Things to See in Nagoya

The highlights of Inuyama are its castle, the Uraku-en garden and national treasure teahouse J-an. The castle's riverside setting is quite attractive - it inspired a turn-of-the-last-century Japanese geologist to christen the area the 'Japan Rhine' - and the city has been beautifying its streetscapes, particularly south of the castle.

A short walk from Sakae, the futuristic, swooping skyscraper Nadya Park houses this museum. It's a secular shrine to the deities of conceptualisation, form and function, from Art Deco to the present, from the Electrolux to Isamu Noguchi, from Arne Jacobsen to the Mini Cooper. Signage is in English.

Built in the third century, this beautiful temple is one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines. Inside are more than 4000 objects, including koshinpoh (sacred garments), swords, Bugaku (ancient court dance) masks, documents, furniture and household articles. Even if you've been before, it's worth going again: new objects are put on display every month.