The reconstruction project utilized original floor plans and photographs from the pre-WWII era to ensure exact spatial dimensions.
Painters used traditional Japanese mineral pigments and authentic gold leaf to recreate the wall and sliding door paintings.
The Jodan-no-ma chamber features a raised floor and a decorative coffered ceiling, reserved exclusively for the Shogun and the highest-ranking officials.
The palace was designed to be a grander, more secure residence than the castle keep itself during the Edo period.
The 'nightingale floors' (uguisu-bari) within the corridors were designed to chirp when walked upon, serving as an early-warning alarm system against intruders.
Honmaru Palace serves as a meticulous reconstruction of the original 1615 residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan. The structure is celebrated for its use of traditional Japanese construction techniques, including hinoki cypress wood and artisanal gold-leaf craftsmanship. The interior is defined by high-contrast sliding door panels (fusuma) adorned with Kano school paintings, which depict diverse themes from nature to warrior aesthetics. The reconstruction was completed in stages, with the final phase unveiled in 2018 to restore the palace to its Edo-period glory. Visitors walk along wooden corridors designed to mimic the historical layout, including the Jodan-no-ma, the highest-ranking audience chamber. The palace complex is located within the larger Nagoya Castle grounds, situated in Naka Ward. It stands as a prime example of Shoin-zukuri architectural style, characterized by tokonoma alcoves and tatami-covered floors. The site is actively maintained to preserve the historical accuracy of its pigments and architectural details.
The entrance hall (Genkan) where the golden tiger paintings are displayed on the sliding doors.
Look closely at the sliding doors, as many feature different artistic themes depending on the specific room's historical function.
Observe the transition in wood types and decorative metal fittings (kazarikanagu) as you move between public and private chambers.
Allow extra time to observe the exhibit of original salvaged architectural fragments displayed in the entrance hall.
Avoid touching the wall panels or sliding doors, as the natural oils from skin can damage the gold leaf and pigments.
Closed on certain year-end holidays; periodically closes for specialized maintenance of delicate art features.
Visitors must remove shoes at the entrance and wear provided slippers or socks; photography is permitted in most areas but strictly prohibited in rooms with original preserved paneling.
