Last updated：
When visiting Nagoya Castle, there’s a new spot you absolutely can’t miss: the “Nishiomaru Treasure Museum.” With its faithfully recreated exterior of an Edo-period storehouse, precious shachihoko that survived the flames of war, and the castle’s hidden treasures, it invites you on a journey through history. Plus, admission is free! The ease of access is another charm.
In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights of the Nishiomaru Treasure Museum.
The Nishiomaru Treasure Museum is a facility that displays valuable cultural assets owned by Nagoya Castle. Alongside the exhibits, you can also learn about the history of the time, allowing you to enjoy the charm of Nagoya Castle from a new perspective. It is a popular new attraction for a wide range of visitors, from history enthusiasts to families.
The Nishiomaru Treasure Museum features a distinctive exterior that faithfully recreates an Edo-period storehouse. Specifically, it brings back to life the appearance of the former third and fourth storehouses of the Nishiomaru at Nagoya Castle. This recreation allows visitors to see Edo-period architecture up close and experience the atmosphere of the time.
A “kura” is a large warehouse that stored rice collected as tax during the Edo period. These storehouses played an important role in the economy and food management of the time. There was even a profession called “kurabugyo” (storehouse magistrate). Nagoya Castle had multiple storehouses that functioned as crucial facilities supporting the finances of the Owari domain.
The Nishiomaru Treasure Museum conveys the appearance of these historical storehouses to the present day, while also displaying and preserving valuable cultural assets of Nagoya Castle inside. It serves as a bridge connecting the past and the present, conveying the importance of the history and culture of Nagoya Castle to visitors.
One of the highlights of the Nishiomaru Treasure Museum is the old shachihoko. These former national treasures once adorned the main gate of Nagoya Castle.
Do you notice that this shachihoko is broken? It has no tail. In fact, this bronze shachihoko, which once adorned the main gate of Nagoya Castle, has a storied history.
Originally, it was on the gate of Edo Castle, but it was moved to Nagoya Castle in 1910. During World War II, the main gate was burned down in an air raid, but this shachihoko miraculously survived despite being damaged.
The shachihoko now visible on the main gate was newly made in 1959. However, the old shachihoko is still carefully preserved.
This precious shachihoko, which has survived from the Edo period to today, is a treasure that conveys the history of Nagoya Castle.
And here are the north and south bronze shachihoko that were installed on the Oteichinomon (Main Gate) of Nagoya Castle.
The north bronze shachihoko on the left side of the photo has a surprising secret.
Inside the mouth of this shachihoko, there is charred wood. This is from the air raid during World War II when the gate burned down. The wooden core used inside the shachihoko remained.
The fact that wood is used inside the shachihoko is a unique feature, providing clues about how people of the past made shachihoko.
The north bronze shachihoko is a living witness to history. It is a special shachihoko.
And the south bronze shachihoko on the right side of the photo.
Originally, the gate had tile shachihoko, but they were replaced by these bronze shachihoko transported from Edo Castle in 1910.
In fact, there is a secret message engraved on the back of the south bronze shachihoko. It indicates that it was made in 1660 by the Tokugawa shogunate’s craftsmen, the Watanabe family.
It is said that the father designed it and the son made it, and there are slight differences in details like the shape of the ears. It’s like a friendly competition between father and son. Please observe it up close.
These are also valuable witnesses to history that connect Edo and Nagoya for over 350 years.
The exhibition room is the main content of the Treasure Museum, displaying many important cultural properties. The themes change with each special exhibition, and the items on display vary. Photography is not allowed in the exhibition room.
Here are some of the past special exhibitions. They cover a range of topics from Nagoya Castle screens and architecture to armor, weapons, and even mysteries of Tokugawa Ieyasu. There are many fun themes for history enthusiasts.
Special exhibitions change approximately every two months. If there are many items for a particular theme, the exhibits may change even during the same exhibition period. What treasures you encounter depends on your luck. Exciting, isn’t it?
The History Information Room is an area where you can trace the history of Nagoya Castle from its construction to the present. It also has explanations and games for children, making it enjoyable for kids as well.
From the beginning of Nagoya Castle to the present, the history is explained and displayed in chronological order. The information is well-organized, making it easy for beginners to understand while also being enjoyable for history enthusiasts.
The museum shop is Nagoya Castle’s official shop, selling original souvenirs that can only be found here. Named “Sanban-gura,” the interior is designed to resemble an old rice storehouse.
The recommended items are goods related to “rice.” They perfectly match the building’s atmosphere and make wonderful memorable souvenirs. Be sure to stop by at the end of your Nagoya Castle tour.
The history of Nagoya Castle has been handed down through generations since the Edo period.
The shachihoko you see at the Nishiomaru Treasure Museum have survived the flames of war and speak to us across hundreds of years. Their presence quietly tells the story of the resilience and hope of the people of Nagoya.
The many valuable cultural properties you encounter in the exhibition room are the crystallization of the wisdom and skills of our predecessors. They contain the lives and thoughts of the people of that time.
The history of Nagoya Castle, which you touch upon in the History Information Room, tells the story of the joys, struggles, and hopes of the people who lived in this land.
The Nishiomaru Treasure Museum is a place where you can feel the breath of history.
When you visit Nagoya Castle, be sure to stop by the Nishiomaru Treasure Museum as well.
