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Nagoya City Hall, Nagoya
Nagoya City Hall is renowned for its unique architectural style, which blends traditional Japanese elements with modern design. Constructed in 1933, the building stands as a testament to the resilience of the city, having survived the bombings of World War II. Today, it is recognized as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
Located near the Aichi Prefectural Government Office, Nagoya City Hall was built to commemorate the coronation of the Emperor. Its exterior design was selected through a public competition, resulting in a structure that exemplifies the imperial crown style. This style is characterized by the building's 53-meter central tower, which features a two-tiered roof and is adorned with a shachihoko—a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish—at the roof's edges, symbolizing protection against fire and calamity. The harmonious design complements the nearby Nagoya Castle, further cementing its place in the city's architectural heritage.
Inside Nagoya City Hall, the use of Kozakura marble from Yamaguchi Prefecture in the entrance hall and stairs is particularly notable. This rare material, also used in the National Diet Building, was leftover from its construction, making Nagoya City Hall and the Diet Building the only structures to feature this distinctive stone. The building's main municipal assembly chamber is designed in a rare roundtable style, reflecting the aspiration for smooth and cooperative city governance.
Located near the Aichi Prefectural Government Office, Nagoya City Hall was built to commemorate the coronation of the Emperor. Its exterior design was selected through a public competition, resulting in a structure that exemplifies the imperial crown style. This style is characterized by the building's 53-meter central tower, which features a two-tiered roof and is adorned with a shachihoko—a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish—at the roof's edges, symbolizing protection against fire and calamity. The harmonious design complements the nearby Nagoya Castle, further cementing its place in the city's architectural heritage.
Inside Nagoya City Hall, the use of Kozakura marble from Yamaguchi Prefecture in the entrance hall and stairs is particularly notable. This rare material, also used in the National Diet Building, was leftover from its construction, making Nagoya City Hall and the Diet Building the only structures to feature this distinctive stone. The building's main municipal assembly chamber is designed in a rare roundtable style, reflecting the aspiration for smooth and cooperative city governance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nagoya. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Nagoya City Hall on Map
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Sight Name: Nagoya City Hall
Sight Location: Nagoya, Japan (See walking tours in Nagoya)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Nagoya, Japan (See walking tours in Nagoya)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Nagoya, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Nagoya
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nagoya is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nagoya City Center Walking Tour
Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, is the industrial and cultural epicenter of the Chūbu region. Situated on the Pacific coast of central Honshu island, Nagoya has woven a rich historical tapestry reflecting its role in Japan's feudal and modern eras. The name "Nagoya" is derived from the word "Nagoyaka," which means peace or tranquility.
The city's historical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The city's historical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Nagoya Castle Walking Tour
Nagoya Castle, constructed in 1612, is the former center of one of Japan's most important junctions linking two of the country's five major highways. The castle became a core part of modern Nagoya in 1930. Partially destroyed during World War II – in 1945, it has been under reconstruction since 1957.
The castle complex is characterized by multiple defensive layers divided by the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The castle complex is characterized by multiple defensive layers divided by the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Nagoya Station Pub Crawl
This crawl takes you through the centre of Nagoya, locally known as Mei Eki. This is a very cosmopolitan area where drunken salary-men rub shoulders with drunken gaijin. On this list is a selection of different British pubs and bars, just in case you’re hankering for a Guinness and a decent spot...
Fushimi - Sakae Pub Crawl of Nagoya
This crawl runs through Fushimi and Sakae, the down town area of Nagoya. It is a real mixed bag and every establishment has a different vibe and (more importantly) menu. All of the bars are gaijin friendly and each would be a decent place to have a...