Kokusai Center Station

Kokusai Center Station Nagoya: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Kokusai Center Station (国際センター駅, Kokusai Sentā-eki) lies at the heart of Nagoya, Japan, serving as a major transit gateway and cultural hub for residents and visitors. Opened in 1989 as part of the Sakura-dori Subway Line, the station provides direct access to the Nagoya International Center, a pivotal institution fostering international exchange since 1984. Its strategic location near historical districts like Shikemichi, Nagoya Castle, and the bustling Sakae shopping area makes it essential for tourists and business travelers. This guide offers everything you need to plan your visit—from station hours and ticketing to travel tips, accessibility, and nearby attractions—ensuring you make the most of your Nagoya experience (Nagoya Subway Map, PowderHoliday; Japan Travel Note; Nagoya International Center).

Introduction
Historical Background and Station Layout
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Station Layout and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Special Events and Guided Tours
Visiting Nagoya Castle: History, Access, and Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

Historical Background and Station Layout

Origins and Development

Kokusai Center Station is a key stop on the Sakura-dori Subway Line, located in Naka-ku, central Nagoya. It opened on September 10, 1989, as part of Nagoya’s initiative to expand its subway network and improve access to the city’s core. The station’s name reflects its proximity to the Nagoya International Center, an institution established in 1984 to promote cultural exchange and support Nagoya’s growing expatriate and business communities (Nagoya Subway Map, PowderHoliday; Japan Travel Note).

Urban Significance

Kokusai Center Station’s development paralleled Nagoya’s transformation into a cosmopolitan city. Directly connected to the International Center, it quickly became a focal point for international events, language classes, and multicultural services (Facts and Details). Its location, just one stop from Nagoya Station (the city’s main transit hub), and its proximity to historic districts and commercial zones, make it a convenient entry point for exploring Nagoya’s rich culture and history.

Architectural Context

The underground station features modern design harmonized with the nearby Edo-period Shikemichi district, famous for its preserved merchant houses. This blend of contemporary infrastructure and historical charm reflects Nagoya’s balance of tradition and modernity (KKday).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Station Hours

Daily Operation: Approximately 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM, following the Sakura-dori Line schedule.
Nagoya International Center: Typically open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays (closed weekends and holidays). Always confirm on official websites before visiting.

Ticketing

Ticket Machines: Located at the station, accepting cash, IC cards (like Manaca), and credit cards.
Fares: Single-ride tickets start at 200 yen, varying by distance.
Rechargeable IC Cards: Manaca cards are recommended for seamless travel and transfers.
Day Passes: Available for tourists planning multiple trips in a day.
Assistance: Information desks with multilingual staff are available during peak hours to help with ticket purchases (Centrip Japan).

Station Layout and Accessibility

Structure

Platform: One island platform on B2F (second basement level), serving two tracks.
Concourse: Ticket gates and facilities are on B1F (first basement).
Entrances/Exits: Multiple, with clear signposting to nearby attractions and underground shopping areas.

Accessibility

Barrier-Free: Elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.
Multilingual Signage: Directions in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean (Nagoya International Center).
Safety: CCTV monitoring, security personnel, emergency intercoms, and AEDs.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Key Nearby Destinations

Nagoya International Center: Exit 2, offering tourist info, cultural events, and support for foreign visitors (Facts and Details).
Shikemichi Historical District: A 5-minute walk, featuring Edo-period architecture and boutique shops.
Nagoya Castle: About 20 minutes on foot or a short subway ride; a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Sakae District: Vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Midland Square: Modern skyscraper with panoramic city views.

Travel Tips

IC Card Convenience: Purchase a Manaca card for easy travel and shopping.
Beat the Crowds: Visit early to avoid peak commuter times.
Underground Passages: Use covered walkways for easy, weather-protected transfers.
Wi-Fi: Free internet is available in the station and International Center.

Special Events and Guided Tours

The Nagoya International Center hosts regular cultural exhibitions, language exchanges, and workshops. Guided walking tours of Shikemichi and Nagoya Castle often commence nearby; check the International Center or tourism websites for schedules (Nagoya International Center; JapanGuides.net).

Visiting Nagoya Castle: History, Access, and Practical Information

Historical Overview

Nagoya Castle (名古屋城, Nagoya-jō) is an iconic symbol of the city, built in the early 17th century by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Noted for its golden shachihoko (mythical carp) roof ornaments, it served as the seat of the Owari Tokugawa clan. The main keep, destroyed in WWII, has been meticulously reconstructed and now houses museum exhibits on samurai culture and local history (Nagoya Castle Official Site).

Access from Kokusai Center Station

By Subway: Take the Sakura-dori Line to Nagoya Station, transfer to the Meijo Line, and alight at Shiyakusho Station (nearest to the castle). The journey takes about 15 minutes.
On Foot: Approximately 3 km; walking route passes through the Unimall underground shopping arcade.
By Bus: City buses connect Kokusai Center and Nagoya Castle; driving is possible but parking is limited.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM). Closed Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a public holiday) and New Year’s holidays.
Tickets: Adults 500 yen; high school/university students 300 yen; children 100 yen; free for children under 6 and persons with disabilities (with ID).
Guided Tours: Offered in English and Japanese. Check for availability and special exhibitions.

Facilities and Accessibility

Wheelchair access, elevators, accessible restrooms, and coin lockers are available.
Visitor Center provides multilingual support and brochures.
Souvenir shops and cafes are on the castle grounds.

Notable Photographic Spots

Don’t miss the Honmaru Palace, golden shachihoko, and seasonal gardens. The castle is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season and night illuminations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Kokusai Center Station’s operating hours?
A: About 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM daily.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use ticket machines accepting cash, credit cards, or IC cards (like Manaca). Day passes are available.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, and multilingual signage.

Q: What attractions are near Kokusai Center Station?
A: Shikemichi district, Nagoya Castle, Sakae shopping area, Midland Square, and the Nagoya International Center.

Q: How do I reach Nagoya Castle from Kokusai Center Station?
A: Take the subway via Nagoya and Shiyakusho stations, or walk (~3 km) through the city center.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially at Nagoya Castle and through the International Center.

Summary Table: Key Information

Feature	Details
Station Hours	5:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Ticketing	IC cards (Manaca), cash, credit cards, day passes
Accessibility	Elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, multilingual signage
Nearby Attractions	Nagoya International Center, Shikemichi, Nagoya Castle, Sakae, Midland Square
Nagoya Castle Hours	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Mondays & holidays)
Castle Tickets	Adults 500 yen, Students 300 yen, Children 100 yen
Tourist Services	Multilingual support, guided tours, luggage storage
Airport Access	Meitetsu μ-SKY to Meitetsu Nagoya Station, then subway

Conclusion and Call to Action

Kokusai Center Station is more than a subway stop—it’s your portal to Nagoya’s vibrant past and cosmopolitan present. With excellent accessibility, user-friendly services, and proximity to major cultural attractions, the station makes exploring Nagoya easy and rewarding. Make the most of your visit by utilizing digital resources like the Audiala app and official tourism websites for the latest travel tips and event updates.

Start your journey at Kokusai Center Station and experience all that Nagoya has to offer—from Edo-period streets and samurai castles to international events and world-class shopping.