🕓 2024/11/23
#Castle
A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Nagoya Castle
Table of Contents
Introduction
Nagoya Castle is an important castle that embodies the history and culture of Japan, with many highlights to offer. In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of the overview, history, and major highlights of Nagoya Castle. Through its magnificent architecture and rich history, please fully savor the castle’s charm. Below, we introduce everything from how Nagoya Castle came to be, its significance, and the must-see tourist spots.
In this article, we will introduce the overview, history, and highlights of Nagoya Castle in detail. Please enjoy the full charm of Nagoya Castle.
Overview of Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a historic castle located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, also known as “Kinshachi-jo” (Golden Shachihoko Castle) or “Kinjo” (Golden Castle). As the culmination of Sengoku-period castle construction techniques and as a political and military stronghold during the Edo period, it holds immense historical importance. The latest technology of its time was incorporated into its architecture, with the lavish decorations of the Honmaru Palace and the golden shachihoko (dolphin-like ornaments) atop the main tower being its most iconic symbols.
Construction began in 1610 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, with western feudal lords such as Kato Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori overseeing the work. It flourished for 260 years as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan. The castle was built to serve as a military deterrent against the Toyotomi clan, enhancing defensive capabilities. The main tower was a magnificent five-story, five-level layered structure crowned with golden shachihoko. Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 1945 Nagoya air raids, but the main tower was later rebuilt in 1959.
Due to its outstanding architectural techniques and historical value, Nagoya Castle was designated as a Special Historic Site by the national government in 1952. This designation is a title given to sites recognized as having particularly high value under the Cultural Properties Protection Act. Currently, the main tower is closed due to aging facilities and seismic concerns. Additionally, the Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle was faithfully restored in 2018, bringing back its original splendor after being destroyed in the war.
The castle served not only as a military deterrent against the Toyotomi clan but also functioned as a defense for the Tokaido road and a means to keep other feudal lords in check. The castle town was formed through the “Kiyosu-goshi” (relocation from Kiyosu), which became the foundation of present-day Nagoya City. Nagoya Castle retains its expansive Ninomaru Garden and turrets designated as Important Cultural Properties, continuing to convey its historical value to visitors.
History of Nagoya Castle
Since its construction, Nagoya Castle has experienced many significant historical events. Here, we present the major events in chronological order.
1. Construction and Early History (1609 – 1615)
*Illustrative image
The construction of Nagoya Castle began in 1609 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu was concerned that the previous Kiyosu Castle was built on soft ground with high risks of flooding and earthquakes, and chose Nagono in Nagoya as the site for the new castle. This location had firm ground, good transportation access, and prospects for the development of a castle town.
Full-scale construction began in 1610, with western feudal lords such as Kato Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori overseeing the work. The construction proceeded as a “tenka bushin” (national project), with many feudal lords contributing their labor. The main tower foundation was completed in the same year, and the following year, the stone walls of the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Ofukemaru were completed. The main tower was completed in 1612, and the Honmaru Palace was completed in 1615. With this, Nagoya Castle was essentially complete, and the relocation of the castle town (Kiyosu-goshi) was also carried out.
2. The Era of Tokugawa Yoshinao (1616 – 1634)
*Illustrative image
After the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Yoshinao became the first lord of the Owari Domain and devoted himself to the development of Nagoya Castle. Yoshinao officially entered Owari in 1616 and made Nagoya Castle his base. During his era, expansion work was carried out on the Honmaru Palace, and in 1634, the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, visited Nagoya Castle and stayed in the Joraku-den.
During Tokugawa Yoshinao’s era, the castle’s defensive functions were also strengthened. Nagoya Castle’s design utilized natural terrain, with cliff-like formations approximately 10 meters high on the north and west sides serving as natural barriers. Additionally, by placing the castle’s core on the north side and arranging the Ninomaru and Sannomaru on the flat land extending to the south, the structure was designed to effectively repel enemy advances.
3. Maintenance and Repairs During the Edo Period (Late 17th Century – Early 19th Century)
*Illustrative image
Throughout the Edo period, Nagoya Castle prospered as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan. During this period, the castle underwent numerous repairs and renovations, maintaining its splendor. In 1696, the golden shachihoko were repaired, and in 1730, they were recast.
During this era, Nagoya Castle, along with its castle town, flourished and served as an economic and cultural center. Under the rule of the Owari Tokugawa clan, the castle grounds and surroundings were maintained, preserving both the castle’s function and beauty.
4. The Meiji Restoration and Beyond (1868 – 1945)
After the Meiji Restoration, Nagoya Castle came under the administration of the new government. Following the abolition of feudal domains in 1871, the Nagoya domain was dissolved, and the castle was used as a military facility for the army. During this period, the castle took on a military role, and parts of its internal structure were modified.
Source: Asahi Shimbun
In the 1945 Nagoya air raids, Nagoya Castle suffered extensive damage. The main tower, Honmaru Palace, and many other buildings were destroyed by fire, and much of the castle’s historic structure was lost. However, after the war, the main tower was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1959, and the castle once again regained its form.
5. Postwar Reconstruction and Preservation (1945 – Present)
Nagoya Castle lost many of its structures, including the main tower and Honmaru Palace, to fire during the Great Nagoya Air Raid of 1945. However, postwar reconstruction proceeded swiftly. In 1959, the main tower was rebuilt using reinforced concrete. Donations from citizens played a major role in this reconstruction, and the castle once again became a symbol of Nagoya City.
Preservation and maintenance of Nagoya Castle continued after the main tower’s reconstruction, and restoration work on the Honmaru Palace began in 2009. This restoration project was carried out based on detailed historical documents, including Edo-period blueprints and old photographs, and was completed in 2018. The Honmaru Palace faithfully recreates its original appearance, complete with its magnificent and lavish interior.
Highlights of Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle offers many highlights where you can experience its magnificent architecture and rich history. Here, we introduce the major spots worth visiting in detail.
■ Honmaru Palace 
The Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle was built in 1615 as the residence and government office of the Owari domain lords. It was destroyed by fire during the war but was faithfully restored in 2018 based on Edo-period blueprints and old photographs. The interior features wall paintings by artists of the Kano school, and its magnificent decorations are a must-see.
It served not only as the residence of the Owari domain lords but also functioned as the administrative headquarters. The interior consists of the entrance hall, Omote Shoin (formal reception room), Taimenjo (audience hall), Joraku-den (lodging for the Shogun), Yudono Shoin (bathing quarters), and Kuroki Shoin (private study), each decorated with distinct ornamentation and design. For example, the entrance features “Bamboo Grove with Tigers and Leopards,” the Taimenjo displays “Genre Paintings,” and the Joraku-den showcases “Plum and Bamboo in Snow with Birds” — all painted on walls and sliding doors by Kano school artists.
■ Main Tower (Tenshu)
The main tower of Nagoya Castle is a magnificent five-story, five-level layered structure crowned with golden shachihoko. It was destroyed in the 1945 Nagoya air raids and rebuilt in 1959, but is currently closed due to seismic concerns. The exterior of the main tower is still visible for viewing, and its imposing presence can be fully appreciated.
The rebuilt main tower is a reinforced concrete structure that faithfully reproduces the exterior of the original. Although currently closed due to seismic issues, plans for a wooden reconstruction of the main tower are underway. It is hoped that in the future, visitors will once again be able to tour the interior.
■ Scenic Ninomaru Garden
The Ninomaru Garden is a daimyo garden created in the late Edo period, used by successive lords of the Owari domain for both official and private purposes. This garden boasts the largest scale in Japan, covering an area of approximately 30,000 square meters. Within the garden, you can find “dry waterfall rock arrangements” and “three-stone Buddhist arrangements” characteristic of karesansui (dry landscape) gardening, which are valuable remnants demonstrating Edo-period garden design techniques.
Of particular note is the magnificent “Gyokkan-style” waterfall with a stone bridge spanning over the rock arrangement. The garden also features a tea house where visitors can enjoy matcha.
■ Southwest and Southeast Corner Turrets
Nagoya Castle retains several Important Cultural Property turrets dating from the Edo period, with the Southwest Corner Turret and Southeast Corner Turret being prime examples. While they appear as two-story structures from the outside, the interiors are actually three-story constructions, featuring defensive innovations such as stone-dropping chutes for repelling enemies.
The Southwest and Southeast Corner Turrets symbolize Nagoya Castle’s defensive capabilities, offering a glimpse into wartime defense strategies. Their sturdy construction and ingenious design played a crucial role in protecting Nagoya Castle from enemies.
■ Tokugawa Art Museum
A must-visit when touring Nagoya Castle is the Tokugawa Art Museum. This museum displays over 10,000 pieces of feudal lord’s utensils and art objects passed down through the Owari Tokugawa family. Particularly noteworthy is the National Treasure “Hatsune no Choudo” — the wedding trousseau of Hatsune, the daughter of Tokugawa Yoshinao (grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu), renowned for its exquisite and beautiful craftsmanship. The museum also houses the National Treasure “Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls,” which is of immense historical value.
■ Stone Walls and the Kiyomasa Stone 
Within the stone walls of Nagoya Castle, there is the “Kiyomasa Stone,” said to have been placed by Kato Kiyomasa. This is the largest stone in the castle, and visitors are amazed by its enormous size and the high level of craftsmanship used to shape it. Additionally, the stone walls bear numerous carved marks (kokumon) made by various feudal lords, which add historical intrigue. These marks were left as proof of the stones and labor that each lord contributed, serving as important records of Nagoya Castle’s construction.
Summary
Nagoya Castle is a valuable heritage site where you can deeply experience Japanese history and culture through its magnificent architecture and rich past. From its construction to the present day, it has witnessed numerous important historical events. By visiting Nagoya Castle, you can experience the flow of history from the era of Tokugawa Ieyasu to modern times and rediscover its cultural significance.
By all means, please visit Nagoya Castle and take the time to thoroughly enjoy its rich history and beautiful architecture. Nagoya Castle is truly a “living museum” that conveys the depth of Japan’s history and culture to all who visit.