Just about every sizable city in Japan has an observation platform or deck positioned on top of a skyscraper or tower. Its something the Japanese love: looking down on the world below from up on high. Each one is unique, but most are very similar and beyond the view, they don’t offer much more than large picture windows to the world.
But in Nagoya, you’ll find one of our favorites, and it’s a favorite for two reasons (1) its design and (2) the fact that its not overrun with western tourists! Simply step out of the Nagoya train station, look across the road to the Midland Square Tower and go there. In the lobby, take the express elevator 43 floors up to the Sky Promenade. From there, you are whisked further upward on two long escalators before stepping out into a three story open atrium enclosed in tall glass.
The Sky Promenade wraps around three sides of the top of the building and offers the best views of Nagoya anywhere you’ll find. The fact that it is open to the sky is a nice touch, but even if rainy, there are places to step out of the weather. There are lounging areas with comfortable sofas and other chairs in which to sit while taking in the view. There is a small café and snacks stand for a bite to eat if you wish. Or you can bring your own snacks and drinks with you to enjoy.
Its open late into the night, so you can visit both during the daytime and nighttime for a totally different perspective. Again, one of the things we most like about Sky Promenade is that it’s a little known observation platform with very few western tourists. In our visits there, we’ve only encountered one other western couple, and the place has never been crowded. Its one of those off the beaten path spots of Japan that should be on your “must see” list when visiting Nagoya. (And you should definitely plan a couple of days in Nagoya as it is one of the most underrated cities in Japan in our opinion.)
