Meow 'n' Fuji

Two historic miso breweries stand across the old Tokaido road in Okazaki, and both run free tours. Here is how to visit them from Nagoya in half a day.

Kurikinton, the autumn chestnut sweet of Nakatsugawa: where to buy it, how to try many shops at once, and a walk through the old post town.

Just 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station: Shikemichi, an Edo-era lane, the covered Endoji arcade, and fortunes written in Nagoya dialect.

Atsuta Shrine hides a vast forest in central Nagoya and guards the sacred Kusanagi sword. A local walking route, how to get there, and where to eat after.

A Nagoya local on getting in from the airport by train or bus, which day pass is worth buying, and when the weekend-only ticket is cheaper.

Arimatsu: an Edo-era town 30 minutes from Nagoya Station, where shibori tie-dye has been made for 400 years. Old streets, hands-on workshops and two festivals.

A local guide to Himakajima, the octopus island under 2 hours from Nagoya. How to get there by train and boat, what to eat, beaches, and day trip tips.

How many days do you need in Nagoya? A local shares a DIY 2-3 day itinerary — free cafe breakfasts, hitsumabushi, and easy day trips.

Hitsumabushi is grilled eel served three ways, a Nagoya specialty. A local shares where to eat it — Atsuta Horaiken and Unafuji — plus queue tips and how the dish began.

Ten nights of summer fireworks with National Treasure Inuyama Castle lit up behind them, just 30 minutes from Nagoya. A local guide with dates, access, and tips.

Every 21st, the path to Kakuozan Nittaiji in Nagoya fills with around 100 stalls — fresh veg, street food, and antiques. A local morning fair where regulars actually shop, not a tourist market.