Imagine visiting Nagoya Castle on a quiet weekday afternoon. The crowds are light, giving you room to breathe and take in the beauty without the usual hustle and bustle. As you wander through the spacious grounds, the gentle sounds of nature surround you: the rustling leaves, occasional chirps of birds, and soft footsteps echoing on the stone pathways.
The castle itself stands majestically, offering a sense of timelessness and grandeur. You can take your time to admire the intricate details of its architecture and even reflect on the rich history that each stone wall holds. The serenity of the scene makes it easy to feel at peace, like you’ve stepped back into another era, away from the pressures of modern life.
In the garden areas, there might be a few locals quietly strolling or relaxing on benches, absorbed in their own thoughts. The calm atmosphere invites you to slow down, notice the little things, and let the weight of the day slip away. Being in such a historic, tranquil place feels almost meditative, offering you a rare moment of calm in the heart of Nagoya.
Beautiful castle with a garden within the castle grounds in the heart of Nagoya. Sadly the main castle tower was closed at the time of this visit but still getting to see the outer part and taking the tour of Hanomaru Palace was amazing. The garden is also a great area to stroll through. The fall colors on the leaves was just breathtaking.
The reason for the three stars is that the castle (the main building) is currently closed. You can visited a modern recreation of the palace and the surrounding garden. The entrance fee is 500 yen. Before entering the recreated palace building you are required to watch a video which list all the things you cannot do when in the building (you can take pictures without flash though). The palace itself is empty of artifact. There are some nice wall paintings to see. The whole walk through the palace takes about 20-30 minutes.
I hope to visit again in the future when there is more to see, and the main castle building is open to public.
At this time my recommendation is that you can skip the visit to this site if your time is limited.
Note: on weekends there are some "ninja shows" at the site.
Nagoya Castle is an absolute must-visit, even if you’re visiting during the hot summer months. Despite the heat, the castle’s beauty is undeniable and makes it worth every step you take through its historic grounds.
The grandeur of Nagoya Castle is truly something to behold. As you walk around the castle and its expansive grounds, you can’t help but be in awe of the intricate architecture and the rich history that surrounds you. The castle’s towering presence and beautifully designed gardens transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into Japan’s fascinating past.
Even on a scorching summer day, there’s something incredibly peaceful about strolling through the castle grounds. The castle’s stunning exterior, combined with the serene atmosphere of the surrounding gardens, makes for a relaxing and memorable experience. The attention to detail in every aspect of the castle’s design is remarkable, and it’s easy to get lost in thought as you admire the craftsmanship and history on display.
Nagoya Castle is a perfect blend of history, beauty, and tranquility, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Nagoya. Don’t let the summer heat deter you—this iconic landmark is well worth the visit, no matter the season. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Japan’s rich heritage!
I think we chose the worst day of the year to visit: Culture Day. It felt like the entire city and surrounding areas came to visit the castle on this day. We got there fairly early, yet there was already an insanely long (and barely moving) line to visit the palace. We ended up skipping it because, sadly, we were on a tight schedule.
The castle itself, although a replica, looks very impressive from the outside. Sadly, you can not enter it at all. The surrounding grounds are nice to walk around but don't offer much else to do or see either.
Also, for some reason, a guy with captive monkeys was putting on a show at the main entrance (on castle grounds, so he had approval). The monkeys were dressed up, on chains, doing tricks. In this day and age, animal cruelty like this should not be supported anymore...