Aichi Prefecture is Japan's industrial and cultural heartland, anchored by Nagoya — the country's fourth-largest city. Home to the Toyota Motor Corporation, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, a national-treasure castle, and a distinctly proud local food culture known as Nagoya Meshi, Aichi blends industrial might with ancient heritage across 5,173 square kilometres of the Chubu region.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
LEGOLAND Japan Resort
Japan's LEGOLAND Japan Resort in Nagoya's Minato Ward features over 40 rides, shows, and attractions across eight themed zones, plus a Sea Life Nagoya aquarium in the same complex. The park is purpose-built for children aged 2–12 with gentle rides, LEGO building workshops, and minimal queues on weekdays.
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
One of Japan's finest aquariums featuring dolphin and orca shows (check schedule at nagoyako-aquarium.jp), Antarctic penguins, beluga whales, a sea turtle sanctuary, and spectacular deep-sea exhibits across two buildings. The orca pool is the highlight for children. Rainy-day friendly.
SCMaglev and Railway Park
Japan's premier railway museum operated by JR Central, featuring 39 full-size trains including Series 0 Shinkansen and a maglev test car. Driving simulators (advance reservation required; ¥300 supplement), a large diorama, and hands-on exhibits engage children aged 5 and up for a full half-day. One of Japan's best technology museums.
Nagoya City Science Museum
Houses the world's largest planetarium dome (Spaceship Earth; pre-book shows at ncsm.city.nagoya.jp) plus floors of interactive science exhibits including a live tornado display, the -30°C Antarctica Climate Room, an electric theatre, and life-science displays. The planetarium show is extraordinary and a family highlight.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden
Japan's most visited zoo, featuring koalas (a Nagoya icon since the 1980s), polar bears, gorillas, lions, and a skyride gondola over the animal enclosures. The adjacent botanical garden and Sky Tower (¥300 extra) round out a full family day. One of Japan's best-value zoos.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
The birthplace of Toyota is now a comprehensive museum tracing Japanese industrial history from Toyoda's automatic loom to modern robotics. Live demonstrations of loom weaving and automotive robotics are genuinely impressive. Particularly engaging for children interested in how things work.
Inuyama Monkey Park (Nihonzaru Kenkyujo)
A hillside park in Inuyama where wild Japanese macaques roam free. Children can observe and interact with the monkeys in a natural forested setting. Combined with Inuyama Castle (a 20-min walk) this makes a rewarding and affordable full family day out from Nagoya.
Nagashima Spaland (Family Amusement Resort)
One of Japan's most popular amusement parks with over 50 rides including high-speed roller coasters for teens, gentle kiddie rides, a large water park (summer), and Yumihamaso resort hotel. Located 20 km west of Nagoya in Mie Prefecture — requires a direct bus from Nagoya Station.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
LEGOLAND Japan Hotel
The purpose-built family hotel connected to LEGOLAND Japan. Rooms are LEGO-themed by character type (LEGO NINJAGO, Pirates, Kingdom, Adventure), children's check-in with treasure chests, LEGO brick sorting wall in every room, and live entertainment in the buffet restaurant. The ultimate family splurge.
Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel
Family rooms and interconnecting rooms above Nagoya Station with direct access to the Shinkansen platform. Pool, spacious rooms, and a breakfast buffet loved by children. The premium central location minimises transport for families.
Dormy Inn Nagoya Sakae
Budget-friendly business hotel with a natural hot spring on the top floor — a treat for older children. Central Sakae location, family rooms available, coin laundry for washing children's clothes, and a free ramen service at night.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Hama Sushi and Sushiro kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants are universally popular with children at ¥110–165 per plate ($0.74–1.11); both have Nagoya locations
McDonald's, Lotteria, MOS Burger, and Freshness Burger are reliably child-friendly with high chairs available
Family restaurants (Denny's Japan, Gusto, Saizeriya) have illustrated menus, highchairs, and children's sets — safe choices for fussy eaters
Nagoya Meshi dishes like miso katsu and chicken wings appeal to older children who enjoy bold flavours
Yoshinoya and Sukiya gyudon (beef bowl) chains offer fast, inexpensive meals with children's portions
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.