Nagoya Hotels Guide: Where to Stay in Central Japan’s Metropolis

Nestled in the heart of Japan, Nagoya stands as the country’s third-largest city, offering a blend of modern attractions and deep-rooted traditions. While it might not be the first choice for nature enthusiasts, the city is home to iconic landmarks such as the revered Atsuta Shrine, second only in significance to the Shinto religion. For those seeking a touch of modern entertainment, theme parks like GHIBLI PARK and LEGOLAND JAPAN promise unforgettable experiences.

Strategically positioned, Nagoya serves as a gateway to various Japanese regions. Venture east to immerse yourself in the bustling vibes of Tokyo, or head west to explore the cultural tapestry of the Kansai region, encompassing cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. The northern Shoryudo route unveils historical gems like Shirakawa-go and Takayama, along with the scenic beauty of Kanazawa and Toyama in the Hokuriku region. To the south, the spiritual allure of the Ise Jingu Shrine and the picturesque landscapes of the Shima Peninsula await.

For travelers looking to make the most of their Nagoya adventure, choosing the right accommodation is crucial. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of top hotel recommendations, ensuring you have a comfortable base from which to explore all that Nagoya and its surrounding regions have to offer. Whether you’re seeking luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, our selections cater to a range of preferences, placing you in proximity to the city’s highlights.

Accommodation & Attractions Map

Selected Nagoya Hotel Ratings & Prices

Here is a curated selection of Nagoya hotels, primarily centered around the bustling Nagoya Station, the vibrant Sakae district, and the transit-friendly Kanayama area. You’ll also find recommendations near must-visit attractions like Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya Castle, and the Osu Shopping District. Whether you’re diving into Nagoya’s rich history, savoring its culinary delights, or exploring its modern marvels, these accommodations provide an ideal starting point for all the unique experiences Nagoya has to offer.

Nagoya Station Area

Nagoya Station is the city’s largest, serviced by the Shinkansen, JR line, Kintetsu Line, Meitetsu Line, Aonami Line, and two subway lines: the Higashiyama Line and Sakura-dori Line. Staying in this area offers excellent connectivity, whether you’re coming from the airport, exploring Nagoya, or using the city as your first stop before venturing into central Japan. Given the station’s vastness, transferring between lines can take time, so choose your hotel based on the lines you’ll use most frequently.

• JR: The Shinkansen (bullet train) and regular trains connect to various parts of Japan. For trips to Takayama, Hokuriku, and Kansai, travelers can utilize the JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. For destinations like Hokuriku, Tateyama Kurobe, and Matsumoto, the JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass is recommended.
• Meitetsu: This railway line not only connects Nagoya to Chubu Centrair International Airport but also extends to destinations like Gifu and Inuyama. Notable tourist attractions along the Meitetsu line include Inuyama Castle, one of the twelve original castles remaining in Japan, and Gifu Castle, famously associated with the revered Japanese figure, Oda Nobunaga.
  Above the Meitetsu railway, on the third floor, is the Meitetsu Bus Terminal, a major hub for intercity and regional bus services. The bus terminal’s strategic location above the railway station ensures seamless transitions for travelers using both bus and train services. For those planning extensive travels in the region, consider the Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass for added convenience.
• Kintetsu: For those heading to Ise Jingu Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant Shinto shrines, the Kintetsu Line is a popular choice. Additionally, Kintetsu trains serve routes to Kansai’s major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. If you’re primarily using the Kintetsu network, consider purchasing the Kintetsu Rail Pass.
• Aonami Line: This line connects Nagoya’s city center to its suburbs, with its terminal station leading to the LEGOLAND Japan Resort.

The area surrounding Nagoya Station is a sprawling urban landscape filled with towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and a plethora of dining options. The Takashimaya and JR Gate Tower complexes, for instance, offer a shopping experience that ranges from high-end luxury brands to local artisanal crafts.

For food enthusiasts, the underground shopping mall, known as Esca, is a gastronomic paradise. Here, one can savor Nagoya’s local specialties, such as miso-katsu and tebasaki, or indulge in international cuisines from around the globe.

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

• Rating: Booking.com 8.7/10.0, Agoda 9.0/10.0
• Price: JPY 32,000
• Transport: Nagoya Station 1min
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

This hotel boasts the best location in the Nagoya Station area. Directly connected to the station, it’s adjacent to the Kintetsu Line and a short walk across the street from the Meitetsu Line. The Shinkansen entrance is just five minutes away, making it centrally located among all lines. Numerous eateries are within the station, and shopping is convenient with the Takashimaya department store right below the hotel. As a five-star Marriott establishment, quality is assured.

Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel

• Rating: Booking.com 8.6/10.0, Agoda 8.9/10.0
• Price: JPY 20,000
• Transport: Nagoya Station 1min
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

Directly connected to Nagoya Station, this hotel offers a slightly more affordable option compared to the Marriott, yet still provides spacious rooms by Japanese standards.

Meitetsu Grand Hotel

• Rating: Booking.com 7.6/10.0, Agoda 8.1/10.0
• Price: JPY 12,000
• Transport: Nagoya Station 1min
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda
  

Located above the Meitetsu Line, the hotel’s lower floors house a shopping mall, and the third floor is the Meitetsu Bus Center, offering direct routes to various destinations in central Japan. The hotel has a classic business feel, but is well-maintained and offers good value.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagoyaeki Sakuradoriguchi

• Rating: Booking.com 8.2/10.0, Agoda 8.5/10.0
• Price: JPY 6,000
• Transport: Nagoya Station 5mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

A chain business hotel located near the Meitetsu Nagoya Station exit. Ideal for travelers using the Meitetsu Line, which is the only rail route to Nagoya’s Chubu Airport. Major attractions along the Meitetsu Line include Inuyama Castle, one of the twelve original castles in Japan, and Gifu Castle, a favorite related to the famous Oda Nobunaga.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagoya Shinkansenguchi

• Rating: Booking.com 8.3/10.0, Agoda 8.6/10.0
• Price: JPY 7,000
• Transport: Nagoya Station 5mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

Another chain business hotel, this one is a 5-minute walk to Nagoya Station and is close to the Shinkansen exit. The hotel appears to be new and clean, with moderately sized rooms.

Sanco Inn Nagoya Shinkansenguchi Annex

• Rating: Booking.com 7.9/10.0, Agoda 8.6/10.0
• Price: JPY 8,000
• Transport: Nagoya Station 3mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

An affordable business hotel located directly opposite the station. It’s one of the closest hotels to the Shinkansen exit. This hotel is particularly recommended for solo travelers, as the price for double rooms is significantly higher, and there are better options available in the vicinity for that price range.

Sakae Area

Sakae stands as the beating heart of Nagoya’s urban vibrancy. Often referred to as the city’s downtown, Sakae is a delightful blend of modernity and tradition. Towering skyscrapers, neon-lit streets, and bustling shopping arcades define its contemporary side, while serene temples and manicured gardens offer peaceful retreats, showcasing Nagoya’s rich history.

The area is home to some of Nagoya’s most iconic landmarks. The Mirai Tower, a modern architectural marvel, offers panoramic views of the city, while OASIS21, with its futuristic design, is more than just a bus terminal; it’s a space-age shopping complex complete with a floating garden.

But Sakae is not just about sightseeing. It’s a shopper’s paradise with a plethora of high-end boutiques, electronic stores, and traditional craft shops. The nightlife in Sakae is equally vibrant, with a multitude of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that come alive as the sun sets.

For those interested in arts and culture, Sakae boasts several theaters and galleries, including the Aichi Arts Center. Food enthusiasts will also find Sakae delightful, with its array of restaurants serving everything from traditional Nagoya delicacies to international cuisines.

Easily accessible by the city’s subway system, Sakae is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the dynamic pulse of Nagoya.

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

• Rating: Booking.com 8.2/10.0, Agoda 8.4/10.0
• Price: JPY 20,000
• Transport: Sakae Station 6mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

A classic upscale hotel with comprehensive amenities. While the facilities have aged, they are well-maintained. The hotel offers convenient parking and is about a 10-minute walk from the heart of the Sakae shopping district.

Hotel Actel Nagoya Nishiki

• Rating: Booking.com 8.5/10.0, Agoda 8.7/10.0
• Price: JPY 6,000
• Transport: Sakae Station 2mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

Situated at the heart of the Sakae shopping district, this hotel is surrounded by department stores, drugstores, clothing shops, and eateries. It’s conveniently located right by the Sakae subway exit.

Kanayama Area

Kanayama, often dubbed as Nagoya’s secondary city center, is a bustling hub of activity and connectivity. Strategically located, it serves as a vital crossroad for travelers, seamlessly linking them to various parts of the city and beyond.

But beyond its transportation prowess, Kanayama has its own unique charm and attractions. The area is a delightful mix of the old and the new. Modern shopping complexes and entertainment venues stand alongside traditional establishments, offering visitors a taste of Nagoya’s multifaceted culture.

One of the area’s crown jewels is the Kanayama Shrine, an ancient establishment that hosts the famous Kanayama Festival every April. This unique festival, known for its rather cheeky theme, attracts both locals and international tourists, adding a touch of whimsy to the area’s cultural tapestry.

Foodies will find Kanayama a gastronomic haven. From upscale restaurants serving Nagoya’s famed hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice) to cozy izakayas (Japanese pubs) offering a range of local delicacies, there’s something to satiate every palate.

Kanayama’s recent developments, including the vibrant Asunal Kanayama shopping complex and the expansive AEON supermarket, further enhance its appeal, making it not just a transit point, but a destination in its own right.

With its blend of convenience, culture, and commerce, Kanayama is a microcosm of what makes Nagoya so special, and is a must-visit for any traveler in the city.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya

• Rating: Booking.com 8.4/10.0, Agoda 8.6/10.0
• Price: JPY 20,000
• Transport: Kanayama Station 2mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

This luxury hotel, part of the ANA group, is a mere two-minute walk from the south exit of Kanayama Station. From here, you can easily access attractions like Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. It’s the most convenient station for the airport, with direct access to Chubu Airport in about 40-50 minutes.

Comfort Hotel Nagoya Kanayama

• Rating: Booking.com 8.3/10.0, Agoda 8.7/10.0
• Price: JPY 9,000
• Transport: Kanayama Station 2mins
• Check Availability: Booking.com, Agoda

A newly opened business hotel directly opposite the station. The hotel also features a convenience store on the ground floor. Guests can monitor the availability of coin-operated washing machines via the room’s TV.