Japan's Heartland

NAGOYA CITY

Nagoya is an attractive metropolis with a population of 2 million 170 thousand. The groundwork for what is currently Nagoya was ordered by leyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Edo Government (1603-1867). Today Nagoya fulfills many roles - as a historical and cultural city, a center of industry and as a base for transportation and accommodation in the Tokai area. One of its most well-known landmarks is Nagoya Castle, famous for its golden end tiles in the shape of the shachihoko (a mythical orca) on top of the roof. Also located in Nagoya is one of Japan's foremost museums, the Tokugawa Museum, in which you can see treasures from the Owari Tokugawa family and the Edo Period. You can also enjoy sightseeing or shopping in the downtown area, which has many interesting modern and historical buildings as well as a large-scale underground shopping maIl. Since Nagoya and surrounding areas form a prosperous industrial zone with such as industries as automobiles and ceramics, it is also an ideal place to take an industrial tour.



	Hitsumabushi Hitsumabushi is a Nagoya speciality in which eel is braised, covered with a sauce and then served in a special manner. Its tender meat and savory, rich flavor is definitely worth trying.

	Tenmusu (Fried Shrimp Rice Balls) A bite-sized rice ball containing fried shrimp. Mouthwateringly delicious, once you start eating, you can't stop!



	Arimatsu Narumi Shibori The Arimatsu dyeing technique was introduced to this region around 1612, when Nagoya Castle was under construction, and developed under the strong protection of the Owari Tokugawa Clan. The dyeing and knot-tying techniques are continued to this day, as such many beautiful items are still being produced.

	Owari-Shippo (Cloisonne) Owing its origin to the Dutch cloisonne skills, Owari-Shippo has been valued for its artistic beauty for over one and half centuries. Enamels of various colors are filled into cells on a metal base which is then heated at an extremely high temperature. The final product is accomplished when the item is polished, thus creating a beautiful object of art.