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Special Features
A Complete Guide to Nagoya Station’s Underground Shopping Streets: Meieki Edition
Nagoya Station is famous for its extensive network of underground shopping streets. Connected not only to the station itself but also to the surrounding buildings, they offer exceptional convenience. From stylishly renovated spaces to long-established stores that retain their nostalgic charm, Nagoya’s underground shopping streets provide plenty to explore.
Index
Eight Underground Shopping Streets Spreading Out in Every Direction
Nagoya’s first underground shopping arcade was created in 1957 (Showa 32), when the Higashiyama Subway Line opened. Built at that time was the “Nagoya Underground Mall” (now “Sun Road”), which started with 61 shops. Later, in the 1960s and 1970s, alongside the construction of underground parking lots, “Unimall,” “Esca,” and “Termina” (now Gate Walk) were developed. From the Heisei era onward, connections expanded not only to the station but also to high-rise buildings, and Nagoya’s underground culture continued to grow.
Nagoya’s underground shopping malls are convenient at times like these.
◆1. Esca (Recommended for beginners)
The only underground shopping street on Nagoya Station’s west side! Perfect for visitors who want to enjoy Nagoya specialties in a limited amount of time.
This is the only underground shopping arcade on what Nagoya locals call the “station back side.” It’s right outside the Shinkansen entrance (West Exit) of Nagoya Station, and you can head straight underground via the escalator. Here you’ll find a lineup of famous Nagoya specialty restaurants, including Yabaton for miso katsu, Furaibo for chicken wings, and Yamamotoya Honten for miso nikomi udon. Also, immediately to the left after going down the escalator, there is an area packed with souvenir shops such as Senju for tenmusu and Ryoguchiya Korekiyo for Sennari, so even if you’re short on time, you can efficiently enjoy both gourmet food and shopping.
◆2. Fashion One
Right beneath Nagoya Station! Ideal for outdoor gear and beauty services!
Located directly beneath Nagoya Station’s Central Street and connected to the Sakura-dori Subway Line. Head underground via the central stairs near the gold clock on the Takashimaya side or the silver clock on the Shinkansen entrance side. In the calm, white-themed underground area, you’ll find outdoor brands such as The North Face and Columbia, along with beauty and wellness services including fashion and miscellaneous goods stores, a dental clinic, and beauty salons. There are no dining establishments.
◆3. Gate Walk (formerly Termina)
Beneath JR Central Towers! A great place to discover the latest trends and popular items!
Gate Walk stretches out on the Sakura-dori Exit side of Nagoya Station. It is located underground beneath the station plaza in front of JR Central Towers. Aimed at commuters and students, it features many trend-focused shops centered on fashion, cosmetics, and popular gourmet foods, including Hands Gate Shop, Tokyu Hands’ antenna shop offering buzzworthy products and useful goods, and Dipper Dan, a crepe shop popular with students.
◆4. Dynard
A compact shopping area connecting Dai Nagoya Building and the Higashiyama Subway Line
Dynard is one of Nagoya’s smallest underground shopping areas, with just three shops. Digital signage has been installed in the center of the passageway, transforming it into a bright and spacious corridor. It has an appearance that blends seamlessly with the floors of Dai Nagoya Building.
◆5. Unimall
An underground shopping arcade connecting Meieki and Kokusai Center Station!
This underground shopping street stretches between Nagoya Station and Kokusai Center Station on the Sakura-dori Line. With two straight passageways stretching through it, you can walk without getting lost.
There are many shops geared toward women, including fashion, cosmetics, and variety stores, as well as a wide selection of cafés and restaurants.
◆6. Meichika
Meichika has been reborn as a vibrant underground shopping destination at the gateway to Nagoya.
MEICHIKA is an underground shopping mall that stretches across the concourse of Nagoya Subway Station.
It reopened in September 2026 following a renewal, and on both sides of the concourse you’ll find a wide variety of shops, including restaurants, drugstores, and souvenir shops carrying regional products from Aichi and Gifu.
Whether you’re dining or shopping at Nagoya Station, or looking for specialty products unique to Aichi and Gifu, it’s an easy place to stop by and enjoy as a shopping spot when using the station.
◆7. Sun Road
Near Nagoya Station! Japan’s First Full-Scale Underground Shopping Street Connected to Major Buildings
Located on the east side of Meieki, the underground shopping arcade “Sun Road” was Japan’s first full-scale underground mall connected to major buildings, including Midland Square. Exit through the central ticket gate of Nagoya Station and head downstairs, and it begins next to the popular Meitetsu Kanko Service lottery stand, well known among lottery enthusiasts. Inside are well-known cafés and shops offering services convenient for tourists as well, such as “Toyota Rent a Lease Aichi.”
◆8. Miyako Underground Shopping Arcade Kitachika
Beneath Nishiki-dori! Retaining the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional underground shopping street
Connected to Sun Road, the Miyako Underground Mall stretches beneath Nishiki-dori and offers convenient access to Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers, Century Toyota Building, and the Yanagibashi area, among others.
[Transportation Guide to Nagoya Station]
If you're touring Nagoya City, the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus "Me~guru" is convenient!
This popular sightseeing loop bus provides convenient access to many of Nagoya’s major attractions.
With the unlimited one-day ride “Me-guru 1DAY Ticket,” you can conveniently and affordably tour the major sightseeing spots in Nagoya City.
[Boarding location] Nagoya Station Bus Terminal, Stop No. 11
Main transportation options at Nagoya Station
Subway
The Nagoya Municipal Subway has six lines: the Higashiyama Line, Meijo Line, Meiko Line, Tsurumai Line, Sakura-dori Line, and Kamiiida Line. Trains run frequently and transfers are smooth, making it convenient for sightseeing around Nagoya City. From Nagoya Station, you can use the Higashiyama Line and the Sakura-dori Line.
Bus
Nagoya Municipal Bus routes run widely throughout the city and are also convenient for accessing areas not served by rail. The two main bus terminals at Nagoya Station are the Nagoya Station Bus Terminal and the Meitetsu Bus Center, from which Meitetsu buses, highway buses, and others depart.
Railways (JR, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, Aonami Line)
Nagoya Station is a major station on the JR Tokaido Main Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen. In addition to JR, there is Meitetsu, which connects Aichi and Gifu, and Kintetsu, which connects to Mie and the Kansai area, making access from outside the prefecture convenient as well.
There is also the Aonami Line, which connects Nagoya and Kinjo-futo.
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