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Nagoya Travel | Visiting Osu Shopping District and Newly Opened Arc’teryx Store in Nagoya Japan

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Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, is a great place to visit with its many famous monuments and historical sightseeing spots like Nagoya Castle, Legoland, and Tokugawa Garden, but is often forgotten by surrounding prefectures like Osaka.

Making a good pitstop while you travel by shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto, this major international trading port city is a place worth visiting. Which is why this time, JANPANKURU summarized some of Nagoya's top things to do/places to go showing just a few of its famous history, food, and shopping areas.   

Nagoya Station
One of the World's Largest Train Stations



Nagoya Station, which has the world's tallest station building "JR Central Tower", is not only the main thoroughfare of Nagoya, but also the most prosperous area. Nagoya Station is co-constructed with Takashimaya Department Store making it convenient for those that want to buy a gift or enjoy Nagoya food. Nearby is Nagoya's most famous giant human-shaped doll "NANA-chan" (ナナちゃん) opposite of Meitetsu Department Store which is an international boutique. 



Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of the top 100 famous castles in Japan. It was constructed on the orders of the Edo period's famous warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa in order to secure an important position against possible attacks coming from Osaka. The castle is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to be completed in 2022. It has now been merged into a park so be sure to take a walk around the park filled with many flowers such as cherry blossoms, camellia to peonies!



NANA-chan

NANA-chan is a huge, 6.1-meter-tall white woman-shaped, mannequin statue near Nagoya Station and is often the meet-up spot for those in Nagoya (like Hachiko is in Shibuya). Her look changes often to match the season, so every time you come you are likely to see w different NANA-chan.

Getting a Taste of Nagoya: Osu Shopping District

From the Edo period, the shopping street, Osu Kannon, which is based on the Osu Kannon Temple and Banshoji Temple, has a history of more than 400 years and is 1,700 meters (1 mile) in length. There are more than 1,200 shops here selling food, clothes, vintage goods, even things catering to the otaku culture making it a very popular shopping street.

The upcoming Japanese holiday Setsubun (February 3rd) will also be held at Osu Kannon Shopping Street. Other festivals are also held here such as the Osu Summer Festival (大須夏まつり) which is in early August and the Osu Daido Chonin Festival (大須大道町人祭) in October. If you happen to be on the 8th and 28th, every month there is an antique market in the square of the Osu Kannon Temple. 



Osu Shopping District (大須観音通り)

A street that's a mile long and filled with all sorts of shops. 



Melon Pan (Melon Bread) – はぴぱん

Here you can enjoy deliciously fresh melon pan by itself or as an ice cream sandwiched. One bite will easily get you hooked. There is a chance that if you go they'll be out of a batch of bread but waiting a few minutes until the next one is done is totally worth it!

はぴぱん tabelog



Steamed Buns – 納屋橋まんじゅう

Steamed buns, or "manju" is one of Japan's most beloved sweet snacks and is normally filled with sweet red bean paste. This manju specialty shop is mostly known for it's "only in Osu" type of manju, fried manju on a stick (揚げまん棒; ageman bo) which is like eating a donut. 

納屋橋まんじゅう store homepage

Osu Kannon Temple (大須観音)



Osu Kannon Temple is Nagoya's most famous and popular temple. Built in 1333, it originally was located in a village in Gifu Prefecture, and after the construction of Nagoya Castle in Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 ordered it to be relocated at its current location. As in the name, the temple is dedicated to Guanyin, called "Kannon" in Japan, who is the goddess of mercy. At the temple, there is a large wooden statue of Kannon that was carved using a special tool to Japanese Buddhism. The statue, along with a five-storied pagoda which were built during the Edo period. 

At the main hall of the temple, there is a large, red, paper lantern. Visitors can write wishes on small pieces of paper then attach it to the wires supporting the big lantern in hopes of having them granted by Kannon. If you are interested, there is a library beneath the main hall of the temple that contains over 15,000 classic texts from Japan and China, as well as a number of sacred items deemed "national treasures" and "important cultural properties." 

Osu Kannon Temple homepage

International Brand Gaining Popularity in Japan: Arc'teryx

 
The high-performance outdoor equipment brand Arc'teryx recently opened a branch in Nagoya and it has apparently been big news for those living in there. Even for outdoor wear fans due to this branch being the biggest store in Japan to date. Arc'teryx's long-term relationship with Gore-Tex is a big reason they have some of the best windproof, waterproof, warm yet breathable clothing. If you are unaware it Gore-Tex, they are known for specializing in the development of clothing technology, such as water-resistant zippers, micro-seam technology, waterproof glue strips, making the garment more durable.

Since it is such a popular place to shop lately in Nagoya, we decided to stop by and take a look.



Arc'teryx Nagoya Store
Google Maps
11am〜8pm
Arc'teryx Nagoya Store Information



1F

Mainly bags and accessories



2F

Mainly clothing and shoes



THERME PARKA MEN'S, 83,000 yen (without tax)

This is a casual jacket with a simple design that is versatile. The fabric is Gore-Tex's waterproof and windproof, and the soft down lining makes it the most popular item.



ALPHA SV JACKET MEN'S, 100,000 yen (without tax)

If you are like mountain climbing, this Arc'teryx jacket is recommended. It consists of their ALPHA series, which has climbing and alpine focused systems and their SV series which withstands against severe weather. It is thin and light, suitable for long-term mountaineering.



FISSION SV JACKET MEN'S, 83,000 yen (without tax)

Unlike the previous two pieces, this down jacket is a part of their FISSION series which is the warmest fully waterproof jacket. It is great for those who live or often visit wet and cold areas.

Arc'teryx's merchandise is mainly divided into three branches:

"VL: VEILANCE (high-end series)", "OD: OUTDOOR (outdoor series)", "FW: FOOTWEAR (shoes)"

Not every shop that sells Arc'teryx goods offers these three series
so you will have to go to a brand store to get articles from their complete brand.







At this Arc'teryx brand store, there is also a whole wall filled with backpacks and shoes giving you a variety to choose something that matches your style and personal needs. The store clerk pointed out two must-see items that are special to the store and brand.



ALPHA SK 32 BACKPACK, 37,000 yen (without tax)

This lightweight, durable bag is their latest item that is ideal for hikers and ski/snowboarders. 



CARRIER DUFFLE 80, 30,000 yen (before tax)

The large-capacity pack is divided into three sizes of 80L, 55L, and 40L. It is great for long-term trips and is easily foldable so it does not take up any space.

Arc'teryx High-end series: VEILANCE

As mentioned earlier, Arc'teryx has a high-end series "Arc'teryx VEILANCE", which mainly consists of black and navy wear. The simple and slim design is very suitable for those are into a chic fashion look. Made of waterproof and wind-resistant Gore-Tex fabrics, the Arc'teryx VEILANCE series, which combines fashion and function, allows you to feel comfortable no matter what the weather conditions are.



The Arc'teryx VEILANCE collection is available at the Arc'teryx Nagoya store on the second floor.



INDISCE BLAZER MEN'S, 82,000 yen (without tax)



KEPPEL TRENCH COAT MEN'S, 60,000 yen (without tax)
(not a part of the VEILANCE series)



PATERA PARKA WOMEN'S, 70,000 yen (without tax)

After shopping at Arc'teryx, we went around to enjoy some of Nagoya's great food! Nagoya is most famous for its delicious food, especially dishes like miso katsu (みそかつ), miso nikomi udon (味噌煮込みうどん), chicken wings (手羽先; tebasaki), and Ogura toast (小倉トースト), which is what brings a lot of Japanese people to Nagoya. So while you are out and about sightseeing and shopping, be sure to eat some of their delicious local cuisine!

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Details

NAME:Arc'teryx Nagoya Branch

MAP

ADDRESS:

〒460-0008 愛知県名古屋市中区 栄3丁目27番22号 kuze BLD

3-27-22 Sakae, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

ACCESS:Yabacho Station

CONTACT TEL:052-263-3955

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    • Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.

    • Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).

    • Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).

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    • Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!

    • Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!

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    • Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.

    • The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.

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    • Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.

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      Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.

    • Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.

    • Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.

    • Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.

    • Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.

    • CHUGOKU

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      The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.

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    • SHIKOKU

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

    • Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

    • Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

    • FUKUOKA

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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