Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya has blown up in recent years. This expansion is no more evident than in the areas around Nagoya Station, where it seems like everywhere you look, a new skyscraper is springing up. There is, however, perhaps no area more improved or better renovated than Sasashima. Though its name conjures up some idea of an idyllic jungle paradise – it literally means bamboo island – Sasashima is a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex just a fifteen-minute walk from Nagoya Station. It has, in the past three years, undergone a significant renovation, with, in particular, the Global Gate commercial center an exciting addition to the area. From dining to shopping to live music, there is plenty of entertainment to enjoy around Sasashima. Global Gate Standing at approximately 170m, Global Gate is a 37 story skyscraper, most of which comprises of office space and the Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower. However, the bottom five floors are primarily for shopping and dining. The concept is one of ‘Green Style,’ with open-air courtyards, green spaces, and trees amongst the stores and eateries. Keeping to the relaxed-cum-exclusive feeling to the area, many of the shops are of the upmarket lifestyle variety, with interior designers Osu…