The Great Manji Fire of 1660, which destroyed half of the castle town, is when the name Hirokoji, or "widened small street", first appeared.

Hirokoji-dori, which connects Nagoya Station to the lively, central Sakae neighborhood during the Meiji era, was the primary thoroughfare.

Parallel to Otsu-dori is Hisaya-Ōdori; this road runs from Yaba-cho to Sakae except for Sotobori-dori, which is maintained as Hisaya Ōdori Park.

[2] Adjacent to the tower is a large facility called Oasis 21, which has restaurants, stores, and a bus terminal.

There are many places known as Sakae, such as Nishiki, Shin-sakae town, Higashi-ku Higashisakura, north of Sakae proper, and adjacent north of Nishiki, the south side of Marunouchi and one section of Higashi-ku Izumi.

At the Meiji Restoration, public offices (such as those of the prefectural government and the schools) as well as businesses (like traditional Japanese restaurants) were created.

In 1902 (year 35 of the Meiji Era), Hirokoji-dori road to Chikusa was made and greatly increased traffic to and from the eastern suburbs of Nagoya.

In 1910 (year 43 of the Meiji Era) Ito Dry Goods (predecessor to the modern Matsuzakaya) transferred and started business.

In 1915 (year 4 of the Taisho Era) Juichiya Department Store (predecessor to the modern Maruei) opened for business.