Nagoya Metro Guide 2026: Lines, Stations & Travel Tips

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Heading to Nagoya? The Nagoya Metro is clean, efficient, and perfect for getting around the city from Sakae shopping and Nagoya Castle to Nagoya Station and the airport.

This guide will show you how to use the Nagoya Metro, including lines, key stations, operating hours, ticket options, and handy tips so you can ride like a local while exploring the beauty of Nagoya.

Nagoya Metro Map and Lines

Nagoya Map Lines

Nagoya’s subway network is well-developed, covering the city center and surrounding districts with six lines.

Main Metro Lines :

  • Higashiyama Line (Yellow) – Connects Takabata to Fujigaoka, passing through Sakae and Nagoya Station. Ideal for shopping, sightseeing, and business districts.
  • Meijo Line (Purple) – A circular line linking major hubs like Kanayama, Sakae, and Nagoya Dome. Great for flexible travel around the city.
  • Sakuradori Line (Red) – Runs from Nakamura Koen to Tokushige, connecting Nagoya Station to Fushimi and the airport-bound Meitetsu line.
  • Tsurumai Line (Blue) – Extends from Kami-Otai to Akaike, passing through Nagoya Station and Toyota-related areas.
  • Kamiida Line (Green) – A short line branching from the Meijo Line, mainly serving northern neighborhoods.
  • Higashiyama-Kamiiida Extension – New sections added to improve city access in 2026.
💡 Pro Tip: Most stations have English signage, so navigating is easy even for first-time visitors.

Key Stations of Nagoya Metro

Nagoya Metro Train

Station

Why Stop Here?

Nagoya Station

Main transport hub: Shinkansen, JR, buses, and shopping

Sakae

Heart of downtown, shopping, restaurants, nightlife

Fushimi

Access to Nagoya City Science Museum and Osu shopping district

Kanayama

Transfer hub for JR, Meitetsu, and Kintetsu lines

Nagoya Dome-mae Yada

Near Nagoya Dome and entertainment venues

Hisaya-odori

Close to Nagoya TV Tower and cultural sites

Kamimaezu

Gateway to downtown restaurants and boutique shops

Nagoya Metro Operating Hours

Nagoya Metro Rush

The Nagoya Metro runs daily, with frequent trains but shorter evening hours than major cities:

  • First trains: 5:30–6:00 AM
  • Last trains: 11:30 PM
  • Frequency: Every 3–10 minutes depending on the line and time

💡 Tip: Peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) are busy, especially near Nagoya Station and Sakae.

Airport Access via Nagoya Metro

While the subway does not go directly to Chubu Centrair International Airport, connections are easy:

  • Take the Meitetsu Limited Express from Meitetsu Nagoya Station (~30 minutes).
  • Nagoya Station Access: Higashiyama Line or Meijo Line connects directly to Meitetsu Nagoya.

Nagoya Metro Tickets, Passes, and Fares

Nagoya Metro tickets

Nagoya Metro fares are distance-based and affordable:

Ticket Type

Fare (JPY)

Approx. S$

Short trips

210

~S$2.00

Medium trips

250

~S$2.40

Longer trips

330

~S$3.20

Children under 6

Free

Free

IC Cards (Manaca / TOICA):

  • Stored-value cards work on Nagoya Metro, buses, and even some convenience stores.
  • Price: ~¥2,000 initial (includes stored value)
  • Use: Tap at entry and exit; fare deducted automatically
  • Top-up: Ticket machines, convenience stores, or station counters
💡 Pro Tip: For multiple rides, IC cards save time and are more convenient than single tickets.

Top Rated Hotels in Nagoya

5 star

9.5/10Amazing3718 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.43km from downtown
I was very satisfied with my stay this time. The hotel is right next to Nagoya Station, making it convenient for travel to and from the hospital. The room was spacious and bright, very clean, and the environment was quiet, perfect for recuperation. The facilities were complete and well-maintained, and the service was attentive and polite. Downstairs, there's a large shopping area with plenty of dining and shopping options. The location is the biggest advantage, and overall, it was a great living experience. I highly recommend this Marriott when visiting Nagoya.
From€ 147
9.3/10Great2212 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.19km from downtown
Reliable wellness night. I choose this hotel because i want a good sleep before long transit next day, and it is exactly what i want. Good sleep, room clean, bed is comfy and have space enough for lay my 2 big lugguages. High floor with very Nice city view, good location walk easily to meitetsu station for chubu airport train. The public bath has very good decoration, smooth and relaxing. All staffs are helpful, the reception staff i've met she explain very clear for all amenity of hotel. The hotel location is near the fish market of nagoya, which we found good sashimi restaurant. And just walk only less than 5 minutes you can access to the unimall, underground mall with lots of local store, which for me it is very convenient for last tax free shopping.
From€ 89
9.2/10Great1629 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|1.9km from downtown
The room size is big enough and we cant find any hotel have such a size in Nagoya. All the staff are polite and able to communicate in English. This is exceptional compared to my experience in OMO... in Osaka where I needed to use Google translation app for communication. If you really want me to say any room for improvement, I would advice that the cleaning service. This is not about the 3 days deeping cleaning policy. It is about the slippers where they all threw under the seat or table. And I can also find that there are tissue or snacks under the table after cleaning. Anyway, I like this place and will definitely consider it again next time when I visit Nagoya.
From€ 129
9.2/10Great1515 Reviews
Sakae Nagoya|1.58km from downtown
The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the subway station, or a 1600 yen taxi ride from JR Nagoya. Although the hotel is a bit old, the facilities are very well-maintained. There's a drugstore and three convenience stores right downstairs, which is super convenient. It's also just a 10-15 minute walk to the shopping district, where you'll find Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Parco, and other major brands all on the same street.
From€ 75
9.2/10Great1153 Reviews
Nagoya|3.04km from downtown
Overall, my stay was excellent. The room was clean and tidy, and the environment was quiet and comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The front desk staff were polite and friendly, and communication was smooth. The location is very convenient, with plenty of shops nearby, and I could easily find a self-service laundry, making daily life and getting around hassle-free. The facilities are well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. It offers good value for money, especially for short-term stays for medical purposes. I would definitely consider staying here again on my next visit to Nagoya.
From€ 147
9.2/10Great441 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|1.87km from downtown
Firstly, a big thank you to the front desk staff – they were really enthusiastic and had a great attitude. English communication was absolutely no problem. I went to the convenience store to buy bread and fruit but didn't have a knife. The front desk staff went to the restaurant to borrow a dining knife for me to cut the fruit (and it was already midnight!). The room space was very generous, easily accommodating two large suitcases. For Japan, that's quite spacious. Although it's not directly connected to JR, and you might need an umbrella if it rains, the Fushimi station is very close, about a 5-minute walk. The only downside is the poorly designed bathroom, with water splashing out everywhere.
From€ 88

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Swimming pool

9.1/10Great935 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.06km from downtown
The room was spacious enough to lay out three suitcases. I always choose Daiwa whenever I visit Japan; it's great value for money. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from a bus stop that goes to Sakae, and about a 10-minute walk to Fushimi subway station (a bit tiring if you're dragging luggage). Nayabashi Bridge is right next to the hotel, and there's a delicious unagi restaurant and a Hida beef BBQ place nearby.
From€ 54
8.9/10Very Good501 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|0.59km from downtown
Waking up to a perfect view of the Mirai Tower right from our connecting room is an absolute jackpot! The prime location puts the subway, the tower, and Oasis 21 right at our doorstep. Clean, functional, and incredibly convenient, it’s the ideal home base for seamless city exploring.
From€ 45
9.6/10Amazing39 Reviews
Nagoya|1.05km from downtown
My stay at ESPACIO Nagoya Castle left a lasting impression, primarily due to the incredibly attentive and professional staff! From the moment we checked in, the service was exceptionally warm and welcoming. As foreign guests, we truly felt at home, thanks to their fluent English and Chinese, along with their thoughtful guidance. The hotel's interior is elegantly decorated, exuding an artistic ambiance. Whether in the lobby, restaurant, hot spring, or when staff were explaining room facilities, everyone always had a smile and readily attended to guests' needs. The hotel is conveniently located right next to Nagoya Castle, offering a peaceful environment, though finding dining options on the street at night can be a bit challenging. The breakfast selection wasn't extensive, but the food quality was remarkably high! I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel for its 100% service and museum-like artistic atmosphere. While it's on the pricier side, it absolutely delivers an unforgettable experience! A huge thank you to all the staff for making our stay so wonderful. We'll definitely be back on our next visit to Nagoya!
From€ 329
8.3/10Very Good157 Reviews
Sakae Nagoya|1.7km from downtown
My only issue is the room smelled like heavy smoking. I fixed it a bit by leaving the window open when I wasn't in the room. After leaving it open for the couple hours I was out after checking in the smell was tolerable. Excellent hotel.
From€ 44
8.3/10Very Good80 Reviews
Nagoya|10.03km from downtown
It's a 7-8 minute walk from Kasadera Station. The rooms have a tatami-like floor, and you take off your shoes at the entrance. The provided slippers are for use when going to the adjoining public bath. The public bath (Yutopia) is connected by a walkway on the second floor, but it's quite a walk. Alcohol isn't available from the vending machines in the hotel building, so you have to go to the vending machines in Yutopia. There's a drink service in the lounge on the first floor, and alcohol 🍷🍺 was available during the evening happy hour. There's a convenience store a 2-3 minute walk from the hotel. The female staff member at check-in couldn't even say ”Welcome” or ”Please make yourself at home,” so I had to enter my information on the monitor myself to complete the check-in, but my first impression was bad.
From€ 57
8.7/10Very Good26 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|1.93km from downtown
Last minute booked this hotel with onsen as this accommodation is the nearest to Nagoya station then. But it is still a 12 min walk from Meitetsu Nagoya (where you take the train to airport). Onsen is very small with 4 washing cubicles in the female. Amenities provided within the onsen are also limited eg 1 hair dryer with no seat. But the hot water relaxed the muscles after 1 day walking. I booked a bigger room that is meant for 2 to 4 pax. Comfortable stay, return your unused toothbrush and toothpaste in exchange fo a small treat. Welcome drink until 8pm is a plus point.
From€ 65

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Breakfast

9.1/10Great1379 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|0.91km from downtown
Location a little bit off the bustling sakae area, have to walk like 10-15min to reach dondondonki, room is comfy, with good lighting, there’s a few laundry machine to use, public bath is ok I felt the water is not hot enough otherwise is well equipped.
From€ 80
8.8/10Very Good1337 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.47km from downtown
The hotel is quite old but clean and provides good facilities. It’s located perfectly right next to the Nagoya station and in the same building as Meitetsu bus station. So it’s convenient to take a bus continuing to Takayama and other cities without any hassles. Many cafes and restaurants are underground and nearby buildings. I would really recommend this hotel for the stay in Nagoya.
From€ 65
9.2/10Great2169 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.89km from downtown
This hotel boasts an excellent location. From Central Japan International Airport, you can take the Meitetsu Line directly to Nagoya Station, and the hotel is just about 600 meters from the exit. There are three major convenience stores nearby – 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson – and a large Aeon supermarket about 800 meters away, making dining, living, and getting around incredibly convenient. Compared to other hotels, a 19-square-meter room is considered quite spacious here, and it's clean and tidy. Check-in was very easy, and for check-out, you just insert your card into the machine. Overall, it's a hotel with great value for money.
From€ 49
9/10Great1160 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.24km from downtown
The biggest plus is the location. As a solo female traveler visiting Nagoya for the first time, I felt very safe. It's only a few minutes' walk from Nagoya Station, and there's an LV store right downstairs. The area reminds me a bit of the shops above Guangzhou's Taikoo Hui. There are plenty of dining options nearby too. However, I had to request housekeeping; my room wasn't cleaned until the fourth day. I later found out it was because I hadn't hung the 'please clean' sign on the door. Other than that, everything else was fine. Hotels in Japan at this price point tend to be on the smaller side. The complimentary breakfast from the bakery downstairs was nice – a donut, a croissant, and a drink every day. It's definitely better value than buying it separately. If you're traveling solo and prioritize safety and convenience, this hotel is a great choice.
From€ 54
8.8/10Very Good1463 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|0.96km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, situated between two subway stations, both about a 6-7 minute walk away. It's a direct, two or three stop subway ride from Nagoya Station, and getting to other attractions is also very convenient. The room size is decent, a bit larger than other hotels I've stayed in. A special thanks to Ms. Mishima at the front desk; she was incredibly helpful, assisting me over two days with bus routes to various destinations. Overall, a very pleasant stay.
From€ 59
9/10Great930 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.84km from downtown
The 13.5 sqm room was really tiny. Even though I was prepared for it, it was still so small I could barely turn around. I only chose this place because the prices were too high during the three-day holiday. Breakfast was also very mediocre; I booked three nights with breakfast, but didn't bother going for the last two days.
From€ 47

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How to Ride Nagoya Metro

How to Ride Nagoya Metro
  1. Plan Your Route: Check station maps or apps; lines are color-coded and well-signed.
  2. Buy Ticket / Use IC Card: Tokens for one-time travel or Manaca card for multiple trips.
  3. Enter the Gate: Tap or insert token.
  4. Find Your Platform: Follow signs showing train direction.
  5. Board the Train: Wait behind the yellow line; let passengers exit first.
  6. Exit at Your Station: Tap or insert token to leave.
💡 Pro Tip: All stations are air-conditioned and some have elevators/escalators for luggage.

Tips to Board Nagoya Metro

Tips Using Nagoya Metro
  1. Plan Your Route in Advance
    Check the station map or a transit app for line colors, transfer points, and direction.

  2. Choose Your Ticket or IC Card
  • Single-journey ticket: Good for one-time rides; buy from ticket machines.
  • IC Card (Manaca / TOICA): Best for repeat trips; tap in and out for automatic fare deduction.
  1. Enter the Station
    Insert your token or tap your IC card at the fare gate. Make sure to hold the card flat and wait for the green light.

  2. Locate the Correct Platform
    Follow the color-coded line signs and English directions.

  3. Board Safely
    Stand behind the yellow safety line. Let passengers exit before you enter the train.

  4. During the Ride
  • Keep belongings secure and be mindful of crowded times (morning/evening rush).
  • Priority seats are for elderly, disabled, pregnant passengers, or those with small children.
  1. Top-Up IC Cards When Needed
  • Use ticket machines, convenience stores, or service counters.
  • IC cards can also be used for buses and some shops for convenience.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM for easy mobile data and navigation without hassle.

Top Nearby Attractions Accessible by Nagoya Metro

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle

One of the most famous landmarks in Nagoya, this historic castle was originally built in the early 17th century during the Tokugawa shogunate. 

Visitors can explore the reconstructed palace, admire traditional architecture, and walk through scenic gardens surrounding the castle grounds.

Highlights:

  • Famous golden Kinshachi (golden tiger-fish roof ornaments)
  • Honmaru Palace with detailed samurai-era interiors
  • Beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in spring
  • Large park area perfect for relaxing walks

Nagoya City Science Museum

Nagoya City Science Museum

Located in the Fushimi district, this modern museum is one of the largest science museums in Japan. 

It is best known for its massive planetarium and hands-on science exhibits that make learning interactive and fun for visitors of all ages.

Highlights:

  • One of the largest planetariums in the world
  • Interactive exhibits on space, energy, and technology
  • Giant tornado simulation experience
  • Great family-friendly attraction in central Nagoya

Osu Shopping District

Osu Shotengai Shopping Street

Osu is a lively shopping and cultural district known for its mix of traditional temples, street markets, electronics shops, and trendy boutiques. 

The area is also famous for street food and local festivals throughout the year.

Highlights:

  • Hundreds of small shops and street stalls
  • Popular Japanese street foods and snacks
  • Nearby historic temple Osu Kannon
  • Great place for souvenirs and local culture

FAQs About Nagoya Metro

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