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

9.5/10Amazing3007 Reviews
Nagoya|2.43km from downtown
This is a well-established five-star hotel with an excellent location, right above JR Tower. Below it are several major department stores and the train station, making access very convenient. The biggest highlight is the rooms; if you're high enough, you can enjoy Nagoya's city views day and night. The photos turn out beautifully. I recommend taking some portrait shots in the window-side seating – they come out great. **Service:** We checked in on Valentine's Day, so it was bustling. We had to queue for check-in, but thankfully, the front desk staff were efficient, so we didn't wait too long. However, the downside was room service. As two adults and two children, we needed an extra duvet. After our call, housekeeping promised to send it but an hour passed with no delivery. We called again and still waited. It took at least two hours for it to finally arrive. **Facilities:** It has the standard amenities for a star hotel, with toiletries provided per person, and even individual lotion, which was a thoughtful touch. There was also a humidifier, a common feature in Japanese hotels. I never thought much of it before, but since it was winter and Nagoya's climate was particularly dry, humidification and moisture became especially important. I booked this stay because I wanted to try some of the popular restaurants downstairs, so I didn't include breakfast. But from what I saw passing by, I imagine it would be quite good.
FromSGD 209
9.3/10Great2003 Reviews
Nagoya|2.19km from downtown
This hotel has a great public bath, perfect for soaking away the day's fatigue. The hairdryer in the room is a Refa for hair care, and the staff are incredibly attentive. They thoughtfully provide amenities upon check-in, and the floor attendants are always friendly. The front desk on the 18th floor offers unbeatable views. Its location right in front of Nagoya Meitetsu Station makes it super convenient for arrivals from the airport and for taking the Shinkansen. The surrounding area is packed with restaurants and shops, and the views from the room are absolutely stunning. I would definitely want to stay here again.
FromSGD 184
9.1/10Great1391 Reviews
Nagoya|1.9km from downtown
Nikko Style Nagoya is a fantastic choice for location and convenience. Most of the places we planned to visit were within a comfortable 10 to 30-minute walking distance, which made exploring the city very easy. Nagoya Station is also only about a 10 to 15-minute walk away, making it very convenient for train travel to other destinations. The hotel itself is modern, stylish, and comfortable, making it a perfect base for both sightseeing and relaxation. Highly recommended for travelers who value accessibility and walkability.
FromSGD 180
9.2/10Great1306 Reviews
Nagoya|1.58km from downtown
I stayed for three nights and was very satisfied. The room was spacious, not cramped at all, and I even got upgraded to a higher floor. It's very close to the Sakae shopping district, with all the malls just about a 15-minute walk away. In the other direction is Shin-Sakae, where you can find quite a few Chinese restaurants. There's a Sugi pharmacy right outside the hotel, which is super convenient for buying cosmetics, daily necessities, and food – I shopped there every day. For breakfast, you can choose between the ground floor buffet or the second-floor Japanese set meal. I'd definitely recommend the buffet on the ground floor; it has a wide variety, including名古屋特色的烤鸡翅 (Nagoya-style fried chicken wings), though it can get a bit crowded. The service was also excellent, absolutely flawless. I'll definitely stay here again if I come back to Nagoya. The only thing to note is that the road leading to Sakae is a gentle uphill slope, which might be a little tiring if you're pushing a stroller.
FromSGD 77
9.2/10Great882 Reviews
Nagoya|3.04km from downtown
This hotel offers great value for money. Although it's a bit far from Nagoya Station, it's conveniently located right next to the Aonami Line, providing direct access to the subway. The hotel environment is excellent, and the views are unique. The rooms are quite spacious for Japan. The breakfast selection is also very rich, and the food tastes good. Overall, it's truly commendable! 👍
FromSGD 173
9.2/10Great437 Reviews
Nagoya|1.87km from downtown
After a month and a half, I flew to Nagoya again and chose to stay at the Hilton once more. This time, I got a really good deal on the room, I'm not sure why. Even though it was closer to Christmas and the annual conference season, and the hotel occupancy was much higher than in late October, the price was over 300 RMB cheaper per night compared to my stay then. Overall, there's not much new to say about the hotel; it's not my first review. The room is very spacious, and the location is super convenient for getting around and transportation.
FromSGD 133

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Swimming pool

9.1/10Great871 Reviews
Nagoya|2.06km from downtown
This hotel is absolutely fantastic! Honestly, I can't find anything to complain about, except maybe the price. The facilities are new, the service is impeccable, and the three single beds were incredibly comfortable. The breakfast was exquisite with a wide variety of options, and the room was spotlessly clean. The location is also a huge plus – there's a 7-Eleven right outside and a Don Quijote just a short walk away. It's about a 15-minute walk to Nagoya Station and 7-8 minutes to Fushimi Station, making it super convenient for visiting the Science Museum, Osu Shopping Street, and Sakae shopping area. The room itself was very spacious, and they even provided free bottled water and ice pops. I'll definitely be staying here again next time I'm in Nagoya!
FromSGD 89
8.9/10Very Good342 Reviews
Nagoya|0.59km from downtown
Extremely satisfied with the service. It's a small hotel, but the buffet is fantastic with a great variety of food. The front desk staff helped me exchange some change, and the hotel is right next to a subway station. You can even walk to Nagoya Castle, which is very convenient.
FromSGD 61
9.8/10Outstanding13 Reviews
Nagoya|1.05km from downtown
From the guest-only entrance, you pass through a space surrounded by artworks to the reception desk, where you can enjoy the utmost in luxury. From both the reception and the restaurant, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Nagoya Castle all to yourself. With an unobstructed view all the way to the main citadel, you'll almost forget you're in central Nagoya. On the other hand, the guest rooms with a view of Nagoya Castle and those on the other side give very different impressions. From the rooms on the other side, you can see the residential cityscape of Nagoya, and there are no particularly good spots for a night view. If you're going to stay overnight, why not splurge a little and enjoy the spectacular view of Nagoya Castle from your room from the morning? Before my stay, I thought the price was high for accommodation in Nagoya, but it was worth it.
FromSGD 1,305
8.9/10Very Good60 Reviews
Nagoya|1.82km from downtown
It's about a 10-minute walk from Fushimi Station on the subway. The downside is that there's no elevator at this station, so carrying luggage up the stairs can be a bit of a hassle. The room, while not large, is clean and tidy. It also has an onsen (hot spring), free massage chairs, and a unique sauna – a relaxing soak and massage after a long day of walking! There are also convenience stores and a Don Quijote nearby, which is very convenient! The only downside is the limited breakfast options; each day only includes bread, two types of soup, milk, and coffee. I would definitely stay here again next time.
FromSGD 110
8.4/10Very Good155 Reviews
Nagoya|1.7km from downtown
I enjoyed staying here for 3 nights. Very friendly staff and budget-friendly hotel for solo-travellers. Around 10 miniute walk to Sakae station. Easy to access the centre of Sakae, can walk to see Mirai Tower and shopping malls. I also enjoyed breakfast and public bath. At the lobby, they also serve self-cafe machine so you can have coffee, newspaper, and extra amenities. The room was very clean. I will stay here again when I visit Nagoya again 😊.
FromSGD 64
8.5/10Very Good59 Reviews
Nagoya|10.03km from downtown
The hotel is about 10 minutes away from the station. There is a convenience store downstairs, which is very convenient for buying midnight snacks. The hotel room is spacious, the air conditioning is very powerful, and the TV is new and responsive. To go to the bathhouse, you can use the special passage for hotel guests on the second floor. After putting down your shoes, go down to the first floor, where the entire floor belongs to the bathhouse. Although I was barefoot, it didn't feel dirty at all. The service staff was always working hard to clean, which made me feel at ease. The bathhouse is very big, with many pools to soak in, normal, massage, electric, carbonic acid, etc... There are also dry and wet saunas, as well as cold saunas. Very well equipped, a great place to relax. The breakfast is a very traditional Japanese breakfast, delicious and with many choices. It is a very reassuring stay experience!!
FromSGD 75

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Breakfast

9.2/10Great1213 Reviews
Nagoya|0.91km from downtown
There's a convenience store right downstairs from the hotel, and the room comes with plenty of amenities. The toilet and shower are separate, and the hot tub is open until 1 AM. It's also not far from the station, and the service is great. The bed is definitely big enough for two people.
FromSGD 81
8.8/10Very Good1171 Reviews
Nagoya|2.47km from downtown
The location is great! From the central exit of Nagoya Subway Station, turn right, go down two sets of stairs, and you'll find an elevator lobby. Take that elevator to the 1st floor, then switch to the elevator across from it to the 11th-floor lobby for check-in. I was relieved that my large suitcase could open and lay flat in the room, and there was also a full-length mirror. The cleanliness was excellent, with no strange odors. My room faced the street, but it wasn't noisy, and I could see the TV Tower across the way. Taking the elevator directly to the 3rd floor leads you to the bus station, which is very convenient for traveling to other cities. The only minor issue was that the Wi-Fi was unstable and would disconnect automatically.
FromSGD 86
9.3/10Great1845 Reviews
Nagoya|2.89km from downtown
2nd time staying here. Love the toilet where the wet and dry concept applies with traditional Japanese sit and bathe. Also love it where the dressing table is inside. Surrounding loads of food available and best of all 6 mins walk to Nagoya main station. The lift took a little longer but its fine. The staff also needed help via translator app to understand english but they did make sure we get all our enquiries and requests right so to me its not an issue. Klook tour pick up bus is 4 min walk away. Super convenient! Definitely my top choice of stay in Nagoya.
FromSGD 98
9.1/10Great949 Reviews
Nagoya|2.24km from downtown
Having stayed at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka-Kitahama before and loving the room and breakfast, I canceled my other bookings and specifically chose to stay here for 4 consecutive nights. The hotel is very close to Nagoya Station, making it incredibly convenient for JR lines, Shinkansen, and Meitetsu. We had connecting rooms, which was great for looking after the elderly. Everything was wonderful, until breakfast... Breakfast was American donuts, literally just donuts. The breakfast voucher included an Egg McMuffin + a donut + a coffee (or black tea). This is really not suitable as a proper breakfast and simply can't compare to the buffet breakfast at Osaka-Kitahama. Everything else was great, it was just the breakfast that was a letdown. I'd recommend booking a room without breakfast.
FromSGD 121
8.9/10Very Good1292 Reviews
Nagoya|0.96km from downtown
This hotel is conveniently located near Nagoya TV Tower in the bustling downtown area, about 500-600 meters from the subway station and two stops from the city center, making it great for sightseeing and shopping. You can even walk to Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The breakfast is quite substantial, and the rooms are clean. In the evenings, there are plenty of affordable and delicious restaurants and pubs nearby. It's an excellent choice for a stay in Nagoya.
FromSGD 102
8.9/10Very Good787 Reviews
Nagoya|2.84km from downtown
This hotel is actually located at the Taikō-dōri exit, not the Shinkansen exit, which is a bit confusing given its name. However, it's good that it's at the Taikō-dōri exit, as the Shinkansen exit is too far for most tourists who typically won't be using the bullet train. The hotel's location is decent. If you're really tired after a day out, it might feel a bit far from the station, but if you have some energy, it's perfectly fine. The hotel itself is very nice, with a good atmosphere and excellent service. The front desk can arrange Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Takkyubin) to send your large luggage from this hotel to your next one (delivery is next-day). The price varies by luggage size; a 26-inch suitcase cost me around 150 RMB. However, the room is genuinely tiny. You can't even fully open a half-opened suitcase flat on the floor. Breakfast was absolutely terrible... Thankfully, there's a Lawson or FamilyMart just about 50 meters away.
FromSGD 103

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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
See All Attractions
7112 booked
4.9/5523 reviews
Nagoya to Shirakawa-go & Hida Takayama: UNESCO Heritage 1-Day Tour
Day tours
S$ 62.84
638 booked
4.4/525 reviews
1-day tour of Shirakawa-go + Hida Takayama + "Your Name" in Nagoya, Japan
Day tours
S$ 58.01
12 booked
5/51 review
Japan 1-day tour to Eiho-ji + Magome + Tsumago-juku + Ena Kyo Observation Deck
Day tours
S$ 78.94
1 booked
Nagoya Trip Moments[Local professional photographer for 1-hour photo shoot · Photos delivered within 7 days · 100+ unedited photos included]
Travel photography
S$ 148.85
2445 booked
4.9/5212 reviews
Nagoya Airport to City Train Ticket [Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya Station]
Train tickets
S$ 7.90
4 booked
5/51 review
[Small group with guide] Classic 1-day tour from Nagoya: Shirakawa-go & Takayama Old Town
Day tours
S$ 98.38

FAQs About Nagoya Metro

  • Which stations are key for tourists?

    Nagoya Station, Sakae, Fushimi, Kanayama, Nagoya Dome-mae Yada.
  • Can I use one ticket for multiple rides?

    Single tickets are one-way only; IC cards are better for repeat travel.
  • Does the subway go to the airport?

    Not directly; use Meitetsu Limited Express from Meitetsu Nagoya Station.
  • Is Nagoya Metro easy for first-time visitors?

    Yes, English signage and color-coded lines make navigation straightforward.
  • What is the best way to pay?

    IC cards like Manaca or TOICA are convenient; single tickets work for occasional riders.
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