Nagoya

Nagoya was almost completely destroyed during the war, but today it's a bustling city. The main attractions are the Ando Cloisonne factory, the Noritake china factory and the Atsuta Shrine. The 17th-century wooden castle in Nagoya was largely destroyed by U.S. bombing raids the modern replica is cast in concrete. Nagoya also can be used as the jumping-off point for day trips to Mikimoto Island, where you can watch pearl diving and buy pearls. Dont miss the Kiso River area, where you can ride the rapids in flat-bottomed boats guided by oarsmen; and Meiji Village, a living museum of 19th century buildings from throughout Japan.