Construction of Nagoya Castle began in 1610, and within just a few years an enormous fortified citadel had taken shape, around which modern Nagoya would later develop. The complex survived for more than three centuries largely intact, but the air raids of 1945 destroyed some of its most important buildings. What you see today is therefore a mix of original structures that survived the war and reconstructions built in different periods and according to very different approaches. The main highlights are the imposing castle keep and, above all, the magnificent Honmaru Palace, but it is also worth taking some time to explore the fortifications and green spaces surrounding the complex.
The admission ticket gives you access to the heart of the complex, enclosed by the old fortifications. This is where you will find the two main highlights: the imposing castle keep, which can currently only be viewed from the outside, and the magnificent Honmaru Palace, which is open to visitors. As you walk around, take time to notice the huge stone walls, moats, historic turrets and gates, all of which give a sense of the scale and defensive purpose of the original fortress.
the main keep of Nagoya Castle
close-up of the kinshachi on the roof of the castle keep
the exterior of Honmaru Palace (credits)
the interior corridors of Honmaru Palace (credits)
some of the famous gold-leaf paintings inside Honmaru Palace
To the north of Nagoya Castle lies Meijo Park (名城公園). The name technically refers to all the green spaces surrounding the castle, but in everyday use it generally means the large park immediately to the north. This area is outside the paid Nagoya Castle grounds and is free to enter, so you can visit it without buying a castle ticket. Popular with Nagoya residents, the park features a large lawn, an attractive pond and flower gardens.
The best time to visit Meijō Park is spring: its many cherry trees usually bloom between late March and early April, followed a little later by the wisteria, which forms a long trellis in the area between the park and the castle. It is an excellent addition to a visit to Nagoya Castle, especially if you have time for a walk or simply want to relax in the greenery.
Meijo Park
The area immediately around Nagoya Castle is quiet and has a relatively limited choice of hotels. For most travelers, staying around Nagoya Station or Sakae is more convenient, with better transport connections and a much wider choice of restaurants and shops. There is, however, one remarkable exception directly opposite the castle.
Espacio Nagoya Castle is an exclusive luxury hotel that opened in October 2025 directly opposite Nagoya Castle. One of its biggest draws is the view: book one of the Castle View rooms and you can look directly across to the castle and its keep from your room, a particularly atmospheric sight when the castle is illuminated at night. Even the entry-level rooms are very spacious, while some of the more prestigious categories even feature a private hot-spring bath with a view. This is a hotel designed as a high-end experience in its own right, rather than simply a convenient base for sightseeing, and prices are correspondingly high. If budget is not an issue and you are looking for a special stay in Nagoya, it is one of the city’s most distinctive accommodation options.
Price range: from around 120,000¥ per room per night.
The paid area of Nagoya Castle has two main entrances. The Main Gate (正門) is on the southwestern side and is the principal and more monumental entrance, while the East Gate (東門) is on the eastern side. Once inside, Honmaru Palace is about a 10-minute walk from either entrance.
The most convenient subway station for visiting the castle is generally Nagoyajo (名古屋城) on the Meijo Line, formerly known as Shiyakusho. From Exit 7, the East Gate is about a 5-minute walk. This is especially convenient from Sakae, which is directly connected by the Meijo Line with no transfers. If you prefer to arrive directly at the Main Gate on the western side, Sengencho (浅間町) on the Tsurumai Line can be more convenient: it is about a 12-minute walk from Exit 1. The Me-guru sightseeing bus is another useful option, particularly from Nagoya Station, and stops near the castle.
Do not confuse these entrances with nearby Meijo Park. The large park north of the castle is outside the paid area and is freely accessible: there is no need to enter through the Main Gate or East Gate, or to buy a castle ticket. If you are heading directly to this part of the park, the most convenient station is Meijo Koen (名城公園), also on the Meijo Line. If you plan to visit both the castle and the park, simply continue north on foot after your castle visit, as the two areas are adjacent.
