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Nagoya Castle, Aichi – Golden Shachihoko, Honmaru Palace and Castle Park

Nagoya Castle, Aichi – Golden Shachihoko, Honmaru Palace and Castle Park
Nagoya Castle in Aichi is one of Japan’s most famous castles, known for its golden shachihoko roof ornaments, imposing keep and beautifully reconstructed Honmaru Palace. This guide covers the castle’s history, museum exhibits inside the main keep, highlights of the palace interiors and seasonal scenery in Meijo Park, together with easy access from Nagoya Station, ticket information, suggested visiting time and tips for making the most of your walk through the grounds.

Highlights

Nagoya Castle at a Glance

Nagoya Castle is a landmark castle known for its golden shachihoko and the Honmaru Palace, where you can combine history exhibits with a stroll around Meijo Park.

Golden Shachihoko (Kinshachi)

The golden shachihoko (Kinshachi) shining atop the main keep roof are a key highlight, symbolizing authority and prosperity and traditionally associated with protection from fire (the current shachihoko were reconstructed in 1959).

Honmaru Palace Architecture

Completed in 2018, the Honmaru Palace showcases Edo-period craftsmanship, including lavish wall paintings and large tatami-floored halls you can experience up close.

Main Keep Status & How to Enjoy

The main keep’s exterior was reconstructed after the war, but the interior is currently closed to the public due to issues such as seismic safety (temporarily closed). Focus on the Honmaru Palace and walking the grounds for the best experience.

Seasons at Meijo Park

Meijo Park is known for seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, making it an easy spot for a picnic or relaxed walk between castle sights.

Access (Subway / Bus / Car)

Subway Meijo Line “Nagoyajo Station” about a 5-minute walk / Tsurumai Line “Sengencho Station” about a 10-minute walk. From Nagoya Station: about 20 min by bus. By car: about 10 min from the Nagoya Expressway “Marunouchi Exit” or “Kurokawa Exit” (may vary with traffic).

Admission & Suggested Time

Admission is 500 yen for adults / free for children (junior high and under). A typical visit takes about 2–3 hours, and mornings or late afternoons are often easier for avoiding crowds.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Nagoya Castle?

Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s most famous historic castles, located in Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

Construction began in 1610 under the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it flourished throughout the Edo period as the seat of the Owari Tokugawa clan.

The golden shachihoko (golden tiger-fish roof ornaments) shining atop the keep and the Honmaru Palace, fully restored in 2018, symbolize the brilliance of Japanese history and architecture.

The main keep is currently closed due to seismic safety issues.

Even so, there are plenty of highlights—including the Honmaru Palace—and the site welcomes many visitors every year.


How to Get to Nagoya Castle (Access Guide)

Nagoya Castle is located in central Nagoya, with excellent transportation access.

By Public Transportation

  1. Subway
  2. About a 5-minute walk from Exit 7 of “Nagoyajō Station” on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Meijō Line.
  3. About a 10-minute walk from Exit 1 of “Asama-chō Station” on the Tsurumai Line.
  4. From Nagoya Station
  5. Take the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus (Me~guru) from Nagoya Station and get off at “Nagoya Castle”—the stop is right there.
  6. If using a city bus, take the Kikan 2 line and get off at “Shiyakusho,” then walk about 5 minutes.

By Car

It is about 5 minutes north from the “Marunouchi Exit” on the Nagoya Expressway Inner Circular Route.

There is a paid parking lot in front of the castle’s main gate.

For standard cars, the fee is 180 yen per 30 minutes.

Weekends can be crowded, so public transportation is recommended.


Top Things to See at Nagoya Castle

1. Golden Shachihoko (Golden Tiger-Fish Roof Ornaments)

When you think of Nagoya Castle, the golden shachihoko gleaming on the roof of the main keep is the iconic symbol.

The “golden shachihoko” is known as a guardian against fire and represents the Tokugawa clan’s authority and prosperity.

The current pair was recreated when the keep was rebuilt in 1959: the male (north side) is about 1.272 m tall, and the female (south side) is about 1.215 m tall.

2. Main Keep (Currently Closed)

Nagoya Castle’s main keep was destroyed in an air raid in 1945 and rebuilt in 1959 using steel-reinforced concrete.

However, it is now closed due to seismic safety concerns, and efforts toward a wooden reconstruction are being discussed.

You cannot enter the main keep, but you can view the exterior, which is a popular photo spot.

3. Honmaru Palace

The Honmaru Palace, fully restored in 2018, is one of Nagoya Castle’s biggest highlights.

Faithfully recreated based on Edo-period drawings and historical materials, the interior features breathtaking fusuma paintings, gilded transoms, and other lavish details.

You can enjoy different decorative styles by area, including the “Genkan,” “Omote-shoin,” “Taimenjo,” and “Jōraku-den.”

Plan about 30–45 minutes for a visit.

4. Meijō Park

Meijō Park, adjacent to the north side of Nagoya Castle, is a relaxing green space where you can enjoy seasonal scenery.

It is also known as a cherry blossom spot, and seasonal events may be held.

The “tonarino” area has cafés and restaurants, making it a convenient place for a break.


The History of Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle was built as a nationwide construction project (tenka-bushin) in 1610 under the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

It is said that 20 feudal lords from western Japan, including Katō Kiyomasa, took charge of building the stone walls, and the main keep was completed in a little over two years.

During the Edo period, it prospered as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan and contributed greatly to Nagoya’s development.

It was designated a former National Treasure in 1930.

The main keep and Honmaru Palace were destroyed in the 1945 air raids.

Today, studies and discussions toward reconstructing the keep in wood continue.

Helpful Tips for Travelers

Best Time of Day

Visiting early in the morning allows for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.

The Honmaru Palace is especially popular, so arriving right after the gates open is recommended.

Depending on the season, illuminations and special evening openings may be held.

Admission

  • Adults: 500 yen (includes entry to the Honmaru Palace)
  • Junior high school students and under: Free

Opening Hours

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Last admission is 4:00 p.m.

Closed Days

December 29–31 and January 1.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes (the grounds are large)
  • A camera (there are many photo spots)
  • Water or a drink (especially important in summer)


Summary

Nagoya Castle is a must-visit Nagoya attraction where you can experience Japan’s history and culture.

From the spectacular wall paintings of the faithfully restored Honmaru Palace to the famous golden shachihoko, there is plenty to see.

Although the main keep is currently closed, you can still fully enjoy the Honmaru Palace and a stroll around the spacious castle grounds.

If you visit Nagoya, be sure to add Nagoya Castle to your itinerary.



Frequently Asked Questions

A. Nagoya Castle was built on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, with the main keep completed in 1612. Its famous symbols include the golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-headed carp roof ornaments) and the Honmaru Palace; starting with the Honmaru Palace often keeps your route smoother and less affected by crowds. If it is your first time, check a map and narrow down your must-see spots to two or three to get around more smoothly.
A. Opening hours are 9:00 to 16:30, and entry to the Honmaru Palace and the Nishi-no-Maru Okura Castle Treasure Museum is until 16:00. The park is closed for New Year's (12/29 to 1/1), so if you are aiming for late afternoon, entering in the 15:00 hour and starting with exterior photos can work well. Near closing time, exhibits and shops can feel rushed, so arriving with time to spare helps you enjoy it calmly.
A. Admission is 500 yen for adults, and free for junior-high-school students and younger. The ticket also covers the Honmaru Palace and the Nishi-no-Maru Okura Castle Treasure Museum, so if time is limited, going in the order of "Palace -> keep exterior -> stone walls" helps you avoid missing key sights. Ticket counters can get busy, so having coins or a cashless option ready makes entry smoother.
A. From Nagoya Station, taking the Meijo Line to "Nagoya Castle" Station and walking from there is straightforward. Once you are above ground, walking along the moat can help you capture a full view of the castle, so getting an exterior shot right after arrival can be reassuring. There is some walking involved, so on rainy days, choose shoes with good grip for peace of mind.
A. Currently, you cannot enter the main keep at Nagoya Castle. It is recommended to focus on the exterior and the Honmaru Palace, and paying attention to the stonework and the scale of the moats can help you capture photos that convey the castle's grandeur. Comfortable shoes and a drink can also make your visit more enjoyable.
A. To avoid crowds, aim for right after opening or later in the afternoon when group tours tend to thin out. Inside the palace, there are areas where you take off your shoes, so slip-on shoes can help you stay focused on sightseeing with less hassle. On busy days, photos and moving around take longer, so building in early breaks and restroom stops is a good strategy.
A. A classic shot is framing the keep across the moat; if you catch the timing for reflections on the water, it adds atmosphere. The golden shachihoko can look dark in backlight, so shooting with morning front light tends to bring out texture. To reduce people in your shot, a vertical composition or shooting from a slightly higher position can be effective.
A. Meijo Park and Kinshachi Yokocho are close by, making it easy to combine a stroll with food. Ending your outing with a break at the yokocho reduces extra moving around and helps you conserve energy after walking the castle grounds. Visiting places in the same area together reduces travel time and helps you use your day efficiently.

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