| Nagoya's office blocks and shopping districts extend along a neat grid of tree-lined streets. The city's modernity, including its geometrically placed parks, is what first strikes visitors, who usually come to do business at Nagoya, the largest city and main transportation hub of central Japan. Founded in 1609, it was once a prominent castle town. As such, the graceful contours of its faithfully rebuilt castle symbolize Nagoya's dashing past, and other important historical sites remain to be seen. |