The center of Nagoya has long been defined by the Nagoya TV Tower, which has been renovated and is now complemented by RAYARD Hisaya-Odori Park opened in September 2020.

The park is divided into four zones, with two spacious green areas in Zone 1 for people to picnic and enjoy the sun. Zone 2 is a stylish gourmet area with restaurants and cafes.

In Zones 3 and 4, you will not only find Nagoya TV Tower as the centerpiece.

But also, a wide range of shopping opportunities at brand shops such as Coach, Michael Kors, Tatras, Furla, and Polo. Restaurants and cafes can also be found here.

NAGOYA TV TOWER

The Nagoya TV tower is a great place to see the city from the top. For 900 yen, you can visit the observatory by using the original red elevator built-in 1954 when Nagoya TV Tower became the first broadcasting tower of its kind in Japan.

The observatory itself is divided into two levels. The lower level inside offering a 360-degree view of the city. Especially at night the mirrors in the ceiling beautifully reflect the lights of the thousands of windows outside.

My favorite view was the high-rise buildings surrounding Nagoya Station to the west of Nagoya TV Tower.

Up a flight of stairs, you will find yourself outside, in an area with grass, that strongly reminds you of a campsite. Sitting down in comfortable chairs, and relaxing is a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

If you are looking for souvenirs of Nagoya TV Tower or Nagoya in general head to the souvenir shop “TACHU” on the 3rd floor of the tower.

They sell masks, magnets, pens, and much more of the tower mascot, a bear looking up at the sky called Uemiya.

THE TOWER HOTEL NAGOYA

For a special experience, you can also stay at the Nagoya TV Tower, inside the newly opened The TOWER HOTEL NAGOYA. On the 4th and 5th floor of the tower, you will find modern, stylish rooms with great views of the city.

The banquet hall Lily that can also function as a wedding venue is located on the 2nd floor of the tower. Here you can enjoy a delicious French lunch or dinner.

CHASHO SHIMIZU IPPOEN

After my visit to the Nagoya TV Tower I got hungry and it was time to explore the food around RAYARD Hisaya-Odori Park.
At Shimizu Ippoen, a cafe that originated in Kyoto. You will find all the things about Matcha.

Their most popular menu item is their gigantic shaved ice topped with Matcha mousse. It is served with syrup, Mochi balls, and red bean paste on the side. And it tasted amazing.

ROCCA & FRIENDS

Another great place if you have a sweet tooth is Rocca & Friends where they reinvented the Japanese style crepes. They serve a variety of sweet and savory items all with thought through ingredients that match perfectly.

I tried their special Nagoya-inspired Nagoya Brûlée and it was the first-time eating crepes with such refined nuances. The top was caramelized pudding, and the inside was creamy with a hint of lemon flavor.

Snow Peak

If you are looking for a lunch or dinner option with lots of seasonal vegetables and deliciously prepared meats head to the outdoor shop Snow Peak.

The second floor is their shop where they sell everything you might need for camping from tents to metal tableware and functional clothing.

The first floor is a spacious restaurant making use of the Snow Peak camping equipment to give it a comfortable outdoor atmosphere.

PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya

If you are a fan of the “PEANUTS” head to PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya where you can try some drinks, sweets, and dishes inspired by your favorite characters.

Eating in for lunch or dinner as well as taking out some of the cute dishes is possible.

RAYARD Hisaya-Odori Park really has a lot to offer and you can easily spend all day here, shopping, sightseeing, and of course eating and drinking.