Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle stands in Naka Ward, central Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, as one of Japan's most celebrated feudal fortresses and a defining symbol of the city. Originally constructed in 1612 under Tokugawa Ieyasu to house the Owari domain, the main keep was destroyed in wartime bombing and faithfully reconstructed in reinforced concrete in 1959. The castle's most iconic feature is the pair of shachi — gilded dolphin-like creatures — perched atop the roof ridges, which have become Nagoya's best-recognised emblem. The complex spans over 70 hectares, encompassing the main keep and the Honmaru Palace, an extraordinary example of Edo-period shoin architecture currently undergoing meticulous timber reconstruction using traditional joinery techniques. Visitors walking through the Honmaru Palace observe craftspeople at work restoring intricate painted sliding doors and carved transoms — an immersive glimpse into historical construction methods rarely seen elsewhere in Japan. The main keep offers floor-by-floor exhibits tracing the castle's history from its Tokugawa origins through Meiji modernisation and wartime loss, culminating in a seventh-floor observation deck with panoramic views over central Nagoya. The outer grounds harbour the Ninomaru Garden, a tranquil strolling garden fed by a natural spring. In late March and early April, hundreds of sakura trees lining the castle walls transform the grounds into one of Nagoya's most celebrated cherry blossom viewing sites, drawing large crowds on weekends and fine-weather evenings. Weekday mornings before 10:00AM offer the most relaxed experience across all seasons. The combined ¥500 adult admission covers the main keep, Honmaru Palace, and Ninomaru Garden. Visitors should plan at least 90 minutes to cover the principal structures; a full exploration of the grounds, palace, and garden warrants two to three hours.