Thanksgiving in Nagoya

Oct 13, 2022

Thanksgiving in Nagoya

With Thanksgiving being a North American holiday, we aren’t really within our rights to expect Nagoya to celebrate the third Thursday of November the same way it would in the US. However, like other international traditions such as Christmas, Hallowe’en, or Valentine’s Day, there is a distinct feeling that Thanksgiving is growing in stature.

Of course, Thanksgiving is not celebrated with the same enthusiasm as the holidays above, but there are still a few places dotted around the city that put on a Thanksgiving spread. Here’s a short list we’ve compiled of our favorites. Please note that most require reservations, and any prices quoted may be subject to tax.

Midtown BBQ

Midtown BBQ, perhaps Japan’s finest barbecue establishment, is so popular that they have expanded into Tokyo and Yokohama and launched their own line of BBQ sauces available in Costco returns with their ‘Smoked Thanksgiving’ event. They will serve their famous Smoked Turkey Plate, cooked over a real fire, with just a little smoke to complement the flavors.

• Where: Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 5 Chome−24−3 Midtown BBQ (map)
• Website: midtown-bbq.com
• Contact: contact@midtown-bbq.com / 052-898-5080

Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms regularly holds international events, and their Canadian Thanksgiving in October went down a storm. For Nagoya’s American community they are putting on no less of a top-notch spread with a special turkey dinner from November 22 to November 27.

You can choose from roasted turkey, smoked ham, or half and half, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, sweetcorn, green beans, homemade stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, and a homemade dinner roll.

• Where: 2 Chome-6-12 Nishiki, Naka-ku (map)
• Website: en.coatofarms.jp
• Contact: (052) 228 – 6155

Shooters

Shooters Sports bar is so American that, should you cut it, it would bleed apple pie. But that pie takes on more of a pumpkin flavor at this time of year.

At the time of going to press, Shooters was yet to confirm their menu, so it is advisable to give them a call closer to the day to confirm details. However, previous year’s Thanksgiving dinner included turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy, country stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a dinner roll.

Shooters will serve their Thanksgiving dinner from November 24 to November 27. They also cater for full roast dinners (including turkey, of course) with sides for taking out to host your own Thanksgiving dinner in your home with family and friends.

• Where: Naka-Ku, Sakae 2-9-26, Polar Building 2F (map)
• Website: www.shooters-nagoya.com
• Contact: 052-202-7077

Do it Yourself

If you don’t feel like heading out into the cold winter air or prefer to go down a more traditional route, you can have Thanksgiving dinner right in your home.

The best places include:

Horizon Farms: “Good farms, better food is what we stand for.”

The Meat Guy: supplies all the festive meats plus a selection of vegetables and fruit
Costco: wholesale store with a variety of food and drinks
Seijo Ishii: great for some of the sides, such as cranberry sauce
The Flying Pig: online importer supplying Costco products

 

Image: By The Vault DFW via flickr.com [CC BY 2.0] – (modified)
Image: By Linda, Fortuna future via flickr.com [CC BY 2.0] – (modified)