My wife and I wandered up to Oasis 21 after a fantastic Nagoya pork katsu dinner, and it turned into one of the most relaxing evening walks of our whole trip. The rooftop “Spaceship Aqua” pool was crystal clear — perfectly still, beautifully lit, and quietly reflecting the Nagoya TV Tower and surrounding streets.
What really struck us was how peaceful it was. For a spot this beautiful, it was surprisingly empty. Just a few people strolling, soft city sounds below, and that cool night air moving across the water.
Japan’s tourism board always encourages visitors to explore beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — and honestly, this is exactly what they mean. Nagoya has its own charm, its own rhythm, and Oasis 21 is a perfect example of that.
We thoroughly enjoyed Nagoya and all its offerings, and Oasis 21 ended up being one of those unexpected highlights that stays with you long after the trip. Highly recommended for a calm, memorable evening walk.
Very cool, futuristic complex famous for its signature "Spaceship-Aqua" glass roof structure. It's super convenient to get to since it houses a bus terminal and links right up to the subway and Meitetsu lines.
If you visit during the day, it's quite empty due to the blazing sun, but it's the perfect time to snap clear pictures. At night, it comes alive with crowds when the whole structure and the neighboring tower are fully lit up.
Pro-Tip: For the best possible overhead view of Oasis21, go up to the 11th floor of Aichi Arts Center.
In November 2018, my wife and I visited Oasis 21 in Nagoya. The Spaceship Aqua roof is an architectural marvel. Walking on the glass deck filled with water offered stunning views of Nagoya TV Tower. Below, the bustling shops and local event spaces created a vibrant, memorable atmosphere perfect for couples.
Visited Oasis 21 in Nagoya – a unique multi-level complex with the famous ‘Spaceship-Aqua’ glass roof. While the exterior didn’t exactly feel like a spaceship of water, I appreciated the idea of designing the underground and ground floors horizontally rather than stacking them vertically. Instead of filling space with dense vertical buildings, this complex shows how multifunctional use can be achieved in a more open way. The underground level connects directly to the subway, and the under floor links to the bus terminal, making it highly accessible. I had mentioned this facility in a seminar on urban regeneration, and actually visiting it gave the experience much more meaning. Overall, a modern landmark worth seeing during a Nagoya trip.
The shopping complex is directly connected to Sakae Station via exits 4 and 4A, making it very convenient to visit regardless of the weather. There are several interesting specialty stores to explore, including the Ghibli Donguri Republic shop and the Chunichi Dragons fan store, both of which are worth a look even if you’re just browsing.
It’s a pleasant place to spend some time while exploring the Sakae area, with a good mix of shopping, entertainment, and local character.
