🛍️ In-depth Introduction to Sakae Underground Shopping Center (Nagoya City, Naka Ward)

When it comes to Nagoya's shopping paradise, many people immediately think of Osu Shopping Street or the underground shopping districts of Meiji Station. But let me tell you, there's another shopping mecca that shouldn't be overlooked: Sakae Underground Shopping Mall ! It's not only a part of daily life for locals, but also a perfect spot for tourists on rainy days, hot summer days, and cold winter days. This underground world offers everything from window shopping to dining, beauty treatments, and even leisure and entertainment. ✨

🏙️ The geographical location and historical background of Sakae Underground Mall

The Sakae Underground Mall is located in the Sakae area of ​​Nagoya's Naka Ward . It's right underneath Sakae, Nagoya's bustling city center, and is directly connected to the subway station, making transportation extremely convenient.

Officially opened in 1957 , this underground shopping arcade is one of Japan's earliest developed underground shopping streets. Continuously expanded and renovated to accommodate urban planning and tourism needs, it now forms a vast underground shopping network, interconnected with above-ground department stores (Matsuzakaya, PARCO, and Mitsukoshi), making Sakae Nagoya's most prosperous commercial center.

🛍️ The characteristics and atmosphere of the shopping street

Sakae Underground Mall is famous for its convenience, diversity, and comfort . I think its characteristics can be described in three sentences: it has everything, it’s not afraid of weather, and it’s super fun to shop .

• 🛒 Rich shopping options

  • There are all kinds of fashion clothing, shoe and bag stores, cosmetics counters, and beauty shops.
  • Fast fashion brands and hipster groceries that Japanese young people love to shop for can also be found here.

• ☔All -weather comfort

  • Because it is located underground, it has a complete heating and cooling system, so it is not afraid of rain or snow.
  • No need to worry about the sun in the summer and no need to worry about the cold wind in the winter, I feel very happy when shopping.

• 🍣Food gathering place

  • There are many restaurants, cafes and dessert shops in the underground mall, offering everything from Japanese set meals to exotic cuisine.
  • My favorite thing to do after getting tired of shopping is to walk into a dessert shop and have a matcha cake with coffee, which is super therapeutic.

• 🎨Modern and diverse atmosphere

  • The lighting is bright and the movement lines are clear, so you won’t get lost when you go shopping.
  • Different areas also have various themes and decorations, making people feel fresh.

🍜 Must-try food recommendations

There are so many delicious food options in Sakae Underground Mall. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Miso Udon 🍲
  • One of Nagoya's signature dishes, this dish features a rich Hatcho miso broth topped with chewy noodles.
• Eel rice（ひつまぶし） 🐟
  • Three ways to enjoy a bowl of eel rice, a Nagoya specialty.
• Cafe desserts 🍰
  • Nagoya people love to drink coffee. There are countless cafes in the underground streets, and the desserts are exquisite and delicious.
• Teba fried chicken wings 🍗
  • Snacks are also popular and perfect for eating while walking.

🎨 Must-visit shops and special areas

The Sakae Underground Mall is not a single passage, but consists of multiple areas. Let me highlight the key points:

• Forest Underground Shopping Mall 🌳
  • Designed with natural greenery as its theme, it has many clothing stores and grocery stores, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
• Central Park（セントラパーク） 🏞️
  • The largest underground shopping area has the most shops, combining fashion, food, and daily necessities.
• Nagoya Specialty Area 🎁
  • You can buy souvenirs and local specialties, which is very suitable for tourists.

🎭 Unique atmosphere and cultural experience

I think Sakae Underground Shopping Center is more than just a shopping mall; it's also a part of Nagoya's daily life .

• Office workers come here to shop after get off work.
• Students gather here, eat and buy trendy clothes.
• Tourists can buy souvenirs and gifts all at once.

In addition, the underground mall will occasionally hold exhibitions, pop-up events or seasonal decorations, so that people will feel fresh every time they visit.

🚋 Basic traffic information

The Sakae underground shopping mall is conveniently connected to the Nagoya Municipal Subway:

• Subway 🚇
  • The underground shopping mall is directly connected to Sakae Station on the Higashiyama and Meijo Lines of the Municipal Subway.
• Bus
  • Several city buses can reach the Sakae Bus Terminal, and you can enter the underground mall after exiting the station.
• Self-driving 🚗
  • There are large parking lots nearby, but parking fees in the city center are high, so driving is not recommended.

📸 Editor's Personal Tips

1. There are more people in the afternoon , so it is recommended to go in the morning or evening for a more relaxing visit.
2. Make good use of exit numbers . The underground mall is connected to the above-ground department store. Remember to mark the exit locations to avoid getting lost.
3. This is the last restocking point for souvenirs . If you don’t have time to go elsewhere, you can buy all the specialties of Nagoya here.
4. Keep an eye out for limited events , often pop-up stores or seasonal markets, which are well worth a visit.

🌺 Summary

Sakae Underground Shopping Center is the most representative underground shopping space in the center of Nagoya, integrating shopping, food, convenience and culture .
Here, you can:

• 🛍️ Treasure hunt for fashion apparel and sundries
• 🍣 Taste authentic Nagoya cuisine
• 🎁 Buy special souvenirs
• ☔ Comfortable shopping in any weather

I believe that Sakae Underground Shopping Center is not only a must-see for tourists, but also a microcosm of the daily lives of Nagoya residents. If you want to experience the daily lives and fashion trends of Nagoya residents, then Sakae Underground Shopping Center is a must-see! ✨