With the NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!" ("The Toyotomi Brothers!") drawing attention to places associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya are must-visit destinations for fans of the drama and Sengoku warlords. Nagoya Castle, in particular, is a spot you shouldn't miss. While it is known as a castle connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu, its appeal lies in how you can also sense the shifting power dynamics of the Sengoku period and its ties to the Toyotomi regime.
In this article, a FUN! JAPAN editor visited the site and provides a comprehensive report, covering must-see spots, how to purchase discount tickets, access from Nagoya Station, and gourmet food you can enjoy inside and around the castle.
The visit took place during the cherry blossom season. Along with scenery you can only capture in spring, we introduce the latest ways to enjoy Nagoya Castle.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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Who Was the Lord of Nagoya Castle? A Look at Its Connection to Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Nagoya Castle was constructed at the beginning of the Edo period under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu and later became the base of the Owari Tokugawa family. Although the castle itself was not built during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's era, many feudal lords closely connected to the Toyotomi family were involved in its construction. As you walk through the castle, you can feel the atmosphere of the era as power shifted from the Toyotomi to the Tokugawa—a fascinating experience.
In the drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!", Toyotomi Hideyoshi is played by Sosuke Ikematsu, his younger brother Hidenaga by Taiga Nakano, and Tokugawa Ieyasu by Kohei Matsushita. Visiting Nagoya Castle while reflecting on the relationships among these three figures gives you more vivid sense of why Ieyasu built the castle as he prepared for the next era.
🤔Who was Toyotomi Hideyoshi? Learn about this great figure in Japanese history
Top 3 Highlights of Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is known for its impressive "main keep exterior," the "luxurious Honmaru Palace," and the "serene gardens," making it a satisfying destination for both photography and strolling. If it's your first visit, we recommend starting with these three highlights.
1. Honmaru Palace
The top highlight of Nagoya Castle is the Honmaru Palace. While you need a ticket to enter the Nagoya Castle area, you can tour the interior of the palace at no additional cost. The succession of ornate designs, such as carved transoms and wall paintings, create a space that exudes authority. Even as someone new to visiting castles, I was deeply impressed!
2. Main Keep & Golden Shachihoko
The icon of Nagoya Castle is undoubtedly the golden shachihoko (golden tiger-headed carp) atop the main keep. During cherry blossom season, the combination of blue sky, golden shachihoko, and cherry blossoms is especially stunning and photogenic. Please note that entry to the main keep is not permitted (as of April 2026).
3. Ninomaru Garden (Designated Place of Scenic Beauty)
If you want to take a relaxing stroll, head to Ninomaru Garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. This designation is given to sites of exceptional landscape value, and the garden is packed with highlights. Inside the garden, you’ll find the Ninomaru Chatei teahouse, where the limited-quantity Kinshachi Morning set is especially popular.
Are There Any Discounts? How to Purchase Tickets
On weekends and during events, lines can form even before opening. When our editorial team visited, it was the day of the “Spring Festival,” and the castle grounds were bustling with visitors.
To reduce your waiting time, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
Admission Fees
| Category | Fee |
| Adults | 500 yen *From October 1, 2026: 1,000 yen |
| Seniors (Nagoya City residents) *Nagoya City Senior Citizen Handbook required | 100 yen *From October 1, 2026: 300 yen |
| Junior high school students and younger | Free |
Since the ticket counter can get crowded on busy days, we recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance for smooth entry.
🎫Purchase e-tickets via Asoview!
If you choose to buy tickets at the counter on the day, please note that some windows accept “cash only.”
Special Ticket Information
If you want to dive deeper into history after “Toyotomi Brothers!”, be sure to check out the combined ticket with admission to the Toyotomi Museum. The price is 1,000 yen. Tickets are sold at the special booth in front of Nagoya Castle’s main gate (from 9:30 to 15:00) and at the Taiga Drama Museum ticket counter.
Don’t worry if you forget to buy the combined ticket! There is a reciprocal discount system: if you show your Nagoya Castle ticket stub, you can receive a 100-yen discount on admission to the Toyotomi Museum.
There may also be other special sets or benefits available during special exhibitions or seasonal events, so be sure to check the ticket sales page for the latest ticket types before your visit.
How to Get to Nagoya Castle from Nagoya Station
There are two main entrances to Nagoya Castle: the Main Gate and the East Gate. If you want to prioritize the Honmaru Palace, use the Main Gate (Kinshachi Yokocho Yoshinao Zone is also on this side). If you’re aiming for Ninomaru Garden or the Ninomaru Chatei Morning set, the East Gate (Kinshachi Yokocho Muneharu Zone is also on this side) is more convenient. Taking the subway from Nagoya Station is recommended, as it’s easy to plan your time and convenient even on crowded days.
[Most Recommended] By Train: About 20 Minutes
If you’re coming from Nagoya Station by subway, the nearest stop is “Nagoyajo Station” on the Meijo Line. Take the Higashiyama Line from Nagoya Station to Sakae, transfer to the Meijo Line, and get off at Nagoyajo Station. The East Gate is closest to Nagoyajo Station, making it easy to access Ninomaru Garden and Kinshachi Yokocho (Munetaka Zone).
By Bus: About 25 Minutes
The nearest bus stops are "Nagoya Castle Main Gate" and "City Hall (Nagoya Castle Area)." There are routes from Nagoya Station that take you close to the castle, making the bus a convenient option on days when you have a lot of luggage or when it’s raining. If your main destination is the Honmaru Palace, get off at "Nagoya Castle Main Gate." If you’re heading to the Ninomaru Garden, "City Hall" is closer. Choosing the entrance nearest to your destination will minimize walking distance after you get off the bus.
On Foot: About 30–40 minutes
If you have plenty of time, walking is also an option. You can enjoy the cityscape of Nagoya along the way, but keep in mind that the distance is considerable. Even during cherry blossom season, it can get hot during the day. If you choose to walk, plan ahead with comfortable shoes and make sure to stay hydrated.
How to Efficiently Explore Nagoya Castle? Estimated Time Required
Statue of Lord Kiyomasa Hauling Stones
The time you’ll need depends on your sightseeing goals. If you’re mainly interested in the exterior, 60 minutes is enough. However, if you want to tour the Honmaru Palace, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy gourmet food at Kinshachi Yokocho, setting aside half a day will make your visit more satisfying.
[Shortest] If You Have 60 Minutes
This course focuses on photographing the main keep (exterior) and the golden shachihoko, while quickly soaking in the atmosphere of the Honmaru area. Don’t forget to stop by the shop at the end to look for Nagoya Castle-exclusive souvenirs.
If You Have 120 Minutes
In addition to the 60-minute course, you can take your time touring the interior of the Honmaru Palace. There are many highlights, such as the transoms and wall paintings, so if you want to take photos as you go, this is a good estimate for your visit.
If You Have 150 Minutes
This plan lets you visit both the Honmaru Palace and the scenic Ninomaru Garden, as well as enjoy Nagoya gourmet food at shops inside the castle or at Kinshachi Yokocho. Don’t forget to take a photo of the "Statue of Kiyomasa Pulling Stones," which depicts Kato Kiyomasa, who is said to have overseen the construction of Nagoya Castle’s stone walls.
If you visit on weekends or holidays, it’s also recommended to extend your stay to catch events held inside the castle or shows by the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai.
What is the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai?
This is a performance group based at Nagoya Castle that promotes tourism. Performers dressed as historical figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga, and Tokugawa Ieyasu captivate visitors with theatrical performances that recreate scenes from history.
At the shops inside the castle, you can also find goods such as their postcards (120 yen each). If you get hooked, you may find yourself falling deep into the fandom!
Top 3 Must-Try Nagoya Gourmet Foods Inside the Castle & Related Facilities
Restaurants, shops, and Kinshachi Yokocho in and around the castle offer a wide variety of Nagoya specialties. There are plenty of street-food-style snacks and quick bites, making it easy to enjoy a cycle of "sightseeing → break → another round."
Ninomaru Chatei: Kinshachi Morning Set 600 yen
"Ninomaru Chatei," located in the scenic Ninomaru Garden area, is perfect for a break during your stroll. Their specialty, the Kinshachi Morning Set, is available in limited quantities and sometimes sells out before 10 a.m. If you’re planning an early morning oshi-tabi pilgrimage, it’s best to enter from the East Gate first to secure your breakfast.
Location: Ninomaru Garden Area (Scenic Spot)
Business Hours: 9:00-16:45
Ninomaru Shop: Gunbai Gohei-mochi 350 yen
Gohei-mochi, a classic local specialty of the Tokai region, is made by lightly crushing non-glutinous rice, shaping it onto a skewer, coating it with a sweet and savory sauce, and grilling it to perfection. At Nagoya Castle, it is sold under the name "Gunbai Gohei-mochi," a name that evokes the spirit of the Warring States period and adds to its appeal.
It's quite filling, and one skewer alone can be enough to make you feel full.
Location: Ninomaru Garden Area (Scenic Spot)
Business Hours: Irregular
KINSHACHIYAKI: Kinshachi Soft 900 yen
This fun dessert combines freshly baked taiyaki with cold soft serve ice cream, creating a delightful hot-and-cold treat. The kinshachi (golden shachihoko) motif makes for a striking appearance, perfect for wrapping up your stroll around Nagoya Castle.
Both the taiyaki and the soft serve come in several varieties, so you can choose your favorite combination. On this day, we paired a limited-time sakura taiyaki with matcha soft serve.
Since the soft serve melts quickly, it's best to take your photos and then separate the taiyaki and ice cream to enjoy them at their best until the last bite.
4 Recommended Nagoya Castle Exclusive Souvenirs
You can purchase souvenirs at the Honmaru Palace Museum Shop and other shops within the castle grounds. If you’re looking for something special, be sure to check out the “Nagoya Castle Exclusive” items.
Shachihoko Milk Crunch 950 yen
This souvenir stands out with its eye-catching gold packaging, instantly evoking the spirit of Nagoya Castle.
The contents are individually wrapped, also in gold packaging. They're easy to share, making them perfect for distributing at work or among friends, and are sure to spark conversation about your trip to Nagoya Castle.
Golden Shachihoko Wallet Charm 550 yen
This mini-sized golden shachihoko is designed to be carried in your wallet. it looks like a charm that could bring financial luck.
It is said to bring good fortune and financial luck.
History Card Game "Hi!story" Nagoya Castle Limited Mini Pack 330 yen
The popular history card game "Hi!story" is now available in a Nagoya Castle limited edition. Each pack contains 4 cards, with a total of 15 different types to collect.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but I did draw Oda Nobunaga and made a small fist pump. Through the game, you can learn about warlords and historical backgrounds, so it seems like a great way to deepen your interest in history while having fun.
👀7 Recommended Souvenirs from Nagoya! Where to Buy Them
Castle Stamp (Gojoin) 300 yen
Gojoin (castle stamps) are popular among castle enthusiasts as a way to keep a tangible record of their travels. In addition to the regular version shown in the photo, a special gold version was also available at the "Honmaru Palace Museum Shop."
👀What is a Castle Seal? Enjoy a Stamp Rally on Your Trip to Japan
Enjoy Nagoya Castle with a Half-Day Plan
Nagoya Castle offers much more than just the iconic main keep and golden shachihoko photo spots. There’s also the Honmaru Palace, which you can visit at no extra charge, and the tranquil Ninomaru Garden, both full of highlights. Be sure to enjoy everything, including the limited-edition Kinshachi Morning, street food, and souvenirs, with a half-day plan.
Nagoya Castle
- Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from Nagoyajo Station, 12 minutes on foot from Sengencho Station, and 15 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ote Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00–16:30 *Last entry to Honmaru Palace and Nishi-no-maru Storehouse Castle Museum is 16:00
- Closed: December 29–31, January 1 *Subject to change due to events, etc.
- Admission Fee: Adults: 500 yen (*1,000 yen from October 1, 2026)
- Official Website (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Simplified Chinese)
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