NAGOYA CASTLE
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Highlights, Access & How to Enjoy Nagoya Castle
Located in the center of Nagoya, Nagoya Castle is a historic castle built by the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu and is counted as one of Japan's three most famous castles.
Access is excellent, just a 5-minute walk from "Nagoyajo Station" on the Meijo Subway Line, making it a recommended tourist spot for first-time visitors to Nagoya.
The surrounding area is lined with historical buildings such as Nagoya City Hall and Aichi Prefectural Government Office, and nature and cultural spots such as "Meijo Park" and "Tokugawaen" are within walking distance.
Inside the grounds, you can visit the Honmaru Palace and the Castle Tower (Tenshukaku), and the seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn captivates visitors.
For group trips or family visits, consider a guided tour. You can have a more fulfilling sightseeing experience with historical explanations and guidance to photo spots.
Highlights of Nagoya Castle
The biggest highlights of Nagoya Castle are the "Golden Shachihoko" shining on the roof of the Castle Tower and the elaborately restored Honmaru Palace. Both have high historical and cultural value and are loved as landmarks representing Nagoya.
At the Honmaru Palace, you can experience the samurai culture of the Edo period through gorgeous sliding door paintings and tatami rooms. Taking off your shoes and walking inside allows you to immerse yourself even more in that atmosphere.
Nagoya Castle is also famous for its beautiful seasonal scenery. Especially recommended times are spring and autumn. In Spring (late March to early April), cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a magnificent contrast with the Castle Tower. In Autumn (mid to late November), autumn leaves color the gardens and along the moat, offering a calm atmosphere.
Summer features blue skies and vivid greenery, perfect for photography. In winter, the air is clear, making the view from the Castle Tower even clearer.
- Castle Tower shining with Nagoya's symbol "Golden Shachihoko"
- Interior space of Honmaru Palace recreating Edo aesthetics
- Seasonal scenery, famous for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves
- Spring and autumn are especially recommended visiting times
| Month | Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | ⭐️ | Clear air provides excellent views from the Castle Tower |
| Feb | ⭐️ | Off-season, allowing for quiet sightseeing |
| Mar | ⭐⭐⭐ | Cherry blossoms start blooming from mid-month |
| Apr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Full bloom cherry blossoms, best time for photos |
| May | ⭐⭐⭐ | Beautiful fresh greenery, comfortable climate |
| Jun | ⭐⭐ | Rainy season, but the moist atmosphere has its charm |
| Jul | ⭐⭐ | Vivid summer sky and greenery. Heatstroke prevention is essential |
| Aug | ⭐️ | Severe heat, but less crowded |
| Sep | ⭐⭐⭐ | Getting cooler, comfortable sightseeing possible |
| Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Autumn leaves begin to turn, calm atmosphere |
| Nov | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Peak autumn leaves. Gardens and moat surroundings are beautiful |
| Dec | ⭐️ | Special year-end decorations and illumination available |
Recommended Route to Enjoy Nagoya Castle
① Main Gate (Seimon)
The Main Gate of Nagoya Castle is an entrance with a historical atmosphere surrounded by magnificent stone walls. Passing through here into the castle grounds feels like slipping back in time to the Edo period. There are many information boards around, making it a perfect photo spot.
② Omote-Ninomon Gate
The heavily built "Omote-Ninomon" is an important gate leading to the interior of Nagoya Castle. The beauty of the stone walls and wooden architecture attracts attention, making it irresistible for history buffs. Passing through the gate, the Honmaru Palace comes into view.
③ Honmaru Palace (Duration: approx. 30 min)
The Honmaru Palace is impressive with its gorgeous sliding door paintings and tatami rooms. You take off your shoes to tour the inside, offering a valuable experience to touch the samurai culture of the Edo period. Guided tours are also recommended.
④ Castle Tower (Duration: approx. 40 min)
The Castle Tower, a symbol of Nagoya Castle, offers a panoramic view of Nagoya city from the top floor where the golden shachihoko shines. Inside, there are abundant displays of historical materials and models, making it well worth seeing.
⑤ Ninomaru Garden (Duration: approx. 20 min)
The Ninomaru Garden is a perfect relaxing space for a stroll with beautiful seasonal plants. There are many benches, making it perfect for taking a break during sightseeing. You can spend time feeling history in the quiet atmosphere.
Estimated Sightseeing Time: Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
Basic Information on Nagoya Castle
| Facility Name | Nagoya Castle |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 - 17:30 (Last entry 17:00) |
| Admission | Adults ¥500 / Junior high school students and under: Free |
| Note | Honmaru Palace can be visited without extra charge |
Access to Nagoya Castle
From Chubu Centrair International Airport
| Transport | Time | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Approx. 60 min | ¥1,500 | Take Meitetsu μ-SKY or Limited Express to "Kanayama Station" → Transfer to Meijo Subway Line (Counter-clockwise) → Get off at "Nagoyajo Station", approx. 5 min walk from Exit 7 |
| Bus | Approx. 60-80 min | From ¥1,400 | Take Limousine Bus to Nagoya Station → Transfer to subway or taxi |
| Taxi | Approx. 50 min | Approx. ¥15,000 | Direct from Centrair to Nagoya Castle. Recommended for groups or those with heavy luggage |
From Nagoya Station
| Transport | Time | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | Approx. 15 min | ¥240 | Take Higashiyama Subway Line to "Sakae Station" → Transfer to Meijo Line (Clockwise) → Get off at "Nagoyajo Station", approx. 5 min walk from Exit 7 |
| City Bus | Approx. 25-30 min | ¥210 | From Nagoya Station Bus Terminal take bus bound for "Nagoyajo Seimon-mae" (Nagoya Castle Main Gate) → Approx. 3 min walk after getting off |
| Taxi | Approx. 15 min | Approx. ¥1,500 - ¥2,000 | Direct access from Nagoya Station. Convenient depending on weather and luggage |
From the nearest station, Nagoyajo Station (Meijo Subway Line), Exit 7, it is about a 5-minute walk to the Nagoya Castle Main Gate. There are signs along the way, so you won't get lost.
Model Plan | Nagoya Castle Half-Day Sightseeing Course
This is a classic half-day plan that even first-time visitors to Nagoya can enjoy.
It packs in highlights like Nagoya Castle, gourmet food, and Osu!
Total Estimated Cost: Approx. ¥3,000 (Excluding transport)
Please contact us here for travel consultation and quotes.
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