Nagoya Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Teikakushiki), and is located in Aichi Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Owari Province. It is associated with the Tokugawa clan. Dates in use: 1609 - 1871.

Nagoya castle was built for the dual purposes of guarding against any threat emanating from Ōsaka and also to secure a section of the Tōkaidō, the main link between the capital of Edo & Kyōto. Being established in 1612 made it one of the last major castles to be built. The founding Daimyō was Tokugawa Ieyasu's ninth son who established the Owari line of the Tokugawa clan.

The current tower dates from 1959 and was built using concrete. Despite the modern building materials used, the exterior remains faithful to the original tower. Adorning the highest points of the reconstructed tower are two dragon-headed fish known as Shachi. They are a well-known symbol of the castle and are mode from gold-plated, copper sheet. The interior houses an exhibition of items relating to its past.

Nagoya was a heavily targeted site in WWII. That being the case it's little wonder the major buildings of Nagoya castle went down in flames during the war. A handful of structures did manage to escape the bombing of WWII, those being three, three-story turrets & three gates.

Timeline

1610	Construction started on Nagoya Castle by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
1612	The main tower & supporting turrets were completed. Construction of the castle town started. It was overseen by the lord of the Owari Domain, Tokugawa Yoshinao.
1615	The Hon-maru palace was completed.
1616	Work was completed on the first & second enclosures' defences.
1623	The Ninomaru Palace & garden were completed.
1716	The Ninomaru garden was remodelled into a dry, stroll-type garden.
1871	The castle was decommissioned.
1891	The Seinan (Hitsujisaru) Turret collapsed in an earthquake.
1945	Several buildings, including the main tower & the Hon-maru palace, were lost in WWII bombing.
1959	The main tower & main gate were reconstructed using concrete.
2009	Work commenced on the rebuilding of the Hon-mari palace. It is expected to be completed in 2017 at some staggering expense.

Historical recognition

Site	Special National Historic Site
Hitsujisaru (Southwest) Turret	Important Cultural Property
Tatsumi (Southeast) Turret	Important Cultural Property
Kiyosu Turret	Important Cultural Property
Omote Nino Gate	Important Cultural Property
Former Ninomaru East Second Gate	Important Cultural Property
Ninomaru Ōte Nino Gate	Important Cultural Property