A Detailed Explanation of Nagoya Castle’s History and Overview

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Nagoya Castle
2. History of Nagoya Castle
3. Highlights of Nagoya Castle
   

Introduction

Nagoya Castle is a significant fortress that embodies Japan's history and culture, offering many fascinating attractions. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of Nagoya Castle’s overview, history, and main highlights. As you explore the magnificent architecture and rich history of Nagoya Castle, you will gain a deeper appreciation for its charm. We will guide you through the origins of Nagoya Castle, its historical significance, and the must-see sights within the castle grounds.

Enjoy discovering the full appeal of Nagoya Castle as we delve into its overview, history, and highlights.

1. Overview of Nagoya Castle 

Nagoya Castle, located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, is a historic fortress also known as "Kinshachi-jo" or "Kinjo" (literally "Golden Dolphin Castle"). It stands as a culmination of castle-building techniques from the Sengoku period and served as a significant political and military center during the Edo period. The castle's construction incorporated the latest technologies of the time, with the luxurious decorations of the Honmaru Palace and the golden shachihoko (dolphin-shaped ornaments) on the main keep serving as its most iconic features.

Construction of Nagoya Castle began in 1610 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, with renowned daimyo such as Kato Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori overseeing the work. The castle flourished as the residence of the Owari-Tokugawa family for 260 years. The castle was built as a strategic measure to counter the threat posed by the Toyotomi clan and to strengthen military deterrence. The main keep was a magnificent five-story structure crowned with golden shachihoko. Although many of the castle's buildings were destroyed in the air raids of Nagoya in 1945, the main keep was reconstructed in 1959.

Due to its outstanding architectural techniques and historical significance, Nagoya Castle was designated a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government in 1952. This designation is awarded under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties to sites of particularly high value. Currently, the main keep is closed to the public due to issues with aging infrastructure and seismic concerns. However, the Honmaru Palace, which was also destroyed, was faithfully restored in 2018, regaining its former splendor.

In addition to its role as a military deterrent against the Toyotomi clan, Nagoya Castle also functioned as a defense point for the Tokaido route and as a means of exerting control over other daimyo. The castle town was formed through a process known as "Kiyosu-goshi," which laid the foundation for the modern city of Nagoya. Visitors to Nagoya Castle can still experience its historical value through the expansive Ninomaru Garden and the turrets that remain, some of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

2. History of Nagoya Castle 

Since its construction, Nagoya Castle has witnessed numerous significant historical events. Below is a chronological overview of its major milestones.

　 1. Construction and Early History (1609 - 1615)

The construction of Nagoya Castle began in 1609 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Concerned about the instability of the ground at the existing Kiyosu Castle, which was prone to floods and earthquakes, Ieyasu chose Nagono in Nagoya as the site for the new castle. This location offered solid ground, good transportation access, and promising potential for the development of a castle town.

The full-scale construction began in 1610, with western daimyo such as Kato Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori overseeing the work. The project was carried out as a "Tenka-Bushin" (national construction project), involving contributions from many feudal lords. By the same year, the foundation of the main keep (Tenshu-dai) was completed, and by the following year, the stone walls of the Honmaru (main enclosure), Ninomaru (second enclosure), and Ofuke Maru were finished. The main keep was completed in 1612, and the Honmaru Palace was completed in 1615. With this, Nagoya Castle was nearly finished, and the castle town was relocated from Kiyosu.

　 2. The Era of Tokugawa Yoshinao (1616 - 1634)

After Tokugawa Ieyasu's death, Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first lord of the Owari Domain, dedicated himself to the development of Nagoya Castle. Yoshinao officially entered the Owari region in 1616 and made Nagoya Castle his base. During his era, the Honmaru Palace was expanded, and in 1634, the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, visited Nagoya Castle and stayed at the Jorakuden (Imperial Residence).

During Yoshinao's time, the castle's defensive capabilities were also strengthened. The design of Nagoya Castle took advantage of the natural terrain, with 10-meter-high cliffs to the north and west serving as natural barriers. The castle's core was located on the northern side, while the flatlands to the south housed the Ninomaru and Sannomaru (third enclosure), effectively preventing enemy invasions.

　 3. Maintenance and Restoration During the Edo Period (Late 17th - Early 19th Century)

Nagoya Castle thrived as the residence of the Owari-Tokugawa family throughout the Edo period. During this time, the castle underwent several repairs and renovations to maintain its splendor. In 1696, repairs were made to the golden shachihoko (dolphin-shaped ornaments), and in 1730, the shachihoko were recast.

During this period, Nagoya Castle and its surrounding town flourished as economic and cultural centers. Under the rule of the Owari-Tokugawa family, the castle and its surroundings were meticulously maintained, preserving both its functionality as a fortress and its aesthetic beauty.

　 4. The Meiji Restoration and Beyond (1868 - 1945)

Following the Meiji Restoration, Nagoya Castle came under the control of the new government. With the abolition of the feudal domains in 1871, the Owari Domain was dissolved, and Nagoya Castle was repurposed as a military facility by the Imperial Japanese Army. During this time, the castle's structure underwent several modifications to suit its new military role.

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In 1945, during the air raids on Nagoya, Nagoya Castle suffered extensive damage. The main keep, Honmaru Palace, and many other structures were destroyed, resulting in the loss of much of the castle's historic architecture. However, the main keep was reconstructed in 1959 using reinforced concrete, allowing the castle to regain its iconic appearance.

　 5. Post-War Reconstruction and Preservation (1945 - Present)

After the devastating air raids of 1945, which destroyed much of Nagoya Castle, including the main keep and Honmaru Palace, reconstruction efforts began swiftly. In 1959, the main keep was rebuilt using reinforced concrete. This reconstruction was largely supported by donations from the public, allowing Nagoya Castle to once again become a symbol of the city.

Even after the reconstruction of the main keep, efforts to preserve and restore Nagoya Castle have continued. In 2009, work began on the restoration of the Honmaru Palace, which was based on detailed historical records, including Edo-period diagrams and old photographs. This restoration was completed in 2018, faithfully recreating the palace's luxurious interiors and returning it to its former glory.​​

3. Highlights of Nagoya Castle 

Nagoya Castle is filled with numerous attractions that showcase its magnificent architecture and rich history. Below, we detail the main spots you should visit.

　■ Honmaru Palace

The Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle was originally constructed in 1615 as the residence and administrative headquarters of the Owari clan. Although it was destroyed during wartime, it was accurately reconstructed in 2018 based on Edo-period diagrams and old photographs. The interior of the palace is adorned with splendid wall paintings by artists of the Kano school, making it a must-see for visitors.

The Honmaru Palace served not only as a residence for the Owari lords but also as a government office. The interior is composed of several rooms, including the entrance hall, the main reception hall (Omote Shoin), the audience chamber, the Jorakuden, the bathhouse study, and the Kuroki study, each with its own unique decorations and designs. For example, the "Bamboo and Tiger" painting in the entrance hall, the "Genre Scenes" in the audience chamber, and the "Snowy Plum, Bamboo, and Birds" painting in the Jorakuden are all notable works by Kano school artists that adorn the walls and sliding doors.

　■ Main Keep (Tenshukaku)

The main keep of Nagoya Castle is a grand five-story tower crowned with golden shachihoko (dolphin-shaped ornaments). Although it was destroyed in the air raids of 1945, it was rebuilt in 1959. Currently, the main keep is closed to the public due to issues with seismic safety, but its exterior can still be admired.

The reconstructed main keep, built using reinforced concrete, faithfully reproduces the original appearance. Although the interior is currently closed due to safety concerns, plans are underway for its restoration, and it is hoped that the public will once again be able to visit the interior in the future.

　■ Ninomaru Garden

Ninomaru Garden is a daimyo garden constructed in the late Edo period and was used by the successive lords of the Owari clan for both public and private purposes. This garden is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, covering an area of approximately 30,000 square meters. Within the garden, you can see the "Karetaki Ishigumi" (dry waterfall stone arrangement) and "Sansontei Stone Arrangement," which are valuable remnants of Edo-period landscaping techniques.

Particularly impressive is the "Gyokanryu" waterfall, where a stone bridge spans over a stone arrangement, captivating visitors with its grandeur. The garden also features a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha tea.

　■ Southwest and Southeast Turrets

Nagoya Castle has several turrets that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties and have survived since the Edo period. Among them, the southwest and southeast turrets are prime examples. Although these turrets appear to have two stories from the outside, they are actually three-story structures inside, equipped with features like stone-drop openings for defense.

These turrets symbolize Nagoya Castle’s defensive capabilities, offering a glimpse into the castle’s wartime defense strategies. Their sturdy construction and clever design played a vital role in protecting Nagoya Castle from enemy attacks.​

　■ Tokugawa Art Museum

When visiting Nagoya Castle, the Tokugawa Art Museum is a must-see. This museum houses over 10,000 artifacts and art pieces that once belonged to the Owari-Tokugawa family. Among the highlights is the National Treasure "Hatsune no Chodo" (Hatsune Furnishings), which were the bridal furnishings of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s granddaughter, and are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. The museum also houses the National Treasure "The Tale of Genji Picture Scrolls," which holds immense historical value.

　■ Stone Walls and Kiyomasa Stone

The stone walls of Nagoya Castle feature a massive stone known as the "Kiyomasa Stone," attributed to the famous warlord Kato Kiyomasa. This is the largest stone in the castle, and its sheer size and the craftsmanship involved in its placement are truly remarkable. Additionally, the stone walls are marked with numerous carved crests left by the various daimyo who contributed labor and materials to the castle’s construction. These marks are a testament to the daimyo's involvement and play a significant role in the history of Nagoya Castle's construction.

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 In Conclusion 

Nagoya Castle is a valuable landmark that allows visitors to deeply connect with Japan's history and culture through its magnificent architecture and rich history. Since its construction, the castle has witnessed numerous significant historical events. By visiting Nagoya Castle, you can experience the flow of history from the era of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the present day and rediscover its cultural significance.

We highly recommend that you visit Nagoya Castle to fully appreciate 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.