Heian Dōri Station

Heian-Dōri Station Nagoya: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction to Heian-Dōri Station Nagoya

Heian-Dōri Station (平安通駅, Heian-dōri-eki) is a central interchange within Nagoya’s subway system, located in Kita-ku, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Since its opening on March 30, 1967, the station has been a critical link, joining the Meijō and Kamiiida Lines and providing seamless access to residential neighborhoods and Nagoya’s key cultural sites. Named in honor of the Heian period (794–1185), the station symbolizes the connection between Japan’s historical legacy and modern urban life.

Purpose-built with a multi-level underground structure, Heian-Dōri Station is designed for efficient passenger transfers, offering bilingual signage, elevators, tactile paving, and accessible facilities. Operating daily from early morning to midnight, the station caters to both commuters and tourists, with ticketing options ranging from single rides to IC cards such as Manaca and Suica.

Heian-Dōri Station is also an excellent starting point for exploring Nagoya’s historical landmarks, including Nagoya Castle, the Tokugawa Art Museum, and vibrant commercial districts like Sakae. The station features amenities such as multilingual information counters, coin lockers, free Wi-Fi, accessible restrooms, and nursing rooms. As a pivotal part of the city’s disaster response infrastructure, it stands as a vital component of Nagoya’s urban landscape.

For real-time updates, transit maps, and visitor resources, please refer to the official Nagoya Municipal Subway website and Nagoya Info.
(References: Nagoya Info, Metro Line Map, Heian-Dōri Station Wikipedia)

Introduction
Early Urban Development and the Rise of Nagoya’s Subway
Heian-dōri Station: Construction, Layout, and Expansion
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Station Layout and Facilities
Operations and Services
Visitor Information and Travel Tips
Heian-Dōri Station: Strategic Transit Hub
Visiting Nagoya Castle: A Historical Monument
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Early Urban Development and the Rise of Nagoya’s Subway

Heian-Dōri Station’s inception mirrors Nagoya’s postwar expansion and the need for a modern transit system to support its industrial and residential growth. Opening as part of the Meijō Line in 1967, the station’s name pays homage to the Heian period, reflecting a bridge between Japan’s cultural history and contemporary society.

Heian-dōri Station: Construction, Layout, and Expansion

Initial Construction and Opening

Established to improve transit links in northern Nagoya, Heian-Dōri Station became part of Japan’s first subway loop line when the Meijō Line was completed in 2004.

Platform Structure

The station’s efficient underground design places the Meijō Line platforms on the second basement level (B2) and the Kamiiida Line platforms on the fourth basement level (B4), facilitating smooth transfers in a dense urban setting.

Interchange with Kamiiida Line

The Kamiiida Line, integrated in 2003, expanded the station’s reach by connecting the northern suburbs directly with central Nagoya via Heian-Dōri.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Station Operating Hours

Heian-Dōri Station operates from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight, in line with the Nagoya Subway schedule. Check the official website for the latest details.

Ticket Prices and Purchase Options

Single-ride adult fares start at 200 yen, depending on distance. Tickets are available at automated machines that accept cash and IC cards (Manaca, Suica, etc.). IC cards offer convenience and discounted fares, and can be used across Nagoya’s transit network.

Travel Tips

Avoid peak hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) for a more comfortable experience.
English signage and multilingual machines are available, but travel apps or physical maps are useful for first-time visitors.
Accessibility features include elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

Station Layout and Facilities

General Structure

Heian-Dōri Station is a multi-level underground station with clear bilingual signage, color-coded escalators, and accessible pathways.

Platform Arrangement

The station has island and side platforms for the Meijō and Kamiiida Lines, with signs in Japanese and English to direct passengers efficiently.

Exits and Accessibility

Multiple exits provide access to neighborhoods, shopping, and dining. The station prioritizes barrier-free movement with ramps, elevators, tactile guidance, and wide ticket gates.

Color-coded floor markings and maps near gates and platforms help visitors locate escalators, elevators, restrooms, and transfer corridors.

Facilities

Modern restrooms, including baby-changing and nursing rooms
Coin-operated lockers for luggage
Convenience stores, kiosks, and vending machines
Free public Wi-Fi throughout the station
CCTV, security staff, and clear evacuation routes
Lost and found services

Operations and Services

Subway Lines and Connectivity

Heian-Dōri Station serves as a crucial interchange for:

Meijō Line: Looping central Nagoya and connecting key districts
Kamiiida Line: Linking northern Nagoya with the city center

This connectivity makes it an ideal base for exploring Nagoya’s attractions.

Train Frequency

Trains run every 3–6 minutes during rush hours and 7–10 minutes during off-peak times. Timetables are posted onsite and online.

Passenger Services

Information counters with English-speaking staff provide maps and travel advice. Staff are trained to assist international visitors.

Visitor Information and Travel Tips

Nearby Attractions

Heian-Dōri Station offers easy access to:

Nagoya Castle (15 minutes via Meijō Line)
Tokugawa Art Museum and Tokugawa Garden
Nagoya City Science Museum
Local shopping streets and eateries

Accessibility for All

The station is fully accessible, with features for visually and mobility-impaired travelers, including braille signage and audible announcements.

Special Events and Tours

While the station itself doesn’t host tours, it serves as a starting point for city and historical tours. Seasonal events are often held at nearby landmarks.

Heian-Dōri Station: Strategic Transit Hub

Operated by the Transportation Bureau City of Nagoya, Heian-Dōri Station is a major node for both the Meijō and Kamiiida Lines (Heian-Dōri Station Wikipedia). Its efficient design supports rapid passenger flow, with an average daily ridership of over 6,000.

The station’s connectivity includes links to local buses and the Meitetsu Komaki Line, supporting travel to Komaki City and Nagoya Airfield. As a key interchange, it plays an important role in disaster preparedness and regional development.

Visiting Nagoya Castle: A Historical Monument Near Heian-Dōri Station

Introduction

Nagoya Castle (名古屋城, Nagoya-jō) is one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle is famed for its golden shachihoko ornaments and rich samurai-era heritage.

Essential Information

Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last admission 4:00 PM)
Tickets: 500 yen for adults; discounts for seniors, students, and children
Access: Take the Meijō Line from Heian-Dōri to Shiyakusho Station (about 15 minutes), then walk 5 minutes to the castle (Nagoya Info)
Facilities: Guided tours (weekends/holidays), audio guides, and accessible paths
Nearby: Meijo Park, Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya Dome

For up-to-date details, visit the Nagoya Castle Official Site.

Summary and Travel Tips

Heian-Dōri Station is a major gateway in Nagoya’s subway system, providing efficient transit, accessibility, and proximity to key cultural sites. Its modern amenities, multilingual support, and strategic connections make it an excellent base for both commuting and sightseeing.

Travel Tips:

Purchase a Nagoya subway day pass for unlimited rides.
Use the Audiala app or official transit websites for real-time updates.
Store luggage in station lockers for convenient sightseeing.
Plan visits to major attractions like Nagoya Castle outside peak commuting hours.

For more guidance, see the Nagoya Municipal Subway official website and Nagoya Info.