Superbly located in the centre of Japan, Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and one of the nation's most important transportation hubs, historical centres and industrial powerhouses. The town developed around the iconic Nagoya Castle, built during Tokugawa Ieyasu's rule in 1612 and rebuilt in 1959 after being destroyed in World War Two. Today, Nagoya is one of the few truly modern cities in Japan and is also the birthplace of one of the biggest car manufacturers in the country, The Toyota Motor Corporation, so be sure to visit the Toyota Automobile Museum. The Nagoya City Science Museum amalgamates modern technology, life sciences exhibitions and boasts the world's largest dome-screen planetarium. Nagoya has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that combines fascinating museums with historical temples and diverse shopping areas.