Nagoya Castle — Golden Shachihoko Fortress

Nagoya Castle (名古屋城) stands as one of Japan's most magnificent fortresses, crowned by iconic golden shachihoko (mythical dolphin-tiger creatures) atop its main keep. Built in 1612 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle served as the seat of the powerful Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan throughout the Edo period. The current concrete reconstruction dates to 1959, though a historically accurate wooden reconstruction of the main keep is currently underway using traditional joinery techniques.

The castle grounds span 53 hectares and include the Honmaru Palace, a stunning reconstruction completed in 2018 featuring gold-leaf sliding doors, painted ceilings, and chambers that showcase the opulence of feudal-era daimyo residences. The palace's Taimenjo (audience hall) dazzles with tiger and leopard paintings on gold backgrounds, considered masterpieces of the Kano school. The castle park transforms seasonally — plum blossoms in February, cherry blossoms in April, and autumn foliage in November create distinct atmospheres against the castle's white walls and green copper roofs.