Nagoya Castle

From Jcastle.info

Had it not been destroyed by the bombing of World War 2, Nagoya Castle would likely be the most splendid castle in Japan today with both an original main keep and the honmaru palace. The palace was rebuilt (completed) in 2018 and is truly a modern National Treasure. Everything from the artwork to th

Nagoya24.jpg

History

In 1610 Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the construction of Nagoya-jo to solidify the Tokugawa authority in Owari (Nagoya and vicinity). The castle was completed in 1612 and Tokugawa's ninth son Yoshinao entered the castle in 1616 from which he governed over Owari. Nagoya-jo is famous for the 2 golden shachihoko that adorn the top of its main keep. That is why it is also known as "Kinshachi-jo." Kin means "gold" and shachi refers to the killer whale type mythical creatures that sit atop the main keep and other castle structures.


Field Notes

Had it not been destroyed by the bombing of World War 2, Nagoya Castle would likely be the most splendid castle in Japan today with both an original main keep and the honmaru palace. The palace was rebuilt (completed) in 2018 and is truly a modern National Treasure. Everything from the artwork to the woodwork has been faithfully reproduced using original materials and techniques, even the gold foil covering the trimmings. Currently there is debate about rebuilding the main keep and how it should be done. The palace is a must see for any castle fan or fan of traditional architecture, but don't miss out on the original yagura and the amazing stonework that can also be seen here.

Nagoya Castle is even larger than you might think. The ruins around the Sannomaru Bailey area are also worthwhile visiting. There are vast trenches and a lot of stone wall remains. The photos show here are a collection from 3 or 4 distinct trips and I've still missed some areas I'd like to explore further.


Loading map...


Gallery
  • Main Keep
  • Main keep and palace
  • Honmaru Palace
  • View from the Southeast Corner Yagura
  • Main Keep and Palace
  • outer moat and main keep
  • Honmaru Palace
  • Map


More Galleries and Feature Pages

Nagoya24.jpg

Main Compounds

(27 photos)

Nagoya sannomaru2.jpg

Sannomaru Compound

(35 photos)

Nagoya palace43.jpg

Honmaru Palace

(73 photos)

Castle Profile
English Name Nagoya Castle
Japanese Name 名古屋城
Alternate Names Kinshachi-jo
Founder Tokugawa Ieyasu
Year Founded 1612
Castle Type Flatland
Castle Condition Reconstructed main keep
Designations Top 100 Castles, has Important Cultural Properties, National Historic Site, Special Historic Site
Historical Period Edo Period
Main Keep Structure 5 levels, 7 stories
Year Reconstructed 1959 (concrete)
Artifacts Southeast Corner Yagura, Southwest Corner Yagura, Omote Ninomon Gate, Ninomaru Ote Ninomon Gate, Former Ninomaru East Ninomon Gate, Northwest Corner Yagura
Features main keep, gates, turrets, palace, water moats, trenches, stone walls, walls
Visitor Information
Access Shiyakusho Station (subway Meijo Line)
Hours Open 9am - 5:30pm; Cloed Dec 29-Jan 1; 500 yen
Time Required at least 3 hours
URL Castle Website
Location Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Coordinates 35.18555, 136.89898
Loading map...
Admin
Added to Jcastle 1999
Contributor Eric
Admin Year Visited 1992, 1996, 2004, 2018, 2019
Admin Visits July 1992; several times in 1995-1996; February 23, 2004; August 8, 2018; August 3, 2019
Friends of JCastle
Shirobito - Nagoya Castle
Kojodan - Nagoya Castle
Jokaku Horoki - Nagoya Castle
Ken's Castle Storage - Nagoya Castle
Japanese Castle Explorer - Nagoya Castle
Malcolm Fairman Photography - Nagoya Castle


3.90
(58 votes)
Loading comments...