We will introduce you to Sakae and Nishiki 3-chome in Nagoya, the center of the Tokai region, as well as Shizuoka’s entertainment district. This is a guide to fully enjoy Nagoya’s food and nightlife.
📍 Nagoya Sakae
Origin/History
Sakae, Nagoya’s largest entertainment district, has its origins as a red-light district during the Edo period. It developed as a castle town with the construction of Nagoya Castle, and during the Edo period, a red-light district was located around present-day Sakae. After the war, it developed as a symbol of Nagoya’s recovery, with landmarks such as the Nagoya TV Tower (now Nagoya TV Tower) and Oasis 21 being built, and it is now the largest downtown area in the Chubu region.
Features
The largest downtown area in Nagoya, an area where large commercial facilities, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities are gathered. There are tourist spots such as Oasis 21 and Nagoya TV Tower, and it is a comprehensive entertainment zone that can be enjoyed day and night. There are many restaurants where you can enjoy Nagoya’s famous hitsumabushi, miso cutlet, chicken wings, and kishimen, making it a sacred place for Nagoya food.
Recommended spots
Access
Directly connected to Sakae Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line and Meijo Line. Approximately 5 minutes from JR Nagoya Station by subway Higashiyama Line. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi”. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi from Nagoya Station to Sakae.
Precautions
It gets very crowded on weekend nights. The Sakae area is large, so we recommend deciding which stores you want to visit in advance. Nagoya’s underground shopping mall is complex, so if it’s your first time, use a map app.
📍 Nishiki Sanchome
Origin/History
Nishiki 3-chome is a representative entertainment district of Nagoya that stretches to the south of Sakae. It evolved from the post-war black market and has grown to become the center of Nagoya’s nightlife. It is said that the name “Nishiki” comes from the fact that this area was as beautiful as a brocade when viewed from Nagoya Castle.
Features
The largest entertainment district in Nagoya, with over 1,500 restaurants and bars. The narrow alleys are packed with unique shops, making it a fun area to just walk around. There is a wide variety of izakayas, bars, clubs, snacks, etc. There are many coffee shops in Nagoya that are famous for their “morning culture,” so you can finish off your morning with a Nagoya morning meal.
Recommended spots
Access
A few minutes walk from the subway “Sakae Station” or “Fushimi Station”. Within walking distance from Nagoya Station (about 15 minutes).
Precautions
Nishiki 3-chome has a strong element as a night town, so there are many touts late at night. Be sure to clearly say “no” to persistent touts. The public safety is relatively good, but please take good care of your valuables.
📍 Shizuoka Ryogaemachi
Origin/History
Ryougaecho, the central downtown area of Shizuoka City, originates from the Edo period when money exchangers for gold and silver coins gathered here. It has a prosperous history as Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Sunpu castle town, and is still Shizuoka’s largest downtown area.
Features
There are many shops where you can enjoy Shizuoka specialties such as “Oden,” “Sakura shrimp,” and “Shizuoka tea.” The area is also close to Sunpu Castle Park, making it easy to combine with sightseeing. There are many local restaurants, and tourists are welcomed in a warm atmosphere.
Access
About 10 minutes walk from JR Shizuoka Station. It takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Shizuoka Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen “Hikari” or “Kodama.”
📝 Summary
The entertainment districts of the Tokai region are rich in variety, from the large-scale downtown area of Nagoya to the calm town of Shizuoka. Sakae and Nishiki 3-chome are within walking distance, so we recommend visiting both. Please enjoy the Tokai night to the fullest with Nagoya food and local sake in hand.