Nagoya After Dark: Top 9 Must-Visit Nightlife Spots
Where to Go in Nagoya at Night?
Experience Nagoya at night and you’ll find that it’s quite different from Nagoya in the daytime. Why not head to the Port of Nagoya, one of the world’s largest trading ports, and have fun on a cruise or the giant Ferris wheel? This city is rich with scenic locations offering romantic vistas of the twinkling night sky.
Alternatively, venture into vibrant downtown areas like Nishiki, Sakae, and Fushimi, where you can experience historic izakayas and lively bars. Discover these exceptional spots for a memorable evening.
1. Midland Square Sky Promenade
Breathtaking night views and magical mist on Nagoya’s sky-high platform
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Experience the stunning night view of Nagoya City from the Midland Square Sky Promenade, an open-air observation platform standing 220 meters high. Here you can enjoy the refreshing breeze and a 360-degree panorama from the 44th to 46th floors of the Midland Square office building. A mist is sprayed from time to time during the night, transforming into a variety of colors and producing a magical atmosphere.
The platform has special opening hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for you to watch the first sunrise of the year. Located right in front of JR Nagoya Station in Midland Square, it’s ideal for a quick layover before boarding a bullet train or just for an after-dinner stroll.
Location: 4 Chome-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +81 (0)52-527-8877
Midland Square Sky Promenade
2. Oasis 21
An iconic glass-roofed wonder with seasonal lights and cozy cafes
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Oasis 21 consists of “Spaceship-Aqua” on the rooftop, the “Field of Green” area and bus terminal at ground level, and the “Galaxy Platform” and stores on the basement floor. The iconic glass-roofed Spaceship, in particular, is one of Japan’s most instantly recognizable photo spots, and it’s lit up from season to season to create a fantastic scene at night.
Once you’re done taking pictures, how about an after-dinner coffee at one of the cafes in the store area? It’s easy to get to Oasis 21, as it’s directly connected to Sakae Station on the Higashiyama and Meijo Subway Lines.
Location: 1 Chome-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)52-962-1011
Oasis 21
3. Sky-Boat
Night views from a towering Ferris wheel
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Located in Nagoya’s bustling shopping district, the six-story Sunshine Sakae fashion building features the Sky-Boat Ferris wheel. With its boarding platform on the 3rd floor, the wheel rises 52 meters, higher than the castle tower of Nagoya Castle.
The transparent gondolas offer 360-degree views of Sakae’s nightscape. Each gondola seats four people and the full rotation takes about 15 minutes. After enjoying the views, relax at nearby cafés. The building is conveniently connected to Exit 8 of Sakae Subway Station.
Location: 3 Chome-24-4 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan
Open: Open from noon to 10 pm
Phone: +81 (0)52-310-2211
Sky-Boat
4. Nagoya Port
Thrilling night views from a lit-up Ferris wheel by the harbor
Good for: Adventure, Nightlife, Photo
For a captivating night view, the Nagoya Port Sea Train Land Ferris wheel is ideal. Popular with families during the day, admission is free, and you pay only for rides. At night, the wheel lights up, offering spectacular views from its see-through gondolas, a thrilling experience for those without vertigo.
If you’re on a date and you want to spice things up, you could then head to one of the bars close to the nearby Nagoya Port Station and enjoy a cocktail.
Location: 1-51 Nishikuracho, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0034, Japan
Nagoya Port
5. Nishiki 3-chome
Neon-lit nights and local flavors in Nagoya’s vibrant entertainment hub
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Although business hours end earlier in Nagoya than in Tokyo or Osaka, the largest entertainment district in Nagoya, Nishiki 3-chome, remains bright with neon lights until midnight. Locals call this area “Kin-san” and it’s typically their first choice for a night out. Clubs, lounges, ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants), and izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) line the streets, but you’ll also find large corporations headquartered here, such as Kagome, famous for its ketchup.
And adding to the diversity are the bars and restaurants, such as Yokoi Nishiki Ten with its famous Ankake Spaghetti, or Nagoya Cochin Torishige and its branded chicken. The nearest station is Sakae Station on the Subway Higashiyama and Meijo lines.
Nishiki 3-chome
6. Higashiyama Sky Tower
Breathtaking night views and dining
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
The perfect way to cap an evening at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is with a visit to Higashiyama Sky Tower. Selected as one of the 100 best night views in Japan, it provides stunning night views from 134 meters above ground and 214 meters above sea level.
At Sky Restaurant NAGOYA Higashiyama on the top floor, you can take in the vistas while enjoying some top-notch Italian or French food. To get here, take Exit 6 at Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line, turn left (toward Hoshigaoka Terrace), and walk for about 15 minutes. It’s also a 15-minute walk from the main entrance of the Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Location: Kameiri-1-8 Tashirocho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0803, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Mondays or on the next day if Monday is a public vacation)
Phone: +81 (0)52-781-5586
Higashiyama Sky Tower
7. Nagoya Port Night Cruise
A waterside dinner cruise
Good for: Adventure, Families, Nightlife
On the Nagoya Port Night Cruise, you can enjoy a night view of Nagoya from the waterside. A tour hosted by NAGOYA Cruising will take you to the Meiko Triton (the collective name for the three bridges that span the Isewangan Expressway), the Nippon Steel plant, and other impressive urban landscapes that look spectacular at night.
The dinner cruise usually starts at 7 pm and takes about 2 hours. Advance recommendations are mandatory. The boarding point is Miyano Ferry Pier, which is a 10-minute walk from Atsutajingu Denmacho Station on the Meijo Subway Line.
Location: 914 Godocho, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0043, Japan
Nagoya Port Night Cruise
8. Daijin Honten
A historic izakaya with flavorful bites
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Nagoya boasts some of Japan’s most historic izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), including Daijin Honten. With over 100 years of history, it’s a must-try for any fan of the izakaya style. It’s located in Hirokoji Fushimi, close to Fushimi Station, which is right next to Nagoya Station and near the downtown area of Sakae.
Nothing beats a glass of Kirin Classic Lager paired with shelled Shako (Mantis shrimp). The special small dishes on the menu are reasonably priced, too. Whether you settle down for a drink at Daijin Honten, or hit up one of the other izakaya in the area, you’re guaranteed to have a great night out in Nagoya.
Location: 1 Chome-5-6 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan
Open: Monday–Friday from 3.45 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 3.45 pm to 8.15 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +81 (0)52-231-1909
Daijin Honten
9. Hoshigaoka Terrace
Winter lights and stylish shopping
Good for: Families, Food, Shoppers
Hoshigaoka Terrace, located in a sophisticated area once ranked the best place to live in Nagoya City, offers a delightful blend of boutiques and restaurants. It’s a prime spot for shopping and dining, and a great area for a relaxing stroll at night.
Hoshigaoka Terrace is at its most beautiful in winter, when the whole mall is illuminated. This runs from November to February every year, bringing in crowds of visitors to admire the views at night. Hoshigaoka Terrace is just a 1-minute walk from Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.
Location: 16-50 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0802, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +81 (0)52-781-1266
Hoshigaoka Terrace
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