JapanTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Nagoya Castle

1. How can I reach Nagoya Castle from the nearest airport?


There are a few options for reaching Nagoya Castle from the nearest airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport.

1. Train: The easiest and fastest way to reach Nagoya Castle is by taking the Meitetsu Limited Express train from the airport to Nagoya Station. This journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around 850 yen one way. From Nagoya Station, you can take the Meijo Subway Line to Shiyakusho Station, which is a short walk from Nagoya Castle.

2. Airport Bus: There is an airport bus service that runs from the airport directly to Nagoya Castle. The bus journey takes approximately 55 minutes and costs 1,200 yen one way. You can purchase tickets at the ticket counter in the arrival lobby of the airport.

3. Taxi: Taxis are also available outside of the airport terminal and can take you directly to Nagoya Castle. However, this option may be more expensive and may incur additional fees such as tolls.

4.
Private Transfer: If you prefer a hassle-free option, you can book a private transfer service in advance. This will involve hiring a car or van that will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to Nagoya Castle.

Note: It is recommended to check schedules and fares beforehand as they may change depending on your travel dates and times. Also, please note that due to construction work, there may be temporary changes or closures for some transport options leading to Nagoya Castle.

2. What modes of transportation are available to get to Nagoya Castle?


There are multiple modes of transportation available to get to Nagoya Castle, including:

1. Train: The closest train station to Nagoya Castle is Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Line, which is just a short walk from the castle. Other nearby train stations include Marunouchi Station and Sakae Station.

2. Bus: There are several city bus lines that stop near Nagoya Castle, including buses 5, 15, and 18.

3. Subway: The nearest subway station to Nagoya Castle is Shiyakusho Station on the Meijo Line, which is a short walk from the castle.

4. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Nagoya and can take you directly to the castle entrance.

5. Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is a popular way to get around Nagoya. There are many rental shops located near train stations and tourist areas, making it easy to rent a bike and cycle to the castle.

6. Walking: Depending on where you are staying in Nagoya, walking may be an option for getting to Nagoya Castle as well. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from Sakae Station or about 40 minutes from Nagoya Station to reach the castle.

7. Car: If you have a car or are renting one in Japan, there are several parking lots available near Nagoya Castle for visitors.

3. Is there a shuttle service from the train station to the castle?


It depends on the specific train station and castle in question. Some train stations may have a shuttle service that runs to nearby tourist attractions, which may include a castle. It is best to research the specific train station and castle you are interested in to see if there is a shuttle service available. If not, you may need to arrange for transportation through public transit or taxi services.

4. Are there any public buses that go directly to Nagoya Castle?


Yes, there are several public bus routes that go directly to Nagoya Castle:

1. Me~guru Bus: This tourist loop bus stops at Nagoya Castle as one of its destinations. It runs every 15 minutes and connects major tourist spots in the city.

2. City Bus: The City Bus route #202 stops directly at the Nagoya Castle main entrance.

3. Yutorito Meieki Line: This bus operates from Nagoya Station and stops at the “Nagoya Castle Entrance” bus stop, which is a short walk to the castle.

4. Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus: This hop-on-hop-off bus also has a stop at Nagoya Castle, making it convenient for tourists to explore other popular attractions in the city as well.

5. Sakuradoriguchi Circle Bus: This route goes through Sakae district and stops at “Honmaru/Bansho-sen” bus stop, which is located near the main entrance of Nagoya Castle.

It is recommended to check schedules and fares on the official websites of each public transportation company before planning your trip to Nagoya Castle.

5. How long does it take to walk from the train station to Nagoya Castle?


It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from Nagoya Station to Nagoya Castle.

6. Is it easy to find a taxi near Nagoya Castle for transportation around the city?


Yes, it is generally easy to find a taxi near Nagoya Castle for transportation around the city. There are taxi stands located around the castle and many taxis also drive by on the main roads surrounding the area. Additionally, you can use transportation apps like Uber or Japan Taxi to easily request a taxi to pick you up at the castle.

7. Can I rent a bicycle near Nagoya Castle to explore the surrounding area?


Yes, there are several bicycle rental shops near Nagoya Castle where you can rent a bicycle. One option is the Nobunaga Bicycle Rental located just a few minutes walk from Nagoya Castle. They offer both regular and electric bicycles for rent at affordable prices. Other options include Cycle Center Koume near Shiyakusho Station and CycloneBicycle Rental near Ozone Station.

8. Are there any boat tours available near Nagoya Castle on the river?


There are several boat tours available near Nagoya Castle that travel along the river. Some options include:

1. Kigawa Sightseeing Boat: This tour takes you on a 40-minute cruise on the Kiso River, passing under several historic bridges and through traditional neighborhoods.

2. Nagoya Night Cruise: This tour offers a unique perspective of Nagoya Castle and other landmarks as they light up at night. The cruise lasts about an hour and includes English audio guides.

3. Gofuku Tourist Water Bus: This boat tour takes you on a loop around the Nakagawa River, passing by Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and other popular sites.

4. Meijoukai Sightseeing Boat: This tour offers a longer, two-hour ride along the Kiso River, passing by scenic views of Nagoya’s riverside attractions.

All of these tours depart from various locations near Nagoya Castle and can be easily booked at their respective ticket booths or online in advance. Prices vary depending on the tour and operator, but expect to pay around 1,000-2,000 yen per person.

9. What is the best way to navigate around Nagoya Castle and its grounds?


The best way to explore Nagoya Castle and its grounds is by following the designated walking paths. These paths lead visitors around the main buildings and gardens of the castle, providing opportunities to explore various structures and admire the scenery along the way.

Additionally, there are English-speaking guides available at the castle for those who want a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of each area. Visitors can also pick up maps at the entrance of the castle to help navigate around.

It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes and plan enough time to fully explore and appreciate all that Nagoya Castle has to offer.

10. Are there guided tours or audio guides available at Nagoya Castle?

There are guided tours and audio guides available at Nagoya Castle.

11. How far is it from Nagoya Castle to other popular attractions in the city?


The distance from Nagoya Castle to other popular attractions in the city varies. Here are some examples:

1. Nagoya City Science Museum: 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
2. Atsuta Shrine: 6.2 km (3.8 miles)
3. Osu Shopping District: 4 km (2.5 miles)
4. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium: 12 km (7.5 miles)
5. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: 4 km (2.5 miles)
6. Sakae District: 3 km (1.9 miles)
7. Nagoya TV Tower: 3 km (1.9 miles)
8 Sweet Museums and Chocolate Street: 4 km (2 .5miles)

12. Is there parking available near Nagoya Castle for those who are driving?

Yes, there are several parking options available near Nagoya Castle for those who are driving. There is a large paid parking lot on the west side of the castle and several smaller paid lots scattered around the perimeter. It is recommended to park in these designated lots as parking on the streets is limited and may result in a ticket or tow.

13. Can I book a private car or tour guide for transportation around Nagoya and its castle?

Yes, there are several private car and tour guide services available for transportation around Nagoya and its castle. You can book these services through travel agencies or directly through the companies that offer them. Prices and availability may vary depending on the season and specific requests, so it is recommended to research and book in advance.

14. What is the cost of admission for visiting Nagoya Castle?

As of 2021, the cost of admission for visiting Nagoya Castle is 500 yen for adults, 100 yen for high school students, and free for children. Additional fees may apply for special exhibitions or guided tours.

15. Is there a specific route recommended for exploring the castle and its history?

Yes, there is a recommended route for exploring the castle and its history. The route may vary depending on the specific castle, but in general, it typically includes starting at the main entrance, visiting the central courtyard or keep, touring the various rooms such as living quarters, dining halls, and armory, and ending at any additional features such as gardens or towers. Along the way, visitors can learn about the castle’s history through interpretive displays or guided tours. It is also recommended to visit any special exhibitions or events that may be happening at the time of your visit.

16. Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed inside Nagoya Castle?


Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed inside Nagoya Castle. The castle has elevators and wheelchair ramps for visitors with mobility difficulties.

17. Are there any special events or festivals that take place at Nagoya Castle throughout the year?


Yes, there are several special events and festivals that take place at Nagoya Castle throughout the year. These include:

1. Cherry Blossom Festival: This festival takes place in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy hanami, or flower viewing, in the castle’s gardens, as well as various performances and food stalls featuring traditional Japanese cuisine.

2. Samurai Festival: This festival takes place in mid-May and celebrates the history and legacy of samurai warriors who once lived at Nagoya Castle. The festival features demonstrations of samurai skills, traditional dances, and a parade with participants dressed in samurai attire.

3. Tea Ceremony Experience: Visitors can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience at the castle’s tea house throughout the year.

4. Nagoya Castle Summer Festival: This festival takes place in August and features traditional summer activities such as folk dancing, taiko drum performances, and fireworks.

5. Autumn Leaves Festival: In November, visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors at Nagoya Castle during this annual festival. There are also light-up events at night to showcase the stunning scenery.

6. Calligraphy Festival: Artists from all over Japan come to showcase their calligraphy skills during this event held every December at Nagoya Castle.

7. New Year’s Celebration: On January 1st each year, visitors can participate in traditional New Year’s activities like mochi pounding and Kagami Biraki (breaking open a barrel of sake) at Nagoya Castle.

8. Special Exhibitions: Throughout the year, there are various special exhibitions held at Nagoya Castle showcasing different aspects of its history and culture.

18. Can I bring food and drinks inside the castle during my visit?


No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the castle during visits. You can enjoy snacks and beverages at designated areas outside the castle or at nearby restaurants.

19.Can I purchase souvenirs or gifts at Nagoya Castle?

Yes, there are several souvenir shops and gift stores located within Nagoya Castle where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs, castle-themed gifts, and local specialty products such as ceramics, tea sets, and snacks. The main souvenir shop is located near the East Gate of the castle.

20.Can I visit other historical sites related to transportation and navigation near Nagoya Castle, such as old bridges or ports?


Yes, there are several historical sites related to transportation and navigation near Nagoya Castle that you can visit. Some examples include:

1. The Nagoya Port area, where you can see remnants of the original port structures and learn about the city’s history as a major port for trade and transportation.

2. Atsuta Shrine, which is located near Nagoya Port and was an important stop along the ancient Tokaido Road that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The shrine also houses many artifacts related to sea transport and navigation.

3. Fushimi Bridge, located near Nagoya Castle, is one of the oldest bridges in Japan and was an important crossing for travelers on the Tokaido Road.

4. Kiyosu Castle, located about 10 kilometers from Nagoya Castle, was built in the 16th century as a strategic point for controlling transportation along the Tokaido Road.

5. Tokoname City, located approximately 30 kilometers from Nagoya Castle, is a historic pottery town that has been an important center for maritime trade since ancient times.

These are just a few examples of historical sites related to transportation and navigation near Nagoya Castle that you can visit during your trip.