Nagoya Castle was once the heart of the city and region. Constructed by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle was topped with golden “shachihoko” (tiger fish) and boasted the largest floor space of any tower keep in Japan. The castle, with its golden Honmaru Palace, became Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure. As one of the most important castles in Edo Period Japan (1603-1868), the story of the castle is inextricable from that of the city and its people.
Symbols of Nagoya, two golden Shachihoko “tiger-fish” roof ornaments, nicknamed “Kinshachi,” sit atop the main tower keep of Nagoya Castle. Shachihoko are mythical creatures living in the cold northern oceans, which possess the ability to swallow a massive amount of water and control the rain. According to legend, Oda Nobunaga, the first great unifier of Japan began placing figures of these mythical beasts atop his castles, with their tails pointing towards heaven, as talisman to prevent the spread of the number one threat to Japan’s great wooden castles—fire.
The pair of Kinshachi atop Nagoya Castle are covered in 18 karat gold and are the largest in Japan at roughly 2.6 meters in height. They were originally made by melting down 320 kg of gold coins (worth about 400 million yen). It is said that during the Edo period, the glitter of the Kinshachi seemed to reach the Tokaido Road.
Sadly, the castle and the Kinshachi were largely destroyed in air raids during the Second World War, however, due to the castle’s importance, 1,047 of the gilded sliding doors, decorative screens, and ornate decorations were stored for safekeeping and therefore remain intact. The Honmaru palace has been faithfully reconstructed and today stands with some original structures, including moats, walls, and turrets, as the city’s main tourist attraction.
As such an important historical and cultural site, Nagoya castle’s main keep was reconstructed shortly after the Second World War using steel reinforced concrete. While its appearance resembles the original tower, the interior was turned into a museum showcasing many local historical items, images, and models. However, concerns over earthquake resistance and aging have forced the closure of the keep. Nagoya City is currently in the process of authentically rebuilding the keep using the abundant historical materials and records dating as far back as the Edo Era.
A tour of the interior of Honmaru palace and exploration of the castle grounds should certainly be at the top of any tourists’ destinations in Nagoya. Learn more about the fascinating history and hidden secrets of Nagoya Castle by joining one of our tours of Nagoya with an English-speaking guide.
Want to experience Nagoya’s unique culture for yourself?
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of Nagoya’s food scene that is sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in Nagoya, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter. With door-to-door service, we can pick up you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions. For more information, please click HERE to check availability and pricing for your trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
