Nagoya is home to one of the largest train stations in the world, you can easily recognize Nagoya Station by the JR Central Towers that stand tall in the heart of Japan. Nagoya station operates 3 main train companies as well as 7 lines carrying thousands of passengers every day. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the Nagoya Station is well organized and easily navigated by locals as well as tourists allowing you to travel effortlessly. Get your JR Pass ready and reach your favorite destinations for an unforgettable trip around Japan.
About the Nagoya Station
The Nagoya Station was opened on May 1st, 1886, with thousands of passengers departing and arriving from Takayama, Nagano, Ise, and many more destinations it is one of the world’s busiest stations. In 1999 Nagoya added 50 story twin towers making it the tallest train station in the world. The massive 240m tall towers provide an amazing panoramic view of the city.
Nagoya Station is operated by the JR Central, Nagoya Municipal Subway, and Nagoya Rinkai Rapid Transit. Main lines include Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Tōkaidō Main Line, Chūō Main Line, Kansai Main Line, Higashiyama Line, Sakuradōri Line and Aonami Line with the connections to Meitestu Nagoya and Kintetsu Nagoya. All the platforms are located on the second level, ticket gates, exits, and most of the ticket machines can be found on the ground floor.
The Meitestu Bus Center is located near the Nagoya station for those who wish to transfer from train to bus, bus services are provided to Takayama, Nabana and Sato stations.
If you are waiting for your train and want to pass some time head to the Nagoya underground mall for a convenient shopping experience.
What are the main train lines?
The Nagoya Station operates 7 main train lines – Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Tōkaidō Main Line, Chūō Main Line, Kansai Main Line, Higashiyama Line, Sakuradōri Line, and Aonami Line. These lines are connected to the Meitetsu Nagoya Station, the terminal of Meitetsu, and Kintetsu Nagoya Station, the terminal of the Kintetsu Nagoya Line.
JR Central Line – Tōkaidō Shinkansen for Shin-Yokohama, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, Tōkaidō Main Line for Gifu, Ōgaki, Maibara, Obu, Kariya, Okazaki, Gamagori, Toyohashi, and Hamamatsu, Chūō Main Line for Kozoji, Tajimi, and Nakatsugawa and Kansai Main Line for Yokkaichi, Tsu, and Kameyama.
Aonami Line – for Kinjo – Futo Nagoya International Exhibition Hall.
Nagoya Subway Line – Higashiyama and Sakuradōri Line.
You will find the conventional lines on platforms 1-13, Shinkansen platforms – tracks 14,15,16,17.
If you wish to travel by the private Kintetsu Railway which connects to Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise, and Yoshino you may purchase the Kintetsu Rail pass in order to travel with this railway.
Nagoya Station Hotels
Whether you are traveling on a budget or wish to stay in luxury hotels around the Nagoya Station you will find numerous hotels tailored to your liking.
The Meitetsu Grand Hotel – located above the shopping complex this is the perfect hotel for those who wish to shop till they drop. Meitestu Grand hotel is just above 10 floors of shops, fashion stores, and many entertainment possibilities. The hotel is located just right outside the Nagoya Station, there will be no need for a taxi or a bus to reach everything you need. The hotel is equipped with wi-fi, air conditioning, and provides daily housekeeping. The staff speaks Japanese and English.
Address – 1-2-4meieki, Nakamura-Ku, Nagoya Station, Nagoya, Japan, 450-0002.
Castle Plaza Hotel – for more affordable accommodation choose the Castle Plaza, just two minutes away from the JR Station this hotel is surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Castle Plaza serves fresh and tasty Japanese food and provides a swimming pool and gym services.
Address – 3-25, Meieki 4-chome, Nakamura-Ku, Nagoya Station, Nagoya, Japan, 450-0002.
Hotel Resol Nagoya – easy access to the station and uni mall, catwalk, and Dainagoya building just right outside your door. Hotel Resol Nagoya will make sure that you are relaxed by providing numerous services at their recreational facilities.
Address – 3-25-6 Meieki, Nakamura-Ku, Nagoya Station, Nagoya, Japan, 450-0002
Sightseeing in Nagoya
Nagoya is the fourth largest city in Japan by its population and has over 2 million inhabitants. It is home to such automotive factories as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi. Make sure to visit the following places while in Nagoya:
Nagoya Castle – It is believed that it was first built in the 17th century. Later on, it was destroyed during the WW II and rebuilt in 1959. Here you can find the famous sculpture of shachi-hoko, it is a creature said to have the head of a tiger and the body of a fish, you will also be able to see some costumes and weaponry from the old days.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology – the museum takes up 8,000 square meters and tells you the story of this huge corporation.
Toganji Temple – it was built in the 16th century to honor the Buddhist goddess Saraswati who also has her own festival held in May. The temple also has a huge Budha sculpture seated at the center. You must also touch the big woodblock here which is believed to cleanse you of your sins.
Shop at Komehyo – it is a large discount store for second-hand items. This store has 7 floors, its a place where you can find lots of interesting clothes, shoes, jewelry as well as antiques.
