Delve into the history of the surrounding Aichi Prefecture by browsing an open-air museum and a 16th-century castle that is remarkably intact. Dozens of buildings from the Meiji Period have been carefully reconstructed at the Meijimura museum, and you will easily recognize the Western influence in the architecture. This short period in Japanese history ended in 1912 and marked the end of samurai rule and the beginning of Japan’s modernization.

The nearby Inuyama Castle is even more impressive architecturally as it is one of the few castles in Japan that survived wars and natural disasters without being severely damaged. As you meander through this official national treasure, you will see artifacts relating to the Naruse family that once owned the castle. The armory of samurai weapons and the hidden doors for the guards are of particular note, as they shed light on the fact that the castle was under constant threat of attack.

Gain a cultural and historical understanding of Nagoya by visiting attractions that reveal how the area has changed over the centuries. Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace lends insight into 17th-century Japan. Although destroyed by fire during World War II, the castle has been faithfully reconstructed using the original methods of construction. The golden sea creatures on the castle’s roof have become a symbol of Nagoya.

For a look into more modern Japan, you will visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, an attraction that celebrates industrial innovations. You can expect to see exhibits on textiles, automotive breakthroughs and steam engine technology. Atsuta Shrine will present a glimpse into the Shinto religion. It is known most famously for the legendary sword that is enshrined there. The weapon is so sacred that it is never displayed, however, thousands of other artifacts are exhibited, including holy garments, utensils for deities and ancient documents.

Explore a Shinto shrine that became a great spiritual center and an art museum where nearly three centuries of treasures are beautifully displayed. Atsuta Shrine was supposedly founded in the 3rd century to enshrine a legendary sacred sword. The last person claiming to see it was a priest from the Edo period, who soon died from a mysterious curse. Even so, millions of visitors come to Atsuta Shrine each year hoping that the magical sword will bring them luck. Artistic treasures are the draw of the Tokugawa Art Museum, which you will also browse.

Named for Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo Period, the museum contains more than 12,000 objects such as period furniture, armor, costumes and ceramics for tea ceremonies. All of the pieces are from the peaceful Edo Period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868, and the Tokugawa family donated many of the treasures.

Visit Nagoya’s iconic namesake castle and an ornate temple dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo Period, ordered the castle’s construction in 1612 to secure the strategically important Tokaido Road. One of the largest castles in Japan, most of its buildings were destroyed during World War II. It was later meticulously reconstructed to resemble the original building, and as you will see it is magnificent. Tokugawa was also instrumental in the placement of Osu Kannon Temple, as he had it moved to its present location in the early 17th century.

As beautiful as the building is, the temple is more well known for its library of 15,000 Japanese and Chinese texts, the most valuable being the oldest handwritten copy of Japan’s early history. You will also have the chance to shop in a nearby arcade, where you will find merchandise ranging from exquisite kimonos to the latest electronics.

Enjoy enlightening tours of two attractions associated with Japan’s most well-known brands—Noritake and Toyota. Located on the site of Noritake’s former ceramics factory, its namesake garden is cultural more than botanical. Inside the complex of red-brick buildings, you can watch Noritake craftsmen creating delicate porcelain pieces and browse exhibits featuring extraordinary tableware.

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology showcases Toyota’s transition from producing textiles to automobiles and more. Exhibit halls with interactive displays focus on 100 years of traditions and state-of-the-art demonstrations that highlight the impact of technological development on manufacturing.

The museum is located in a 1911 factory for automatic looms in honor of Sakichi Toyoda, the inventor of Japan’s first power loom and founder of the Toyota Group. The company name was later changed from Toyoda to Toyota in part because it requires only eight brush strokes to write in Japanese, and eight is a lucky number.

OVERVIEW

See culturally significant landmarks that reveal much about life in Nagoya centuries ago, one being a castle complex, the other a Shinto shrine. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo period, oversaw the construction of Nagoya Castle and the adjacent Honmaru Palace in the early 17th century. Although bombing during World War II destroyed both of them, they have been reconstructed to resemble the originals. Be sure to note the sea creatures adorning the castle’s roof – which Nagoya has adopted as a symbol – and the palace’s glorious interior, especially the gold metalwork and exquisite paintings on the sliding doors. Atsuta Shrine was also heavily damaged during World War II and later restored to mirror the original. The shrine was supposedly founded in the 3rd century to hold a mythical imperial sword that hasn’t been displayed since the 7th century. However, thousands of other artifacts are on exhibit, including weaponry and sacred garments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View a replica of 17th-century Nagoya Castle, which was rebuilt after World War II.
• Admire the master craftsmanship and artwork that distinguishes Honmaru Palace.
• Visit a Shinto shrine supposedly founded in the 3rd century to house a sacred sword.
• Join the pilgrims at the shrine that hope the sword will bring them good luck.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.