Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace | Nagoya

Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace (名古屋城本丸御殿, Nagoya-jō Honmaru Goten) is a historic and important site located within Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, Japan. The Hommaru Palace was the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family, the rulers of the Owari domain during the Edo period. It is an architectural and cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Here's a detailed look at the Hommaru Palace:

1. History of Hommaru Palace

Construction: The Hommaru Palace was constructed during the early Edo period in the 17th century as part of Nagoya Castle. The castle itself was originally built by the Tokugawa clan in 1612 under Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The palace served as the official residence of the Tokugawa family’s Owari branch, and it played an important role in both administrative and ceremonial functions.

Destruction during World War II: During the air raids of World War II in 1945, Nagoya Castle, including the Hommaru Palace, was severely damaged by bombing. The palace was largely destroyed, and only a few remnants of its original structures survived.

Reconstruction: In 2009, work began to rebuild the Hommaru Palace using traditional techniques and materials. The reconstruction project was completed in 2018, and the palace now stands as a restored version of its former glory.

2. Architectural Style

The architecture of the Hommaru Palace reflects the grandeur and elegance typical of Edo period castles. The building is known for its ornate interiors and impressive craftsmanship. The design of the palace combines elements of traditional Japanese architecture with lavish decoration, showcasing the power and wealth of the Tokugawa clan.

Exterior: The exterior of the palace is a beautiful example of Edo-period samurai architecture, featuring intricate woodwork and an elegant roof design. The building follows the traditional Japanese style with shoin-zukuri layout, which is commonly used in samurai residences and formal buildings.

Interior: The interior of the Hommaru Palace is decorated with gold leaf, lacquerware, paintings, and calligraphy, creating a visually stunning and luxurious atmosphere. One of the highlights of the interior is the Nijiriguchi (small entrance), which was designed to make visitors bow when entering, symbolizing humility.

Rooms and Features:

• Shiroyama (castle tower) and the adjacent gardens were used for various events and functions.
• The Ohiroma (large hall) is particularly striking, as it was used for formal ceremonies and gatherings, and it features some of the palace's most elaborate decorations, including gold leaf-painted sliding doors and hand-painted murals that reflect nature and traditional Japanese themes.

3. Key Features of the Hommaru Palace

Karamon Gate: The palace's Karamon Gate is a notable feature. This gate is adorned with intricate carvings and ornamental details, symbolizing the grandeur of the Tokugawa family.

Gold Leaf Decoration: The Hommaru Palace is famous for its gold-leafed interiors, particularly in the large audience rooms. The walls and sliding doors are beautifully decorated with motifs of nature, including birds, flowers, and other traditional Japanese symbols.

Tatami Rooms and Sliding Doors: The palace’s interior rooms are furnished with tatami mats, and many of the rooms feature fusuma (sliding doors) with beautiful hand-painted designs. The traditional shoin style layout can be found throughout, where rooms are designed to host formal events and ceremonies.

Lacquerware: Many of the furnishings, including the furniture and decorative objects, are crafted from high-quality lacquerware, a hallmark of the period’s craftsmanship.

4. The Nagoya Castle Grounds

The Hommaru Palace is located within the grounds of Nagoya Castle, which is a large complex consisting of several sections, including:

The Main Keep (Tenshu): The main tower of Nagoya Castle, though also damaged in the war, has been partially reconstructed and stands as one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. The keep is famous for its golden shachihoko (a mythical fish) adorning the roof.

The Castle Gardens: The castle grounds feature beautiful Japanese gardens and open spaces, where visitors can enjoy walking and experiencing the natural beauty. During spring, the gardens are filled with cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing).

5. Cultural and Educational Significance

The Hommaru Palace and Nagoya Castle serve as an important cultural and educational resource for visitors, offering insight into Japanese feudal history, the Tokugawa era, and traditional architecture and craftsmanship.

Historical Exhibits: Inside the Hommaru Palace, visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the history of the Owari Tokugawa family, the castle’s construction, and the period’s political and cultural context.

Restored Artworks: Many of the palace’s original artworks have been restored and can be admired throughout the building, making it a great place for visitors interested in Japanese art history.

Traditional Ceremonies and Events: Occasionally, the palace hosts traditional tea ceremonies, cultural events, and educational programs that allow visitors to experience a part of Edo-era culture.

6. Accessibility and Visiting Information

The Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace is located in Nagoya Castle Park, which is centrally located in Nagoya. Visitors can easily access the area by public transport or car.

Public Transport: The closest subway station to Nagoya Castle is Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Line or Sengen-cho Station on the Tsurumai Line. From there, it’s a short walk to the castle grounds.

Opening Hours: The Hommaru Palace is typically open daily, though the hours may vary, so it’s best to check in advance, especially for special events or holidays.

Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to visit the Hommaru Palace, in addition to a separate fee for entering the Nagoya Castle grounds. Discounted rates are often available for students, seniors, and groups.

7. Nearby Attractions

The Nagoya Castle and Hommaru Palace are located in a cultural district with several other attractions that visitors can enjoy:

• Nagoya City Hall: A historic building with beautiful architecture located near the castle.
• Osu Shopping District: A popular shopping area that features a mix of modern and traditional stores, perfect for strolling and shopping.
• Atsuta Shrine: A major Shinto shrine in Nagoya that houses one of Japan’s most revered relics, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (a legendary sword).

8. Conclusion

The Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace is a must-visit historical and cultural landmark in Nagoya. Its stunning architecture, intricate decorations, and educational exhibits make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, architecture, and culture. Whether you're admiring the gold-leafed rooms, exploring the traditional tatami rooms, or learning about the Tokugawa family, a visit to the Hommaru Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.