Old Kaya Tree, Nagoya
The Old Kaya Tree (Torreya nucifera) near the Main Gate of Nagoya Castle is a significant natural monument, standing 16 meters tall with a base circumference of eight meters. This venerable tree, estimated to be over 600 years old, predates the construction of Nagoya Castle and holds the distinction of being the only government-designated natural monument in the city.
Despite suffering damage during the air raids of 1945, the Kaya tree has remarkably regained its vitality. It is historically linked to Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first feudal lord of Owari, who reportedly used the tree's nuts for special occasions. Before heading into battle in Osaka and during New Year's celebrations, he decorated his dinner tray with these nuts, highlighting the tree's cultural and historical importance. This ancient tree continues to be a living symbol of resilience and tradition in Nagoya.
Despite suffering damage during the air raids of 1945, the Kaya tree has remarkably regained its vitality. It is historically linked to Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first feudal lord of Owari, who reportedly used the tree's nuts for special occasions. Before heading into battle in Osaka and during New Year's celebrations, he decorated his dinner tray with these nuts, highlighting the tree's cultural and historical importance. This ancient tree continues to be a living symbol of resilience and tradition in Nagoya.
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.
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Old Kaya Tree on Map
Sight Name: Old Kaya Tree
Sight Location: Nagoya, Japan (See walking tours in Nagoya)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nagoya, Japan (See walking tours in Nagoya)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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 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
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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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...
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...