Like many Japanese city’s Nagoya also has a tower resembling the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Nagoya’s is probably the closest to the original but with a height of 180 metres instead of 324.
The tower is the oldest TV tower in Japan and also regarded as the oldest observation deck standing, dating back to 1954. It was built to transmit television throughout the city and has become a much loved landmark and tourist attraction for Nagoya.
The tower has two observation decks one at 90 metres above the ground which is indoor and a outside sky balcony at 100 metres which is accessed by stairs from the inside observation deck. Around 30 metres off the ground is a large gallery and restaurant where the tickets to the top are purchased. The JR towers at Nagoya Station offer a higher observation point but the Nagoya Tower offers a old world charm and well worth the small admission fee.
The observation decks offer spectacular views of the city and on a good day you can see the surrounding Yoro and Chuba Sangaku mountains and Mikawa Bay.
The tower stands at the end of Hisaya Odori Park which is a magnificent garden boulevard running right along the top of the city. The park also takes on some French style and is a great place to relax for a while to escape the busy retail area of the city only a block away.
Under the tower there is a large forecourt a fashion store, a cafe, a beer garden and plenty of tables and chairs. The area is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the day.
Back in 1992 the Nagoya Tower was destroyed by Battra a monster in the movie Godzilla vs. Mothra. Fortunately it was only a film and the real tower has remained safe.
For those looking at taking a spectacular photo of the tower, visit the interesting and futuristic looking Oasis 21 Complex beside the tower. Go to the glass rooftop around twilight and take your shot across the huge expanse of water.
You can access the Nagoya TV Tower via a 5 minutes walk from M05 Sakae or M06 Hisaya-odori Subway Station on the Meijō Line.
Official site:
http://www.nagoya-tv-tower.co.jp/english/english.html
