Yesterday I arrived in Nagoya, the city that was voted by the japanese the most boring city in Japan. I didn’t see much of Japan, but I tend to believe them. I think if they would try a bit more, this city could be also beautiful. Walking through the city made me wonder if I am still in the city center and not somewhere outside.
The trip from Odawara to Nagoya was with the Shinkansen. My frist trip ever with the Shinkansen. If it was expensive? Yes, it was. But it was also a very different experience. It was like first class in an airplane: huge and comfortable place for the legs, train attendants giving drinks and snacks (I suppose it costs, I already had my carefully packed unhealthy food with me), the speed.
Even if the city is not very touristic, there is still stuff to do and see.
Toyota Museum:
There were many interesting information. For example, I didn’t know that Toyota was named Toyoda before (the name of the owner) and that he invented the looms to create textiles.
They changed the name of the company once they started to make cars. Which by the way, they learned how to do one after the research on a Chevrolet.
They had to start from the beginning, at that time Japan had no specialist or research in the domain. They had to understand materials, why these are suitable for a car, how hard are they, engines, fuels … Everything.
But I think Japan did good, they are even on the way of using Hydrogen, to minimize the CO2 to 0% until 2050. From their point of view, the electric cars are not the right way to go, because you have to always charge the battery. Hydrogen can be found anywhere.
Another sight worth of seeing in Nagoya is Osu Kannon:
There are some high buildings in Nagoya, one of them has Sky Promanade. Unfortunately it costs 750 yen (7 euro) just to have look over a fascinating city (nope!). So I chose to take a look from a window and go.
In the last photo is the Nagoya Castle. It is in plan to be demolished and rebuilt.
Other photos in Nagoya:
Japan is since days in Christmas mood, there are Christmas trees everywhere, in the shops they listen to Christmas songs. I personally don’t like this, Christmas is one month and half later and in Japan are for the moment 20 degrees, so definitely not a Christmas weather.
Tomorrow I will continue my trip to Nara. Can’t wait!!