It's Springtime in Japan, the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossom. One of the famous spots for hanami or cherry blossom viewing is in Meijo Koen where the popular Nagoya Castle is set.

Before we reach the castle from the entrance gate,  a number of Sakura trees paint the path with its pink flowers. And some yellow like this one:

Then the statue of Kato Kiyomasa welcomed us as we get near the castle. Kiyomasa, by the way, is the master Japanese architect of Nagoya Castle.

The castle is surrounded by moats.

The Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was almost completely destroyed by US air raids in World War II and was reconstructed in 1959. Today it houses a modern museum.

The Nagoya Castle accepts visitors everyday. Tickets are sold Y500 for adults while children in junior high school and younger get free entrance.

It’s open everyday from 9:00am to 4:30pm except on December 29 to January 1.

The Tatsumi Tower (South East Tower) of Nagoya Castle survived the World War II bombing.

 

How to get to Nagoya Castle

Subway:

• Get off at the “Shiyakusho (City Hall)” or M07 stop of the Meijo Line.
• Get off at the “Sengencho” or T05 stop of the Tsurumai Line.

Bus:

• Get off at the “Nagoyajo Seimon-Mae” stop of Sakae No. 13.
• Take a Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus called “Me-guru”.
• Get off at the “Shiyakusho” stop of the Key Route Bus No. 2.

Train:

Get off at the “Higashi-ote” stop of the Meitetsu Seto Line