Conveniently located halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, Nagoya serves as a perfect hub for exploring Japan. It’s also one of the country’s leading commercial cities, and its vibrant Sakae district is one of Nagoya’s two major downtown areas. Here you’ll find a wealth of department stores, shopping complexes, and restaurants. In this article, we’ll introduce two must-visit landmarks at the heart of Sakae: the long-established Matsuzakaya Nagoya department store and the trendsetting Nagoya PARCO shopping complex.

Sakae: A Walkable Shopping District to Enjoy All Day

Lined with department stores and brand-name boutiques, its wide sidewalks, leafy trees, and beautifully maintained public spaces make it a pleasant place to stroll—even without a set destination. Along with well-known landmarks like Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, Oasis 21, and Hisaya-odori Park, the area also offers cultural attractions such as the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, the Aichi Arts Center, and the Matsuzakaya Art Museum. Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or simply exploring, Sakae is perfect for spending a full, leisurely day.

Matsuzakaya Nagoya: A Historic Department Store That Has Grown with the City

Tracing its roots to a kimono fabric shop founded in the Edo period, Matsuzakaya boasts a history spanning over 400 years. It opened in 1910 as Nagoya’s first department store and has long been cherished as one of central Japan’s premier retailers.
Today, the Nagoya flagship comprises three interconnected buildings—Main, North, and South—stretching between two major avenues in Sakae and offering one of the largest retail floor areas in Japan.

The Main Building features cosmetics, luxury brands, women’s fashion, and souvenirs. The North Building caters primarily to men, while the South Building targets younger shoppers with major retailers such as Yodobashi Camera, Hands, and Francfranc.

Matsuzakaya Art Museum, in the South Building, hosts exhibitions of Japanese art and culture popular around the world, such as Yayoi Kusama shows or the Pokémon × Kogei (Crafts) exhibition.
Japanese department stores have traditionally served as cultural hubs as well as shopping destinations. When visiting Matsuzakaya, be sure to check what exhibitions are currently on display.

Must-Visit Shops and Restaurants at Matsuzakaya Nagoya

Main Building Basement (B1) – Souvenir & Food Floor

If you’re looking for premium Japanese souvenirs, the B1 food floor of the Main Building is heaven. You’ll find a wide array of Japanese and Western sweets, side dishes, and gourmet delicacies—each carefully selected to meet the high standards of a historic department store.
Local favorites include Ryoguchiya Korekiyo (traditional sweets), Keishindo (shrimp crackers), and Akafuku from neighboring Mie Prefecture—an iconic wagashi brand beloved throughout Japan.

Main Building 5F – MIKI HOUSE

MIKI HOUSE, Japan’s premier children’s clothing brand, is known for its exceptional quality and adorable designs that parents aspire to own. Catering to children from newborn to age six, the brand is especially famous for its first shoes, designed to support early walkers.
At Matsuzakaya Nagoya, MIKI HOUSE features a comfortable salon-style seating area where shoppers can relax and enjoy the attentive, detail-oriented service Japan is known for.

South Building 4–6F – Yodobashi Camera

Yodobashi Camera, Japan’s leading electronics retailer, operates its only Nagoya branch inside Matsuzakaya. The store offers everything from household electronics and beauty gadgets to video games, and stays open until 10:00 p.m., allowing you to shop even after other stores close.

South Building 10F – Onikuzen SUGIMOTO

Operated by Nagoya’s long-established butcher Sugimoto, this restaurant serves sukiyaki and shabu-shabu featuring premium Matsusaka beef and Japanese Black Wagyu. Its signature dish, gyu hitsumabushi—a beef version of Nagoya’s famous eel rice bowl—is also a must-try. Every dish reflects the master craftsmanship and quality you’d expect from a top meat purveyor.

South Building 10F – Atsuta Houraiken

A branch of Atsuta Houraiken, the iconic restaurant known for hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), is also located here and is hugely popular among international visitors. Expect long lines during lunchtime, so arrive early to avoid the wait!

Family-Friendly Fun: Rooftop Amusement Park

Take a break from shopping at the Rooftop Amusement Park on the Main Building’s 8th floor. Beloved for its retro, anime-like atmosphere, this play area was renovated in 2024 and now features new attractions such as a Thomas the Tank Engine mini train, Anpanman rides, slides, and a grass play zone. It’s a perfect spot for families with children.

Tax-Free Services and 5% Discount for International Visitors

A tax refund counter is located on the 6th floor of the Main Building. So, bring your passport, same-day receipts, and purchased items to complete the process.
(Note: Purchases at Yodobashi Camera and Hands must be processed separately at each store.)

In addition, international visitors can receive a 5% discount coupon by presenting their passport at any service counter in Matsuzakaya Nagoya or at the tax refund counter (Main Building 6F).
(Some exclusions apply—discounts may not cover sale items, food, or certain luxury brands.)

Nagoya PARCO: A Trendsetting Shopping Complex

PARCO is a youth-oriented urban shopping complex that combines fashion, dining, lifestyle goods, and culture under one roof. With over ten locations across Japan, Nagoya PARCO is among the largest, featuring about 300 stores across four buildings.

In addition to fashion and restaurants, it also houses popular stores such as Pokémon Center NAGOYA and Chiikawa Land, making it the perfect place to experience the latest Japanese trends.

Recommended Shops and Restaurants at Nagoya PARCO

East Building 2F – Pokémon Center NAGOYA

Loved by fans all over the world, Pokémon has only one official Pokémon Center in Nagoya—and you’ll find it right here on the 2nd floor of PARCO’s East Building. The entire floor is filled with the spirit of Pokémon, creating a dreamlike space for fans of all ages.

At the entrance, Pikachu and Celebi greet visitors, while a large screen plays Pokémon videos. Inside, you’ll spot a golden Magikarp and many other Pokémon, making it the perfect place for photos. The shop offers a huge selection of merchandise, including plush toys, keychains, and sweets.

Tax-free services are also available at Pokémon Center NAGOYA, so be sure to take advantage when shopping.

©2025 Pokémon. ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

East Building 3F – KIDDY LAND

If you love Japanese character goods, KIDDY LAND is an absolute must-visit. This floor brings together a wide variety of popular character stores, including Chiikawa Land, KIDDY LAND, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Store -petite-, Rilakkuma Store, Sumikkogurashi Shop, Snoopy Town Shop, Miffy Style, Kirby’s PUPUPU Market, and Koupen-chan Shop.
With so many plushies and character-themed items, it’s easy to lose track of time exploring.

©nagano

West Building 7F — Kiwamiya

At Kiwamiya, a popular hamburger steak restaurant, you can enjoy premium Kyushu Wagyu beef prepared in a unique cook-it-yourself style. Using chopsticks, diners can divide the patty into bite-sized pieces and grill them to their preferred doneness.
The result is a juicy, flavorful experience that melts in your mouth. To top it off is the all-you-can-eat menu, rice cooked in a traditional pot, soup, salad, and ice cream, making this restaurant a fan favorite that lives up to its glowing reputation.

West Building 7F — Kanazawa Maimon Sushi

Facing the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is known as a treasure trove of seafood. At Kanazawa Maimon Sushi, an upscale conveyor belt sushi restaurant, you can savor fresh fish landed on the Sea of Japan, paired with Hokuriku-grown rice and soy sauce.
Highly recommended are nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and white shrimp, two delicacies that represent Hokuriku’s rich coastal flavors—both available right here in Nagoya.

Nagoya PARCO Tax-free Services

Not all stores in Nagoya PARCO offer tax-free services. Please check the official website for eligible stores.

Wrap-up

This guide introduced Matsuzakaya Nagoya and Nagoya PARCO, two of the best-known shopping spots in Nagoya’s Sakae district. With plenty of hotels and convenient transport links, Sakae is an easy place to visit during your trip. Take this guide with you and enjoy everything the area has to offer—from shopping and dining to sightseeing.