Foreign friends often say, ‘Japanese shops close so early—we don’t know what to do at night.’ But actually, nighttime is when the city really comes alive.

Here, we’ll highlight the best places to enjoy Sakae, Nagoya’s vibrant entertainment district, after dark. As one of the city’s top nightlife areas and a favorite lodging area for tourists, the biggest challenge isn’t figuring out what to do—it’s deciding which of the many enticing spots to visit first.

From chic restaurants and relaxed shopping to stunning night views, music concerts, and theater performances, here’s how to spend a stylish evening in Sakae.

Savor Exquisite Cuisine in Restaurants with a Great Ambiance

Sakae’s bustling streets offer countless dining options, from Nagoya’s local specialties to international cuisine. If you’re seeking restaurants with a stylish ambiance that help you unwind and enjoy a good conversation, here are five top picks.

Unau Okafuji: Renowned for Hitumabushi

Unagi, a must-try dish in Japan, takes on a unique form in Nagoya as hitsumabushi. Diners savor it in three stages: first tasting the eel on its own, then adding condiments like wasabi and seaweed for a new flavor, and finally finishing with hot broth poured over it as ochazuke. Widely regarded as one of Nagoya’s signature gourmet dishes, it offers a memorable culinary experience.

Just steps from the Sakae district, Unau Okafuji is one of Nagoya’s most renowned hitsumabushi restaurants. Only about 20 percent of all harvested eels meet the restaurant’s strict standards, and those carefully chosen eels are paired with a secret sauce perfected over 25 years. Charcoal-grilled to bring out their full flavor, the result is a dish that captures both the richness of the eel and the artistry of the chef.

Inside, the restaurant features a serene Japanese setting, complete with tatami-mat private rooms that create a quiet, relaxed space for dining. With English and Chinese menus available, international guests can relax and enjoy their meal in comfort.

Wolfgang Puck Restaurant & Café: Enjoy Dishes with Stunning Views of Sakae at Night

Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant offers Californian cuisine from the world-renowned celebrity chef. Situated on the 11th floor of the Aichi Arts Center, right by Sakae Station, diners can enjoy sweeping views of Oasis 21 and the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. After dark, the setting becomes particularly romantic.

Wolfgang Puck Restaurant & Café offers a range of dishes, from pizza and burgers to pasta and steak, along with a selection of alcoholic beverages. The salmon pizza is a standout favorite.

Located in the same building as the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater, listed below. This restaurant is perfect for dining before or after a show.

Colors. 366: A Versatile Restaurant with a Terrace Offering Scenic Views of the River.

It may be surprising that in central Nagoya, riverside terraces along the Horikawa River, near Sakae, offer the chance to enjoy food and drinks.

Riverside dining in central Nagoya has a stylish new addition: COLORS. 366, a multi-purpose complex right by a bridge with stunning views. Upstairs, the bistro MERAKI RIVERET serves fresh Mediterranean seafood and drinks, while downstairs, a bustling food hall offers everything from Korean cuisine and ramen to specialty coffee and draft beer. On sunny days, grab your favorite dishes and enjoy them on the terrace, soaking in the gentle river breeze.

As night falls, the Horikawa River comes alive with lights, and enjoying a drink while watching their reflections dance on the water creates a romantic experience that’s distinctly Nagoya.

Ryotei Kawabun: Nagoya’s Historic Japanese Fine-Dining Restaurant, Renowned for Entertaining Generations of Prime Ministers

A ryotei is a traditional Japanese fine-dining restaurant, typically set within a serene Japanese garden and offering private rooms where guests are served with meticulous care by staff dressed in kimono.

Ryotei Kawabun, Nagoya’s oldest ryotei, has a storied history spanning over 400 years. Throughout the centuries, it has hosted generations of Japanese prime ministers and esteemed foreign dignitaries, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s refined culinary and cultural traditions.

Step through a gate framed by lush greenery and you’ll be welcomed by a historic Japanese-style building, recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. In the serene tatami rooms, seasonal kaiseki dishes are served with exquisite presentation, each plate a miniature work of art. Here, every bite is a feast for the senses, combining taste, sight, and atmosphere in a truly unforgettable experience.

Perfect for celebrating anniversaries or creating unforgettable memories during your travels, this renowned ryotei is a must-visit. Due to its popularity, it’s best to make a reservation well in advance.

Flarie BBQ: Savor a Garden-Style Barbecue Right in the Heart of the City

Right in the lively Sakae district, Hisaya Odori Garden Flarie offers a lush European-style oasis amid the buzz of downtown Nagoya. What makes it even more special? Tucked inside the garden is a restaurant with a full-on outdoor BBQ. Picture yourself lounging on a sofa or rattan chair under a shaded canopy, soaking up the relaxed resort-like vibe. As the sun sets, the garden lights up, transforming into a romantic hideaway that feels worlds away from the city outside. Finding such a serene outdoor BBQ spot with this level of convenience in central Nagoya is truly a rare treat.

No need to bring a thing—the restaurant provides everything you need. Thick-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables come prepped and ready, so all you have to do is fire up the grill. There’s even an all-you-can-drink plan, with staff mixing drinks for you on the spot. With closing time at 10:30 PM, you have plenty of time to savor a relaxed evening BBQ under the city lights.

Enjoy Musicals and Concerts at the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater

While musicals are a staple for many travelers to Europe, Japan, too, is home to an abundance of world-class classical performances and musicals.

Just a five-minute walk from Sakae Station, the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater, located within the Aichi Arts Center, features a variety of performance spaces. There’s a main theater capable of hosting opera and ballet, a concert hall perfect for orchestras and classical music, and a mini theater for performances that defy categorization. With shows almost every day, there’s always something exciting to experience.

For a memorable evening in Nagoya, dress up a little and enjoy a concert or musical—it’s a sophisticated and delightful way to spend the night.

Spend the Day Shopping and Exploring the City Streets

Sakae is a bustling shopping district filled with department stores, yet it also offers wide streets and abundant greenery for a comfortable city experience. On weekends, many streets become pedestrian-only zones, letting visitors stroll freely where cars usually drive. Shopping here isn’t just about picking up goods—it’s also an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing walk through the vibrant streets.

Even once the department stores have closed, Sakae still offers plenty of places to shop and enjoy yourself. Let’s explore what the area has to offer!

Rayard Hisaya-Odori Park: A Lively Urban Complex along Hisaya-Odori Park

At RAYARD Hisaya-odori Park, enjoy a chic, romantic evening, wandering from shop to shop beneath the tower’s glowing lights—a perfect blend of style and atmosphere.

Situated in the heart of Sakae, this vibrant complex blends green park space with shopping and dining. The Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, a symbol of Nagoya, towers over the park, and its reflection in the mirrored water basin below creates a stunning, almost magical sight—making it a favorite photo spot for visitors from around the world.

With 40 shops featuring popular brands from across Japan, this complex combines dining and retail, letting visitors shop, wander, and savor a meal—all in one convenient spot.

Don Quijote Sakae Main Store

Still in the mood to shop after a night out? Head to Don Quijote Sakae Main Store, a 24-hour discount megastore that has just about everything you could need. Conveniently located right by Sakae Station, the four-floor shop is packed with an incredible range of products—from electronics and cosmetics to medicine, daily necessities, and groceries. Tax-free shopping is also available for international visitors.

See Nagoya’s Dazzling Night Views from a Different Angle

When it comes to city lights, the best views are often from above. In the lively Sakae area, you’ll find four great spots to take in Nagoya’s night scenery—two of which are completely free to enter.

Oasis 21 (Free Admission)

With its striking, ship-like design, Oasis 21 is one of Sakae’s most iconic landmarks. This multi-purpose complex combines a park with a bus terminal, but its highlight is the rooftop plaza known as the Water Spaceship. Here, a glass walkway circles a shallow pool that reflects the nearby Chubu Electric Power MIRAI Tower. After dark, the tower and rooftop are illuminated, creating a truly magical nighttime scene. Best of all, this breathtaking view is completely free of charge.

Chunichi Building Rooftop Plaza (Free Admission)

Opened in 2024, the Chunichi Building is a modern complex that brings together shopping, dining, and a hotel. On the 7th floor, a serene rooftop plaza awaits, complete with wooden decks, lawns, and lush greenery—an unexpected oasis in the heart of the city.

From the steps of the rooftop plaza, take in the sweeping views of Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER and Hisaya Odori Park. In the evenings, people often gather here to sit on the steps, feel the gentle breeze, and take in the beautifully illuminated cityscape. This hidden gem remains relatively unknown—and best of all, it’s completely free to visit.

Or indulge yourself and grab an outdoor table at one of the rooftop restaurants and enjoy dinner or drinks alongside the sparkling city views.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

The Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER is not only a Nagoya landmark with a striking exterior, but also one of the city’s best viewpoints. From inside, experience a full 360-degree panorama stretching across Nagoya.

At the indoor observation deck (90m high), projection mapping and music enhance the experience, creating an immersive night view with added drama. Step up to the outdoor deck (100m high), and you’ll feel the wind as you gaze across the city, spotting landmarks like Nagoya Castle and the cluster of skyscrapers around Nagoya Station.

Sunshine Sakae Ferris Wheel

For a different kind of view, head to Sunshine Sakae, just steps from Sakae Station. Known as the home base of idol group SKE48, the building also features the Sky-Boat Ferris wheel on its 3rd floor.

Hop into one of the glass gondolas and enjoy a 15-minute ride that takes you 52 meters above the ground. From the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the neon-lit Sakae district, including Oasis 21 and its glowing Water Spaceship. The Ferris wheel often collaborates with idol groups or anime franchises, playing themed music during the ride—making it an extra-special experience for fans.

Wrap-up

No matter how long you spend in Sakae, the district has a vibrant energy that keeps the night alive. From strolling through lively streets and enjoying riverside views to catching live music, theater, or simply soaking in the city lights, there’s always something new to discover. Take your time, explore at your own pace, and let the evening reveal the many faces of Nagoya after dark—you might just find a favorite spot you never expected.