Asunal Kanayama

Asunal Kanayama: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Nagoya’s Urban & Cultural Hub

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Asunal Kanayama is one of Nagoya’s premier urban complexes, seamlessly blending shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences in a vibrant, accessible environment. Situated directly adjacent to Kanayama Station—a major transportation hub for JR, Meitetsu, and Nagoya Subway lines—Asunal Kanayama offers unrivaled convenience and connectivity for both locals and tourists. Since its opening in 2005 as part of Nagoya’s urban redevelopment and coinciding with EXPO 2005 Aichi, the complex has evolved into a dynamic center for commerce and culture, attracting millions of visitors annually.

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about Asunal Kanayama: from visiting hours and ticketing to shopping highlights, cultural events, travel tips, and the best nearby attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, this article will help you plan an unforgettable experience in the heart of Nagoya.

Introduction & Overview
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Tickets and Fees
Accessibility
Getting There & Travel Tips
Shopping & Dining Highlights
Events & Entertainment
Unique Features & Sustainability
Family-Friendly Facilities
Seasonal Attractions & Nightlife
Art, Urban Design & Photogenic Spots
Nearby Attractions
Future Redevelopment
FAQ
Plan Your Visit
References

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Shops: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Restaurants: Many open until 10:00 PM or later (varies by establishment)
Events: Times vary; check official event schedule for details

Tickets & Entrance Fees

Admission: Free entry to the entire complex
Events: Most plaza events are free; some seasonal exhibitions and live performances may require tickets (details on the official site)

Accessibility

Barrier-free: Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout
Family facilities: Nursing rooms, stroller rentals, coin lockers
Multilingual support: English, Chinese, and Korean signage; assistance at the information desk

Getting There & Travel Tips

Location

Address: 1-17-1 Kanayama, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Transportation

Rail: Directly connected to Kanayama Station (JR, Meitetsu, and Subway lines)
Bus: Served by Nagoya’s city bus network
Taxi/Bike: Taxis available outside the station; cycling is an eco-friendly option

Travel Tips

Best times to visit: Weekday mornings/early afternoons for fewer crowds; weekends for vibrant events
From Nagoya Station: 5-minute train ride to Kanayama Station
IC Cards: Use Manaca, Suica, or Pasmo for convenient fare payment

(Nagoya Info, Japan Travel Navitime)

Shopping & Dining Highlights

Asunal Kanayama features over 60 shops and 30+ dining establishments, ranging from major brands to unique local boutiques and eateries.

Fashion & Accessories: Uniqlo, GU, ABC-MART, Francfranc, Plaza
Specialty Stores: Local crafts, souvenirs, regional snacks
Dining:
- Nagoya specialties: Miso-katsu, hitsumabushi, tebasaki
- International: Sushi, ramen, Italian, Korean, and more
- Cafés: Tully’s Coffee, Komeda’s Coffee, terrace seating overlooking the plaza
Tax-Free Shopping: Available at select stores for international visitors (Asunal Kanayama Shop List, Nagoya Info)

Events & Entertainment

The heart of Asunal Kanayama is its open-air plaza, which hosts a vibrant calendar of music performances, seasonal festivals, and community events.

Live Music: Regular concerts by local and national artists
Seasonal Festivals: Golden Week, New Year, Halloween, and more
Illuminations: Spectacular winter light displays
Workshops & Markets: Craft sessions, pop-up shops, themed markets

(Asunal Kanayama Event Schedule, The Gate 12)

Unique Features & Sustainability

Eco Curtain: A distinctive wind turbine installation powers nighttime illumination, reflecting Nagoya’s sustainability efforts
Open-Air Design: Outdoor walkways, plazas, and terraces encourage socializing and relaxation

(Asunal Kanayama Urban Design)

Family-Friendly Facilities

Kids’ Play Area: Safe, interactive space for children
Family Amenities: Nursing rooms, stroller rentals, family restrooms
Seasonal Activities: Craft workshops, holiday parades, character meet-and-greets

(Asunal Kanayama Facilities)

Seasonal Attractions & Nightlife

Spring: Cherry blossom displays, hanami parties, limited-time food stalls
Summer: Rooftop beer garden with city views and lively atmosphere (Beer Garden JP)
Autumn: Harvest markets, Halloween events
Winter: Illumination festival with thousands of LED lights

As the sun sets, Asunal Kanayama’s restaurants, bars, and illuminated plazas create a festive nightlife scene. Occasional night markets and open-air cinema events add to the evening appeal.

(Nagoya Travel Guide, Nagoya Nightlife Guide)

Art, Urban Design & Photogenic Spots

Public Art: Contemporary sculptures and rotating exhibits by local artists
Urban Design: Glass facades, landscaped gardens, water features
Photo Spots:
- Illuminated eco curtain at night
- Central plaza during events
- Rooftop beer garden and panoramic city views

(Asunal Kanayama Urban Design)

Nearby Attractions

Atsuta Jingu Shrine: One of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines (GLTJP)
Nagoya City Art Museum: Modern and traditional Japanese art
Osu Shopping Street: Eclectic mix of old and new shops
Nagoya Castle: Historic symbol of the city
Accommodation: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya and other options nearby

(You in Japan, GLTJP)

Future Redevelopment

Asunal Kanayama is scheduled for major redevelopment, with closure planned by February 2028. The new project will transform the site into a multifunctional complex with commercial, cultural, and hospitality spaces, enhanced green areas, and improved accessibility. Visitors have several years left to experience the current vibrant atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Shops 10:00–21:00; restaurants often later. Check store/event hours on the official website.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, admission is free. Some special events may require tickets.

Q: Is it accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes—elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are provided.

Q: Can I shop tax-free?
A: Yes, at select stores for eligible international visitors.

Q: How do I get there from Nagoya Station?
A: Take any JR, Meitetsu, or Subway line to Kanayama Station (5 mins); exit north for direct access.

Q: Are there family-friendly facilities?
A: Yes—kids’ play area, family restrooms, and nursing rooms.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No permanent tours, but seasonal events may include guided elements.

Plan Your Visit

For real-time updates, event info, and exclusive offers, download the Audiala app and follow Asunal Kanayama’s social media channels. Check out our related articles on Nagoya’s historical sites, best shopping spots, and transportation tips for a seamless journey.

Images: For optimal SEO and user experience, use alt text such as “Asunal Kanayama plaza at night,” “Asunal Kanayama shopping exterior,” and “Nagoya historical sites near Kanayama.”

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Summary & Visitor Recommendations

Asunal Kanayama is a model of modern urban planning: a free-entry destination that combines retail, cultural programming, and seamless transportation access. Its barrier-free facilities, vibrant events, and diverse shops make it welcoming to all—from families and solo travelers to international tourists.

Seasonal attractions like the rooftop beer garden and winter illumination, coupled with unique local shops and culinary specialties, offer authentic insights into Nagoya’s vitality. With a major redevelopment on the horizon, now is the perfect time to experience Asunal Kanayama’s current energy before it evolves further.

Plan your visit around special events or quieter times for the best experience. Use the Audiala app and event calendars for up-to-date information, and don’t miss nearby cultural and historical sites to round out your Nagoya adventure.

(Asunal Kanayama Official, Nagoya Info, Japan Travel Navitime)