Toyota Museum & Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace
-
Port
Nagoya, Japan
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$129
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa built the original Honmaru Palace in 1615 — a masterpiece of Bukefu-shoin-style architecture in the same class as the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle in Kyoto. In 1945, Honmaru Palace burned down, along with the main castle building. It was reconstructed in 2018 after approximately 10 years of work. Skillful artisans and craftsmen used only traditional techniques and materials, researching the vast archival records of the palace to ensure authenticity. See gorgeous Kano-style sliding-door paintings of tigers and bamboo. Notice the Ranma — intricate wooden works above the sliding doors — and lovely metal decorations, such as handles on the sliding doors and gables. The flamboyant lifestyle of the Shogun comes to life here.
The fascinating Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology traces innovation and creativity in industrial technology. It also reflects Toyota's evolution from a manufacturer of industrial looms to an automotive and corporate giant. Exhibit halls with interactive displays focus on 100 years of tradition. State-of-the-art technology demonstrations showcase the impact of technological development on manufacturing.
Don't miss Noritake Garden — not a garden at all but, rather, a red-brick factory building where Noritake ceramics originated. This factory, which operated until 1975, was ground zero for the household-name ceramics factory that leaped onto the world stage in the latter half of the 20th century. Today its charming atmosphere is symbolic of Japan's tableware history. You'll have time to shop here for high-quality ceramic goods, gifts and tableware.
Enjoy the downtown core of Nagoya — a modern, prosperous city with a beautifully planned urban center. Nagoya delights with its wide streets lined with art galleries, historical temples, architecturally designed museums and cultural boutiques.
Notes:
The main keep at Nagoya Castle is currently undergoing renovation; your tour is focused on Honmaru Palace within the castle complex. You must remove your shoes to enter the palace. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.