Nishi Ward is one of the 16 districts of Nagoya. It straddles the Shonai River in the northwestern area of the city. The district is the birthplace of pachinko, a low-stakes recreational arcade game that bears similarities to a slot machine. Visit Nishi Ward to go on a shopping spree, tour museums, relax in leafy parks and walk in the footsteps of 17th-century merchants.

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is where you can learn about Nagoya’s role in Japanese car manufacturing history. Browse displays of textile looms, machinery and vintage cars and explore the evolution of the Toyota brand via interactive exhibits.

Stroll along Shikemichi, an atmospheric street lined with merchant houses from the Edo Period. Notable landmarks are the Shinto Sengen Shrine and an elevated shrine called Yanegami.

Wander through Noritake Garden’s tranquil landscaped greenery on the grounds of a former ceramics factory. At the Craft Center and Noritake Museum, craftspeople create and decorate bone china. Peruse museum artifacts highlighting the ceramic-making tradition that spans more than 100 years from the Meiji era. Noritake Garden Gallery exhibits paintings, pottery and sculpture by established and emerging artists.

Discover the latest fashion trends at Mozo Wonder City, which has Japanese brands alongside global labels such as Gap and Levi’s. Retail outlets, cafés and fast-food bars line the underground Unimall. Satisfy your appetite on buckwheat noodles, fried dumplings and ox tongue, among other typical dishes. Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street, one of the city’s oldest merchant spaces, has bars, cafés and shops.

Stop on the northern bank of the Shonai River at Shonai Ryokuchi Park. Bring food for a picnic, sprawl out on the lush lawns and paddle around a boating lake. Relax as the children have fun at a playground and splash pad.

Reach Nishi Ward by traveling to Nagoya Station and then continue via connecting trains and the metro. Continue your city adventure at the emblematic Nagoya Castle and cherry blossom-filled Meijo Park of neighboring wards.