Imaike Station

Imaike Station Nagoya: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the vibrant Chikusa Ward of Nagoya, Japan, Imaike Station (今池駅) is more than just a subway interchange—it’s a gateway to the city’s rich cultural and historical landscape. Conveniently connecting the Higashiyama and Sakura-dori lines, Imaike Station provides seamless access to major attractions, bustling neighborhoods, and authentic local dining experiences. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your visit: operating hours, ticket options, accessibility, facilities, nearby sights, and insider travel tips. Whether you’re a commuter, culture-seeker, or food enthusiast, Imaike Station is your ideal starting point for exploring Nagoya.

For the latest transit information, consult YoMetro Nagoya Subway Network, Japan Experience, and Japan Guides Nagoya City Transportation.

Introduction
Historical Development of Imaike Station
Visiting Hours and Station Access
Tickets and Fare Options
Travel Tips for Tourists
Accessibility and Facilities
Nearby Historical and Cultural Attractions
Infrastructure and Modernization
Urban and Social Significance
Station Layout and Facilities
Access and Connectivity
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights
Practical Information
Discovering Imaike Monument
Exploring Imaike: Top Attractions & Dining
FAQs
Conclusion
References

Historical Development of Imaike Station

Imaike Station is a product of Nagoya’s postwar urban growth, designed to support the city’s expanding population and commerce. Since its opening, the station has been pivotal in connecting the residential and business districts of Chikusa Ward with the rest of Nagoya, facilitating both daily commutes and cultural excursions. Its strategic role as an interchange between the Higashiyama Line (Line 1, yellow) and Sakura-dori Line (Line 6, red) has made it a cornerstone in the city’s transportation network.

Visiting Hours and Station Access

Operating Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM to midnight, consistent with Nagoya subway schedules.
Entrances/Exits: Multiple, providing direct connections to shopping, dining, and local attractions.
Access: Well-integrated with city bus stops and bicycle racks; paid parking available in nearby commercial complexes.

Tickets and Fare Options

Single-Ride Tickets: Ideal for one-time journeys.
Manaca IC Cards: Rechargeable cards for convenient tap-in/tap-out access.
1-Day and Weekend Eco Passes: Cost-effective for tourists and frequent travelers.
Where to Buy: Ticket vending machines and service counters inside the station.
Coverage: Valid on Nagoya’s subway and city bus networks.

Travel Tips for Tourists

Use Manaca or compatible IC cards for hassle-free transfers.
Follow multilingual signage to switch between Higashiyama and Sakura-dori lines.
Avoid peak hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) for a more comfortable journey.
Buses extend access to destinations not directly served by the subway.

Accessibility and Facilities

Imaike Station is designed for universal access, featuring:

Elevators and escalators between all levels.
Tactile paving for visually impaired passengers.
Barrier-free restrooms with handrails and emergency call buttons.
Multilingual signage and station maps.
Coin lockers, waiting areas, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, and information counters.
Nearby bicycle parking and commercial parking options.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Attractions

From Imaike Station, it’s easy to reach Nagoya’s most prominent landmarks:

Nagoya Castle: 20 minutes via subway and bus. Open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM). Official site
Atsuta Jingu Shrine: A revered Shinto site, accessible by subway and a short walk.
Osu Kannon Temple: Vibrant shopping and temple district near Sakae.
Cultural Path Futaba Museum: Showcasing local architectural history.

Events and festivals are common at these sites—check their official websites or Nagoya City Tourism for schedules.

Infrastructure and Modernization

Imaike Station’s infrastructure supports high passenger volume with:

Multiple exits linked to commercial complexes.
Integrated ticketing for smooth transfers.
Consistent modernization, including barrier-free upgrades and digital wayfinding.

Beyond transportation, Imaike Station serves as a community anchor, driving local commerce and fostering a lively cultural scene. The nearby district is renowned for music venues, festivals, cozy eateries, and a blend of tradition with modern city life.

Station Layout and Facilities

Platform Configuration

Higashiyama Line (H13): Second basement level (B2F), east-west, yellow.
Sakura-dori Line (S07): Third basement level (B3F), north-south, red.
Both lines use island platforms with clear bilingual signage.

Ticket Gates & Exits

Located on the first basement level (B1F).
Six exits, each numbered and signposted for easy navigation.

Passenger Amenities

Accessible restrooms, baby-changing stations.
Coin lockers, vending machines, free Wi-Fi.
Information counters staffed during peak hours.

Retail & Services

Convenience stores and kiosks near main gates.
ATMs accepting international cards.

Access and Connectivity

Subway Lines & Transfers

Higashiyama Line: Direct to Nagoya Station, Sakae, Fujigaoka.
Sakura-dori Line: Access to Hisaya-odori, Nakamura Kuyakusho.
Transfers are seamless with IC cards (Manaca, Suica, etc.).

Surface Transport

City bus stops and taxi stands adjacent to exits.
Secure bicycle parking for local commuters.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights

Imaike is part of Chikusa Ward, a neighborhood blending residential calm with urban excitement. Points of interest:

Imaike Library Club: Community learning and cultural exchange.
Local shopping streets: Bakeries, specialty shops, boutiques.
Dining & Nightlife: Renowned izakayas, ramen shops, music venues, and cafés.

Practical Information

Operating Hours: 5:30 AM–midnight.
Train Frequency: 3–5 minutes (peak), 6–8 minutes (off-peak).
Luggage: Elevators and escalators available, but may be busy at peak times.
Accommodations: Several business hotels and guesthouses nearby.

Discovering Imaike Monument

History and Significance

Located near Imaike Station, the Imaike Monument commemorates the district’s transition from rural outskirts to urban hub. Built in the early 20th century, it honors the pioneering spirit of local residents. The monument blends traditional motifs with modern design, symbolizing the area’s evolving identity.

Visiting Details

Location: Public park near Imaike Station.
Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; paved paths and seating.
Information: Plaques in Japanese and English; guided tours during festivals (check Nagoya City Tourism).

Events and Features

Focal point for community festivals (e.g., Imaike Matsuri in September).
Great for photography, especially during cherry blossom season.
Surrounded by cafes, shops, and local eateries.

Exploring Imaike: Top Attractions, Dining, and Culture

Local Vibe and Cultural Hotspots

Imaike’s music scene is vibrant, with venues like CLUB UPSET and 3STAR IMAIKE hosting live music year-round. The annual IMAIKE GO NOW and Imaike Yuran Music Festival are highlights, drawing visitors from across Japan.

Proximity to Major Sites

Nagoya Castle: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), 500 JPY/adult. Official site
Kinshachi Yokocho: Food street next to the castle.
Nagoya City Science Museum: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays, 800 JPY/adult. Info
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Tuesdays), 1,000 JPY/adult.

Dining: Nagoya Meshi and More

Hitsumabushi: Grilled eel over rice.
Miso Katsu: Pork cutlet with red miso sauce.
Miso Nikomi Udon, Tebasaki, Nagoya Cochin Oyakodon: Other specialties.
Recommended restaurants: Jidori Bozu Honten, Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho, Yamatora, Ganso Tebasaki Karaage FURAIBO, Nagoya Meshi Dining Chouza, and more.
Food streets: Kinshachi Yokocho, Yanagibashi Central Fish Market.

Practical Dining Tips

Best times: Reserve for lunch (12–2 PM) and dinner (6–9 PM).
Payments: Some venues are cash-only.
Language: English menus available at many locations; translation apps are helpful.

Nightlife

Imaike offers a relaxed, community-focused nightlife scene with local bars and izakayas. Last trains depart around midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Imaike Station’s operating hours?
A: 5:30 AM to midnight daily.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use vending machines or service counters for single rides, Manaca cards, or day passes.

Q: Is Imaike Station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

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

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

Q: Are there vegetarian options in Imaike?
A: Yes; inquire directly or check menus in advance.

Visuals

(Include images such as “Imaike Station entrance in Nagoya”, “Higashiyama Line platform at Imaike Station”, “Local izakaya near Imaike Station”, etc., with appropriate alt text.)

Useful Links

Call to Action

Download the official Nagoya Subway app and the Audiala app for real-time transit updates, guided tours, and the latest on Nagoya’s attractions. Follow us on social media for travel tips and local highlights!

Summary: Key Points and Recommendations

Imaike Station is a dynamic entry point to Nagoya’s cultural, historical, and culinary treasures. With accessible facilities, flexible ticketing, and close proximity to top attractions, the station supports both efficient transit and memorable experiences. Leverage digital tools like the Nagoya Subway and Audiala apps for optimal trip planning. For the latest information, refer to Nagoya City Tourism, Nagoya Subway Timetables, and MATCHA’s Nagoya Station Guide.