Our 150th entry in this blog is our trip to Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, Japan. We were so excited to finally see this famous castle, and this is the first time we get to see it 🙂

It was just a short walk from Shiyakusho Station (if I remember the station correctly). The day is quite gloomy and looks like it is about to rain. But thankfully, we got there while the clouds are clearing up.

Nagoya Castle or Nagoyajō was built in the beginning of the Edo Period as the seat of one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa family, the Owari branch. As such, it was one of the largest castles in the country, and the castle town around it ultimately grew to become Japan’s fourth largest city.

Tokugawa Yoshinao (1607–1650), became the first lord of the Owari region with Nagoya as its main city. The lord of Owari lived at Nagoya Castle and was not only in charge of the city’s defense but also its development.

The palace and tower keeps were the first castle structures to be designated as a National Treasure. Unfortunately, the palace and much of Nagoya Castle was destroyed in wartime air raids of 1945. In 2018 the castle opened the Honmaru Palace that had been reconstructed using only the traditional building techniques and original plans. The Honmaru Palace consists of 13 structures, and containing over 30 rooms. This luxurious architectural style, known as Shoin-zukuri, was preferred by the samurai caste as formality and etiquette were highly valued. The entrance is free but there was a long line outside the area so we did not wait in line as Ate Rei and Sai wanted to look for snacks. hehe…

Nagoya Castle is situated on an expansive area of land in the center of Nagoya city. The castle grounds can be divided into 4 parts. The Nishi-no-maru area where the main gate is located, Ni-no-maru area with its beautiful and expansive landscape garden, the Honmaru area inside the second wall surrounded by watchtowers with the main keep and the Honmaru Palace, and the Ofuke-maru area in the back with its tea houses.

The best way to explore Nagoya Castle is by taking a leisurely stroll around the whole complex with its many buildings and sights.

Most castle buildings were destroyed in the air raids of 1945, including the castle keep and the palace buildings. The park surrounding the castle keep features two circles of moats and impressive walls with corner turrets. It becomes an attractive hanami spot during the cherry blossom season which usually peaks in late March or early April. And here is Ate Rei and Sai happy to eat their ice creams under the cherry blossom tree.

The tower keep is the most iconic building in Nagoya. With its white walls and green corroded metal roofs. On either side of the roof, if you watch closely, you will spot the two golden Kinshachi, mythical figures half fish and half tiger. It is not clear in my photos though. But I actually did not notice the two gold plated fishes while looking at the castle. Maybe because they are still under renovation.

If you noticed, we have not been able to go inside the castle itself. It is currently under renovation. And also, since we are still under Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of measures are to be strictly followed, so it’s just like entrance and then exit. But still, there is a good reason for us to go back, to see what really is inside this famous Nagoya Castle. Until then! 🙂