After successfully hosting Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Japan is once again preparing for a major international event: the 2026 Asian Games, Asia’s largest multi-sport event.
For travelers planning to visit Japan in 2026, the event offers an exciting opportunity to experience the country from a different perspective while exploring the host city and its surrounding destinations.
Get to Know Nagoya, Host City of the 2026 Asian Games
As the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya has been selected as the main host city for the 2026 Asian Games, officially known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
The event will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with approximately 15,000 athletes from 45 countries expected to participate.
Nagoya is no stranger to hosting major sporting events. It will become the third Japanese city to host the Asian Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
The city is now preparing to welcome athletes and international visitors with world-class sports facilities, including Paloma Mizuho Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies.
2026 Asian Games Venues in Nagoya and Surrounding Areas
Various modern sports facilities in Nagoya will serve as venues for competitions and ceremonies during the 2026 Asian Games, including:
- Paloma Mizuho Stadium – The main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events.
- Nippon Gaishi Hall – Venue for gymnastics and aquatics events, including water polo.
- Aichi International Arena – A new arena that will host basketball and judo.
- Obata Ryokuchi Urban Forest – Venue for mountain biking.
- Nagoya Velodrome BMX Race Course – A dedicated venue for BMX racing.
- CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium & Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium – Venues for football and rugby sevens.
- Higashiyama Park Tennis Center – Venue for tennis and soft tennis.
And there are many more.
Beyond Nagoya, the 2026 Asian Games will also take place across various cities in Aichi Prefecture, as well as locations in the Tokyo metropolitan area that were previously used during the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Some events will also be held outside Aichi Prefecture, including locations in Gifu, Osaka, and Shizuoka.
Why Is Nagoya Worth Visiting?
Nagoya is an interesting destination for travelers looking to experience Japan at a more relaxed pace than Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
- History and Culture – Nagoya is home to iconic attractions such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Jingu, offering visitors a chance to explore Japanese history, culture, and traditional architecture.
- Unique Local Cuisine – The city is famous for Nagoya meshi, including miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) and hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style grilled eel), specialties that are closely associated with the region.
- Modern and Educational Attractions – Visitors can explore interactive museums, beautiful parks, Ghibli Park, and LEGOLAND Japan, making Nagoya suitable for travelers of all ages.
- Convenient Transportation – Nagoya has an extensive train and subway network, making it easy to explore the city and nearby destinations.
- A Blend of Tradition and Modernity – Nagoya offers a well-rounded Japanese experience, combining traditional culture with modern attractions and entertainment.
Exploring Nagoya, the host city of the 2026 Asian Games, is about more than just sports. It is also an opportunity to experience the city's culture, cuisine, history, and unique attractions.
From modern attractions to traditional heritage sites, every side of Nagoya offers a memorable experience worth discovering.
