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Kinshachi Yokocho Gourmet Town: Shopping and Dining, All in One Place!
Would you come to Nagoya and skip the castle? Absolutely not!
Nestled in a serene district near the prefectural and municipal offices, Nagoya Castle offers more than just historical charm. When you need a break, don't worry about the lack of nearby cafés and restaurants.
Welcome to Kinshachi Yokocho, a gourmet haven for Nagoya Castle visitors. This vibrant street showcases the best of Nagoya's cuisine, transforming the traditional concept of Yokocho—narrow alleys lined with small bars—into a lively gourmet street filled with dining and shopping delights. Explore Kinshachi Yokocho and savor the flavors of Nagoya!
But what is Kinshachi?
Kinshachi are mythical creatures with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish. Their tail fins stick up into the sky, and they have sharp spines on their backs. Known for shooting water from their mouths during fires, they are considered guardians of buildings and houses. Because of this, Kinshachi are often used as decorative symbols of protection on buildings.
Look up at Nagoya Castle, and you'll find Kinshachi on the roof. These iconic figures are one of the symbols of Nagoya.
Now that you’ve learned about Kinshachi and know what Yokocho is, let me introduce you to the two main areas in Kinshachi Yokocho: the Yoshinao Zone and the Muneharu Zone.
Yoshinao Zone: Shopping and Dining
Right in front of Nagoya Castle lies the Yoshinao Zone, offering a true sense of Nagoya's traditions.
Yoshinao, one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's sons, founded the Owari domain and had a significant impact on the development of Nagoya city. He established laws, proposed flood control measures, and more.
You can find many of the must-see traditional shops of Owari-Nagoya in this area.
Nagoya-meshi, Nagoya's local cuisine, is served in wooden buildings that resemble the townscapes of the Edo period.
Nagoya Cochin (chicken), miso udon, miso bean curd, miso cutlet, Japanese shrimp fritters, warabi mochi (bracken starch dumplings), and Japanese-style sweets are just some of the many items available for takeout. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to try a variety of Nagoya dishes!
Do not forget to check out the dishes only available here!
For those interested in limited edition items, you can find them along with Nagoya Castle-related goods at the souvenir shops. They also sell Nagoya specialties and confections. Find your favorite to take back home!
If you wish to experience Nagoya while taking a trip back to the Edo period, this is the right area for you!
◼︎ Shops in the Yoshinao Zone
- 10th Generation GISUKE: Purveying local sakes related to Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya Castle, with a counter for tastings (charge applies)
- Yamamotoya Souhonke Kinshachi Yokochoten: Kinshachi-nikomi udon, Kinshachi-kishimen noodles
- TORIKAI SOUHONKE: Nagoya Cochin oyako-don, Nagoya Cochin tebasaki chicken wings
- Hitsumabushi Bincho Kinshachi Yokocho: Hitsumabushi, Kinshachi hitsumabushi, unagi inari
- MISOKATSU YABATON: Miso-katsu
- Nagoya Tofu KAWAGUCHI: Miso dengaku, Nagoya tofu
- OWARIYA: Sakana kasu-zuke pickled fish, Moriguchi-zuke radish pickles, Nara-zuke
- Japanese cafe Nagono Chaya: From sweets and beverages to meals and souvenirs
- OWARINAGOYA TENDON TOKUGAWATYUBE: Tempura, ten-don, ten-musu, Washoku Japanese cuisine
- Shachi jojo: Souvenirs
- Ebisensem Maru: Ebi sembei shrimp crackers
- Essa Hoisa: Nagoya souvenirs and light meals
Muneharu Zone: New Shops Are Open Until 10 PM!
Right out of Nagoyajo Station's exit 7, near the East Gate, lies the Muneharu Zone—an area synonymous with innovation and transformation. Muneharu refers to the seventh lord of the Owari Tokugawa clan, known for his love of flamboyant things and bold, effective encouragement policies that laid the foundation for Nagoya's thriving arts scene.
In contrast to the traditional Yoshinao Zone, the Muneharu Zone embodies the spirit of change, featuring a lineup of cafes and dining spots run by the next generation of entrepreneurs who are shaping Nagoya’s culinary future.
Within chic and modern Japanese architecture, the Muneharu Zone offers an eclectic menu that includes creative Italian cuisine, inventive kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), innovative Nagoya Meshi dishes such as ankake spaghetti, and a variety of sweets.
This zone also features a comprehensive selection of takeout options, including drinks, sweets, and light snacks, making it an ideal stop for a quick break in the middle of sightseeing. Furthermore, the Muneharu Zone is open until 10 PM, offering a welcoming opportunity to relax and enjoy a drink or meal after a full day of touring, providing a pleasant end to a bustling day.
◼︎ Shops in the Muneharu Zone
- ankake tarou: Ankake spaghetti, Indian spaghetti, teppan Italian spaghetti
- FUJIYAMA GOGO: Noko tsukemen, Jiro-style ramen, Taiwan mazesoba
- vegetable cafe & seafood bar saien: Chopped salad, seafood, kakigori shaved ice (summer only), Kinshachi soft serve icecream
- Kushiage&Wine TSUDA: Creative deep-fried skewers and wine
- Japanese-style Lasagna Specialty Store (Y): Japanese-style lasagna.
- KINSHACHIYAKI: Kinshachi cakes, and sweets.
- cafe diner POP OVER: Famous ninja sweets and food
- DELAUMA BURGER: Burger shop
In Summary
Two different zones, two different styles. What do you think?
The Yoshinao Zone is for those who want to enjoy traditional Japanese food and local Nagoya cuisine, while the Muneharu Zone is for those who prefer modern styles. Here's the good news: it's only a 10-minute walk from one to the other—so why not visit both areas?
Next time, we will be introducing more specific dishes and souvenir shops at Kinshachi Yokocho!
How to Get There
Yoshinao Zone
Take the subway Meijo Line to Nagoyajo Station. The zone is a 10-minute walk from Exit 7
Or take the subway Tsurumai-line to Sengen-cho Station. The zone is a 10-minute walk from Exit 1.
Muneharu Zone
Take the subway Meijo line, and take Exit 7 for direct access.
Climb the stairs with the painting of Nagoya Castle and find the ticket gates. The nearest exit is exit seven.
The next article will provide you with further details, focusing on the best stuff at the "Yoshinao Zone"
Become a connoisseur of Kinshachi Yokocho: Check out the must-buys and must-trys
