Explore Nagoya, Japan – Admire the Most Romantic Night Views in Chukyo

During the 16th century, Japan’s Warring States period, the central region—once a fiercely contested battleground—was shaped under the governance of three legendary warlords: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Their leadership gave rise to many renowned castles. These fortresses were typically situated at strategic, elevated locations, offering formidable defenses and sweeping vistas. Among them, the most famous...

is undoubtedly Nagoya Castle.

 

After unifying Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu commissioned the construction of Nagoya Castle in 1612, bringing immense prestige to the city. Until the end of the Warring States period, Nagoya Castle served as the residence of successive generations of the Tokugawa family. Following the Meiji Restoration, the castle was incorporated by the Emperor as one of his detached palaces, becoming imperial property.

 

During World War II, the castle’s main wooden structures—the Great and Small Tenshu (keep), and the Honmaru Palace (the shogun’s residence)—were destroyed by fire. Around 1959, the Tenshu was reconstructed using concrete, resulting in a majestic seven-story above-ground and one-story below-ground structure, standing 48 meters tall and becoming a landmark of Nagoya.

 

The most eye-catching feature of the reconstructed Nagoya Castle is the pair of golden guardian ornaments on the roof: a male and female “shachi” (mythical sea creature), weighing a total of 1,200 kilograms. The model used to create these golden ornaments is now displayed on the fifth floor. Aside from symbolizing protection, these golden shachi were mainly intended to showcase the castle’s historical significance and flaunt the wealth and honor of the Tokugawa family. Currently, the first to fifth floors of Nagoya Castle house exhibition halls displaying the castle’s history, stories, and various precious materials, while the rooftop observation deck offers views of Nagoya’s cityscape.

 

[Info]

Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya City

Phone: 052-231-1700

Nagoya TV Tower, like Tokyo Tower, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Located in the heart of the city and adjacent to the bustling shopping district of “Sakae,” the night views from its observation deck are particularly dazzling. Unlike typical observation rooms, this deck is only enclosed by railings, eliminating glass glare for stunning night photography—though the trade-off is the strong winds.

 

[Info]

Transportation: Get off at Hisaya-odori Station on the Sakuradori Line or Sakae Station on the Higashiyama Line of the subway, then walk about 3 minutes

Nagoya Port Harborland has no entrance fee—visitors only pay for individual rides—and stays open until 10 PM, making it one of the city’s favorite spots for young people to enjoy night views. Its Ferris wheel, standing 85 meters tall, claims to be the largest in the Chubu region. When lit up in the evening, its colorful neon lights create a dazzling spectacle. Other attractions include the “Big Swing,” “Carousel,” and “Freezing World,” among others. The area is compact, and you can explore it all in about an hour.

 

[Info]

Address: 1-51 Nishikura-cho, Minato Ward, Nagoya City

Phone: 052-661-1520

The striking red exterior of Osu Kannon Temple marks the starting point of the development of the Osu shopping district. The temple’s official name is Hosho-ji Temple of Mount Kitayama, originally located in Ozu. After Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nagoya Castle, he had the entire temple complex relocated to Osu. Following the move, the temple flourished with worshippers, and the surrounding commercial streets thrived, gradually evolving into the bustling shopping district it is today.

 

[Info]

Transportation: Get off at Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line of the subway, then walk 2 minutes