Nagoya has significantly developed in recent years, particularly around the Nagoya Station area. Among these developments, Sasashima stands out as a symbol of modern urban rejuvenation. Previously, Sasashima was just a name that brought images of a bamboo island to mind. It has become a bustling hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Sasashima is located just a short 15-minute walk from Nagoya Station, despite its name, which means “bamboo island.” The vast commercial and entertainment complex has undergone significant renovations over the past three years. One of its most exciting additions is the Global Gate commercial center. There are many entertainment options in Sasashima, including dining, shopping, and live music. The area surrounding Nagoya Station has experienced significant growth in recent years, with new skyscrapers popping up all around. Sasashima, one of the most improved and well-renovated places, stands out among these areas.
The Crown Jewel: Global Gate Tower
Sasashima has been transformed by the construction of the Global Gate, a 37-story skyscraper that has wholly altered the Nagoya skyline. The building is approximately 170 meters tall and primarily consists of office spaces and the Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower. However, the lower five floors are dedicated to shopping and dining.
The design concept of the Global Gate is “Green Style,” with open-air courtyards, green spaces, and trees incorporated among the stores and eateries. The shopping experience is focused on upmarket lifestyle products, with shops such as Osu Deco and Lindra Living Interior specializing in interior design and 10 Mois Maternity catering to expectant mothers. Book Zakka is a great place to visit for those who enjoy reading or buying stationery. If you are a music enthusiast, Ongaku Tengoku (music heaven) has a studio where your band can jam! Union Sports sells everything related to soccer, while Kamihagi Cycle offers the latest road bike models.
If shopping is not your thing, you can dine at one of the many top restaurants in the building. The Corner is known for its phenomenal burgers, and Nagoya Cochin Yatori serves Nagoyan specialty chicken. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with something from Gram Cafe and Pancakes or enjoy wagyu beef and cheese at Hokkaido Cheese Factory. Nagoya’s Trunk offers excellent craft coffee, and AOI Brewing Tap and Grill is a great place to enjoy a decent beer.
A Blend of Green and Urban
Global Gate’s design philosophy, ‘Green Style,’ integrates open-air courtyards and green spaces within an urban setting. This blend of nature with the urban landscape offers visitors and office-goers a refreshing ambiance.
Shopping and Dining: A Class Apart
The shopping experience in Global Gate is tailored towards an upmarket lifestyle. It caters to varied tastes and needs, from interior design boutiques like Osu Deco and Lindra Living Interior to specialized stores like 10 Mois Maternity. For book lovers and stationery enthusiasts, Book Zakka is a must-visit.
When it comes to dining, the options are equally diverse and exquisite. The Corner’s burgers, Nagoya Cochin Yatori’s local chicken delicacies, Gram Cafe and Pancakes’ sweet treats, and Hokkaido Cheese Factory’s offerings are just a few examples of the culinary delights waiting for visitors.
Where: 4 Chome-60-12 Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward (map)
Website: shops.globalgate.nagoya
Market Square Sasashima: Entertainment Galore
Market Square Sasashima, located adjacent to Global Gate, is another significant part of this area’s revival. The main attraction of this square is the 109 Cinema complex, which features ten theaters, including an IMAX screen. Besides movies, the square offers a rooftop futsal pitch, a SEGA game center, and XR Amusement for cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.
The 109 Cinema, which locals call “109,” is the primary draw of Market Square, featuring ten theaters, including IMAX. It shows various movies, such as Hollywood hits, Japanese films, animation, and even “as live” K-Pop concerts. In addition to films, Market Square has other entertainment options, including a rooftop futsal pitch, a SEGA game center, and XR Amusement, where you can experience the latest technology, including a walkthrough VR attraction.
If you get hungry, many family-friendly restaurants are available at Market Square, such as Saizariya, an Italian restaurant; Bikuri Donki, a Japanese hamburg steak outlet; and the famous Golden Arches of McDonald’s.
Where: 4 Chome-60-14 Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward (map)
Website: market-square.jp/sasashima
Zepp Nagoya: The Music Heartbeat
Zepp Nagoya, located just a short distance from Global Gate, is the top live music venue in the city. It regularly hosts some of the biggest names in J-pop, J-rock, and international music scenes, making it an essential stop for music lovers.
Sasashima is a modern, convenient, and entertainment-packed district representing Nagoya’s new face. Whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, movies, or music, this area offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of Nagoya.
If you want to see big-name artists perform live in Nagoya, Zepp is probably the best place to go. It is the second-largest venue in the city after Nagoya Dome. Zepp is where the biggest J-pop and J-rock bands perform when they come to town. But it’s not just domestic artists that take the stage, as previous overseas acts have also graced the venue.
Where: 4 Chome-60-7 Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward (map)
Website: zepp.co.jp
Accessibility: Effortless and Convenient
The transformation of Sasashima has been complemented by excellent connectivity. Just a 15-minute walk from Nagoya Station, it’s also easily accessible via the Aonami line to Sasashima-Raibu Station or the Sasashima Welcome Bus.
Where: 4 Chome Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0872 (map)
Image via wikicommons [CC BY-SA 4.0]
