πŸ“ Location: Osaka to Izu Main Route, Japan
🏷️ Category: Attraction
πŸ’° Cost: Varies
⏰ Best Time: See details
⏱️ Duration: Varies
🚢 Difficulty: Easy

About

Nagoya Castle Nagoya Castle's iconic keep topped with golden shachihoko ornaments. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Nagoya Castle stands as one of Japan's most significant feudal-era fortifications, constructed under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu beginning in January 1610. The castle was strategically built to serve as the stronghold of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family, one of the three most important branches of the shogunate. Construction involved 20 feudal lords and was completed with the main keep finished in December 1612 and the Honmaru Palace in February 1615. πŸ”— πŸ”—

The castle's most iconic features are the golden shachihoko (kinshachi) - mythical tiger-headed fish ornaments that crown the main keep's roof. These massive sculptures measure over 2.6 meters tall, weigh more than 1,200 kg each, and are covered in 18-carat gold plate 0.15mm thick. The male shachi on the northern side has 112 scales, while the female on the south end has 126 scales. These golden ornaments symbolized fire protection (shachihoko were believed to summon water) and demonstrated the immense wealth and authority of the Tokugawa shogunate. The castle became so synonymous with these golden ornaments that it earned the nickname "Kinjō" (ι‡‘εŸŽ), meaning "Golden Castle." πŸ”— πŸ”—

Cultural & Historical Significance

Golden Shachihoko Statue Golden shachihoko (kinshachi) statue - these mythical tiger-headed fish ornaments symbolize fire protection and Tokugawa authority. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Nagoya Castle represents the pinnacle of Tokugawa military architecture and political power. Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1610-1612, it served as the seat of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family - one of the three most important branches of the shogunate alongside the Kii and Mito branches. The castle's strategic location and massive fortifications demonstrated the shogunate's control over central Japan during the Edo period. πŸ”—

The Honmaru Palace served as the official residence and administrative offices of the Owari Tokugawa clan. Built in the Shoin-zukuri architectural style, it encompasses over 30 rooms across 3,100 square meters, including prestigious areas such as the Omote Shoin (formal reception rooms), Taimenjo (audience chamber), and Jorakuden (retirement chambers). After the original palace was destroyed in 1945 air raids, a meticulous reconstruction project was completed in 2018 using traditional construction techniques and materials. The palace interiors feature lavish gold leaf decorations and intricate wall paintings (fusuma-e) that overwhelm visitors with their brilliance. πŸ”— πŸ”—

Visiting Information

Honmaru Palace Honmaru Palace interior showcasing traditional Shoin-zukuri architecture and gold leaf decorations. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Access from Route: Nagoya is approximately 2 hours WEST of Osaka (opposite direction from Izu Peninsula), requiring either a backtrack before continuing eastward or an overnight stop. From the highway, exit "Kurokawa" of Nagoya Expressway Route No.1 Kusunoki Line for 8-minute drive south, or exit "Marunouchi" of Nagoya Expressway Ring Route for 5-minute drive north. πŸ”—

Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), closed December 29 - January 1 πŸ”—

Admission: Adults Β₯500, Nagoya City Senior Citizens Β₯100, Children (junior high school and younger) free πŸ”—

Parking: Main Gate Parking (308 vehicles) and Ninomaru East Parking at Β₯180 per 30 minutes. Free street parking available on certain roads around the castle on weekends and holidays. Distance from parking to entrance: approximately 3 minutes walk. πŸ”—

Route Context: This represents a MAJOR DETOUR requiring significant backtracking from the Osakaβ†’Izu trajectory. Total impact: Osaka β†’ Nagoya (2 hrs west) β†’ Visit (2-3 hrs) β†’ Continue to Izu (5+ hrs east) = 9-11 hour day. πŸ”—

Current Status (November 2025): Main castle keep CLOSED since 2018 (wooden reconstruction not expected before 2032). Honmaru Palace FULLY OPEN and accessible. Castle grounds, gardens, and turrets remain open. πŸ”—

Seasonal Considerations: November offers comfortable temperatures (13-18Β°C), clear autumn skies, and peak autumn foliage viewing in Ninomaru Garden. Early November (Nov 7) may be slightly early for peak colors - late November typically shows best autumn display. Shichi-Go-San festival season brings families in traditional dress throughout November. πŸ”— πŸ”—

The Experience

Honmaru Palace (Primary Attraction): The reconstructed palace represents the pinnacle of Edo-period craftsmanship, featuring extensive gold leaf decorations throughout, intricate fusuma paintings depicting nature and animals, and authentic Shoin-zukuri style architecture with over 30 rooms. Short video viewing required before entry explaining proper behavior. Wide-angle lens essential for interior photography. πŸ”—

Castle Grounds & Gardens:

  • Ninomaru Garden: Best autumn foliage viewing point at the castle, peak colors in late November
  • Stone Walls & Moats: Original fortifications showcasing feudal-era defensive architecture
  • Northeast Turret: Additional historic structures to explore
  • Golden Shachihoko Replica: Full-size reproduction near Main Gate for souvenir photos πŸ”— πŸ”—

Free English Tours: Daily at 12:30 PM from East Gate (no reservation needed) provided by Aichi Goodwill Guides Network. Closed December 29 - January 4. πŸ”—

Practical Visiting Tips

Photography Strategy:

  • Wide-angle lens essential for palace interiors
  • Telephoto lens for golden shachihoko details from ground level
  • Best lighting: Morning (9:00-10:30 AM) for soft light and fewer crowds, or golden hour (4:00-5:30 PM) for warm light on castle exterior
  • Golden shachihoko replica near Main Gate positioned specifically for photo opportunities πŸ”—

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Remove shoes before entering palace (storage provided)
  • Respect posted photography restrictions, especially in palace interior sections
  • Be patient at Golden Shachihoko Replica photo spot πŸ”—

Crowd Avoidance: Arrive at 9:00 AM opening for smallest crowds. Weekdays preferred over weekends during November Shichi-Go-San season. Free English tours at 12:30 PM attract tourist concentration. πŸ”—

November Preparation:

  • Layered clothing for 13-18Β°C temperature range
  • Comfortable walking shoes for extensive grounds
  • Light jacket for chilly mornings (8-10Β°C early)
  • Sun protection despite cooler temperatures πŸ”—

Nearby Attractions:

  • Kinshachi Yokocho: Food district next to castle featuring Nagoya specialties (hitsumabushi, miso katsu, tebasaki)
  • Atsuta Shrine: One of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, housing Imperial Regalia sword
  • Toyota Commemorative Museum: Industrial heritage museum
  • Oasis 21: Modern architecture with illuminated "spaceship" structure πŸ”— πŸ”—

Nagoya Food Culture:

  • Hitsumabushi: Grilled eel over rice, eaten in three stages
  • Miso Katsu: Pork cutlet with thick red miso sauce (try Yabaton restaurant)
  • Tebasaki: Crispy double-fried chicken wings, salty and spicy πŸ”— πŸ”—

Route Integration Recommendations:

Option A: Backtrack Detour (NOT Recommended)

  • Osaka β†’ Nagoya (2 hrs west) β†’ Visit castle (2-3 hrs) β†’ Continue to Shizuoka/Fuji area (5+ hrs)
  • Total: 9-10 hour travel day
  • Verdict: Exhausting, adds 4+ hours to journey

Option B: Overnight in Nagoya (Most Viable)

  • Day 1: Osaka β†’ Nagoya (2 hrs), afternoon/evening castle visit, overnight in Nagoya
  • Day 2: Nagoya β†’ Izu Peninsula (3 hrs direct) via Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway
  • Verdict: Allows fuller Nagoya exploration, breaks journey into manageable segments, access to Nagoya food culture for dinner

Option C: Separate Trip (Alternate Recommendation)

  • Save Nagoya for Kansai-Chubu focused itinerary
  • Focus Osakaβ†’Izu route on Tokaido corridor attractions (Shizuoka, Fuji area)
  • Verdict: Most logical for route efficiency

Value vs. Logistics Trade-off:

  • Cultural Value: HIGH - Unique Tokugawa heritage, stunning reconstructed palace, excellent November foliage timing
  • Route Integration: LOW - Significant backtrack from logical Osakaβ†’Izu trajectory
  • Time Cost: 4+ hours added to journey vs. direct route

Final Assessment: Nagoya Castle is absolutely worth visiting with its unique Tokugawa heritage and stunning Honmaru Palace. However, it is poorly positioned for the Osaka→Izu route due to geographic backtracking. Best experienced as either (1) an overnight stop breaking the journey, or (2) a separate trip focused on Chubu region exploration.

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/osaka-to-izu-main-route/nagoya-nagoya-castle.md

πŸ“ Location Map