While staying in Nagoya at HOTEL MYSTAYS Nagoya-Sakae, I took a trip down to Nagoya Port, which is said to be the largest and busiest trading port in Japan. It was refreshing to be by the sea, feel the crisp air rushing at you from on top of the Port Bridge and listening to the boats coming in and out. There is plenty to do down here, with the observation deck and aquarium, but you can easily spend the day just sitting by the port, and you won't find it hard to find a place to relax as there are so many benches nearby.
There is something about being by the sea, staring out at the stretch of blue as far as the eye can see, and really feeling the power of water and the significance it holds. You can feel pretty miniscule at looking at something so vast that seems as though it never ends, but at the same time you feel a sense of peace and composure. I find that whenever I am by the sea I am able to think clearly, while being submersed in the rhythm of crashing waves.
Before coming to Japan it was always a plan of mine to be by the sea at some point; I think it comes from watching so many Studio Ghibli films that have the sparkling blue water as a backdrop to their stories and characters within them. Although there was no beautiful sandy beach, I am still happy to have been and witnessed a significant part of the country.
There is a lot to do by the port, with the aquarium being the most popular. The dolphin show is quite sought after and a very big attraction of the aquarium. The entry fee is ¥2000. The observation deck is also another thing to check out, known to provide great views of Nagoya and coupled with a sea restaurant on the second floor.
If you do not wish to spend any money, then just going down to the port and being by the sea and boats still provides entertainment and relaxation. It is definitely a lovely place to be when the sun shines and is equally as fine at night, with the Ferris wheel and the rest of Nagoya bursting into light. The Port Bridge provides a nice walk in fresh air with very well carved images of various fish running down the sides.
