Sakae, located in Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, is a bustling and influential district renowned as a central hub for entertainment and commerce in Nagoya. This vibrant area encompasses neighborhoods within walking distance of the Sakae intersection and Sakae Station, an intersection point for the Nagoya Municipal Subway, Higashiyama and Meijo lines, and the Meitetsu Seto Line. Just two stops from Nagoya Station on the yellow line, Sakae is easily accessible and serves as a focal point for the city.
In addition to its commercial significance, Sakae is often used as a broader reference for nearby areas such as Nishiki, Shin-Sakae, and Higashisakura, north of Sakae. This usage reflects the Japanese urban practice of using station names to refer to neighborhoods.
A key feature of Sakae is Hisayaodori Park, a cherished urban green space known for hosting events, especially on weekends. The park is also home to the Nagoya TV Tower, a 180-meter (about 590 feet) tall structure built in 1954 as Japan’s first TV tower. It has since become an iconic symbol of Nagoya, admired by families and couples, especially when illuminated at night, dominating Sakae’s skyline.
Adjacent to the Nagoya TV Tower is Oasis 21, a multifaceted complex known for its Water Spaceship roof and Milky Way Square. This area is famous for rooftop walks around the pond, offering splendid tower views. Oasis 21 also houses various restaurants and shops and hosts the Saturday morning farmer’s market and large public events like the World Cosplay Championships. The adjacent Aichi Fine Arts Center is a cultural beacon, hosting the Aichi Fine Art Museum and Aichi Performing Arts Theater.
The “3M of Nagoya” – Matsuzakaya, Maruei Sakae, and Mitsukoshi department stores – are prominent landmarks in Sakae, surrounded by other major shopping destinations like Parco, Nadya Park, and Lachic. This area, extending into Yaba-cho, is a paradise for shoppers, featuring everything from high-end luxury brands to popular stores like the Gap. Nearby, Nadya Park houses the International Design Centre Nagoya and the Loft Department Store, offering a wide range of products.
Sakae also boasts extensive underground shopping areas, including Central Park under Hisayaodori Park and the Sakae-Mori Underground Shopping Center near Sakae Station. These areas complement the above-ground retail experience with a variety of shopping options.
In addition to its daytime allure, Sakae is famous for its dynamic nightlife, attracting people across the Chubu region. The area comes alive at night with clubs, bars, and active street life. Notable nightclubs include iD Café, Gary’s, Club Quattro, Club JB’s, and Steps, while popular bars like MyBar, Bar 8, and 59’s offer diverse social experiences.
Nagoya’s Sakae neighborhood is a dynamic, multifaceted district, blending parks, iconic landmarks, and extensive shopping, dining, cultural, and entertainment options, firmly establishing it as a pivotal and vibrant area in Nagoya.
heiwa4126, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
