Imaike Station

NagoyaJapan 35° N · 136° E

Nestled in the vibrant Chikusa Ward of Nagoya, Japan, Imaike Station (今池駅) stands as a crucial interchange within the city's extensive subway network,…

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What Imaike Station is

Imaike Station (今池駅) is in Nagoya’s Chikusa Ward and connects the Higashiyama Line (Line 1, yellow) with the Sakura-dori Line (Line 6, red). It serves as a link between residential and business districts and as a starting point for exploring Nagoya’s attractions, shops, dining, and nightlife.

The surrounding district combines residential areas with music venues, festivals, local shops, cafés, and eateries. Imaike Station also supports local commerce and community life.

History

Imaike Station developed alongside Nagoya’s postwar urban growth, serving the city’s expanding population and commerce. Since it opened, it has connected Chikusa Ward with the rest of Nagoya and supported both daily commutes and visits to local cultural sites.

The nearby Imaike Monument commemorates the district’s change from rural outskirts to urban hub. Built in the early 20th century, it honors the pioneering spirit of local residents. Its traditional motifs and modern design symbolize the area’s evolving identity.

What to see

Imaike Monument

The monument is in a public park near Imaike Station. It is a focal point for community festivals, including Imaike Matsuri in September, and is a popular photography spot, especially during cherry blossom season. Cafés, shops, and local eateries surround it.

The monument has plaques in Japanese and English. Guided tours are held during festivals; check Nagoya City Tourism for details.

Music, festivals, and local culture

Imaike’s music scene includes venues such as CLUB UPSET and 3STAR IMAIKE, which host live music year-round. Annual events include IMAIKE GO NOW and the Imaike Yuran Music Festival, which draw visitors from across Japan.

The neighborhood also has local shopping streets with bakeries, specialty shops, and boutiques, as well as izakayas, ramen shops, music venues, and cafés.

Nagoya cuisine

Local specialties include hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), miso katsu (pork cutlet with red miso sauce), miso nikomi udon, tebasaki, and Nagoya Cochin oyakodon.

Recommended restaurants include Jidori Bozu Honten, Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho, Yamatora, Ganso Tebasaki Karaage FURAIBO, and Nagoya Meshi Dining Chouza. Food streets include Kinshachi Yokocho and Yanagibashi Central Fish Market.

Practical visiting information

Station hours, access, and layout

  • Station hours Daily, 5:30 AM to midnight.
  • Platforms The Higashiyama Line (H13) is on the second basement level (B2F), running east–west; the Sakura-dori Line (S07) is on the third basement level (B3F), running north–south. Both lines have island platforms and bilingual signage.
  • Ticket gates Located on the first basement level (B1F).
  • Exits Six numbered, signposted exits provide access to nearby shopping, dining, and attractions.
  • Transport connections City bus stops and taxi stands are adjacent to exits. Bicycle parking is available nearby, and paid parking is available in nearby commercial complexes.

Tickets and fares

Single-ride tickets, Manaca rechargeable IC cards, and 1-Day and Weekend Eco Passes are available from ticket vending machines and service counters inside the station. These options are valid on Nagoya’s subway and city bus networks. Manaca and compatible cards such as Suica can be used for transfers.

Facilities and accessibility

Imaike Station has elevators and escalators between all levels, tactile paving, multilingual signage and station maps, and barrier-free restrooms with handrails and emergency call buttons. Other facilities include baby-changing stations, coin lockers, waiting areas, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, and information counters staffed during peak hours. Convenience stores and kiosks are near the main gates, and ATMs accept international cards.

The station has bicycle parking nearby and commercial parking options. It is well integrated with city bus stops.

Train service and nearby attractions

Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak periods and every 6–8 minutes off-peak. The Higashiyama Line runs directly to Nagoya Station, Sakae, and Fujigaoka; the Sakura-dori Line provides access to Hisaya-odori and Nakamura Kuyakusho. Transfers between the lines are signposted.

Nearby attractions include:

  • Nagoya Castle About 20 minutes by subway and bus. Open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM; admission is 500 JPY per adult. Official site
  • Kinshachi Yokocho A food street next to Nagoya Castle.
  • Nagoya City Science Museum Open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM and closed Mondays; admission is 800 JPY per adult. Info
  • SCMAGLEV and Railway Park Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM and closed Tuesdays; admission is 1,000 JPY per adult.
  • Atsuta Jingu Shrine A revered Shinto site accessible by subway and a short walk.
  • Osu Kannon Temple A temple and shopping district near Sakae.
  • Cultural Path Futaba Museum Features local architectural history.
  • Imaike Library Club A community place for learning and cultural exchange.

Events and festivals are common at nearby sites. Check their official websites or Nagoya City Tourism for schedules.

Tips

  • Use Manaca or a compatible IC card for convenient transfers, and follow multilingual signage when changing lines.
  • Peak periods are 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM. Elevators and escalators may be busy then.
  • Buses provide access to destinations not directly served by the subway.
  • For dining, reservations are recommended for lunch (12–2 PM) and dinner (6–9 PM). Some venues accept cash only. Many have English menus, and translation apps can be helpful.
  • Imaike has a relaxed, community-focused nightlife scene with local bars and izakayas. Last trains depart around midnight.
  • Several business hotels and guesthouses are nearby.
  • English guided tours are available at major attractions, especially Nagoya Castle and other sites on weekends. Vegetarian options are available; ask venues directly or check menus in advance.

Visiting the Imaike Monument

The monument is open from dawn to dusk year-round. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. It is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and seating.

Further information

For transit information, see YoMetro Nagoya Subway Network, Japan Experience, Japan Guides Nagoya City Transportation, Nagoya Subway Official Timetables, and Japan Guide - Nagoya Subway.

Other guides and listings include Like Nagoya - Chikusa Ward Guide, MATCHA’s Nagoya Station Guide, and Hyperlocal Nagoya. Further attraction and dining links are Nagoya Castle Official Website, Nagoya City Science Museum, Savor Japan - Nagoya Cuisine, and Pleasure in Japan - Nagoya Pubs.

All information is current as of June 2024. Check official sources for updates before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Imaike Station’s operating hours?
Daily, 5:30 AM to midnight.

How do I buy tickets?
Use the station’s vending machines or service counters to buy single-ride tickets, Manaca cards, or day passes.

Is Imaike Station wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

What are the top nearby attractions?
Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Osu Kannon Temple, and the Cultural Path Futaba Museum.

Are there English guided tours at major attractions?
Yes, especially at Nagoya Castle and other sites on weekends.

Are there vegetarian options in Imaike?
Yes. Ask venues directly or check menus in advance.