As one of Japan’s largest cities and the birthplace of the Pachinko parlor, there’s no doubt that the streets of Nagoya are lively and electric once the sun goes down. While Nagoya nightlife often sees local work parties at an izakaya or solo arcade Pachinko visits, Nagoya is also home to its fair share of fun drinking holes, karaoke bars and food spots which attract sociable locals and visitors. I love that Nagoya is completely walkable. It’s easy when you live in the city center; you can walk to all the bars and clubs and buy beers on the way since there are no laws about public drinking. There are many cool things to do in Nagoya at night and always somewhere new you can go. So, be brave and check out new places. I love the adventure of exploring new spots; it’s often hit and miss but that’s all part of the fun of it. Nagoya’s streets feel spacious; there’s always room to walk, always people to talk to, and always places open to grab a drink or bite to eat. Everyone's pretty friendly and polite as well, and there’s no sense of being rushed (like in fast-paced Tokyo). In Nagoya, you can slow down and take your time, fully soaking up the best things to do in Nagoya at night.
Oasis 21
One of the most modern, progressive and interesting cities in Japan, Nagoya is home to the Oasis 21 complex; a multi-functional, eco-friendly and contemporary building with shops, restaurants, a bus terminal, and tourist information center. Nagoya nightlife kicks off here; the whole space is beautifully illuminated in neon lights, transforming it into a fun yet calming place to spend an evening. At Oasis 21, you can enjoy a sushi dinner, browse the endless shops of the area and then head up to the top. Up a few floors, you can check out the night views at an open area with a great 360 degree panoramic view of the city. The futuristic oval building is not for everyone, but it is an icon of Nagoya and well worth checking out when seeking things to do in Nagoya at night.
Electric Lady Land
There are many underground establishments, live music venues and cool bars in Nagoya. Mostly these are the big shopping centers that are interconnected by an intricate architectural design, but Electric Lady Land is an old-school, underground music venue and bar where popular, upcoming, local and international bands play. It may look small on the outside, but once inside, a reasonably-sized concert hall will welcome you. An intimate live venue showcasing the underground music scene, the cool, post-industrial setting of Electric Lady Land is not worth missing. Nationally known bands play on the 1st-floor hall, and up-and-coming acts play in the smaller 3rd-floor room. The place could easily hold 500 party people so expect that the area is packed during weekends, or on days when popular national bands play. Don your dancing shoes and head to the quirky venue to enjoy the best of Nagoya nightlife.
Photo credit: ARICA13, Wikipedia
Nayabashi Yoichi Night Market
Every fourth Friday of the month, around dusk until late, a local night market takes place on the streets alongside the River Horikawa. Replicating the vibrant old markets on the streets of Japan, the downtown Nayabashi Yoichi Night Market dates back to 1610 and is an iconic symbol that now connects an emerging nightlife district just west of Fushimi. Head to the street market under the bridge, weave your way through food stalls, soak up the aromas, check out exhibitions, fabric stalls, trinket shops, workshops, and fun events and activities. Do some shopping, listen to some live street music, sample some sake and then if you are in the mood, stroll by the glistening riverbank on a beautiful Nagoya night. Wondering what to do in Nagoya at night? Add Nayabashi Yoichi Night Market to your calendar for a night like a local.
Photo Credit : Nayabashi Yoichi night market FB
The Blue Note
A little pricier than a usual Nagoya bar, the Blue Note Nagoya is a jazz and folk bar, popular for its showcasing of local and international musical talent. Synonymous not only with great jazz in an intimate setting, the critically acclaimed Nagoya food and top-notch service are all reasons to check out the spot. The flagship New York club was the first to earn the distinction of being the world's finest jazz club and restaurant. Adding a real cosmopolitan flair to the industrial city of Nagoya, the Blue Note Nagoya is located in the heart of Nagoya's colorful Sakae District and has live music at its heart. Whether you’re a fan of jazz or not, this little Nagoya hidden gem guarantees a relaxed night of live music and fun.
Photo from: Blue Note Official Website
Nagoya’s Aichi Arts Center
At the heart of the city’s cultural milieu, The Aichi Arts Center, a grand cultural complex in Nagoya's downtown Sakae district, is one of the top things to do in Nagoya at night. With twelve stories above ground and five stories below ground, the spot houses an art museum, rental gallery, art theaters (a theater, concert hall and mini theater), the Aichi Prefectural Arts Promotion Service, and the Art Library. The concert hall plays host to regular classical orchestral performances, entertaining dance shows and traditional Japanese arts showcases. The traditional is well catered for here, but The Aichi Arts Center also prides itself on showcasing and celebrating emerging artists and their talents. Check the Nagoya nightlife schedule and try and squeeze The Aichi Arts Center in. You may find some cool experimental theater or modern dance to check out while you’re in town.
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