Explore Art, History, and Nighttime Magic at Nagoya Castle This Winter
Get ready for a unique sensory experience this winter at Nagoya Castle! From November 28th to December 15th, 2024, the historic grounds of this iconic landmark will transform into an interactive art space, inviting you to walk, see, and hear the castle in a whole new light. This year’s Art Site Nagoya Castle event features a diverse lineup of artists, special access to historical sites, and the captivating "Night Museum Nagoya Castle" evening event.
What Awaits You
Daytime Art Exploration (November 28th – December 15th):
Wander through the castle grounds and discover captivating works by renowned artists like Tetsuro Kano, Hiroko Kubo, Koryu Enkoan, Kaho Sugawara, Soichi Chigusa + ON READING, and Minomushi Sanjin. This year’s exhibition promises a fresh perspective, integrating contemporary art with the castle’s rich history.
Night Museum Nagoya Castle (December 6th – 8th):
Experience the magic of Nagoya Castle after dark! For three nights only, the castle grounds will be illuminated, showcasing mesmerizing installations by Kohei Saito Kawamura, Makoto Nomura, and Daisuke Yamashiro. This special event offers a rare opportunity to explore the castle’s beauty at night.
Event Details and Practical Information
Dates:
- Artwork Display: Thursday, November 28th – Sunday, December 15th, 2024
- Night Museum: Friday, December 6th – Sunday, December 8th, 2024
Times:
- General Entry: 9:00 – 16:30 (Gates close at 17:00)
- Art Viewing: 10:00 – 16:30 (Extends to 19:30 during Night Museum)
- Note: Entry to Nishinomaru Okura Castle Treasure Museum, Nogi Warehouse, and Honmaru Palace is until 16:00. The main keep is currently inaccessible.
Location: Various locations within Nagoya Castle (Honmaru Palace, South side of Honmaru Palace, Ninomaru Garden, Nogi Warehouse, etc.)
Admission:
- Adults: 500 yen
- Nagoya City Senior Citizens: 100 yen (with Senior Citizen Handbook)
- Junior High School Students and Younger: Free
- Visitors with Disability Certificates: Free (up to 2 accompanying persons)
Your admission ticket grants access to all event components: the special opening of historic sites and cultural properties, the Art Site Nagoya Castle exhibition, and the Night Museum Nagoya Castle.
Contact: Nagoya Castle General Office (TEL: 052-231-1700)
Website: https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/
Getting There:
- Subway: 5-minute walk from Exit 7 of "Nagoya Castle" Station on the Meijo Subway Line
- Train: 15-minute walk from "Higashi-Ote" Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line
- Bus: 5-minute walk from "Nagoya Castle Main Gate" on the City Bus Sakae 13 route (Sakae – Yasuimachi Nishi), "Me~guru" Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus, or "City Hall" on trunk route No. 2
What is Nagoya Castle?
Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic and historically significant castles, located in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture. Originally constructed in the early 17th century during the Edo period under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, it served as a crucial defensive fortification and a symbol of authority for the Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan. The castle is renowned for its beautiful architecture, featuring a distinctively grand main keep adorned with golden shachihoko, mythical creatures that resemble a fish with a tiger’s head, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the structure from fire.
Throughout its history, Nagoya Castle has undergone several reconstructions. It was extensively damaged during World War II, but was subsequently rebuilt in the 1950s, faithfully preserving its original design while incorporating modern safety features. In recent years, restoration efforts have continued, focusing on returning certain sections to their original wooden structures.
Today, Nagoya Castle is not only a prominent historical site but also a vibrant cultural center, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past through its exhibitions and reconstructions. Its expansive grounds, beautiful gardens, and seasonal events make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, especially during times when special exhibitions or events, such as the winter illumination, enhance its appeal with stunning visual displays.
