One of the most culturally significant castles in Japan, Nagoya Castle, has a long defensive history tied up in the roots of the country and its conflicted past. Now, it is a peaceful haven, offering stunning views over the charming city of Nagoya and hosting beautiful cherry blossoms in the summer. It stands as a proud landmark, praised for up keeping the cultural heritage of the country and is a major tourist attraction for visitors travelling the Pacific Coast of Japan.
The interior of the castle houses a museum exhibiting the history of Nagoya Castle, displaying military items like armour and weapons, along with paintings, decorated doors, and tatami-floored rooms. Visitors can also watch a film explaining the history of the castle in a 3D cinema, or go straight to the top floor observation deck for panoramic views over the city and its distant skyscrapers. The architecture is unique and captivating, defined by massive, sloping walls and cornered turrets, now listed as “Important Cultural Properties” for surviving the air raids of WWII. The landscaped gardens are equally impressive and designed in classic Japanese style, with a teahouse and thousands of cherry trees.
Visitors can access Nagoya Castle via the nearby subway stations of Sengen-cho or Shiyakusho, by the City Hall, and then it is only a 15-minute walk to the entrance. Alternatively, the there is a bus stop outside the castle which visitors can reach via the Meguru Loop bus, although there are also local bus routes that go this direction.
In 1610, Shogun Tokugawa Leyasu commanded the construction of Nagoya Castle to display his power, since becoming the controller of Japan after the Battle of Sekigahara. The excellent architectural design did indeed become a symbol of Japanese authority, celebrated for its innovative defence of the curved and robust fan-shaped walls. It faced many attacks, including demolitions and earthquakes, yet the most damage came from the air raids of WWII when being used as a Japanese army headquarters.