Ultimate Guide to Nagoya Station: Essential Lines, Nearby Sights, and Shops

Nagoya Station is an important transportation hub in Nagoya, featuring JR lines, Shinkansen, Meitetsu-Nagoya lines, Kintetsu Line, Aonami Line, subways, and bus stations. More than 1 million people pass through each day.

Upon arriving at Nagoya Station, you will find exits and entrances everywhere, making it very accessible. As long as you understand the names of each line at Nagoya Station, you won't have to worry about getting lost.

However, dragging large luggage can be challenging. This is because one of the most frustrating things about Nagoya Station is the lack of escalators and an abundance of stairs. To avoid exhaustion from moving your luggage, we recommend referring to this article and memorizing the locations of the elevators at exits! We'll let our editor who lives in Nagoya be your guide!

Nagoya Station Guide

How to Get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya Station
The 7 Train Lines at Nagoya Station
Recommended Department Stores and Shopping Around Nagoya Station

How to Get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya Station

Picture courtesy of Pixta
The airport closest to Nagoya Station is Chubu Centrair International Airport. If you want to travel from this airport to Nagoya Station, we recommend taking the Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express Train, which departs from the airport. You won’t need to transfer, and the journey takes only 28 minutes to reach Nagoya Station.

When purchasing tickets for the μ-SKY Limited Express Train, I suggest purchasing them in advance since they are cheaper than regular ticket purchases. You can save time by avoiding on-site ticket purchasing. It’s a great deal!

Purchase online discount tickets from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya City (μ-SKY Limited Express Train)

The 7 Lines Serving Nagoya Station

Although it's called Nagoya Station, there are different exits due to various railway companies and lines. We’ve organized information on the 7 stations in Nagoya and some tips to help you avoid getting lost.

In addition to the JR lines and the Shinkansen, there is a line that operates to the airport called Meitetsu while the line to Ise Jingu is called Kintetsu, and the lines within Nagoya city are the subway. By recognizing these three railway names, you can reduce the chances of getting lost in the station. Next, let me guide you through each station!

JR Nagoya Station

Built in 1999, the JR Central Towers is not only the main landmark of Nagoya Station but also the tallest station building in the world at that time.

The JR Central Towers mainly feature two entrances: Taikodori Exit and Sakuradori Exit.

When people from Nagoya meet at the Taikodori Exit, they usually say, "Let's meet at the silver clock." Alternatively for the Sakuradori exit, it’s typically for people to say, "Meet at the golden clock."

The main entrances of JR Nagoya Station are near the golden clock. So when the golden clock comes into view, you'll know you haven't gone the wrong way.

Shinkansen: Nagoya Station

The Shinkansen is located on the same floor as the JR lines, primarily near the Taikodori Exit and close to the silver clock.

Additionally, near the Taikodori Exit, there is a food district featuring various famous ramen shops and Nagoya's local specialties. Be sure not to miss it when you pass by!

Aonami Line: Nagoya Station

The Aonami Line is located at the Taikodori Exit. After entering through the main entrance, turn right and walk straight.

If you want to go to LEGOLAND or the Railway Park (railway museum), this is the place to catch your ride!

Meitetsu: Nagoya Station

Meitetsu Nagoya is a major transportation method for international travelers entering and exiting Nagoya. Generally, most people will enter and exit through the Central Ticket Gate after arriving in Nagoya. Then you should walk through the underground shopping area to access the Nagoya Subway.

But if you don't want to struggle with your luggage on the stairs, it is strongly recommended to enter and exit through the West Ticket Gate.

However, the West Ticket Gate only has escalators going up. If you need to go down, don't hesitate—please head next door to the Meitetsu Department Store to take the department store elevator.

After exiting the Meitetsu West Ticket Gate, you'll arrive at Hirokoji Exit. If you need to transfer to the JR lines, the subway, or find restaurants, please turn left and proceed.

Subway, Higashiyama Line, and Sakuradori Line: Nagoya Station

The two main subway lines operating at Nagoya Station are the Higashiyama Line (Yellow Line) and the Sakuradori Line (Red Line). Most tourists typically take the Yellow Line to Sakae Station or transfer to the Meijo Line (Purple Line) to visit Atsuta Shrine or Osu Shopping District.

The Sakuradori Line is less frequently used for major tourist destinations, and the ground signage is clear, making it relatively easy to navigate.

Let's take a look at where the elevator for the Higashiyama Line is hidden. Starting from the Meitetsu West Ticket Gate, you need to turn left into Hirokoji Exit and then proceed towards the JR ticket gate.

Above is a photo of Sakuradori's Exit Main Entrance.

Finally, turn left again after reaching the Sakuradori Exit. The elevator is located at the back of the stairs leading to the Higashiyama Line entrance.

It’s a bit hidden, so please pay attention.

Kintetsu: Nagoya Station

Kintetsu Nagoya is mainly a transportation line to Nara and Ise, and we'll introduce three main entrances.

If you come out from the Meitetsu West Ticket Gate, you can directly turn left to transfer to Kintetsu. However, there are many stairs and no elevator.

If you don't want to carry your luggage, you can go up to the street level, then turn right towards the Men’s Building of Meitetsu Department Store. After walking about 300 meters, you will see the escalator to the Kintetsu front ticket gate.

Finally, if you exit from JR Central Towers, you can find the entrance to Kintetsu by going from Sakuradori Exit to Hirokoji Exit. However, you will need to climb a flight of stairs.

By the way, there is a vendor selling Nagoya's famous dessert "Chick Pudding Cake" on the way from Sakuradori Exit to Hirokoji Exit. Although it is also sold near the Tsuji Exit, the crowd here is relatively smaller, so you won’t have to wait in line as much! Grab one while passing by!

Recommended Department Stores and Shopping Around Nagoya Station

Nagoya has a developed underground shopping area that can take you to various department stores. However, it is recommended to walk above ground for first-time visitors to Nagoya Station using the JR Nagoya Station Sakuradori Exit as a reference point. You can divide Nagoya Station into the North District, South District, and East District to make shopping easier and avoid getting lost.

Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall

Directly connected to JR Nagoya Station, it has excellent access! In addition to large chain stores like BicCamera, GU, and Uniqlo, it also features well-known brands such as UNITED ARROWS and BEAMS HOUSE.

Meitetsu Department Store Main Store

The Meitetsu Department Store Main Store is located behind the famous large doll called "Nana Chan!" As an old established department store in Nagoya, Meitetsu has both a main building and a MEN'S building, catering to both men's and women’s preferences. The basement level sells various delicacies and desserts, as well as souvenirs.

In Conclusion

After reading this, do you now think Nagoya Station is quite easy to get around? As long as you understand the differences between Kintetsu, Meitetsu, and the subway, there's no need to worry about getting lost!

However, the number of escalators is relatively small. So, those dragging large suitcases should confirm where the escalators are located!