Art, spiritual and sporting attractions make Atsuta-ku a great place to be when visiting Nagoya. The commercial neighborhood lies on both sides of the Hori River in the south-central zone of the city. This prosperous post station during the Edo Period now attracts visitors to its pretty parks and sacred imperial treasures.

Set amid peaceful gardens, the Atsuta Jingu Shrine is a venerable Shinto temple that holds the remains of the sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami. It’s also home to the Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, a legendary sword that makes up one part of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures. Wander between elegant prayer halls and observe traditional Shinto rituals. Browse displays of ancient costumes, hand scrolls, samurai swords, masks and paintings at the Treasure Hall of the Atsuta Jingu Museum.

Enjoy the calming design and ambiance of Shirotori Garden. Here, paths wind around lush lawns, duck ponds and streams. A teahouse hosts typical Japanese tea-drinking ceremonies.

Walk a short distance along the riverfront to Nagoya Congress Center, built to resemble a swan about to take flight. Check the schedule for events such as parties, concerts and fashion shows.

Atsuta Memorial Bridge crosses the river into Atsuta Shrine Park. A curious feature of the park is Danpusan Kofun, a 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound. Folklore states that it holds the tomb of the wife of Yamato dynasty prince Yamato Takeru. Cheer on home runs and strikes at Atsuta Baseball Stadium.

Take a short train ride south to Nagoya Port for harborside relaxation and entertainment. Observe fascinating sea life at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium and have fun at Nagoya Port Sea Train Land fairground. The Antarctic Museum and Former Research Ship Fuji offers a glimpse into the activities of an icebreaking research ship.

Find Atsuta-ku just south of Nagoya’s Naka Ward. Several train and metro lines stop at regular intervals throughout the ward.