Explore Nagoya, Japan’s “Chukyo” region, and admire its most romantic night views

The 16th century was Japan’s Warring States period. The central region, once a strategic battleground, was managed by three legendary warlords—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—leading to the construction of many famous castles. These castles were mostly situated at strategic high points, offering commanding views and formidable defenses. Among them, the most renowned...

is Nagoya Castle.

 

Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 after he unified Japan, Nagoya Castle brought immense glory to the city’s history. Until the end of the Warring States period, it served as the residence of successive generations of the Tokugawa family. After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was incorporated by the Emperor as one of the imperial detached palaces, becoming royal 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 burned down. 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 fish), weighing a total of 1,200 kilograms. The models used to create these golden ornaments are now displayed on the 5th 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 1st to 5th floors of Nagoya Castle house exhibition halls displaying the castle’s history, stories, and various precious materials, while the top floor is an observation deck with views over Nagoya’s cityscape.

 

【Info】

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

Tel: 052-231-1700

Like Tokyo Tower, Nagoya TV Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a popular photo spot for tourists. Located in the heart of the city and next to the bustling Sakae shopping district, the night views from its observation deck are even more dazzling. Unlike typical observation decks enclosed with glass, this one has only railings—allowing unobstructed night views without glare, though it is quite windy.

 

【Info】

Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Sakae Station on the subway Higashiyama Line or from Hisaya-odori Station on the subway Sakura-dori Line

Admission to Nagoya Port Harborland is free—you only pay for the rides. Staying open until 10 PM, it has become one of Nagoya’s favorite spots for young people to enjoy the night views. Its Ferris wheel stands 85 meters tall, making it the largest in the Chubu region, and lights up with colorful neon in the evening, creating a particularly dazzling display. Other attractions include the “Big Swing,” “merry-go-round,” and “Polar World.” The area is compact, allowing you to explore it all in about an hour.

 

【Info】

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

Tel: 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-in of Mount Hiei’s Bifuku-ji, originally located in Ozu. After Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nagoya Castle, he had the entire temple complex relocated here to Osu. Following the relocation, the temple flourished with worshippers, and the surrounding town grew into the vibrant shopping district it is today.

 

【Info】

Access: 2-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the subway Tsurumai Line