NAGOYA CASTLE with golden Grampus. Third Great Castle Japan Travel/ Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
【002 Aichi Nagoya Castle 】
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Nagoya Castle was built in the earlier time 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 4th biggest city.
Most castle buildings were destroyed in the airstrike in 1945, including the castle keep and the palace buildings. The current ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle keep dates from 1959 and contains a modern museum with exhibits about the castle’s history. The park surrounding the castle keep features two circles of moats and awesome walls with corner turrets. It’s also an attractive hanami spot during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April.
Rebuilding works began in 2009, using traditional construction materials and techniques. A first part of the reconstructed palace, including the entrance and main audience hall with beautiful replicated paintings on the sliding doors (fusuma) were completed and opened to the public in May 2013. The rest of the palace is planned to open in 2016 and 2018.
During the reconstruction works, castle visitors are allowed to enter the scaffolding structure and observe the reconstruction works from a raised corridor except on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This provides a special opportunity to observe traditional construction techniques and should not be missed.
Notice of Construction
The castle’s former palace buildings are currently being reconstructed next to the main keep until spring 2018. Because visitors are allowed to closely observe the construction works, they can even enrich a visit to the castle. Furthermore, one of the castle’s turret is currently being renovated until 2014.
Access Information
By Train
Take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Sakae Station from Nagoya Station (5 minutes) and change to the Meijo Subway Line to Shiyakusho Station (2 minutes). It costs 240 yen. A3 minute walk brings you to the castle’s east gate.
By Tourist Loop Bus
About 25 minutes. Fare is 200 yen per ride or 500 yen for a day pass.
From Nagoya Station to the castle’s main gate.
Hours and Fees
Hours:9:00 to 16:30 (last entry 16:00)
Closed: December 29 to January 1Construction works cannot be observed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and during lunch break (12:00 to 13:00)
Admission:500 yen
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