As of January 2025, you still cannot enter the castle due to renovations so please keep that in mind. However you’re still able to walk around the castle and also enter the living quarters which is really nice and well maintained.
I visited on a Saturday in the afternoon around 3pm and though it was crowded, was well managed. I think it was also great timing as I got to see the sunset which bounced off the castle walls which was gorgeous. But if you wanna avoid big crowds, I’d suggest coming on weekdays.
Lastly there’s a great matcha ice cream stand near the castle; single soft serve was ¥500 but delicious and good value.
Nagoya Castle is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Japanese history. However, it's unfortunate that visitors can't enter the actual castle, which was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.
Despite this limitation, the castle's exterior and surrounding gardens are still impressive and offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. The castle's main keep, or donjon, has been reconstructed using traditional techniques and materials, giving visitors an idea of what the original castle might have looked like.
The admission fee of ¥500 provides access to the castle's grounds, which include beautiful gardens, a museum, and a viewing area with great views of the city.
While it would be amazing to explore the castle's interior, Nagoya Castle is still worth visiting for its historical significance, beautiful gardens, and impressive architecture.
The walk to Nagoya castle from the station is very nice and there are some cute shops along the way.
It was very busy the day we went so we did.not get to go inside (it would have been nearly an hour wait in line).
The castle looks to be in great condition and the grounds were beautiful. Would recommend checking it out even if you can't go inside.
Nagoya Castle is one of the most iconic places to visit if you go to Nagoya. You can't enter the castle, but you can enter Honmaru Palace located near the castle, my tour guide said it is a reconstruction of the feudal lord's former residence. I didn't have the chance to enter and I regretted it, so I recommend you to go there too.
It was weekday when I went there so it's not really crowded, which was nice and I could take good photos freely.
There were also some restaurants outside, so it's perfect if you want to take lunch or just snacking after visiting the castle.
As Japan’s first castle to be deemed a national treasure, its soaked in history and culture befitting of its status. Though it was amazing to learn about the history of Hommaru Palace, the entire experience itself is quite short. The actual Nagoya Castle itself is still under restoration and will not be completed for a few years, so don’t enter with expectations of going inside the big castle! Even so, it’s still a worthwhile experience to visit one of Japan’s 3 Great Castles.
