Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is hands down one of the coolest places I've been to yet in Japan.  I would recommend this to anyone who comes to Nagoya as it is not only  huge and beautifully built, it has a ton of historical and cultural significance for the area.  The castle is not the only thing within the protective walls, there are tons of side buildings, watch towers, and a beautiful tea house.  I don't think pictures could ever really give this place enough credit.

Nagoya castle from the Eastern side

The castle was constructed in 1612 by Ieyasu Tokugawa to make sure the Tokaido road (one of the five major trade roads in Japan during the castle's construction) was kept under control if something was to happen such as an attack from Osaka.  Due to it's positioning and a collection of other factors, Nagoya castle was heart of one of the most important castle towns in Japan in the Edo period.  During the WWII due to an air raid, a majority of the buildings on the grounds burned down; however a majority of the paintings and a few gates and watch towers survived.  You can still see these when you go inside of the castle which acts as a multistory museum!

Some acts are preformed at the castle too, such as ninja and samurai battle reenactments and shows for kids.  I came during the latter, but still had a great time watching the dramatic ninja sword fights.

In the surrounding area, you can tell the influence of the castle just by the important places such as Meijo park and university.  Other buildings dedicated to the arts are also within close proximity to the castle.

The moat that surrounds one side of the castle as viewed from one of the towers.