Sakae is Nagoya’s vibrant downtown, where the city shops, dines and comes alive after dark. Department stores, underground malls, izakaya and the landmark TV Tower cluster here, making it the natural hub for an evening in the city.

The TV Tower and Hisaya-odori Park

The retro Nagoya TV Tower rises over the redeveloped Hisaya-odori Park, a long green spine of shops and cafes through the centre of Sakae. The nearby Oasis 21 complex, with its glowing glass “Spaceship-Aqua” roof, is a favourite photo spot once the lights come on.

Shopping and Food

From luxury boutiques to the buzzing Osu shopping district a short ride away, Sakae covers every budget. It is also the best place to sample Nagoya-meshi: miso-simmered dishes, tebasaki chicken wings and the famous hitsumabushi eel.

Getting There

Sakae sits at the crossing of the Higashiyama and Meijo subway lines, a few minutes from Nagoya Station. The area is compact and easily explored on foot, especially lively in the evening.

Sakae shows Nagoya at its most modern. With the castle, shrine and downtown covered, day trips into Aichi round out a full visit.

More Nagoya Travel Guides

• Nagoya Castle: The City’s Golden Landmark
• Atsuta Shrine: Nagoya’s Sacred Forest
• Day Trips from Nagoya: Inuyama, Toyota and More

See our Nagoya Travel Guide for the full overview. Planning the whole trip? Visit The Complete Nagoya Guide for every guide and hotel in one place.