Nagoya Castle, Nagoya (must see)

Nagoya Castle served as the center of the bustling castle town Nagoya-juku during the Edo period. The town was an important junction along the Minoji, a route that linked the Tōkaidō and Nakasendō, two of Japan's most significant highways. The castle complex is characterized by its multiple enceintes, or defensive layers, divided by the outer (Soto-bori) and inner moats (Uchi-bori). These layers were fortified with walls and turrets, with strategically placed gates and bridges controlling access between them, making the castle a prime example of flatland fortification.

At the heart of Nagoya Castle lies the Honmaru enceinte, which houses the main and minor donjons, as well as the palace. Surrounding this central area are the Ninomaru enceinte to the east, the Nishinomaru to the west, and the Ofukemaru, also known as the Fukaimaru, to the northwest. The Sannomaru surrounds the eastern and southern sides. The expansive grounds, including today's Meijō Park to the north, were historically used as pleasure gardens, featuring a large pond and lush vegetation.

The castle's gardens, particularly in the Ninomaru and Ofukemaru areas, are renowned for their diverse flora. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of Japanese cherry blossoms, wisteria, camellia, and peony in spring. The summer season brings iris, crape myrtle, plantain lily, and hydrangea, while autumn features confederate roses, Japanese quince, and more crape myrtles. In winter, the gardens are adorned with Japanese witch hazel, wintersweet, and Japanese plum. Additionally, during the summer months, Sika Deer can often be seen grazing in the dry, grassy moats, adding to the castle's picturesque and serene environment.