Nagoya - Which is Better to Stay: Nagoya Station or Sakae?

During my visit to Nagoya, I've stayed at both Sakae and Nagoya Station. I'll have to say Sakae is a better choice. It has an abundant night life, Japanese pub, Don Quijote, 24 hours gaming centre and plenty of night view.

Here are a list of reasons why you should stay in Sakae during your visit to Nagoya...

1. Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is the landmark for Nagoya. At night, it looks like a spaceship. Oasis 21 is located at Exit 4 of the Sakae subway station, easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the Sakae area.

Credit: Pixabay

2. Sunshine Sakae

Marked by its iconic ferris wheel, Sunshine Sakae is a shopping centre that provides gaming arcade, cafes and bookstores. It is located at Exit 8 of the Sakae subway station.

Sunshine Sakae is also home to SKE48, an all girls idol group in Japan. There is a SKE Theater on 2F of Sunshine Sakae, where the artists would sing and perform from time to time. The SKE48 Cafe is located on 5F of Sunshine Sakae. If you're lucky, you may encounter members of the SKE48 in Sunshine Sakae.

Address: 3-24-4 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
Opening hours: 11:00 - 23:00


Ferris wheel, Sunshine Sakae

3. Nagoya TV Tower

Nagoya TV Tower is the old landmark in Sakae. It is located at Exit 3 of the Sakae subway station.




Next to the TV Tower is the Harbs cake shop. One of the "must eat" items in Nagoya.

Related: 12 Foods You Must Eat in Nagoya

Lunch set is available between 11:00 am to 3 pm. It costs 1500 yen, including salad, spaghetti dish, cake (half portion) and coffee. What a value combo!


Harbs cake shop

4. Izakaya

Izakaya are Japanese pubs where you can enjoy large mugs of beer and eat. It is catered to locals and many traditional Nagoya dishes are served, including deep fried pork cutlet with red miso, chicken wings, red miso udon and beef stew.

Sakae is the home to many Izakaya. They are usually open at night.

What an Izakaya looks like

A variety of food is available inside Izakaya

5. Japanese Arcade Chain & Bookstores

Pachinko and slot machines are available near Sunshine Sakae. It is one of the popular hangout spots for teenagers in Nagoya. If you like gaming and night time entertainment, then Sakae is for you!


Pachinko, here we go!

6. Don Quijote

Opposite to the Sunshine Sakae is a 24 hour tax free store: Don Quijote. Inside you'll find food, cosmetics, toys, medicine and many other strange Japanese items. You can purchase ice-cream, alcohol, potato chips and instant ramen in the ground floor. It is a great place to satisfy your food cravings anytime of the day.

7. Hisaya-Odori Park

The park is an oasis near the TV Tower. In the morning, you can enjoy the nature at the Garden of Sculpture and look at the carps and ducks swimming in the Sakaegawa River. 

At night, there is a beautiful illumination at the fountain in the Plaza of Hope.

Plaza of Hope

8. La Chic

In La Chic, you'll find trendy clothes and accessories. Restaurants are located on 7F and 8F. There you'll find many specialty food, including Hida beef, grilled eel on rice, pizza, sushi and an oyster bar.

Address: 3 Chome-6-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
Opening Hours (restaurants): 11:00 - 23:00

9. ESCA Underground Shopping Mall

Sakae is the biggest shopping area in Nagoya. The underground mall is located in the Sakae subway station. It is interconnected with other subway stations, as well as large department stores and supermarkets. You can stay inside these underground maze without getting wet on a rainy day.

10. Complexity of the Nagoya Station

Credit: JR West

Sakae is only 2 stations away from Nagoya Station. The trip takes only 5 minutes. In terms of layout, the Sakae subway station is less complicated than the Nagoya Station.