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Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto constantly make headlines and top travel charts. But what if I told you there was an equally impressive, gigantic metropolis with as much historic charm as these cities – but without the tourist crowds?
Welcome to Nagoya – a city where old-school samurai history meets cutting-edge technology. One minute, you’re eating fresh nigiri in a tiny alleyway; the next, you’re summiting to the top floor of a futuristic skyscraper for a cocktail with a view. Nagoya is famous for its castles, car manufacturing industry, and, unsurprisingly, wild nightlife.
Choosing where to stay in Nagoya isn’t just about where you rest your head at night. It’s about crafting your adventure from start to finish. Like many big cities, this one is sprawling, with a very different vibe from one neighbourhood to the next. Let’s unpack this:
Photo: @audyscala
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Nagoya?
After the TLDR version? Don’t worry; these three properties highlight the best of the best accommodations in Nagoya for you to stay while travelling in Japan:
LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL, Sakae | Best Hotel in Nagoya
For those who find solace in the pages of a good book, Lamp Lights Books Hotel is a dream come true. It’s a themed boutique hotel designed for book lovers, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the middle of the city.
When you aren’t indulging in the privacy of your beautiful suite, feel free to browse the collection of books and get lost in a story in one of the common areas.
Trip and Sleep Hostel, Osu | Best Hostel in Nagoya
With modern capsule hotels gaining traction across Japan, finding a good hostel in Nagoya isn’t always easy. Trip and Sleep hits the sweet spot between affordability, comfort, and a social atmosphere. It’s designed with culture-seeking backpackers in mind, with dorm options ranging from bunk-style beds to traditional Japanese tatami mat rooms for those seeking a more authentic Japanese hostel experience.
Modern 2-Bed Condo with Full Kitchen, Fushimi | Best Airbnb in Nagoya
Nestled in the heart of one of Nagoya’s most well-connected neighborhoods, this modern condo is a sleek yet comfortable home base. With two bedrooms, it’s perfect for couples, small families, or close friends and is designed with thoughtful furnishings and plenty of natural light.
With a fully equipped kitchen, in-unit laundry, and air conditioning, it has all the comforts of home, making it ideal for longer stays.
Nagoya Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Nagoya
Sakae
Sakae is Nagoya’s busy downtown district. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to be right in the middle of the action and have a bunch of amenities within walking distance.
Nagoya Station Area
Nagoya Station Area is the immediate area surrounding the city’s main station. But it’s not just a transit hub. It’s a dynamic district filled with affordable accommodations and unbeatable access to the rest of the city.
Fushimi
Japan has a solid reputation for its nightlife, and the Nagoya neighbourhood of Fushimi is at the heart of this city’s music and nightlife scene. By day, this area is known for its high-rise towers filled with businesses and offices.
Osu
Think of Osu as the cultural centre of Nagoya. This dense little neighbourhood is packed to the brim with authentic temples, street markets, and boutique shops. It’s the historic heart of the city, offering a good blend of Nagoya’s past and present.
Sitting quietly in the shadow of Japan’s other major cities, Nagoya is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It might not have the same history as Kyoto or the overwhelming sprawl of Tokyo, but if you know where to look, this city has just as much to offer for your trip to Japan. Each neighbourhood has its own distinct personality, which means that where you stay in Nagoya can completely shape your experience.
Nagoya sits right in the centre of Japan’s islands, acting as a primary transport and business hub. Somehow, it still feels relatively under the tourist radar. However, it’s one of the coolest and most beautiful places to visit in Japan.
Nagoya Station Area is the neighbourhood surrounding the major transport hub. It’s huge – practically a small city on its own – with plenty of affordable hotels, casual dining options, and excellent transport links. For budget travelers dreaming of taking some day trips in and out of the city, this is an epic place to be based.
Photo: @audyscala
If your ideal trip includes late nights and a few too many extravagant cocktails, Fushimi is your spot. When it comes to nightlife, this neighbourhood gives Osaka a good run for its money. From craft cocktail bars to underground nightclubs and izakayas, this district has some of the city’s best nightlife. If you’re into a good night out, you won’t want to miss this off your Japan itinerary.
For a taste of old-school Nagoya, Osu is my recommendation as the best neighbourhood for culture and history. It offers an eclectic mix of traditional temples and trendy local subcultures like anime shops and vintage stores. This area also has covered shopping streets packed with food stalls, thrift shops, and street food. It’s one of those cultural havens with an energy you won’t find elsewhere, and we are here for it.
One thing to note is that all these districts are pretty close to one another. So, staying in one means you can easily visit the others in one trip. Choosing where to stay in Nagoya depends on the vibe you’re after.
Nagoya’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Nagoya is a fascinating place to stay in Japan. It has 16 wards, each with a distinguishable vibe and atmosphere. I’ve chosen the top four areas to stay in for travellers after culture, nightlife, and a budget-friendly experience:
1. Sakae – Where to Stay in Nagoya for Your First Time
Sakae is Nagoya’s busy downtown district. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to be right in the middle of the action and have a bunch of amenities within walking distance.
The area is pretty built up, with towering malls, entertainment complexes, and cultural landmarks. Imagine this: streets lit up with neon lights, high-end shops and department stores, and secret alleyways lined with ramen restaurants. The famous Nagoya City Science Museum, home to the world’s largest planetarium, is located in Sakae.
It’s also home to the iconic Oasis 21, an eye-catching futuristic structure you can’t ignore. Accommodations around here range from hotels to business-style stays. It’s convenient, comfortable, and has everything you could need.
Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya | Best Hotel in Sakae
Nishitetsu Hotel is one of those places that manages to blend modern comforts with traditional Japanese style and hospitality. The minimalist design, complemented by warm lighting and modern interiors, creates a peaceful environment that immediately puts you at ease.
It’s popular with business travellers, but with unique extras like the public onsen bath on the top floor, it’s more than quirky enough for any traveller with the budget for it.
LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL | Unique Hotel in Sakae for Digital Nomads
For bibliophiles and night owls, Lamp Lights Books Hotel is one of the most unique and inviting places to stay in Nagoya. The entire boutique hotel is covered wall-to-wall with bookshelves. Not only does it look incredibly cosy and quirky, but it also offers guests the opportunity to browse freely from the shelves and spend their free time reading.
The rooms are simply beautiful. They have a private workspace for digital nomads and a balcony with a garden view. It’s a great place to for those working remotely.
2-Bed Apartment with Modern Finishes | Best Apartment in Sakae
I’m a big fan of personal space when on the road. And that’s why a private apartment like this two-bedroom condo suits me so well. It’s modern, stylish, and spotlessly clean. And while simple in style it really has all the necessities you might need for a trip in this city.
Things to See and Do in Sakae
- Stroll through Shirakawa Park and spend some time at the Nagoya City Art Museum
- Visit the world’s largest planetarium at the Nagoya City Science Museum
- Try local delicacies on a food tour through the neighborhood
- Go second-hand thrifting along Edion Hisaya Plaza
- Shop for the latest trends at Nagoya Parco Mall
- Visit the Shinto shrine at Susaki Shrine
- Listen to local live musicians at the Fushimi Lion Theatre
- Take your kids to the child-friendly Science Museum of Electricity, an educational and interactive museum
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View on Osprey2. Nagoya Station Area – Best Place to Stay in Nagoya on a Budget
You guessed it: Nagoya Station Area is the immediate area surrounding the city’s main station. But it’s not just a transit hub. It’s a dynamic district filled with affordable accommodations and unbeatable access to the rest of the city.
It’s consistently ranked as one of the best areas for budget travellers, with plenty of capsule hotels. The area is buzzing with activity 24/7, with commuters, business travellers, and tourists moving through its sprawling shopping malls, the Noritake Gardens, and the famous Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier | Best Luxury Hotel in the Nagoya Station Area
The Mitsui Garden Hotel is a sophisticated retreat rising high above the city. From the moment you step into the stylish lobby, this place is all about understated luxury. The rooms are modern yet warm, with gorgeous views of the city, plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a deep soaking tub to unwind in after a long day.
But the facilities, including the rave-worthy breakfast and the top-floor spa, are what really set this place to stay in Nagoya apart from the rest.
Nine Hours Nagoya Station | Best Capsule Hotel in the Nagoya Station Area
Capsule hotels in Nagoya have received considerable attention in the recent accommodation scene, and staying at Nine Hours feels like entering the future of travel. Its sleek, minimalistic, and spaceship-inspired self-contained sleeping pods offer a comfortable space to sleep for those rushing in and out of the city or just any traveller on a tight budget.
Bathrooms are shared. However, unlike many shared spaces, the facilities here are absolutely spotless.
2-Bed Apartment with Parking | Best Apartment in Nagoya Station Area
For those who like a home-away-from-home feel, this two-bedroom apartment is a solid choice. It’s spacious, eclectically lit, and filled with all the necessities to cook a family-style meal or prepare some on-the-go snacks for a day out in the city.
The space is decorated with traditional Japanese lighting, art, and hand-crafted wooden furniture that makes it feel authentic and lived-in.
Things to See and Do in the Nagoya Station Area
- Check out the 360-degree panoramic city views from the Sky Promenade
- Visit the Nagoya Castle and sip tea at other historic estates and gardens
- Browse iconic comics at the Animate Nagoya comic book store
- Take the train to Legoland Japan
- Learn about the stars above Japan at the Konica Minolta Planetarium Nagoya
- Experience a classic Japanese department store at JR Nagoya Takashimaya
- Visit the Noritake Gardens to learn about Japan’s incredible ceramic history
- Learn about the history of Toyota and the Japanese automobile industry at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
3. Fushimi – Best Area to Stay in Nagoya For Nightlife
Japan has a solid reputation for its nightlife, and the Nagoya neighbourhood of Fushimi is at the heart of this city’s music and nightlife scene. By day, this area is known for its high-rise towers filled with businesses and offices. But once the sun sets, the district transforms into a lively zone of bars, izakayas, and nightclubs.
Located between the Nagoya Station Area and Sakae, Fushimi is also known for the Aichi Art Museum (where you’ll find many original Picassos) and the traditional Misono-za theatre.
Accommodations around here range from boutique hotels to apartment rentals. Although they can be pricey, it’s not hard to find a reasonably priced place to stay.
The Tower Hotel Nagoya | Best Hotel in Fushimi
Staying at The Tower Hotel is a bit like stepping into a dreamscape of luxurious Japanese history. It’s located inside the TV Tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The five-star hotel is a boutique stay like no other, with a chic industrial interior that somehow feels incredibly warm and inviting.
Other than stunning views and incredible suites, this hotel is known for its impeccable service, artisanal breakfasts, and the fact that you’re literally staying inside an integral part of the Nagoya skyline.
Spacious 2-Bed Home with Kids’ Toys | Family-Friendly House in Fushimi
I’m a big fan of this private home in Fushimi. It looks like a modern doll house, with green walls and a spacious garage to park a car. It has two bedrooms, but with extra-large beds, it can accommodate more than just four guests.
It also has one of the most well-stocked kitchens I’ve seen, with Western and Japanese cooking appliances. Not to mention, there is an abundance of toys and games to keep kids happy. It’s ideal for those travelling as a family.
Modern 2-Bed Condo with Full Kitchen | Best Apartment in Fushimi
Tucked away in a quiet part of this interesting neighbourhood in Nagoya, this two-bedroom condo is a beautiful place to settle into for a holiday with family or friends.
While I wouldn’t recommend this for more than four guests, it has been stylishly renovated and has useful, homey amenities like laundry facilities and air conditioning.
Things to See and Do in Fushimi
- Experience the blooming cherry blossom season at Shimozono Park
- Spend a night bar-hopping between karaoke bars and clubs
- Take a day trip to the Suzuka Formula 1 Racing Circuit
- Stroll through Terepia Hall, a museum with exhibits on Anime characters and movie scenes
- Go shopping at the iconic Oasis-21 mall
- Book tickets for a traditional Kabuki play at Misono-za
- Watch a concert or a show, or just walk around the library at the Aichi Arts Center
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Grab an eSIM!4. Osu – Best Area in Nagoya for Culture and History
Think of Osu as the cultural centre of Nagoya. This dense little neighbourhood is packed to the brim with authentic temples, street markets, and boutique shops. It’s the historic heart of the city, offering a good blend of Nagoya’s past and present.
One minute, you’re exploring the Osu Kannon Temple; the next, you’re browsing shops at an eclectic arcade lined with vintage stores and anime souvenirs. There are plenty of smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses in Osu, providing guests with a more local, immersed experience.
1-Bed Apartment with Kitchenette | Best Apartment in Osu
There’s a hidden gem tucked away in the culture-rich streets of Osu, and it’s this intimate one-bedroom apartment. But it’s not just that it’s comfortable and homey; it’s also super convenient.
Firstly, it has a full kitchen, perfect for whipping up a delicious breakfast before a day on your feet. Second, it’s just steps from Osu Kannon Temple and the famous Osu Shopping Street.
Trip and Sleep Hostel | Top Hostel in Osu
As capsule hotels take over the budget travel scene, there aren’t too many hostels listed around this city. Trip and Sleep is one of the few. It’s perfect for travellers who thrive on the social energy of a hostel but still appreciate a good night’s sleep.
There are traditional bunk-bed dorms and shared tatami mat rooms that offer adventurous travellers the chance to really experience Japanese hospitality without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Apartment with Personal Workspace | Affordable Apartment in Osu
Traveling on a budget but craving your own space? This affordable apartment is a great option for remote workers or solo travellers in Japan who want a personal workspace without breaking the bank.
The interiors are clean and simple, with a dedicated desk, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of natural light to keep you focused and productive. And when you’re ready for a break, the buzzing streets of Nagoya’s neighbourhood of Osu are just beyond the front doors.
Things to See and Do in Osu
- Wander through the peaceful Japanese and English Gardens at the Hisaya-Odori Garden Flarie
- Join a street food walking tour
- Try authentic Japanese matcha at one of the charming streetside cafes (or do a course and learn how to make Japanese tea time sweets)
- Visit the Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin Temple
- Browse the stores along the Osu Shotengai Shopping Street
- Relax at the Urban Quar Spa and Living public indoor and outdoor onsen hot spring baths
- Walk through the landscaped gardens around Fountain Tower at Tsuruma Park
- Admire the craftsmanship at the Osu Kannon Shrine
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Nagoya
If you’ve got a few more questions you need answering before you decide where to stay in Nagoya, then I’ve got you covered here.
What To Pack For Nagoya
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me: packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Nagoya
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Nagoya.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Nagoya
Sitting quietly in the shadow of Japan’s major cities, Nagoya is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It’s culturally rich, a modern marvel of note, and flooded with incredible food, shopping, and entertainment options.
Deciding where to stay in Nagoya all comes down to your preferences and travel style. Sakae offers a lively central location with all the landmarks and shops you could dream of. Nagoya Station Area is the place to find affordable accommodations. Fushimi provides a good mix of daytime shopping and nighttime bars. When it comes to history and culture, Osu has plenty of temples, museums, and traditional restaurants.
With the right budget, my favourite place to stay in Nagoya has to be the exquisite Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier. If the price tag is too hefty, Nine Hours Nagoya Station is affordable, clean, and ideally located.
Photo: @audyscala
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Japan.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Nagoya.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Japan instead.
- Planning out an itinerary for Japan is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Japan.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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