- How to Get to Nagoya Castle: The Best Transport Options
- Explore the best ways to reach Nagoya Castle. Learn why the Me~guru bus is the most convenient and cost-effective option, with tips on saving money and maximizing your visit.
Nagoya Castle: A Historic Jewel of Owari
Nagoya Castle, with a history spanning over 400 years, has long been the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family and remains an iconic symbol of Nagoya. Built under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, this castle is known for its exquisite Edo-period architecture.
The main keep gleams with golden shachihoko, the honmaru palace is lavishly decorated, and the three surviving turrets invite visitors to step back into the Edo period. But the appeal of Nagoya Castle doesn’t end there. The castle grounds host daily entertainment by samurai and ninja teams, offering fun ways to learn about history.
Furthermore, Nagoya Castle continues to evolve. By 2028, the wooden reconstruction of the main keep is set to be completed, garnering even more attention.
This article will introduce the highlights of Nagoya Castle, how to access it, and recommended ways to enjoy your visit. Whether you’re a history buff, a family, or a couple, discover all that Nagoya Castle has to offer!
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle was built in the early Edo period under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, serving as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family. Construction began in 1609, and within a few years, the main keep and turrets were completed.
The castle grounds feature stone walls marked with the seals of the daimyos involved in its construction, beautiful palaces, and gardens. It became renowned as one of the finest castles of the time.
Even after the Meiji era, the castle was carefully preserved as an imperial villa and was designated a National Treasure in 1930. Although many buildings were lost during World War II, three turrets, three gates, and the wall paintings in the honmaru palace survived.
The main keep was reconstructed in 1959 and restoration work continues to this day. Known for its association with Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle is a beloved symbol of Nagoya and a popular tourist destination for history enthusiasts, families, and couples alike.
- Business hours
- 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Regular holiday
- December 29 - 31 & January 1
- Fee
- 500 yen (free for junior high school students and younger)
- Credit cards, transportation IC cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted
- Telephone number
- +081-52-231-1700
- Official site
- https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/
- Parking
- Main gate parking lot (cars, large vehicles, motorcycles, scooters): Cars 180 yen/30 min, Motorcycles/scooters 100 yen/30 min
- Ninomaru East parking lot (cars): Cars 180 yen/30 min
- How to visit
- Train: 5 - minute walk from Exit 7 of Nagoya Castle Station on the Meijo Line
- Bus: Take the "Me~guru" Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus from Nagoya Station Bus Terminal and get off at the Nagoya Castle stop.
- Address
- 1 - 1 Honmaru, Naka - ku, Nagoya - shi, Aichi - ken 460 - 0031
For directions to Nagoya Castle, see below.
Read more about Directions to Nagoya Castle
Time Required
A leisurely tour of Nagoya Castle takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you plan to dine at the nearby Kinshachi Yokocho, allow for an additional hour.
How to Purchase Tickets
You can buy entrance tickets at the ticket office at the main gate.
There are two counters depending on your payment method: “Cash Only” and “Credit Card/Electronic Money (such as IC cards)”.
Though there is a single line to queue up, you will choose either counter as you approach, so it’s best to decide your payment method in advance or be prepared for both to move swiftly.
Once through the main gate, you’ll find the General Information Center. Here you can get information and pick up a leaflet with a map of the castle grounds, available in multiple languages, ensuring international visitors can navigate with ease.
You can also download the leaflet from Nagoya Castle’s official website.
The Main Keep
Nagoya Castle’s main keep was completed in 1612. It boasted the largest scale at the time and was designated Japan’s first National Treasure.
Although it was destroyed in the 1945 air raids, the main keep was reconstructed in 1959 thanks to the passion and donations of Nagoya citizens. The steel-reinforced concrete structure has been cherished as a symbol of Nagoya ever since.
Currently, the main keep is temporarily closed for safety upgrades and earthquake resistance work. Thus, entry into the main keep is not possible at this time. However, the historic value and beauty of the main keep remain unchanged, attracting many tourists to the plaza.
The wooden reconstruction of the main keep is underway and, once completed, it will join Shiroishi Castle (Miyagi Prefecture), Shirakawa Komine Castle (Fukushima Prefecture), Shibata Castle (Niigata Prefecture), Kakegawa Castle (Shizuoka Prefecture), and Ozu Castle (Ehime Prefecture) as the sixth wooden reconstructed keep, enhancing its historical significance even further.
The restoration project is scheduled for completion in 2028. Post-restoration, it will reopen as a safer and more comfortable tourist attraction.
The Honmaru Palace
Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace was constructed in 1615. Initially used as the Owari clan lord’s residence and government office, it later served as the Tokugawa shogun’s lodging.
The palace is renowned for its luxurious interiors, featuring wall paintings and decorative fittings crafted using cutting-edge techniques of the time. These elements exemplify the finest castle architecture of the Edo period.
Like the main keep, the palace was also destroyed in the 1945 air raids. The current Honmaru Palace was restored in 2018, with modern craftsmen meticulously replicating the details based on historical records.
The Honmaru Palace showcases the bukeyashiki style of architecture, with different ceiling designs, transoms, decorative fittings, and wall paintings that reflect the function and prestige of each room. These features preserve the essence of samurai culture.
Visitors can experience the craftsmanship and ingenuity in the details, such as the sliding door handles and paintings. Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace is a valuable tourist spot that allows visitors to experience the traditional beauty and history of Japanese architecture.
Read more about Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace
Nishinomaru Gallery Museum
The Nishinomaru Gallery Museum exhibits cultural assets and materials related to Nagoya Castle, providing extensive information about its history. The building faithfully replicates the exterior of the warehouse that once stood in Nishinomaru, offering a facility where visitors can fully enjoy the castle’s history and charm.
Here, you can discover the secrets of the castle in the “History Information Room” and admire precious items, such as the wall paintings of the Honmaru Palace, designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government, in the “Exhibition Room.”
The Nishinomaru Gallery Museum condenses the “treasures” and “information” of Nagoya Castle, allowing visitors to gain deep knowledge while enjoying their visit. It’s a popular spot for history enthusiasts, families, and school trips, with child-friendly explanations and fun content available.
Read more about Nishinomaru Gallery Museum
The Turrets
The turrets of Nagoya Castle are valuable cultural assets that preserve the beauty and technique of Edo-period castle architecture. The three surviving turrets, designated as Important Cultural Properties, combine defensive features with aesthetic appeal.
The Southwest Turret is notable for its unusual structure, with two stories on the exterior and three stories inside. It stands at the southwest corner of the main keep, measuring approximately 11.8 meters east to west, 13.5 meters north to south, and 14.1 meters in height. Defensive features such as chidorihafu and stone-dropping devices are evident.
The Southeast Turret has a similar structure and features the Tokugawa family crest on the ridge-end tiles. The roof on the eastern side of the third floor showcases a prestigious nokikarahafu design, adding to its elegance and dignity.
The Northwest Turret is the largest of the three, with three stories on the exterior and interior. Standing at 16.2 meters tall, it is the second-largest surviving three-story turret in Japan, next to the Uto Turret of Kumamoto Castle.
These turrets are vital to understanding the history and architectural excellence of Nagoya Castle. Be sure to appreciate their intricate construction and historical significance.
Golden Shachihoko and Commemorative Photos
The golden shachihoko of Nagoya Castle, an emblem of Nagoya, has a history of over 400 years. Installed atop the main keep in 1612 to signify Tokugawa Ieyasu’s power, the male and female pair of golden shachihoko gained nationwide fame for their splendor during the Edo period. Travelers along the Tokaido road marveled at their beauty, and they were even displayed at international expositions, drawing global attention.
Today, visitors can see the second-generation golden shachihoko shining atop the main keep of Nagoya Castle.
You can take commemorative photos with a golden shachihoko near the main gate.
As taking photos with the golden shachihoko is popular, there might be a queue. Rest assured, the estimated 1 hour and 30 minutes for a castle tour includes the 7-8 minutes you may spend waiting here.
The golden shachihoko is a precious cultural asset symbolizing the history and prosperity of Nagoya Castle. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy its majestic presence during your visit.
Meet Ninjas, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Other Warring States Warriors
The appeal of Nagoya Castle extends beyond its historical buildings. Daily interactive entertainment adds to the visitor experience.
The “Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai” and the “Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hattori Hanzo Ninja Team” warmly welcome tourists. These knowledgeable guides provide fun explanations of the castle’s highlights and hidden stories.
They also gladly pose for photos, making for great social media memories. On weekends, samurai and ninja shows bring the Edo period to life with thrilling performances.
You might even meet ninjas or Tokugawa Ieyasu himself. Check their appearance schedules for a sneak peek.
Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai Official Site
Souvenir Shops: 3 Locations
Nagoya has three souvenir shops in total.
Souvenir Shop Next to Golden Shachihoko
Shop in Front of the Main Keep
The shop in front of the main keep offers Nagoya Castle-exclusive souvenirs and sweets like soft serve ice cream.
You can also find snacks like “karaage”, “frankfurters”, “takoyaki”, and “mitarashi dango”.
Order using the food ticket vending machine before heading to the counter.
A wide variety of souvenirs are available inside.
Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace Museum Shop
The Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace Museum Shop is part of the Honmaru Palace itself.
It offers cultural items, books, and various goods.
Nagoya Castle: Pride of Owari and a Bridge to the Future
Nagoya Castle, with its 400-year history, stands strong despite numerous transformations. It is a source of pride for Nagoya’s residents and an icon of Japan’s cultural heritage.
The main keep gleaming with golden shachihoko, the intricately decorated Honmaru Palace, and the dignified turrets speak of past glories and future hopes. The wooden reconstruction of the main keep, set for completion in 2028, embodies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and new challenges.
Every visit to Nagoya Castle allows us to feel the weight of history and the dedication of those who have preserved it. Walking through the castle grounds, you can almost hear the footsteps of samurai, immersing you in a journey through time.
Nagoya Castle is constantly evolving. With the introduction of modern facilities and interactive content, it creates a space where history and the present beautifully harmonize. This reflects the very ethos of Nagoya, which cherishes the past while looking forward to the future.
Be sure to visit Nagoya Castle, where history is etched, and ongoing development continues.
