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

9.5/10Amazing3688 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.43km from downtown
The convenience of transportation and dining at Nagoya Marriott needs no further explanation. Let me offer a few valuable comparative insights. All superior rooms, including corner rooms, are small with no dining table and no separate shower area. If you're traveling with children, I recommend booking a deluxe twin room. If you notify the staff, they will push the two beds together, making a very large bed, approximately 2.4 meters wide. Deluxe rooms are primarily located on the east and west sides of the building. The advantage of the west side is that the room gets sunlight all day, so clothes hung on the curtain rod are sure to dry completely in a day. The downside is that the train station is below, which might lead to noise. I haven't stayed there, so I can't confirm. The pictures on Ctrip show rooms on the west side. The advantage of the east side is that it's quiet. The downside is that the dining table in the room is a movable one instead of a fixed one, making it slightly smaller. The room only gets sun before 11 AM, but it won't be exposed to scorching afternoon sun. I stayed in an east-side room; please refer to the floor plan I uploaded. Overall, I recommend it, given the convenient transportation and dining. However, staying at a transportation hub does feel a bit disconnected from local life, being far from residential areas, so there aren't many izakayas nearby. Also, note that the station downstairs closes after midnight. If you return late, you'll have to walk around to the west side of the building to enter the hotel. Furthermore, the voltage in Japanese hotels is 110V, which isn't enough to power a Dyson hairdryer brought from overseas.
From€ 121
9.3/10Great2183 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.19km from downtown
The hotel is conveniently connected to one of the exits of Nagoya Station, which was a huge plus for us on both sunny and rainy days—especially since it rained during part of our stay! I stayed at this hotel twice: once when I first arrived in Nagoya, and again after returning from a 2D1N trip outside the city before flying home. I'm so glad I chose Mitsui both times! As all the guest rooms are located above the 18th floor, the views were fantastic. From our room, we enjoyed a beautiful bird's-eye view of Nagoya City. In fact, I almost felt like I didn't need to visit the observation deck on the 51st floor of JR Central Towers to enjoy the city skyline! The service was excellent as well. The hotel kindly stored our luggage while we were away on our overnight trip. When we returned to check in for our second stay, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our luggage had already been moved to our room without us even having to ask. A big thank you to the staff for being so attentive and proactive in preparing everything before we arrived. Besides its excellent location next to Nagoya Station, there is a FamilyMart and a 7-Eleven directly opposite the hotel. There's also a Mister Donut across the road, where we grabbed breakfast and snacks before heading out each day. Overall, I honestly have nothing to complain about. The location, service, and comfort all exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely stay here again when I visit Nagoya.
From€ 94
9.2/10Great1596 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|1.9km from downtown
Although this hotel isn’t directly next to Nagoya Station, it only takes a 15-minute walk to get there. The guest room is spacious, cosy and clean. A thoughtful touch—the hotel supply steam eye masks and foot masks for guests! All the staff members are polite and warm during our stay. Overall a wonderful experience here. Thanks to the whole hotel team!
From€ 97
9.2/10Great1486 Reviews
Sakae Nagoya|1.58km from downtown
My friend stayed here last year and recommended it, saying that while it's not new, it's very well-maintained. After checking in, I can confirm that's true. Built in 1987 and renovated in 2018, the hotel is indeed well-kept in all aspects. The staff also have an excellent service mindset. For instance, on several occasions, when returning to the hotel, lobby staff would quickly go ahead to press the elevator button for me. When leaving, the doorman and lobby manager would always greet me with a smile.
From€ 48
9.2/10Great1135 Reviews
Nagoya|3.04km from downtown
I had a wonderful stay at Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower. The rooms were modern, spacious, and offered incredible views of the city, while the staff provided excellent service throughout my visit. During my stay, I enjoyed exploring the Osu Shopping District, visiting Nagoya Castle, and trying some of Nagoya's famous local cuisine before returning to relax at the hotel each evening. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and memorable stay in Nagoya.
From€ 147
9.2/10Great445 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|1.87km from downtown
This older hotel is just one subway stop from Sakae or Nagoya Station, offering a reassuring stay. Our spacious room, perfect for four, featured two 1.2m beds and two tatami mats, which were incredibly comfortable. The separate wet and dry areas, as well as the shower and bathtub, were exceptionally large. The Japanese-style decor in a city center hotel felt very unique. Breakfast is served in the lobby with a wide variety of options – highly recommended.
From€ 74

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Swimming pool

9.1/10Great929 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€ 34
8.9/10Very Good476 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|0.59km from downtown
The accommodation is very clean, the staff are lovely, and the food is delicious. Amenity is complete but the smell in bathroom sometime smell really bad. Overall it excellent!
From€ 34
9.6/10Amazing38 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€ 549
8.3/10Very Good160 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€ 38
8.1/10Very Good79 Reviews
Nagoya|10.03km from downtown
Kasadera Hotel is a perfect choice for a relaxing getaway. The direct connection to the spa is a standout feature, making it incredibly convenient to unwind after a long day. I’ve stayed here a few times, and the experience has always been smooth and enjoyable. A great spot for comfort and relaxation!
From€ 50
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€ 61

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Breakfast

9.2/10Great1382 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€ 63
8.7/10Very Good1327 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.47km from downtown
Facilities: The facilities are a bit old. The drainage in the shower was very slow, but disposable slippers were provided. There was no free bottled water. Cleanliness: The room was clean and tidy, with no unpleasant odors. Location: The location is fantastic, right next to Nagoya Station, with the Meitetsu bus terminal located on the hotel's third floor. Service: The front desk staff were very enthusiastic and patiently answered my questions about store locations.
From€ 49
9.2/10Great2157 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€ 52
9/10Great1141 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€ 37
9/10Great1424 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|0.96km from downtown
The hotel facilities are new, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The front desk service is professional and friendly. The breakfast selection is rich and delicious, and the service is excellent. You can tell the hotel pays attention to many details. Overall, my stay was very satisfying, and I highly recommend this hotel when visiting Nagoya.
From€ 40
9/10Great909 Reviews
Nagoya City Centre Nagoya|2.84km from downtown
Nothing but greatness of this hotel. It is a short walk from the main Nagoya station but with luggage it is manageable; the hotel is not right in front of the station. Need a couple of minutes of walking. Love the room and service at this hotel. The hotel also have information on eatery places.
From€ 38

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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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