Nagoya Castle

Completed in 1615, the Hommaru Palace served as the official residence and administrative offices of the Owari Tokugawa clan. Along with the tower keeps, the Hommaru Palace was among the first castle structures to be designated a National Treasure, however, it was destroyed in the wartime air raids of 1945. Using existing Edo period (1603-1868) architectural plans and other historical resources, the palace was authentically rebuilt in 2018, returning it to its former glory.

Located north of the Ni-no-maru Palace, and enjoyed both privately and in an official capacity by the successive Lords of Nagoya Castle, the Ni-no-maru garden was Japan's largest garden adjoining a lord's living quarters.

Built around 1612 and located on the Honmaru's south western corner, this watchtower appears to be two stories high from the outside, but in fact contains three floors. Above the stone walls are protruding sections, known as Ishi-otoshi, stone dropping chutes, thought to be for attacking the enemy. These watchtowers, called yagura, were staffed by guards and served as a lookout to protect the castle, as well as a weapons depository.

Built in 1612 on the south eastern corner of the main Honmaru central bailey. This watchtower appears to be two stories high from the outside, but contains three floors. The east side roof of the third-floor features more decorative devices.

Located on the northwestern corner of the Ofuke-maru enclosure, this watchtower was constructed around 1619. This is Japan's second largest three-story remaining watchtower in original condition.

Completed in 1612, the main keep was destroyed in the 1945 air raids, but was rebuilt in steel reinforced concrete after the war. The main keep is currently closed due to age and earthquake resistance concerns.

Completed around 1612, this gate on the south side of the Honmaru is constructed of iron clad, thick wood. The walls either side of the gate feature round gun ports for the firing of matchlock guns.

Constructed circa 1612, this gate was originally the Ni-no-maru Higashi Kurogane-mon (east steel-clad) gate, in 1972, it was transferred to the Honmaru second east gate position.

The main gate, leading to the Honmaru, was one of the most important castle gates, and one reserved for the use of elite retainers and guests. It was rebuilt, along with the tower keeps in 1959.

The gardens of the Ofuke-maru precincts, consisting of about 2,000㎡, housed the renown Sarumen-bogaku, Yuin, and the Oribedou Tea Ceremony Houses, and a study, established for the use of the tea ceremony.

The stones used in the walls of Nagoya Castle are engraved with the various identification marks of the 20 daimyo who were ordered to construct the castle. The largest stone used at Nagoya Castle is known as the Kiyomasa Stone, and is named after the famed castle architect, Kato Kiyomasa, who, legend tells, brought the stone to Nagoya.

To the west of the Ni-no-maru garden was the Uzumi-gomon gate, an emergency escape route for the castle lords, should the need arise.

Built as a gunpowder depot on the Ofuke-maru precinct during the Meiji period(1868-1912), many of the Hommaru Palace's sliding door, wall and ceiling panel paintings were stored here in the Nogi-soko storehouse during the war, and were thus saved from WW2 air raid destruction.

Designated a Natural Monument, this Kaya tree is believed to be over 600 years old. According to the legend, Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first lord of Nagoya, ate the nuts of this tree and prayed for victory before going off to battle.