Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers
A striking architectural marvel with a unique corkscrew design, housing educational institutions near Nagoya Station.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the unique architecture
Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers
Best Time
See the unique architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking architectural marvel with a unique corkscrew design, housing educational institutions near Nagoya Station.
"Obsessed with the futuristic vibes of the Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers! This architectural masterpiece isn't just a head-turner."
📸 Best Photo Angles
Experiment with different viewpoints around the base for the most dramatic shots of the spiral.
🚇 Connected to Station
Easily accessible via Nagoya Station's underground shopping malls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Spiral Design
A unique corkscrew shape that twists skyward, offering a futuristic and artistic visual experience.
Architectural Photography Spot
Capture stunning shots of this iconic building from various angles, especially with its dynamic, twisting form.
Proximity to Nagoya Station
Easily accessible from Nagoya Station, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Architectural Marvel Near Nagoya Station
More Than Just a Pretty Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Angles
Experiment with different viewpoints around the base for the most dramatic shots of the spiral.
🚇 Connected to Station
Easily accessible via Nagoya Station's underground shopping malls.
💡 Futuristic Vibes
Appreciate the modern, futuristic design that stands out in Nagoya's skyline.
🛍️ Nearby Shopping
Explore the surrounding shopping districts and bazaars for unique finds.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Angles
Experiment with different viewpoints around the base for the most dramatic shots of the spiral.
🚇 Connected to Station
Easily accessible via Nagoya Station's underground shopping malls.
💡 Futuristic Vibes
Appreciate the modern, futuristic design that stands out in Nagoya's skyline.
🛍️ Nearby Shopping
Explore the surrounding shopping districts and bazaars for unique finds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers' unique and futuristic architectural design, often calling it a striking landmark. Its convenient location next to Nagoya Station is frequently praised, making it easily accessible. While the towers themselves are primarily educational institutions, the surrounding commercial areas offer plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
"Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers is a striking 170-meter-tall skyscraper located in Nagoya’s Nakamura-ku, adjacent to Nagoya Station. Completed in March 2008, this 36-story (39 total including underground floors) educational and commercial complex houses four institutions under the Japan Educational Foundation: Nagoya Mode Gakuen (fashion), HAL Nagoya (IT and design), Nagoya Isen (medical support), and Nagoya International College of Technology. With a total floor area of 48,988.96 m², the building combines cutting-edge design, structural innovation, and urban functionality."
Simon Simon
"It is a lovely tower that stands as a symbol, among many, of the area. The interesting thing is if viewed from a distance, it looks like it is leaning to the side a bit which is interesting. Great building with nice shops in it. The basement and lower areas are linked to the underground shopping area, so getting to or from it is pretty easy."
Scott Combs
"A very beautiful artistic building design near Nagoya station."
Jawad Haqbeen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers are conveniently located right next to Nagoya Station. You can reach them by a short walk from the station's west exit. Many travelers mention its easy accessibility from the station, making it a popular spot for quick visits.
Yes, it's very easy to find. The distinctive spiral shape is visible from the station, and it's well-integrated with the underground shopping areas, so you can navigate directly to it.
You can take any train that stops at Nagoya Station. The towers are located immediately adjacent to the station, so no further train travel is needed once you arrive at Nagoya Station.
Many visitors arrive in Nagoya via the Shinkansen (bullet train). The Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers are a short walk from the Shinkansen gates at Nagoya Station.
While there are parking facilities in the vicinity of Nagoya Station, it's generally recommended to use public transport due to the station's central location and the ease of access via train.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to view the Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers from the outside. They are an external architectural landmark. Access to the schools within requires enrollment.
As the towers house educational institutions, there are no specific 'visitor' hours. However, the surrounding commercial areas and shops may have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening.
You can access the lower floors which often contain shops and commercial spaces. The upper floors are dedicated to the educational institutions (Nagoya Mode Gakuen, HAL Nagoya, etc.) and are not generally open to the public for casual visits.
The Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers do not have a public observation deck. Its primary function is as an educational facility.
While the schools themselves might host events, there are no regular public exhibitions within the towers. However, the surrounding area of Nagoya Station often has events.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Great photo opportunities exist from various angles around Nagoya Station. Try capturing it from the station plaza, the nearby underground shopping areas, or even from slightly further afield to get its full spiral form.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas in Japan, especially around tall buildings and transportation hubs like Nagoya Station. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
The towers are beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different aesthetic. You can get good views from the surrounding streets and the Nagoya Station complex.
Any camera or smartphone can capture the towers' unique design. For wider shots, a wide-angle lens is helpful. Some users have even showcased the towers with advanced phone cameras.
No, there is no public observation deck. For panoramic views of Nagoya, consider the Nagoya TV Tower or the Sky-Boat observation deck at JR Central Towers.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, the lower levels and basement areas of the towers are connected to Nagoya Station's extensive underground shopping and dining complex, offering a variety of options.
The area around Nagoya Station, including the underground malls connected to the towers, offers a wide range of shops, from fashion boutiques and souvenir stores to electronics and specialty goods.
You'll find numerous dining options within Nagoya Station and its underground network, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, including ramen shops and cafes.
The area is known for its vibrant shopping scene. You might find unique fashion items, local crafts, and even thrift stores nearby, as mentioned by some visitors.
Yes, the shops connected to Nagoya Station, including those near the Spiral Towers, offer a good selection of souvenirs, from traditional Japanese items to modern goods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific attractions for children within the towers, the sheer scale and unique design can spark curiosity. For a more engaging experience for kids, consider exploring the broader Nagoya area, which offers attractions like the Nagoya City Science Museum or Legoland Japan Resort (though these require separate travel). The ease of access from the station means families can easily transition to other activities after a brief viewing of the towers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for dramatic lighting, or at night when the towers are beautifully illuminated. While there's no observation deck, the surrounding buildings and the station itself can provide elevated vantage points. Some photographers have even shared before-and-after edits, showcasing the transformative power of post-processing on capturing the tower's essence.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Take your time to appreciate the unique architecture from various viewpoints. The connected underground malls provide a safe and convenient space to explore, especially if the weather isn't ideal. You can easily spend an hour or two admiring the building and then dive into the culinary delights or shopping options nearby.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and Design
The building is home to three specialized vocational schools: Nagoya Mode Gakuen (fashion), HAL Nagoya (IT and design), and Nagoya Isen (medical support). This integration of educational facilities within such a distinctive structure highlights Nagoya's commitment to fostering innovation and talent. The futuristic vibes and artistic expression of the architecture have made it a popular subject for photography and a point of interest for visitors.
Its location adjacent to Nagoya Station further enhances its significance, making it a prominent gateway to the city and a symbol of its modern development. The building's design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an environment conducive to learning and growth, a concept that resonates with the educational purpose of the institutions it contains.
Navigating Nagoya Station and Surrounding Areas
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the station, the area around the Spiral Towers is a vibrant commercial district. Visitors can find a wide array of shopping experiences, from department stores like Takashimaya and Meitetsu Department Store to smaller boutiques and specialty shops. Some TikTok videos highlight the presence of thrift stores and bazaars in the broader Nagoya area, suggesting that unique finds are plentiful for those willing to explore.
When it comes to dining, the options are virtually endless. Nagoya Station and its connected underground network boast a diverse culinary scene, catering to all tastes and budgets. From quick bites at convenience stores like 7-Eleven to hearty bowls of ramen and more refined dining experiences, visitors will have no trouble finding delicious food.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit