NAGOYA, May 10 (News On Japan) - Nagoya is on the verge of a major transformation. Over the next decade, the cityscape is expected to undergo a dramatic shift as large-scale redevelopment projects reshape its urban core. The focus is on three key districts—Meieki, Sakae, and Kanayama—each developing in a way that highlights its own unique strengths.
At the heart of the transformation is Nagoya Station, the main gateway to the Tokai region. The station already serves as a land-based hub connecting Tokyo and Osaka via the Shinkansen and subway lines, accommodating more than one million passengers daily. Plans are now underway to turn it into a “super terminal” of international scale, with the future opening of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in sight. The station's plaza is being doubled in size and redesigned from a car-centric space into a pedestrian-friendly plaza.
A major highlight of the redevelopment is the new open area in front of the station, replacing the former symbolic tower removed in 2022. Once completed, the plaza will allow seamless access from the station to surrounding commercial buildings, with improved connectivity to the subway via a consolidated area for stairs, escalators, and elevators—resolving long-standing complaints about accessibility.
To alleviate chronic congestion on the south side of the station, which serves as a key corridor for commuters, the city is planning to complete a new underground passage by fiscal 2032. In addition, Nagoya will introduce a new surface-level public transit system called SRT to enhance connectivity across districts. The goal is to boost the appeal not just around the station, but citywide.
Sakae, Nagoya’s bustling shopping and entertainment hub, is also undergoing a wave of redevelopment. One of the symbolic projects is the new Chunichi Building, which marked its first anniversary this year. The building features popular stores making their Tokai region debut and draws visitors with regular events. On its opening day last year, more than a thousand people lined up to enter. Visitors have praised the building’s brighter and more inviting design compared to its predecessor, and total visitors have exceeded 11 million in just one year.
The area continues to evolve, with construction underway for The Landmark Sakae, set to open next summer. At approximately 211 meters tall, it will be the tallest structure in the district, featuring a luxury hotel and a long-awaited cinema complex. Rather than competing, Chunichi Building representatives say they hope to collaborate with other commercial facilities to boost the entire area. With more projects on the horizon, Sakae is expected to expand not just vertically but across a broader zone, reaffirming its high development potential.
Meanwhile, about 3 kilometers south lies Kanayama, another district poised for change. The area around the north exit of Kanayama Station, known for the Asunal Kanayama complex with over 50 stores and restaurants, is lively but limited to the immediate vicinity of the station. To expand its reach and attract more people, a new redevelopment plan has been announced.
Kanayama Station serves about 480,000 passengers daily, making it a crucial transport node. The city plans to close Asunal Kanayama by the end of its land lease in February 2028 and replace it with a new multi-purpose complex. Additionally, the nearby Nippon Tokushu Civic Hall will be closed in March 2028 and rebuilt as a new theater within the next ten years.
Local government officials and urban planners are already meeting regularly to discuss the redevelopment of Kanayama. Plans include community experiments such as converting sidewalks into green seating spaces and creating pop-up dining areas, inspired by similar projects in other cities. Kanayama is also home to multiple cultural institutions, including concert halls and art facilities, and the city hopes to leverage this cultural richness while making the area more walkable and attractive to residents and visitors alike.
As Meieki aims to become a super terminal, Sakae continues to attract shoppers and culture-seekers, and Kanayama deepens its identity as an artistic and civic hub, Nagoya is expected to undergo a remarkable transformation over the next 10 years.
Source: Nagoya TV News
