Motoyama Station

Motoyama Station Visitor Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions in Nagoya

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Motoyama Station (本山駅, Motoyama-eki), located in Nagoya’s Chikusa Ward, is a key interchange on the city’s subway network, linking the Higashiyama and Meijo Lines. With its strategic location, Motoyama Station serves as a gateway to Nagoya’s rich academic, cultural, and historical offerings. Whether you are a commuter, a student, or a traveler eager to explore the city, this comprehensive guide provides up-to-date information on station hours, ticketing, facilities, accessibility, transport connections, and nearby attractions.

Historical Overview

Motoyama Station’s history is closely tied to Nagoya’s postwar urban expansion and modernization. Opened as part of the Higashiyama Line—Nagoya’s first and busiest subway route—the station enabled efficient east-west travel across the city (MetroLineMap). With the later addition of the Meijo Line, a circular route encircling central Nagoya, Motoyama became a vital transfer hub for daily commuters, university students, and visitors (YoMetro).

Nagoya’s transformation from an Edo-period castle town to a modern metropolis was powered in part by the expansion of its subway system (Japan Guide). Motoyama Station exemplifies this legacy, offering modern amenities while providing access to Nagoya’s historical and cultural sites.

Station Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility

Multi-Level Structure

Motoyama Station is fully underground, featuring a multi-tiered design to facilitate transfers between the Higashiyama (third basement) and Meijo (fourth basement) Lines. The station is equipped with elevators, escalators, and tactile paving, ensuring accessibility for all passengers (Wikipedia - Motoyama Station).

Entrances and Exits

There are six clearly marked entrances and exits, offering direct access to surrounding neighborhoods, local shops, and attractions such as Tōgan-ji Temple and Nagoya University (Wikipedia - Motoyama, Nagoya). Bilingual signage in Japanese and English assists with navigation.

Facilities

Ticket Machines and IC Card Readers: Accept cash and cards; English language options available.
Restrooms: Clean, accessible toilets with baby changing facilities.
Coin Lockers: Limited availability for small and medium luggage; for larger storage, use Nagoya Station or Oasis 21 (Nagoya City Tourist Information).
Shops and Convenience: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and vending machines are located within and around the station.
Information: Bilingual station maps and staff support international travelers.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Operating Hours

Motoyama Station is open daily from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight, consistent with the Nagoya Municipal Subway schedule. Shops and adjacent attractions may have different opening times.

Ticketing Options

Single Tickets: Purchase at automated machines; language options available.
IC Cards: Manaca (local), Suica, and ICOCA are accepted for tap-and-go travel.
24-Hour Subway Ticket (¥760) / 1-Day Ticket (¥870): Unlimited rides on subway and bus lines for the validity period (Inside Kyoto).
Donichi Eco Kippu: Unlimited rides on weekends and public holidays (¥620).
Fare Adjustment Machines: For correcting fares before exit.

For updated fares and routes, see the Nagoya Municipal Subway official website.

Accessibility Features

Elevators, escalators, and tactile paving ensure barrier-free access.
Staff are available to assist passengers with special needs.

Transport Connections

Subway

Higashiyama Line: Direct to Nagoya Station (approx. 13–15 min), Sakae (downtown, approx. 8–9 min), and Fujigaoka (east terminus).
Meijo Line: Loop service to Kanayama, Yagoto, Nagoya Dome, and other major stops (Japan Experience - Nagoya Subway).

Surface Transport

City Buses: Several routes stop near the station (Nagoya is Not Boring - Transport Guide).
Taxis: Readily available at main exits; most accept IC cards and credit cards.

Airport Access

From Chubu Centrair International Airport, take the Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express to Kanayama, transfer to the Meijo Line for Motoyama. Total journey: 50–60 minutes (World of Metro - Nagoya Municipal Subway; Rome2Rio).

Nearby Attractions

Academic Institutions

Nagoya University: One of Japan’s top universities, just a 10-minute walk from the station. The campus is open to the public during the day; check for special events and lectures.

Parks and Zoos

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Just one stop on the subway or a 15-minute walk. Open 9:00 AM–4:50 PM (closed Mondays); adult admission ¥500.

Temples and Shrines

Tōgan-ji Temple: Features the striking Nagoya Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a short walk from Motoyama (Wikipedia - Motoyama, Nagoya).
Nittai-ji Temple: 10 minutes on foot; free admission, open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Monthly antique market on the 21st.

Historical Sites

Nagoya Castle: Accessible via Meijo Line to Shiyakusho Station (approx. 15 min); open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, closed Mondays, ¥500 entry (Nagoya Castle Official).
Atsuta Shrine: Via Meijo Line to Jingu Nishi Station; open daily 6:00 AM–5:00 PM, free entry.

Dining and Shopping

Cafés and eateries open from 7:00 AM; try local breakfast sets, miso katsu, and hitsumabushi.
Artisan districts like Arimatsu and Tokoname are accessible by subway/JR lines; check for seasonal craft markets.

Practical Tips for Visitors

IC Cards: Simplify travel and payment across subways, buses, and shops.
Travel Apps: Use Hyperdia, Google Maps, or Audiala for real-time transit schedules (Japan Travel Now - Nagoya Commute).
Avoid Rush Hours: Weekday mornings (7:30–9:00 AM) and evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) are busiest.
Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and tactile paving are available. Station staff can assist with directions or special needs.
Luggage: Limited locker space; for large or long-term storage, use Nagoya Station or Oasis 21.

Sample Itineraries

Half-Day Academic & Culture

Morning: Visit Nagoya University campus and Nanzan Catholic Church.
Lunch: Enjoy a café breakfast near the station.
Afternoon: Walk or ride to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Full-Day: Nature & History

Morning: Meijo Line to Nagoya Castle, tour palace and grounds.
Lunch: Local specialties near Sakae.
Afternoon: Continue to Atsuta Shrine, then return to Motoyama for dinner.

Family-Friendly

Morning: Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Afternoon: Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (via Meijo/Meiko Lines).
Evening: Casual dining in Motoyama or Sakae.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Use automated ticket machines or counters; IC cards are recommended for ease.

Q: Is Motoyama Station accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, tactile paving, and barrier-free routes.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Nagoya University, Higashiyama Zoo, Tōgan-ji and Nittai-ji Temples, Nagoya Castle, and Atsuta Shrine.

Q: Are there luggage lockers?
A: Limited; for larger needs, use Nagoya Station or Oasis 21.

Conclusion

Motoyama Station is more than a subway stop—it is a vital hub connecting Nagoya’s academic, cultural, and historical landscapes. Its accessible design, efficient transit links, and proximity to major attractions make it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. For the latest schedules, event information, and personalized travel tips, download the Audiala app or visit official resources.