The Atsuta Shrine is a Shinto shrine believed to have been established during the reign of Emperor Keikō (71-130). It’s known locally as the Atsuta-Sama (Venerable Atsuta) or simply as Miya (the Shrine). Since ancient times, it has been one of the sect’s most revered sites, along with the Great Shrine of Ise. The shrine's Bunkaden, or treasure hall, houses more than 4,000 relics, including a dagger that is a designated national treasure, as well as many other important cultural artifacts. The Atsuta Jingu Museum preserves and displays many fascinating artifacts, including the sacred garments, furniture and utensils for the enshrined deities, known as koshinpoh. A number of swords, mirrors and other objects are also held here, including Bugaku masks and other material associated with ancient court dances.

The Shirotori Garden is a creatively designed garden that truly brings out the traditional splendor of Japanese gardens. Showcasing the beautiful landscape of the Chubu province, this fine garden is built around a pond with contoured mounds at its center.

Located in the Atsuta neighborhood, the Takakuramusubimiko is a very sacred place. This beautiful white and brown building is enveloped by trees, making it the perfect place for reflection and prayer.

The Atsuta Aeon shopping center has many great shops, including this fantastic store. Inside you can find all kinds of traditional Japanese souvenirs to take home with you, including beautiful glassware, original house wares, chopsticks, fine Japanese prints and many other interesting gift items.

The Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts (N/BMFA) is the sister museum of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The Nagoya gallery benefits from a mix of five-year and five-month exhibitions loaned from the Boston museum. Among the gallery’s wide-ranging exhibits are many great Japanese artworks, plus a lot of top international pieces. This large museum has 1,400 square meters of gallery space spread over three levels. The building itself is a cross between contemporary and neoclassical, with a view to matching its sister building in the United States.

The Higashi Honganji Betsuin Temple is a gorgeous building that represents an excellent example of local architecture and the style of Japanese places of worship in general. Its graceful roof and eastern ornaments make a fascinating sight for visitors. After you see the building, you can enjoy a drink or snack at the nearby LiDo café-bar.