Important to know about Nagoya Castle

About Nagoya Castle

About Nagoya Castle – The Nagoya Castle is an ancient castle that may be found in the city of Nagoya in Japan. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, is credited with constructing the castle in 1612 as part of a series of fortifications designed to protect his control and suppress rebellions. The castle was originally built by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The complex of the castle is comprised of a number of buildings and structures, the most notable of which is the main donjon, also known as the central tower. Other components of the complex include gates, defensive walls, and palace buildings. With a total of 62 towers and gates, as well as a moat that surrounded it, the castle was one of the largest and most impressive in Japan when it was at the height of its power.

Throughout the course of its existence, Nagoya Castle has been subjected to a number of instances of destruction and subsequent repair. In 1632, a fire completely leveled the castle, and shortly thereafter, it was reconstructed. Nevertheless, in 1891, yet another fire brought about the castle’s partial destruction. Bombing raids that took place during World War II caused significant destruction to the castle.

In modern times, the Nagoya Castle has developed into a prominent tourist destination and cultural monument in the city of Nagoya. The main donjon of the castle and a few other structures on the grounds of the castle have been reconstructed using traditional building materials and methods, and the grounds also include a number of museums, gardens, and other types of attractions. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the interior of the castle, climb to the top of the main tower for panoramic views of the city, and learn about the history of the castle as well as its significance in Japanese cultural tradition.

History timeline of Nagoya Castle

Sure, here’s a brief history timeline of Nagoya Castle:

1610: Construction of Nagoya Castle begins under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
1612: The main donjon (central tower) of the castle is completed.
1632: A lightning strike causes a fire that destroys the castle. Reconstruction begins immediately.
1660: Reconstruction of the castle is completed, and it becomes one of the largest castles in Japan.
1868: With the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji period, Nagoya Castle is decommissioned as a military facility and is turned over to the new Meiji government.
1891: A portion of the castle is destroyed in a fire caused by lightning.
1930: The main donjon is reconstructed using reinforced concrete, making it one of the first historical buildings in Japan to use this material.
1945: During World War II, Nagoya Castle is heavily damaged by American bombing raids.
1959: The main donjon is reconstructed again, this time using traditional materials and techniques.
2018: A major renovation of Nagoya Castle begins, with plans to reconstruct several of the castle’s original structures and improve accessibility and visitor amenities. The renovation is expected to take several years.

How to reach Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is located in the city of Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. There are several ways to reach the castle, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation.

By Train: The closest station to Nagoya Castle is Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Subway Line. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the castle. Alternatively, you can take the Me-Guru tourist bus from Nagoya Station or Sakae and get off at the castle’s main gate.

By Bus: Several bus lines stop near Nagoya Castle, including city buses and the Me-Guru tourist bus. The castle’s main gate is a designated stop on these routes.

By Car: Nagoya Castle is accessible by car, although parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited. There is a paid parking lot located near the castle’s main gate, as well as other parking options in the surrounding area.

By Bicycle: Nagoya has an extensive network of bicycle rental stations called “Nagoya Eco-Rental Cycle”. Visitors can rent a bike at one of these stations and ride to Nagoya Castle using the city’s bike lanes and paths.

Do's and Dont's at Nagoya Castle

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Nagoya Castle:

Do’s:

Do take your time exploring the castle and its grounds. There are many interesting buildings, gardens, and exhibits to see.
Do wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs.
Do respect the cultural significance of the castle. This is an important historical site in Japan, and visitors should be mindful of the need to preserve it for future generations.
Do take plenty of photos. Nagoya Castle is a beautiful and photogenic place, with many opportunities for great shots.
Do check out the various museums and exhibits on the castle grounds. These provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region.

Don’ts:

Don’t touch or climb on the castle walls or other structures. These are delicate and historic features that should be respected and preserved.
Don’t litter or leave trash on the castle grounds. There are plenty of trash cans and recycling bins provided for visitors’ convenience.
Don’t smoke or consume food or drink inside the castle buildings. This is not permitted, as it can damage the historic materials and exhibits.
Don’t ignore the signs and markers posted around the castle. These provide important information about the history and significance of the site, as well as safety instructions.
Don’t bring large bags or backpacks inside the castle. These may be subject to security checks or restrictions.

Highlights of Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is a fascinating and historically significant site with many highlights to explore. Here are a few of the most notable features and attractions:

Main donjon (central tower): The main donjon of Nagoya Castle is a stunning five-story tower that provides spectacular views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and explore its interior, which includes exhibits about the history of the castle and the surrounding region.
Honmaru Palace: This beautiful palace building was the residence of the castle lord during the Edo period. It has been reconstructed using traditional materials and techniques, and visitors can explore its interior to get a sense of what life was like for the ruling class in ancient Japan.
Castle gates and walls: Nagoya Castle is surrounded by a series of impressive gates and walls that were designed to protect the castle from invaders. These include the Kinshachi Gate, which is adorned with golden dolphins and is one of the most iconic features of the castle.
Gardens and parks: The castle grounds include several beautiful gardens and parks, including the Ninomaru Garden and the Meijo Park. These areas provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and are great places to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Museums and exhibits: There are several museums and exhibits on the castle grounds that provide insights into the history and culture of the region. These include the Nagoya City Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Nagoya, and the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and artworks from the Tokugawa period.

Frequently asked questions about Nagoya Castle ?

The governing Tokugawa dynasty, who wished to increase its hold over Japan's core area, erected Nagoya Castle in the early 17th century. Although suffering significant damage during World War II, the castle has subsequently been rebuilt and refurbished.

The castle is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM. However, hours may vary during holidays and special events.

The cost of admission varies based on the season and the age of the tourist, but is often between 500 and 1,000 yen (between $5 and $10 USD). Children, students, and senior citizens can all receive discounts.

In the castle, it is normally acceptable to take photos, but tripods and flash photography are prohibited. Check for signs or ask staff if you have any questions if you're unclear because some exhibits may have special limitations about photography.

Wheelchair users have access to the majority of the castle and its grounds; nevertheless, there are certain parts that may be challenging to travel due to the presence of stairs or uneven surfaces. Inside the castle, guests who require wheelchair access can rent wheelchairs, and there are parking spots set aside just for those with impairments.

Blog