Nagoya is the central city of the Tokai region and one of Japan’s major cities. Not only is it easily accessible from Tokyo and Osaka, but international flights mainly from Asia connect to Chubu Centrair International Airport, so you can also visit directly from overseas.
In this article, we will introduce 7 nightlife spots that you should definitely visit so you can enjoy Nagoya at night.
Highlights and characteristics of Nagoya at night
Nagoya is one of Japan’s leading cities and is famous for its historical tourist spots such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Jingu Shrine (熱田神宮). It is also famous for its many unique Nagoya gourmet dishes such as “Hitsumabushi” (grilled eel on top of the rice bowl), “Miso-nikomi Udon” (udon noodles in miso flavored broth), and “Tenmusu” (onigiri with shrimp tempura filling).
There are many night spots around Nagoya Station and the downtown Sakae area, and many tourists visit every night. Nagoya’s nightlife spots are characterized by illuminated night views and where you can enjoy Nagoya’s unique gourmet food.
Nightlife spots in Nagoya
Recommended #1: Midland Square Sky Promenade
“Midland Square” (ミッドランドスクエア) is a 247m tall commercial complex adjacent to JR Nagoya Station and Meitetsu Nagoya Station. It will be the tallest building in the Tokai region of Japan. “Sky Promenade” (スカイプロムナード) is the name of the outdoor observation deck located on the 44th to 46th floors of Midland Square.
The entrance to Sky Promenade is located on the 42nd floor of the office building. It is a circular walkway, so you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Nagoya’s cityscape as if you were walking. It is a recommended spot especially for couples as you can enjoy the fantastic night view of Nagoya.
Opening hours vary depending on the season, but are generally open until 22:00 (last entry 21:30).
▶ Information
| Official website | https://www.midland-square.com/sky-promenade/ |
|---|
▶ Map
Recommended #2: Oasis 21
“Oasis 21″ (オアシス21) is a complex located in the downtown area of ”Sakae” in Nagoya. In addition to public facilities such as parks and bus terminals, there is a commercial area with about 30 shops lined up underground. In addition, various events are held on weekends, such as music festivals and dance contests.
The symbol of Oasis 21 will be a 14m-high oval roof covering the facility, known as a “Spaceship-Aqua”. It has a glass roof filled with water, and you can take a walk around the outside. It is lit up at night and you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere. Therefore, it is a recommended spot for couples.
The Spaceship-Aqua will be illuminated until 23:00. (You can enter until 21:00)
▶ Information
| Official website | https://www.sakaepark.co.jp |
|---|
▶ Map
Recommended #3: Higashiyama Sky Tower
“Higashiyama Sky Tower” (東山スカイタワー) is a popular observation tower attached to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden. It is built on a hill at an altitude of 80m, so the height of the observation deck is 180m.
The night view from the observation room has been selected as one of “Japan’s top 100 night views”, and since there are no tall buildings around, you can enjoy a great view. There is a restaurant on the top floor of the tower, so you can enjoy your meal while admiring the night view. Opening hours are until 21:30 (last entry 21:00).
▶ Information
| Official website | http://www.higashiyamaskytower.jp |
|---|
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
A recommended course is to have fun at the zoo and amusement park on the premises during the day, and at night to admire the night view from Higashiyama Sky Tower.
Recommended #4: Nagoya Castle
“Nagoya Castle” (名古屋城) is a castle built in the 17th century, and its tower keep (天守閣, Tenshukaku) can be said to be a symbol of Nagoya. Although it is currently not possible to enter the tower keep, you can tour many of the facilities, including the restored “Honmaru Palace” (本丸御殿) and “Ninomaru Garden” (二之丸庭園).
The business hours are until 16:30 (last entry for Honmaru Palace and museum at 16:00), but after that the tower keep will be illuminated until 23:00. You can take photos of the night view of Nagoya Castle’s tower keep, one of the largest in Japan, from the outside.
This is a must-visit tourist spot for sightseeing in Nagoya.
▶ Information
| Official website | https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp |
|---|
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
In Kinshachi Yokocho (金シャチ横丁), a restaurant area adjacent to Nagoya Castle, some restaurants are open until 22:00. You can taste Nagoya’s famous dishes and sweets, so we recommend enjoying gourmet food when you visit when the castle’ s tower keep is lit up.
Recommended #5: “Yabaton” | Yabacho Main store
Established in 1947, “Yabaton” (矢場とん) is a major chain store of Nagoya’s representative gourmet “Miso Katsu”. There are 10 stores in Nagoya City, including Nagoya Station and Sakae, and most stores are open until 22:00. Among them, the Yabacho Main store is one of the largest, with a seating capacity of 135 and private rooms.
“Miso Katsu” is a dish of Japanese specialty pork cutlet topped with miso sauce. It is widely popular in the Tokai region, including Nagoya, so it is a must-try dish when you go sightseeing in Nagoya.
Yabaton’s menu has a wide variety of items, including the standard pork cutlet type “Miso Katsu”, skewered cutlet type “Kushi Katsu”, and rice bowl type “Katsudon”. Therefore, if you like miso cutlet, we recommend that you visit several times and compare the tastes.
▶ Information
| Official website | https://www.yabaton.com/ |
|---|
▶ Map
Recommended #6: Chinese Taiwanese Cuisine “Misen” | Imaike Main Store
A famous type of ramen in Nagoya is “Taiwan Ramen” from “Misen” (味仙). Although it has the name “Taiwan Ramen”, it is not a Taiwanese dish, but rather a spicy ramen made with an arrangement Taiwanese flavors.
Imaike Main store’ s opening hours are 17:00~1:00 (last order 0:30). It’s open until late at night, so if you want to eat something after drinking alcohol or when you feel hungry late at night, we recommend you try Nagoya’s famous ramen. At Misen, you can enjoy not only “Taiwan Ramen” but also Nagoya’s specialty: “Tebasaki” (chicken wings).
▶ Information
| Official website | https://www.misen.ne.jp |
|---|
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
All menu items are available for takeout. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat slowly at the hotel you are staying at.
Recommended #7: Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER
“Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER” (中部電力 MIRAI TOWER) is an observatory radio tower located in Hisaya Odori Park. Formerly known as the “Nagoya TV Tower”, it has become one of Nagoya’s most representative sights, along with Hisaya Odori Park.
When you walk around the streets of Nagoya at night, you’re sure to see the brilliantly lit MIRAI TOWER.
The main attractions are the indoor observation deck “Sky Deck” 90m above the ground and the outdoor observation deck “Sky Balcony” 100m above the ground. You can overlook the city of Nagoya, and the view at night is so spectacular that it has been certified as a “Night View Heritage of Japan”.
Additionally, the world’s first tower hotel opened in 2020. It might be a good idea to stay overnight to make some special memories.
▶ Information
| Official website | http://www.nagoya-tv-tower.co.jp |
|---|
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
Skywalking is held every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. You can admire the cityscape of Nagoya while climbing the thrilling outdoor stairs that lead from the ground to the observation deck.
Comment