Nagoya: One of the Three Largest Cities in Japan
Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is one of the three largest Japanese cities, alongside Tokyo and Osaka.
It boasts a population of nearly 2.3 million in the urban area, with various shopping malls, outlets, department stores, and local specialty stores.
This article features our recommended shopping spots in Nagoya!
Outlet Malls in Nagoya
There are two large outlet malls near Nagoya: Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima in Mie Prefecture and Toki Premium Outlets in Gifu Prefecture.
Even though both are located in other prefectures, a direct bus service from Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya makes them easily accessible.
| Name |
Access |
Required Time |
Bus Fare |
| Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima |
Take the bus heading to Nagashima Onsen from Meitetsu Bus Center |
About 50 minutes |
Adults: 1,100 yen/Children: 550 yen |
| Toki Premium Outlets |
Take the express bus heading to Toki Premium Outlets from Meitetsu Bus Center |
About 70 minutes |
Adults: 800 yen/Children: 400 yen |
Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima
This is the largest outlet mall in the vicinity of Nagoya. There are nearly 300 stores in the mall, so visitors will have fun browsing the expansive grounds.
Famous brands such as Coach, Crestbridge (Blue Label/Black Label), Prada, and outdoor companies Coleman and The North Face are located inside.
Nagashima Resort, consisting of facilities such as Nagashima Spa Land (an amusement park), hot springs, a Japanese-style inn, and the stunning illuminations of Nabana no Sato, is located next to the mall.
The resort offers a variety of attractions in addition to shopping.
Toki Premium Outlets
Picture courtesy of Toki Premium Outlets
There are about 200 stores in this facility, with various Japanese kitchen utilities and children's clothing.
Visitors will feel refreshed walking around the spacious grounds, checking various brands rivaling Nagashima mall. The prices are budget-friendly, and the mall exudes a resort atmosphere.
Our recommended brand to visit is Skechers, which has prices set lower than in other Asian countries.
Picture courtesy of Toki Premium Outlets
The food court boasts several popular Nagoya cuisine.
It is less crowded than typical shopping spots in Nagoya, so visitors can enjoy food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Shopping Spots in Nagoya
Outlet malls usually handle items from previous seasons or samples at budget-friendly prices.
Those looking for the latest trends should head to shopping facilities in Nagoya.
1. AEON MALL Nagoya Noritake Garden
Picture courtesy of AEON MALL
AEON MALL Nagoya Noritake Garden, a 12-minute walk from Nagoya Station, opened in October 2021. It is a large shopping mall managed by AEON, a famous Japanese retail company.
The facility is next to Noritake Garden, which consists of a cafe, gallery, museum, and lush greenery. The mall consists of commercial facilities and an office building, a first-of-its-kind for AEON.
Picture courtesy of AEON MALL
There are around 150 stores in the mall, including cafes and restaurants offering a stunning view of nature and a food court.
The most impressive facility is the Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten Nagoya. It employs Dynavision®-LED, a dome-shaped LED which is the first of its kind in Japan. Visitors will feel like they're seated under a starry night, complete with otherworldly sounds.
Sponsored by AEON MALL
2. The Nagoya Station Area
There are seven Nagoya Stations, each used by various railroads such as JR, Meitetsu, and Kintetsu. It might look complicated, but there's no need to worry since they are close.
Photo by Pixta
Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall, a transportation hub located next to the station, opened in 2017.
The facility is connected to JR Nagoya Station, so visitors can start shopping when they leave the station. All the brand-name stores are the largest in Nagoya, so it is worth a look!
Photo by Pixta
Meitetsu Department Store Main Shop, a long-established facility located next door, should not be missed. It consists of the main building handling women's clothing and the men's building. The latter is connected to the Meitetsu Bus Center on the third floor.
Visitors will be greeted by the beloved Nana-chan doll near the entrance of the men's building. This is a famous landmark in Nagoya.
Unimall, an underground shopping center, is also located in the area. It is connected to Nagoya Station via the Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line. There are about 50 stores, ranging from clothing to cafes, in the shopping center. Visitors can walk to International Center Station, the next stop along the line while browsing stores.
3. Sakae Station Area
Photo by Pixta
Sakae Station, two stations away on the subway from Nagoya Station, is surrounded by a shopping area that draws a large crowd. There are massive department stores along with underground shopping centers.
Photo by Pixta
The area is divided into two zones. Major stores such as Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, Parco, and Lachic are located near Yaba-cho Station. You'll also find Loft, which handles sundries, and the bookstore Junkudo.
Photo by Pixta
During the walk towards Hisaya-odori Station from Sakae, there will be underground shopping centers such as Central Park and Mori no Chikagai, Don Quijote, and Donguri Kyowakoku, which handles Studio Ghibli items.
Sunshine Sakae, a complex with a Ferris wheel, is also located nearby. The SKE48 theater is on the second floor of this building.
4. Osu Shotengai
Photo by Pixta
Osu Shotengai (shopping district) is known as the first entertaining shotengai in Japan.
This is a district with a history spanning 400 years. There are around 1,200 stores handling a variety of food and eateries.
The arcade allows visitors to enjoy shopping even on rainy days.
Photo by Pixta
Osu is known as a place where otaku (subculture nerds) gather. It is one of the three major Japanese electronic towns, alongside Akihabara in Tokyo and Nipponbashi in Osaka.
There are many stores handling plastic figurines, so enthusiasts will be thrilled. Be prepared to spend a whole day in Osu!
AEON MALL Tokoname
Picture courtesy of AEON MALL
Those looking for souvenirs after visiting Nagoya should drop by AEON MALL Tokoname, located near Chubu Centrair International Airport.
While duty-free shops at airports handle international fashion brands and cosmetics, this mall offers various sundries and food.
The huge lantern at the entrance, written with the words Tokoname Norengai, adds a unique air to the mall.
Picture courtesy of AEON MALL
Otafuku, the giant beckoning cat standing seven meters in height, is the most famous character at this mall. Many visitors gather here to take photos of this adorable feline figure.
The mall is only a three-minute train ride away from the airport. On Sundays, the two facilities are connected by a free shuttle bus service. Overseas visitors should spend their local currency at the mall before leaving Japan.
Sponsored by AEON MALL
Enjoy Shopping in Nagoya!
The article above introduced attractive outlets and shopping spots in Nagoya. Those interested in visiting various destinations in Japan should follow their hearts. And in your spare time, it might be fun to drop by these shopping facilities.
After making purchases, don't forget to enjoy some Nagoya cuisine! This regional cuisine will put a smile on everyone's face.
Main image courtesy of Pixta (AEON MALL Nagoya Noritake Garden)
