Sakae: Exploring the vibrant heart of Nagoya, Japan
Nestled in the bustling city of Nagoya, Sakae is one of the main commercial districts along with the Nagoya Station area. Centrally located at the intersection of Otsu-dori and Hirokoji-dori streets, Sakae has transformed from a small area in the Edo period to a modern, vibrant hub. This lively district offers a perfect blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions for visitors and locals alike.
History and development of Sakae through the ages
Sakae's history traces back to the Edo period when it served as the southeastern entrance to the area around Nagoya Castle. Houses were scattered throughout the district during this time. After the Meiji Restoration, public offices, schools, businesses, and traditional Japanese restaurants began to emerge in Sakae. The introduction of a tram line along Hirokoji-dori further expanded the town.
In the early 20th century, major department stores such as Ito Dry Goods (predecessor to Matsuzakaya) and Juichiya Department Store (predecessor to Maruei) opened their doors in Sakae. The area continued to develop as Nagoya's central commercial district following World War II, with the reconstruction of infrastructure, parks, subways, and underground shopping areas.
Navigating Sakae: Key streets, parks, and transportation options
Sakae is easily accessible via the Nagoya subway system, with stations at Hisaya Odori, Sakae, and Yaba-cho on the Meijo Line. Hisaya Odori Station also serves the Sakuradori Line, while Sakae Station connects to the Higashiyama Line. Buses radiate from Oasis 21 and a local bus station near the Chunichi Building.
The district is centered around the Sakae intersection, where Otsu-dori runs north-south and Hirokoji-dori extends east-west. Parallel to Otsu-dori is Hisaya Odori, a road that stretches from Yaba-cho to Sakae, with a section maintained as Hisaya Odori Park. This linear park hosts various events and is home to the iconic 180-meter Oasis 21 building and Nagoya TV Tower.
Nagoya TV Tower and the Oasis 21 Building in Sakae © John Lander
Shopping paradise: Department stores, malls, and luxury brands in Sakae
Sakae is a shopper's delight, offering a wide array of options from department stores and malls to luxury brand boutiques. The "3M" department stores - Matsuzakaya, Maruei, and Mitsukoshi - are well-known landmarks in the area. Parco, Nadya Park, and Lachic are other large shopping facilities extending into the adjacent Yaba-cho area.
High-end luxury import brand stores have been increasing along Otsu-dori, making it one of Japan's foremost shopping destinations. Visitors can find branches of Apple Store, Mikimoto Pearls, Agnes b., Christian Dior, and a massive five-story Uniqlo store. The IDCN design center in Nadya Park showcases unique designs and products.
Cultural attractions: Museums, theaters, and the iconic Nagoya TV Tower
Sakae is not just about shopping; it also boasts several cultural attractions. The Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, located on the 10th floor of the Aichi Arts Center opposite Oasis 21, houses an impressive collection of artworks. The Nagoya City Science Museum and the Electricity Museum offer engaging exhibits for all ages.
The Nagoya TV Tower, built in 1954, is a symbol of the city and provides panoramic views from its observation decks. At night, the illuminated tower can be seen throughout Sakae. The nearby Sunshine Sakae complex features a 42-meter Ferris wheel, shops, restaurants, and a pachinko parlor.
Sunshine Sakae Building and Ferris Wheel
Dining and entertainment: Restaurants, cafes, and local specialties
Sakae is a food lover's paradise, with countless restaurants, cafes, and bars and clubs catering to every taste and budget. Visitors can savor local Nagoya specialties like miso katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet with miso sauce), hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), and tebasaki (Nagoya-style chicken wings).
For those seeking international flavors, Sakae offers a wide selection of global cuisines, from Italian and French to Chinese and Korean. Many department stores and malls house food courts and dining floors, while the streets are lined with cozy cafes and lively izakaya (Japanese pubs).
Accommodations: Hotels and lodging options for visitors to Sakae
Sakae and the nearby Fushimi district offer a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. The Hilton Nagoya, one of the city's premier hotels, is just a short walk from Sakae. The hotel's Genji Restaurant is renowned for its superb sushi, tempura, and desserts made with cherry blossoms.
Other recommended hotels in the heart of Sakae include the mid-priced b Nagoya, the Hotel Creston above the Parco department store, the stylish Hotel Trusty business hotel, the affordable Hotel Econo Nagoya Sakae, and the reliable Tokyu Inn. These hotels provide easy access to Sakae's shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Parco Department Store, Sakae, Nagoya
Sakae's role in Nagoya's future development and competition with Nagoya Station area
As Nagoya continues to grow and evolve, Sakae remains a vital part of the city's fabric. However, the district faces increasing competition from the rapidly developing Nagoya Station area. To stay relevant and attractive to visitors and locals, Sakae must continue to innovate and offer unique experiences.
Recent developments like Oasis 21 and Sakae Park showcase the district's commitment to providing modern, engaging spaces while preserving its rich history and cultural heritage. By striking a balance between tradition and progress, Sakae aims to maintain its position as the vibrant heart of Nagoya, complementing the growth of the Nagoya Station area and contributing to the city's overall appeal as a must-visit destination in Japan.
For more information on exploring Nagoya and its many attractions, consider consulting Guide Books on Japan or browsing our Nagoya Highlights page.
