Welcome to Aichi Prefecture, where modern Nagoya meets the kiln-lined lanes of Tokoname. Once the seat of the Owari Tokugawa, Nagoya grew around its glittering, gold-dolphin-crested castle; today it’s known for “Nagoya-meshi” comfort foods, green spaces, and a pace gentler than Tokyo’s rush. Just south, Tokoname—one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns—invites slow walks past brick chimneys and whimsical pottery walls.

This 2-day itinerary leans into a relaxing vibe with light sightseeing, scenic city strolls, and ceramics culture. You’ll arrive in Nagoya on Day 1, explore Osu and Sakae, then day-trip to Tokoname on Day 2 for the famed Pottery Footpath before your afternoon departure. Transit is easy, food is hearty and affordable, and distances are short—perfect for a budget of 28/100.

Practical notes: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is your nearest gateway. Buy a Manaca/TOICA IC card for local trains and subways. Consider a 1-day subway pass in Nagoya (approx. ¥870 weekdays; cheaper on weekends/holidays) to keep costs down. Nagoya specialties to try include miso katsu, kishimen noodles, tebasaki wings, and ogura toast for breakfast.

Nagoya

Nagoya balances history and breathing room: grand castle grounds, tree-lined boulevards, and a compact downtown anchored by Sakae’s TV Tower and Oasis 21’s shimmering “Spaceship-Aqua.” The Osu district blends a 14th-century temple with vintage shops, arcades, and snack stalls—a great first wander.

• Top sights: Nagoya Castle and Hommaru Palace, Osu Kannon Temple, Hisaya-odori Park, Oasis 21, Nagoya TV Tower, Atsuta Shrine, Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
• Where to eat (budget-friendly): Komeda Coffee (classic ogura toast “morning” set), Miya Kishimen (silky flat noodles; station branches), Yabaton (miso katsu, share a set to save), Furaibo or Sekai no Yamachan (tebasaki wings), Torikai Sohonke (oyakodon), Maruya Honten (hitsumabushi; try a lunch or half portion).
• Coffee breaks: Trunk Coffee (specialty pours), Komeda Coffee (local institution, generous morning sets).
• Getting in: For flights to NGO or other Japanese hubs, compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. For intercity trains within Japan, check Trip.com Trains for schedules.

Stay in Nagoya: For easy transit and food options, base near Nagoya Station or Sakae. Compare apartments on VRBO (Nagoya) or browse business hotels on Hotels.com (Nagoya). Budget-friendly chains (APA, Meitetsu Inn) and sento/sauna-equipped stays like Dormy Inn are good value.

Tokoname

Tokoname is a living gallery of ceramics—brick chimneys, old climbing kilns, and “ware walls” crafted from recycled pots and tiles. The famed Pottery Footpath loops past studios, alleyway art, and neighborhood shrines, making a peaceful half-day just 30–40 minutes from Nagoya.

• Highlights: Pottery Footpath (Dokanzaka, clay-pipe walls, Maneki-neko street art), old kilns and chimneys, local studios, and the convenient Aeon Mall Tokoname (budget eats) near Rinku-Tokoname.
• Food and coffee: Keep it simple and affordable with set meals and noodles at Aeon Mall Tokoname’s food court, or grab a coffee before/after at Komeda Coffee branches in the area or back in Nagoya.
• Getting there from Nagoya: Meitetsu train from Meitetsu-Nagoya Station to Tokoname Station takes about 35 minutes (approx. ¥770–¥970; the μ-SKY limited express is fastest). Check times on Trip.com Trains.

Stay (if you extend): Search nearby options on VRBO (Tokoname) or Hotels.com (Tokoname), or keep Nagoya as your base.

Day 1: Arrive in Nagoya, Osu Stroll, and Sakae Night Views

Morning: Travel to Nagoya. For flights, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Chubu Centrair (NGO), take the Meitetsu train to Nagoya Station (about 30–40 minutes, ~¥920–¥1,250 depending on train type). Drop bags at your hotel—look near Nagoya Station or Sakae for convenience via Hotels.com or VRBO.

Afternoon (arrival assumed): Ease into the city with a light Nagoya-meshi lunch: try kishimen at Miya Kishimen (smooth, budget-friendly) or share a miso katsu set at Yabaton to keep costs low. Stroll Osu Kannon Temple and the covered shopping streets—peek into vintage shops, arcades, and snack stands for taiyaki or croquettes.

Prefer a guided, story-rich walk? Join this relaxed historical and food-tinged tour:
Nagoya Castle and Local Flavor Samurai Tales and Street Food Walk

It threads through the castle’s samurai past and nearby bites, perfect for sightseeing without rushing.

Evening: Head to Sakae for park-side views. Climb Nagoya TV Tower or relax under Oasis 21’s glass deck as city lights come on—both are mellow and photogenic. Dinner ideas under budget: tebasaki wings at Furaibo or Sekai no Yamachan; or a comforting oyakodon at Torikai Sohonke. For dessert, a Komeda Coffee soft-serve or seasonal parfait keeps the tab gentle.

Day 2: Tokoname Pottery Footpath and Departure

Morning (transfer to Tokoname): Start early with a “morning set” at Komeda Coffee—order any drink and add toast with ogura bean paste for a small fee. Take the Meitetsu train from Meitetsu-Nagoya to Tokoname (about 35 minutes; ~¥770–¥970). Check times on Trip.com Trains.

Explore the Pottery Footpath at an unhurried pace—spot brick chimneys, pottery-studded walls, and alleyway art. If you’d like a deeper dive with a local ceramic artist, book:
Discover The Hidden Pottery Town of Tokoname

or a private route:
Private Pottery Road Walking Tour in Tokoname Both are gentle-paced and great for photos and learning.

Afternoon (departure): For a budget lunch, pop into Aeon Mall Tokoname’s food court for udon, ramen, or tempura bowls. If you’re flying out of NGO, you’re just one stop away—very convenient. If departing by train from Nagoya, allow ~40 minutes back to Nagoya Station. For last-minute travel tweaks or flights, check Trip.com Flights and Trip.com Trains.

Where to Sleep (Budget-Minded)

• Neighborhoods: Nagoya Station area for easy arrivals/departures, or Sakae for parks, shopping, and night views.
• Search: Apartments and studios on VRBO (Nagoya); business hotels and hostels on Hotels.com (Nagoya).
• What to look for: Coin laundry, free coffee, and public bath/sauna access (common in Japanese business hotels) add value on a tight budget.

Getting Around and Costs (Quick Reference)

• Airport to Nagoya Station: Meitetsu train ~30–40 minutes; ~¥920–¥1,250. Check schedules on Trip.com Trains.
• Nagoya ↔ Tokoname: ~35 minutes; ~¥770–¥970 each way on Meitetsu.
• Nagoya city transit: 1-day subway pass ~¥870 (weekday); cheaper on weekends/holidays. IC cards (Manaca/TOICA) widely accepted.
• Food budget: Breakfast coffee + toast ~¥500–¥700; noodle lunch ~¥800–¥1,000; set dinners ~¥1,000–¥1,500 if you share or choose daily specials.

With calm walks, satisfying “Nagoya-meshi,” and a ceramics town that feels wonderfully timeworn, this itinerary keeps stress and spending low while delivering real flavor. Aichi’s capital and its pottery neighbor make an easy, memorable 2-day pair you can revisit whenever you need a gentler pace.