Text / Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
As one of Japan’s three major cities, Nagoya serves as a primary gateway to the Chubu and Hokuriku regions. It's also a vital transportation hub connecting the Kanto and Kansai areas. Due to its location between Tokyo and Kyoto, it is also known as the "Chukyo" (Central Capital). Recently, high-rise complex buildings have been completed one after another in front of JR Nagoya Station. In this city, the new buildings stand opposite Nagoya Castle, showcasing the perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
Nagoya is located between Tokyo and Kyoto, hence its nickname "Chukyo" (Central Capital). (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Nagoya Castle
The 16th century was the Warring States period in Japan. The central region, once a battleground fiercely contested by warlords, saw the rise of many famous castles under the governance of three legendary military commanders: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. These castles were typically situated at strategic, elevated locations that were easy to defend but hard to attack, offering commanding views. 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 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 Goten (the shogun’s residence)—were burned down. Around 1959, the Tenshu was reconstructed using concrete, resulting in a magnificent 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 ornaments on its roof: the male and female "shachi" (mythical fish), weighing a total of 1,200 kilograms. The models used to create these golden shachi are now displayed on the fifth floor. Aside from symbolizing protection for the castle, these golden figures were mainly intended to showcase the historical significance of Nagoya Castle 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 top floor offers an observation deck with views over Nagoya’s cityscape.
【Info】
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya Castle
Phone: 052-231-1700
Nagoya Castle stands atop a hill, making it easy to defend and hard to attack, with a spectacular view. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Nagoya TV Tower
Like Tokyo Tower, Nagoya TV 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 Sakae shopping district, the night views from its observation deck are particularly dazzling. Unlike typical observation rooms enclosed by glass, this one is surrounded only by railings—allowing for unobstructed night photography without glare, though the trade-off is the strong winds.
【Info】
Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Sakae Station on the subway Higashiyama Line or from Kujo-Odori Station on the subway Sakura-dori Line
Nagoya TV Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Nagoya Port Harborland
Admission to Nagoya Port Harborland is free—you only pay for the rides. Staying open until 10 PM, it has become one of the favorite spots for Nagoya’s youth 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.” The area is compact, allowing you to explore it all in about an hour.
【Info】
Address: 1-51 Nishi-Kuraoka-cho, Minato Ward, Nagoya City
Phone: 052-661-1520
Nagoya Port Harborland is a favorite night-view spot among local youths. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Osu Kannon Temple
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 Bishamon Temple, 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】
Access: 2-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the subway Tsurumai Line
The bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple has spurred development in the surrounding area. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
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