Things to Do in Nagoya at Night

As you might have realized most museums and other points of interest in Japan close around 5 p.m.

Nagoya is no exception there. So, what should you do with the rest of your evenings? You don’t want to let them go to waste, right?

Especially when you only have a short time to explore a city like Nagoya.

Here is a list of things to do in Nagoya at night. Including some sights open at night but also the best places to visit if you want to have a great dinner or drink or if you want to dance the night away at a night club.

Great Deals in Nagoya and the Rest of Japan

To guarantee an amazing trip to Nagoya, book your portable WIFI or Sim card with Klook, as well as convenient transport from the airport to your hotel in the city.

Find great deals and discounts for your trip to Nagoya on Klook. We use this all the time when traveling around Japan!

Sky Promenade

The best view of the city is without a doubt from the Sky Promenade Observatory on top of Midland Square right outside Nagoya Station. It’s the tallest building in Nagoya and offers sweeping views over the whole city.

The open-air observation deck is on the roof-top surrounded on 360 degrees by walls of glass. This makes it possible to take in the whole city. From the far-away mountains all the way to the port of Nagoya you can see famous landmarks such as Nagoya Castle and Nagoya Station.

While you can visit the Sky Promenade from 11 a.m. in the morning the views are best during sunset or after dark when the whole city sparkles like a Christmas tree from the millions of lights coming from each window in the city.

A special event is held on the 1st of January each year where you can visit the Sky Promenade to see the first sunrise of the new year. It is one of the many experiences to have in Nagoya in Winter.

During summer a beer garden is set up on the deck and you can enjoy a cool beer and dinner while enjoying the views of the city.

SKY PROMENADE OBSERVATORY
Entry Fee: 750 yen (one day ticket 1050 yen)
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (July to September 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., January and February 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Address: 4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002 
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Night Cruises in Nagoya

If you want to get a different view of Nagoya you might want to join a Night Cruise in the port of Nagoya. Get on board, have a drink and marvel at the impressive industrial port skyline of Nagoya.

While there are no English speaking guides available during the cruise you can book your cruise on this website in English.

Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination

If you don’t mind traveling for about 30 minutes outside of Nagoya you should visit the Nabana no Sato winter illumination.

This illumination is a yearly event that takes place from October to May. It has a different theme each year. In 2019/2029 it is Sakura, which is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms.

It is one of the longest and largest illuminations in Japan and definitely worth a visit if you are in Japan during the event.

The park not only includes the impressive illumination itself but also a footbath, a hot spring, multiple restaurants, a beer garden and of course flowers all year round.

Read the full post on Nabana no Sato here.

During Christmas in Nagoya, many other illuminations also take place in the city, which are worth checking out.

NABANA NO SATO
Entry Fee: 2300 yen (including 1000 yen consumption voucher)
Opening Hours: Oct 19. 2019 – May 6. 2020 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (10:00 p.m. on weekends)
Address: 270 Komae, Nagashima-chō, Kuwana-shi, Mie-ken, 511-1144
Website | Google Maps

Sakae at Night

Sakae is a great place to visit for some high-class shopping during the day, or when you join a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour. At night Sakae changes completely.

Not only is Sakae the nightlife center of Nagoya with most bars, clubs and other nightlife opportunities all clustered in Sakae. It is also a beautiful part of town just to have a walk at night.

The central park called, Hisaya Odori Park where the Nagoya TV tower is located, as well as the Oasis 21 bus terminal, is lit up at night.

For the best view over Sakae visit the Aichi Arts Center viewing deck on the 10th floor. It’s usually open until 10 p.m. And the entry is free.

AICHI ARTS CENTER
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 1-13-2 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005
Website | Google Maps

Nagoya Food Tour

The Nagoya Meshi Food Tour ends at around 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. so it is not the right activity if you are looking for things to do in Nagoya at night.

You can, however, book a private tour with me that starts later. And so we could spend an evening together in Nagoya exploring the local food, having a couple of drinks and just exploring everything Nagoya has to offer.

Find more information here and contact me via email about a private food tour of Nagoya.

Shopping in Nagoya

Not all, but many of the shops in Nagoya open until 8, 9 or 10 p.m. This makes shopping the perfect activity for when all other attractions are closed for the day. And if you ever think you want to do some shopping at 3 o’clock in the morning visit Don Quijote in Sakae which is open 24/7 selling all kinds of discount items.

For all information on shopping opportunities in Nagoya read the full post.

The Best Restaurants for Dinner in Nagoya

After a long day of sightseeing, you are probably hungry, and there is no better way to start the end of the day with a delicious dinner. Preferably something local, only found in Nagoya.

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Miso Nikomi Udon at Yamamotoya

If you are looking for something delicious and affordable I recommend Miso Nikomi Udon.

Thick and firm Udon noodles are served in a soup based on local Hatcho Miso and Dashi broth. Topped with an egg, spring onion, and fish cake this dish is served steaming hot in an earthenware pot.

You can try the best Miso Nikomi Udon at Yamamotoya, with shops all over the city. I recommend finding a restaurant in Sakae if you are planning on visiting a bar or club next.

YAMAMOTOYA
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: Centirise Sake B1F 3-3-21 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Nagoya Cochin Chicken at Torigin

For those who are looking for a great dining experience, you might want to check out Torigin. This traditional Japanese restaurant in a beautiful setting is specialized in Nagoya Cochin, a special breed of chicken.

Their dinner course starts at 5000 yen per person and includes different chicken dishes such as chicken Sashimi, chicken Nabe, and the Nagoya staple dish Tebasaki (chicken wings).

TORIGIN
Opening Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Address: Miyagi Building 3-14-14-22 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

The Best Izakaya in Nagoya

An Izakaya is a Japanese style bar or tavern. But not really. It is hard to put an Izakaya in our western categories.

People visit these establishments with their friends or colleagues to have a beer or ten (or other alcoholic drinks). Shared dishes are ordered that can be best classified as ‘anything that goes well with alcohol’.

A visit to a Japanese Izakaya is really a must, but sometimes it can be really intimidating to visit such a place as a foreigner.

Sekai no Yamachan

In Nagoya, you don’t have to be afraid. There is an Izakaya that welcomes foreigners with open arms, English menus, and helpful often English speaking staff. And that establishment is called Sekai no Yamachan.

This Izakaya is specialized in Tebasaki, Nagoya style chicken wings but serves all kinds of local Nagoya specialties as well. Try some Miso Katsu, Kishimen or Ankake Spaghetti.

Sekai no Yamachan has multiple locations all over the city. It is easiest to just use Google Maps to find the one closest to you. You can also read this post if you would like more information.

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Umi no Hi

If you were looking for a place to enjoy Sashimi and fish with your drinks at night, you might want to check out Umi no Hi.

They also have a wide selection of Sake to go with the fish, so this might be a great chance to learn a bit about the local alcohol while enjoying some of the best fish dishes.

UMI NO HI
Opening Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. closed Sundays
Address: Sakae Highhome, 4-15-14 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Google Maps

The Best Bars in Nagoya

If you are looking for more of a western-style kind of establishment to have a couple of beers and maybe make some new friends Nagoya has those as well.

Mybar

If you are looking for great food, plentiful drinks, and amazing company visit Mybar. A small basement-bar with a friendly atmosphere. A great place to make new friends.

Some foreign locals describe it as a home away from home.

Mybar is located in Sakae district just a couple of minute’s walk from Sakae Station.

MYBAR
Opening Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. Sunday and Monday only till 12:00 a.m.
Address: Tatenomachi Building B1, 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Google Maps

Elephant’s Nest

This British pub has everything you are used to: beer on tap, pub food, darts, and big TVs to watch your favorite sports events.

This longstanding bar is a favorite with locals and visiting business people alike. Come, have some beer, try the best fish and chips in Nagoya, and makes some new friends!

The pub is located between Nagoya Station and Fushimi Station close to the Hilton hotel.

ELEPHANT’S NEST
Opening Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays till 2:30 a.m.
Address: 1-4-3 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website | Google Maps

The Best Clubs in Nagoya

If you want to go clubbing in Nagoya, you have to head to Sakae. It is after all the entertainment quarters of Nagoya. The two best clubs in town are iD Cafe and Steps.

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

iD Cafe

iD Cafe is the biggest nightclub in Nagoya, with 5 floors featuring different entertainments and music.

It is open every day from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and costs around 2000 yen admission (20 USD).

You can find more information and their event schedule on the iD Cafe website.

ID CAFE
Opening Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Address: 3-3-1-15 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps

Steps

At Steps, you can not only dance into the early morning hours, as it is the only club open until 6 a.m. but you can also enjoy dinner, and sports and even try out pole dancing, all under one roof.

STEPS
Opening Hours: 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Address: Hasegawa Building 2F 3-2-29 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website | Google Maps

Final Thoughts on Nagoya at Night

You might be wondering whether you have to be careful when out and about in Nagoya at night. But like anywhere else in Japan, the city is very safe.

The biggest danger in Nagoya at night is probably drunken businessmen who want to strike up a conversation with a foreigner.

But just in case I would advise not to go into dark alleys alone and use common sense.

Have fun at night in Nagoya!

Ready to Book your Trip to Nagoya?

Find the cheapest flights on skyscanner.com, book amazing hotels in Nagoya on booking.com and reserve discounted tours and other activities on klook.com!

The best way to get around Japan is a Japan Rail Pass, book your Japan Rail Pass now on jrailpass.com.

If you are looking for more things to do in Nagoya in general check out this post with more than 30 ideas! A one-day itinerary can be found here and general information on travel in Nagoya is right at your fingertips here.

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