- Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
- Phone: +81 52-231-1700
- Official website: nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp
- Year of construction: 1612
- Building height: 55,6 m
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 16:30 (except December 29 - January 1)
- Ticket price: $ 4.75
One of the most striking sights of the city of Nagoya , located on the plain of Nobe, in the western part of Aichi Prefecture, is the ancient Nagoya Castle. There are many important milestones in the history of Japan associated with it. The building, built in the beginning of the XVII century, became a true embodiment of the Japanese architecture of that period. Currently Nagoya Castle is not only a symbol of the city and national treasure of the country , but also a popular tourist site. In addition, Nagoya Castle is one of the hundred best castles and historical monuments of Japan.
History of Nagoya Castle
At the beginning of the XVI century. on the orders of the ruler of the province of Suruga, Imagawa Udzitika, on the plain of Nobe built a fortification, which was called the Willow Yard. In 1532 the fortress was captured by Oda Nobuhide, turning it into her residence. At the same time the Willow Yard was renamed Nagoya. A few years later, the construction began to own the young son of the ruler. Having reached adulthood, Oda Nobunaga left Nagoya and moved his residence to Kiyosu Castle, located in the village next door.
The fortress of Nagoya was abandoned for several decades, its revival began only during the reign of Tokugawa Iyesa. In 1609, he decided to move the prince's residence Owari from Kiyosu back to Nagoya. At the same time, the construction of a new castle was organized, which became the main palace of the rulers of Ovari, representing the Tokugawa family. By order of the shogun Tokugawa, devoted associates and local feudal lords erected Nagoya Castle in two years.
Basic Buildings
On the territory of Nagoya Castle there were many structures. In addition to the main tower, there was built a magnificent palace, five huge yards and a magnificent Japanese garden, which was a favorite place of rest for the rulers of the city. As a result of the strong earthquake of Mino-Ovari, which occurred in Nagoya in 1891, the courtyard and the main tower were badly damaged, and the corner tower and Tamon tower collapsed. Trepidly related to their heritage, the Japanese rebuilt the buildings, creating a museum here. But he did not work long. The castle was burnt by bombing during the Second World War.
Since that time only 3 towers and 3 gates have been preserved. Survived part of the Japanese garden and almost the whole foundation. Ruins were called a museum, and the authorities again began to restore them. The main tower, which became the symbol of the city of Nagoya, was restored already by 1959. Now it is in it is a historical museum, which anyone can visit. Repair work is continuing in the remaining part of the destroyed Nagoya complex. The restoration of the ancient castle of Nagoya is planned to be completed only by 2022.
What to see in the fortress?
Seven floors of the main tower of the castle of Nagoya have expositions of the historical museum and various temporary exhibitions:
- Excursion for tourists begins with a basement room, in which there is a copy of the Ogonsui well. It also houses Norimo - a model of a closed portable cubicle that served as a vehicle for the rulers of the principality of Ovari.
- On the first floor, you can view the mock-up of the entire Nagoya complex, made at a scale of 1:20, unique frescoes and paintings, as well as the non-preserved Hommaru palace.
- In the exhibition hall on the second floor, tourists can only get in during the temporary exhibitions.
- The third level of the main tower of the castle of Nagoya is equipped with interactive models, through which visitors can travel several centuries back and visit the typical setting of rulers and ordinary citizens. A more complete immersion into the past provides sound and light special effects.
- The magnificent weapons collection, which is located on the fourth floor of Nagoya Castle, includes various examples of small arms, helmets and armor of samurai.
- On the fifth floor, tourists will meet with a full-scale copy of the gold carp-xatihoko, installed on the roof of the castle of Nagoya. This exhibit, which is considered the amulet of the castle, is one of the most popular items in the museum. Visitors can arrange a small photo session next to the mythical fish xatihoko.
- There is no access to the sixth floor for the guests of the castle. But further, from the viewing platform, located on the seventh floor, there are dizzying views not only on the palace territory, but also on the city of Nagoya itself. To facilitate the movement of visitors to the museum floors in the castle is an elevator.
How to get to the ancient castle?
Since there are no public transport stops near Nagoya Castle, it is best to take a taxi. From the main city railway station, you can drive to the central gate of the castle in about 20 minutes.