Much of this space is located in the JR Central Towers atop the station, as well as in underground concourses.

The station and the area around it is officially called Meieki (名駅) in the Japanese addressing system.

Two island platforms for the Tokaido Shinkansen are situated in the western part and serve four tracks.

An island platform for the Sakura-dori Line serving two tracks is located east to west under the central concourse of JR Nagoya Station.

An island platform for the Higashiyama Line serving two tracks is located south to north under underground city Meieki Chikagai (Meichika), in the east of JR Nagoya Station.