If you're wondering where Nagoya really comes alive, Hisaya Ōdōri Park is it! This 2km stretch is basically Nagoya's answer to New York's Central Park, but with a distinctly Japanese twist. The TV Tower stands there looking all retro-cool (giving off serious Tokyo Tower vibes but with its own personality), and the whole area is just packed with amazing spots to eat and drink.
Speaking of drinks - coffee lovers, make sure you hit up Ralph's. It's just one of the many fantastic cafes dotting the area, proving that Nagoya can definitely hold its own in Japan's coffee scene.
What really makes this place special is how it mixes everything together - you've got this long green strip running through the city (a post-WWII gift to bring nature back to Nagoya), fantastic restaurants everywhere you look, random art installations popping up between the trees, and these great fountains that make you forget you're in a major city.
Pro tip: This is where you want to base yourself if you're looking for food options in Nagoya. The restaurant scene here is absolutely buzzing, and you could probably eat at a different place every meal for a month without repeating!