WHERE IS IT: Japan's fourth-largest city is on the country's Pacific coast.

TRAVEL TIME: Seven and a half hours from Cairns.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: A cross-section of Japanese culture - from castles and sacred shrines to über-cool clubs and department stores galore. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Nagoya Castle, stroll the underground malls that criss-cross the Sakae district, or visit the home of Noritake porcelain for significant discounts on beautiful tableware.

DON'T MISS: If you love unique finds, head to the Osu district, which is packed with quaint cafes and shops selling vintage clothes (including elaborate kimonos). For stylish design exhibits, visit the International Design Centre Nagoya. And when you've done all that, sit down to some pub grub, Japanese-style, at one of the many "izakayas" (a Japanese institution) that dot the city. Be sure to try "kishimen", the regional dish made of flat hand-made noodles in hot or cold soup.

WHERE TO STAY: The Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel is the most convenient base, located directly above the bullet train, local train and main subway stations. Sip a cocktail at the 52nd-floor Zenith Sky Lounge and enjoy the best views of the city. Or check in to a "ryokan", traditional inns that are scattered throughout the city.

YOU'LL LIKE IT IF YOU LOVE: Tokyo on a quieter day.

HOW TO GET THERE: Jetstar operates flights to Nagoya from Sydney via Cairns.