Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu as part of a nationwide construction program. The vast grounds, surrounded by huge stone walls, are packed with the beauty of Japan's leading castle architecture. In particular, the golden shachihoko (rope-shaped carp) on the roof of the main tower is famous nationwide as the symbol of Nagoya Castle. The tower is currently closed to the public as it is being restored to a wooden structure, but its majestic exterior is a masterpiece. Instead, the Honmaru Palace, which was completed in 2018, has a gorgeous interior that faithfully reproduces its original appearance, making it a must-see for history and architecture lovers.

The Honmaru Palace is made entirely of cypress, and the sliding screen paintings by Kano school artists and the gorgeous and luxurious sliding door paintings convey the original appearance. Each room has a different design, allowing you to get a glimpse into the lives of Tokugawa Ieyasu and successive feudal lords. The castle is large, and there is plenty to see just by walking around. The castle is bustling with many locals and tourists, as the seasonal scenery can be enjoyed with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. There are also many exhibition facilities where you can learn about the history and culture of Nagoya Castle.

It is a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Castle Station on the Meijo Subway Line, and is very convenient to access by public transportation.

[Trivia]
The golden shachihoko that shines on the castle tower of Nagoya Castle is a pair of male (on the north side) and female (on the south side), with the male being larger. The current golden shachihoko is the second generation, and the first golden shachihoko, which was destroyed in a war disaster, was exhibited at the Vienna World Exposition during the Meiji period and was very well received.

[Hidden gem]
Kinshachi Yokocho, located near the main gate of Nagoya Castle, is a complex where you can enjoy Nagoya gourmet food and souvenirs. There is a wide range of shops, from traditional Nagoya cuisine to new Nagoya gourmet food, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal and choose souvenirs before or after visiting the castle.
In addition, the "Southwest Corner Tower" is sometimes open to the public for a limited time. It is a valuable structure remaining from the Edo period, so please visit it when it is open to the public.

[A point of concern]
Currently, Nagoya Castle is undergoing discussions on the wooden restoration of the castle tower, and as of 2025, it will not be possible to enter the castle tower. If you are looking forward to the view from the castle tower, your expectations may not be met.
The Honmaru Palace can be visited, but if you are thinking of visiting the castle tower as your main attraction, be careful. Also, it is very crowded, especially during busy periods such as cherry blossom season and Golden Week, and the parking lot is likely to fill up, so we recommend that you use public transportation with plenty of time.