Navigating the Station:
- JR Central Towers: The most iconic feature of the station. These twin towers house the Takashimaya department store, the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, numerous restaurants, and the “Panorama Salon” on the 15th floor (free) or the “Sky Promenade” (paid, located in the adjacent Midland Square building, but JR Towers also have great views from restaurants).
- Shopping:
- Takashimaya Department Store: High-end shopping within the JR Central Towers.
- Meitetsu Department Store: Another major department store connected to the station, especially convenient if you’re using Meitetsu lines.
- Underground Malls: Explore vast underground shopping areas like ESCA (famous for Nagoya Meshi restaurants) and Unimall, offering a wide range of shops and eateries.
- Dining: You’ll find hundreds of restaurants, from quick bites and cafes to fine dining. This is a great place to try Nagoya Meshi (Nagoya’s unique local cuisine).
- Tourist Information Center:
- Location: Central Concourse, near the “Golden Clock” (Kin no Tokei).
- Services: Multilingual staff, maps, brochures, event information, and assistance with travel plans.
Transportation Hub:
Nagoya Station connects several railway lines:
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Platforms are clearly marked. This is your connection to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other major cities.
- JR Lines: For local and regional travel (e.g., to Takayama, Gifu).
- Meitetsu Nagoya Line: Connects to Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), Inuyama (for Inuyama Castle), and other regional destinations.
- Kintetsu Nagoya Line: Connects to Mie Prefecture (Ise Shrines, Toba) and Nara/Osaka.
- Nagoya Subway:
- Higashiyama Line (Yellow): Takes you to Sakae (downtown), Nagoya Castle (Shiyakusho Stn.), Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
- Sakura-dori Line (Red): Connects to other parts of the city.
- Aonami Line: Takes you to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park and LEGOLAND Japan.
- Me~guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus: A dedicated tourist bus that stops at major attractions. You can catch it from Bus Stop No. 11 outside the Sakura-dori Exit.
Things to Do & See Around the Station (Walking Distance or Short Ride):
- Midland Square Sky Promenade: (5-min walk) Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nagoya from one of Japan’s tallest buildings.
- Noritake Garden (ノリタケの森): (15-20 min walk or short taxi/bus ride) A beautiful park with a museum dedicated to Noritake chinaware, craft center, shops, and restaurants.
- Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: (One stop on the Meitetsu Line to Sako Stn., then 3-min walk, or a short taxi ride) A fantastic museum detailing the history of the Toyota Group, from textile machinery to automobiles. Highly recommended.
- Yanagibashi Central Market (柳橋中央市場): (10-15 min walk) A bustling wholesale market, best visited in the morning. Some restaurants offer fresh seafood.
Famous Nagoya Food (Nagoya Meshi) to Try:
Many can be found in restaurants within the station or in the ESCA underground mall:
- Miso Katsu: Pork cutlet with a rich red miso sauce.
- Tebasaki: Nagoya-style spicy chicken wings.
- Kishimen: Flat, broad udon noodles.
- Hitsumabushi: Grilled eel on rice, enjoyed in three different ways.
- Ankake Spaghetti: Thick spaghetti with a spicy, starchy sauce.
- Tenmusu: Small rice balls with shrimp tempura.
Practical Tips:
- Clocks as Meeting Points: The “Golden Clock” (Kin no Tokei) on the Tokaido Shinkansen side and the “Silver Clock” (Gin no Tokei) on the opposite (Sakura-dori) side are popular meeting spots.
- Luggage: Coin lockers and luggage storage services are available.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi spots are often available (e.g., “FreeWiFi-NAGOYA”).
- IC Cards: Consider getting a Manaca or Toica card (or using your Suica/Pasmo from other regions) for easy travel on trains and buses.
Enjoy your time exploring Nagoya from its vibrant station!