Provided by Nagoya Castle General Office

Gateway to Japan’s “Golden Age”

When you hear the name Nagoya Castle, you might first picture the Kinshachi (Golden Tiger-Fish Roof Ornaments) gleaming atop its towering keep. However, the true charm of the castle goes far beyond these symbolic decorations. Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle served as a key political, military, and artistic center embodying the power structure of early Edo-period Japan. Today, it remains a valuable space where visitors can experience the deeper layers of Japanese culture.

The Six Stories Told by Nagoya Castle

1. The Castle Keep and Kinshachi: Symbols of Power and Prestige

Completed in 1612, the main keep of Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s three most renowned castles. The pair of Kinshachi (Golden Tiger-Fish Roof Ornaments) enshrined on the top floor not only serve as talismans for fire prevention but also as emblems of the Tokugawa shogunate’s authority. Though the current keep is a postwar reconstruction, its commanding presence and striking design strongly evoke the grandeur of the original.
※ Due to aging infrastructure and earthquake safety concerns, the interior of the keep is currently closed to the public. A full-scale wooden reconstruction of the original is underway.

2. Honmaru Palace: The Revival of a Lost Masterpiece

Once described as “the most luxurious palace in Japan,” Honmaru Palace served as the shogun’s residence. Though it was destroyed by fire, it was completely restored in 2018. The palace’s lavish hinoki cypress architecture is adorned with brilliantly painted barrier screens by the Kano school, gold-leaf sliding doors, and intricate interior designs. It stands as a cultural jewel symbolizing the end of civil war and the dawn of peace, brought to life through the fusion of modern craftsmanship and traditional artistry.
※ To help preserve Honmaru Palace, we kindly ask for your cooperation:

Please remove your shoes at the entrance. For those barefoot or in stockings, slippers are provided.
Photography is permitted, but please turn off the flash in advance to protect the paintings.
Lighting is kept minimal to maintain historical accuracy. There is no air conditioning or restrooms inside, so please be mindful of your physical condition during your visit.

3. Stone Walls and the “Kiyomasa Stone”: Engineering Mastery in Megaliths

The castle’s massive stone walls represent the culmination of civil engineering techniques developed by warlords like Kato Kiyomasa. Among them, the enormous “Kiyomasa Stone,” estimated to weigh over 10 tons, has gained legendary status. The transport and placement of such a colossal rock without modern machinery reflects both the rulers’ desire to display power and the pinnacle of craftsmanship at the time.

4. Gardens and Seasonal Beauty: A Samurai’s Sense of Aesthetics

Located north of the former Ni-no-maru Palace, the Ni-no-maru Garden comprises three areas—Kita Garden, Front Garden, and East Garden—spanning approximately 30,000 square meters. Highlights include stone bridges over waterfall-style arrangements, earning the site its high reputation as a traditional Japanese landscape garden. In 1953, the Kita and Front Gardens were designated as Places of Scenic Beauty, followed by nearly the entire garden in 2018. Its scenery shifts with the seasons, offering visitors a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

5. Surviving Original “Sumi Yagura” Watchtowers: Designated Important Cultural Properties

While the castle’s main keep and palace were destroyed during wartime air raids and later rebuilt, three “sumi yagura” (corner turrets) have survived in their original form since the castle’s construction. These structures are designated Important Cultural Properties, each varying in size and design—making it worthwhile to compare and appreciate their differences.

6. Samurai and Ninja Performance Teams: Contemporary Hospitality with Historic Flair

One of the most notable examples of how tradition and modernity merge at Nagoya Castle is the presence of the “Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai ” and the “Hattori Hanzo and the Ninjas”. These performers, dressed as historical samurai and ninja, offer daily guided interactions with visitors, while special performance shows are held on weekends. Their presence transforms the castle from a site to observe into a place to experience.

Nagoya Castle: A Stage for Experiencing the Spirit of Japanese Tourism

For those visiting Japan for the first time, Nagoya Castle is far more than a historical monument. It is a place where strength meets beauty, culture meets power, and tradition blends with heartfelt hospitality. As a holistic symbol of Japanese castle culture, the castle harmonizes the spirit of the samurai with the natural beauty of the four seasons. It offers a deeply moving experience to all who visit.
And with countless other attractions in the surrounding area, you may soon realize that one day simply isn’t enough to take it all in.

Nagoya Castle: A Timeless Fortress Reflecting the Essence of Samurai Culture and the Kinshachi