with elementary school children, there is no theme park more perfectly sized than this.
- Short Wait Times are Key: Perhaps because it was January, the attractions were incredibly smooth. We could even ride the tea cups twice in a row without getting off. It’s stress-free for kids who aren’t fans of long lines.
- Minifigure Trading: We brought some “no longer used” minifigures from home to trade with staff. My son chose his new ones with serious concentration and a big smile.
- Dad’s Lonely Show Experience: I sent the family ahead to the show venue while I finished paying the bill, but… I went to the wrong place and couldn’t find them. I ended up watching a children’s show all by myself—a bittersweet and surreal memory (haha).
Sekai no Yamachan Fushimi Branch (The Upscale Version)
For our second night’s dinner, we headed to the Fushimi Branch, which offers a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere than the typical outlets.
- Enjoying Nagoya Specialties in a Mature Space: The chic interior is great for families to spend quality time. However, the famous peppery chicken wings were still a bit too spicy for my 8-year-old—he certainly got a taste of the “adult” flavor!
4. The Travel Base: Hotel Information
Hilton Nagoya
We chose the globally trusted Hilton Nagoya as our base.
Combining convenience and luxury, it was truly the perfect “Headquarters” for a family trip.
【Dad’s Recommendations】
- Location: Within walking distance of Fushimi Station. It provides easy access to both the North (Nagoya Castle) and the South (Legoland), making movement very smooth.
- Facilities & Pool: Features an indoor heated pool. There’s nothing like refreshing your legs in the water after a long day of walking through castles and theme parks.
- Breakfast & Gourmet: A rich buffet style. It was full of high-protein options that made this training-conscious dad very happy every morning.
- 【Insider Tip】: If you hold a specific American Express card, you can gain Gold Status automatically. This makes breakfast free for the whole family! Plus, with the Weekend Night Award for annual spending, it’s the ultimate equipment for any castle-hopping enthusiast visiting Hilton.
【Family-Friendly Check】
- Son’s Reaction: While he loves castles and LEGO, he was equally excited by the luxurious room and the evening pool sessions.
- Comfort: The hospitality was excellent, making it easy to stay even with kids. With plenty of convenience stores and restaurants nearby, late-night errands are simple.
【Dad’s Overall Rating】
“Quality rest accelerates the next day’s expedition. By wisely using Amex benefits, this becomes the strongest base in Nagoya for families who love castles and LEGO.”
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