A Fresh Nagoya Castle Itinerary from Yesterday

Introduction to Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle, located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a historic castle and one of Japan's three famous castles. Built in the early Edo period, it was constructed by Tokugawa Ieyasu after unifying Japan to serve as a western defense base. Today, it is a prominent tourist attraction in Nagoya, where visitors can appreciate history and traditional Japanese architecture.

1. History of Nagoya Castle

① Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Construction of Nagoya Castle

In 1609, Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nagoya Castle as a base for the Owari Tokugawa family. The castle was constructed with the help of artisans and daimyo (feudal lords) from all over Japan and was completed in 1612.

② War and Restoration
• Destroyed during the Pacific War (1945): The main keep of Nagoya Castle was designated a national treasure in 1930, but most of the structures were destroyed in an air raid in 1945.
• Reconstructed with reinforced concrete in 1959: After the war, the main keep was rebuilt with reinforced concrete in 1959 and used as a museum.
• Wooden restoration project since 2018: Nagoya City is pursuing a plan to restore the original wooden main keep, which may limit access to the interior.

2. Main Attractions of Nagoya Castle

① Main Keep (Tenshukaku)

The iconic building of Nagoya Castle, characterized by its grand five-story structure. The interior, previously used as a museum, is currently closed for wooden restoration.

② Golden Shachihoko

The roof of the main keep features golden shachihoko (dolphin-like ornaments). Shachihoko are symbolic elements in Japanese castles believed to prevent fires, and the golden shachihoko of Nagoya Castle are particularly large and ornate.

③ Honmaru Palace
• Restored in 2018, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Nagoya Castle, meticulously recreating the residence of an Edo period daimyo.
• The traditional Japanese architecture and stunning decorations, including gold-leafed wall paintings, are impressive.

④ Nagoya Castle Garden and Cherry Blossom Spot

The castle grounds include a spacious garden, famous for cherry blossoms in spring. During cherry blossom season, the garden is illuminated at night for a spectacular view.

3. Visitor Information for Nagoya Castle

① Location and Transportation
• Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
• Transportation:
• 5-minute walk from Shiyakusho Station on the Nagoya City Subway Meijo Line
• About 20 minutes by bus from Nagoya Station

② Operating Hours & Admission Fee
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
• Admission Fee: 500 yen for the castle and Honmaru Palace (Note: Access to the main keep may be restricted due to restoration work)

4. Night Views and Festivals at Nagoya Castle
• Cherry Blossom Season (March-April): The castle grounds are covered with cherry blossoms, and night illumination events are held.
• Nagoya Castle Festival (around October): Various cultural events, including traditional parades and samurai performances, are held.
• Winter Illumination: Special night views with lighting displays can be enjoyed in winter.

5. Nagoya Castle and the Owari Tokugawa Family

Nagoya Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu for his son Yoshinao and later became the base of the Owari Tokugawa family.