Nagoya Station is the central hub of travel in Japan’s Chubu region. With Shinkansen, JR lines, subway, and buses all connected, transportation is extremely convenient. The station building is one of the largest in the world, housing shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels, making it a true “station city.” As I noted in my book *How Cities Become Brands", Nagoya Station is not just a transit facility but an expanded concept of a city within the station itself. When unsure about where to eat, meet, or get tourist information in a new city, heading to the station is always a reliable strategy. The signage inside is clear, so even foreign visitors can navigate easily, and it’s an excellent starting point for nearby attractions. The only challenge is its massive scale and multiple lines, which can feel overwhelming at first. Overall, it was a very satisfying experience!
The station was super massive and we couldn’t get used to the directions at all, even at the end of our 3 days in Nagoya. Both the width and depth were unmatched, I couldn’t even recall getting that lost inside Seoul Stn., and got lost trying to locate if I was on the Meieki side or other side the entire time. And then up high were separate buildings and towers as well… We took trains, a day-tour bus and even a night bus there, and we had to confirm that the station despite being extremely modern and fully equipped, was a tourist’s worst nightmare when it comes to navigation…
To go Meitetsu Bus Centre: just follow the signboard that says MEITETSU LINE until you see MEITETSU BUS STATION
We took a Shinkansen from Osaka to Nagoya. The station is very busy and fairly big. After that we took a bus from Meitetsu Bus Terminal which is just around 5-8mins walk from here.
This is a very good station with lots of amenities and connectivity. Situated right beside JR Tower and Gate Tower, it provides direct access especially if you stay above.
Nagoya Station completely changed my idea of what a train station could be.
Before visiting Japan, I thought of train stations as places where you simply arrive, wait for your train, and leave. Nagoya Station is something entirely different. It is not just a transportation hub—it feels like a city within a city.
The station is enormous and packed with shops, restaurants, department stores, cafés, and services. You could easily spend hours here without ever boarding a train. Everything is conveniently connected, making it easy to shop, eat, and explore while traveling through the station.
I have not visited many train stations around the world, so perhaps this is common in Japan, but it was the first time I had ever seen anything like it. The scale of the place genuinely amazed me. Every time I thought I had seen the entire station, I would discover another floor, another shopping area, or another collection of restaurants.
Despite its size, I found the station surprisingly efficient and convenient. It serves as far more than a transportation center—it is a destination in its own right.
Whether you are catching a train, looking for a meal, shopping for souvenirs, or simply exploring Nagoya, Nagoya Station is worth experiencing. It was one of the biggest surprises of our trip and left a lasting impression on me.
