Nagoya Castle is one of Nagoya’s most iconic landmarks and definitely worth visiting at least once. The castle grounds are spacious, the architecture is impressive, and the famous golden Shachihoko ornaments on the roof make it instantly recognizable. 🏯
I especially enjoyed walking around the castle complex and collecting the commemorative stamps, which added a fun touch to the visit. The reconstructed Honmaru Palace is beautifully done, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship, wooden interiors, and detailed artwork.
The reason for my 4-star rating is that some areas are still under restoration or have limited access, so the overall experience feels slightly incomplete compared to a few other major castles in Japan. Still, it remains an important historical site and a great place to learn about Nagoya’s heritage.
A worthwhile stop for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Nagoya. ✨
Nagoya Castle is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, but it is somewhat disappointing to learn that the current main keep is a reinforced-concrete reconstruction rather than the original structure. While the exterior is impressive and the grounds are beautifully maintained, those seeking an authentic historic castle may find it lacks the atmosphere of Japan’s surviving wooden castles.
That said, the castle remains well worth a visit. The expansive park, impressive stone walls, and iconic golden shachihoko ornaments make for excellent photographs. The museum exhibits inside are informative, and the castle offers valuable insight into the history of the Tokugawa clan and the city of Nagoya. A worthwhile destination, though one that leaves you wishing the original wooden keep had survived.
One of the castle you need to visit while you are in Japan!
Come earlier to be able to enter the The Honmaru Goten (Hommaru Palace) a breathtaking, fully reconstructed samurai palace.
Originally built in 1615 as the residence and administrative center for the Owari Tokugawa clan, its stunning gold leaf and cypress wood interiors were restored to Edo-period perfection
Beautiful place. The only part of the castle that is open to public is the Honmaru Palace in which you can enter (with shoes off) and walk to see the different rooms and segments.
The Main Keep is shut off and not allowed to admit visitors since 2018 due to an earthquake that has resulted in some structural integrity issues with the building. But the exterior is still pretty and worth to take a look!
Nagoya Castle is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the city. The exterior is impressive, and the Honmaru Palace is the real highlight with its beautiful painted rooms, tatami floors, and traditional details. Walking through the grounds is relaxing too, especially on a clear day when the castle and gardens look so photogenic. I also liked that the site feels spacious and well maintained. The main keep is still not open, so it’s not a full castle experience, but there’s still plenty to enjoy and it makes for a very enjoyable half-day stop.