Nagoya
Like its Nagoya Castle, this urban labyrinth in Japan's Chūbu region is stacked with history and Japanese modernity, radiating an electrifying vigour. From Sakae District to sumo tournaments, Nagoya bursts with entertainment, suffused with distinctive food from Misokatsu to Ankake, their take on spaghetti. Higashiyama's zoo, botanical garden and amusement park rolled into one, will entertain the most fickle traveller, while Atsuta Jingu and Shirotori Garden provide relaxing quietude.