Nagoya Castle: Golden Dolphins and a Rebuilt Palace
How to visit Nagoya Castle: the golden shachihoko, the rebuilt Honmaru Palace, why the main keep is closed, opening hours, entry fee and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: the great castle of Nagoya, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu from 1610.
- Famous for: the golden shachihoko, dolphin-like guardians on the roof of the keep.
- Note: the main keep has been closed inside since May 2018 for safety reasons.
- Honmaru Palace: fully rebuilt and open since June 2018.
- Entry and hours: 1,000 yen. 9:00 to 16:30, closed 29 December to 1 January.
- Map: Open Nagoya Castle in Google Maps
Nagoya Castle was one of the greatest castles of the Edo period. Its keep still rises over the city, topped with a pair of golden shachihoko that have become the symbol of Nagoya.
Why Nagoya Castle is a wonder
The original castle was destroyed in air raids in 1945. The keep was rebuilt in concrete in 1959, while the stone walls and some corner towers survive from the 1600s.
The concrete keep is now closed inside because it does not meet earthquake standards. You can still walk around it and see it from the grounds.
The Honmaru Palace
The Honmaru Palace was rebuilt by hand with traditional methods and opened fully in 2018. Its rooms shine with gold leaf, painted sliding doors and carved transoms.
It is one of the best places in Japan to see how a shogun's palace looked and felt.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Honmaru Palace | Gold-leaf rooms and painted screens | 45 minutes |
| Main keep (outside) | The keep and its golden shachihoko | 15 minutes |
| Stone walls | Original walls with builders' marks | 15 minutes |
| Corner towers | Surviving towers from the 1600s | 15 minutes |
| Kinshachi Yokocho | Food streets by the castle gates | 45 minutes |
When to go
- Late March to early April: cherry blossom in the grounds.
- Autumn: mild weather and the chrysanthemum show.
- Weekday mornings: the palace is calmer.
- Avoid: 29 December to 1 January, when the castle is closed.
Our tip: Eat lunch at Kinshachi Yokocho by the castle gates. It is a good place to try Nagoya food such as miso katsu and hitsumabushi eel.
Getting there
- By subway: Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Line, about 5 minutes on foot.
- From Nagoya Station: about 15 minutes by subway, or the Me-guru sightseeing bus.
- From Tokyo: about 1 hour 40 minutes by shinkansen to Nagoya.
Visiting tips
- Take your shoes off where asked in the Honmaru Palace.
- Do not touch the painted walls and screens.
- Expect the keep to stay closed inside. Check for updates on reopening.
- Check the castle's site for any changes to fees and hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go inside Nagoya Castle?
The main keep has been closed inside since May 2018, but the Honmaru Palace is open.
How much is Nagoya Castle entry?
1,000 yen for adults.
What are the golden shachihoko?
Mythical fish-like guardians on the roof, believed to protect against fire.
How long do you need at Nagoya Castle?
About 2 hours.
Matsue Castle
A dark wooden keep that has stood since the 1600s, circled by quiet moats.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.