Meieki
名駅
Things to Do in and Around Meieki
The Meieki area is known as the gateway to Nagoya. It is characterized by an urban cityscape lined with high-rise buildings and an underground shopping district that stretches beneath the streets. Many famous restaurants serving Nagoya-meshi, the local Nagoya cuisine, are gathered here, making it an ideal place to stop by at the beginning or end of your trip.
Where is Meieki?
Meieki is an area located in the central part of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. It spreads out around Nagoya Station and extends across Nakamura Ward and Nishi Ward. To the east lies the Sakae area, and to the south is the Osu area, both within easy walking distance or a short subway ride. Serving as the main gateway for sightseeing in Nagoya, Meieki is a key transportation hub where many lines converge, including the Shinkansen, conventional rail lines, subways, and buses.
Getting Around
The Meieki area is accessed via Nagoya Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, which serves as its main gateway. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo and about 50 minutes from Osaka. Conventional lines such as the JR Tokaido Main Line and Chuo Main Line, the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line, and the Kintetsu Nagoya Line also serve the area, and it is about 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport by Meitetsu. The Higashiyama and Sakura-dori subway lines also run through the area, making it easy to travel to various parts of the city.
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About Meieki
Around Nagoya Station, skyscrapers such as JR Central Towers, JR Gate Tower, Midland Square, and Dai Nagoya Building rise side by side. In particular, JR Central Towers was recognized by Guinness World Records as the “world’s tallest station building” when it first opened. At night, the lights of each building switch on all at once, creating an impressive skyline to enjoy.
“Nana-chan Mannequin,” a Classic Meeting Spot
Nana Chan (Mannequin) / PIXTA
The giant mannequin “Nana-chan,” standing in front of the Meitetsu Department Store, has been loved as a symbol of Nagoya since it was installed in 1973. With a height of about 6.1 meters, it has a strong presence, and one of its highlights is that its outfits change according to the season and various events. For locals, saying “Let’s meet in front of Nana-chan” has become the standard meeting arrangement.
Enjoying Nagoya Cuisine
Miso Katsu / Photo AC
The Nagoya Station area is also known as a place where you can enjoy so-called “Nagoya-meshi” all in one go, including miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce), tebasaki (chicken wings), hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), and kishimen (flat udon noodles). In the underground shopping malls directly connected to the station, such as “Esca” and “Meieki Underground Shopping Mall Sun Road,” a wide variety of restaurants—from long-established eateries to new spots—line the corridors, making it easy to savor the flavors of Nagoya even during a short stay.
Drawing Attention as the Starting Station of the Chuo Shinkansen (Maglev)
Nagoya Station is currently undergoing large-scale redevelopment as the starting station of the Chuo Shinkansen (maglev), which aims to begin operation sometime from 2027 onward. The line is planned to connect Tokyo and Nagoya in about 40 minutes, and further development of the area is expected after it opens. There are also spots where you can observe the construction work, offering railway fans a rare sight that can only be seen right now.
Spontaneous Music from the Station Piano
Inside Nagoya Station, a “street piano” has been installed that anyone is free to play. Passing travelers and businesspeople sometimes suddenly perform beautiful pieces, giving you the chance to encounter unexpected music.