Winter Sun Illuminates Kinshachi: A Miracle and Romance of a Christmas Day Trip to Nagoya Castle

#NovemberDestinations2025 #NagoyaCastle #NagoyaFortress 《A Day Illuminated by the Golden Shachihoko: A One-Day Visit to Nagoya Castle》 Nagoya mornings have a special charm—unhurried and comforting, like a perfectly brewed cup of hot matcha. I specifically planned a one-day visit to Nagoya Castle this day, knowing from the moment I stepped through the gates that it would be a day that would satisfy my history, my architecture, and my taste buds. ⸻ 🌿Morning: Passing through the gates felt like stepping into another time. The instant I entered through the main gate, the two gleaming golden shachihoko seemed to be staring at me: "Welcome to Nagoya Castle, get ready to take photos." Although the castle tower is currently a reconstruction, its grandeur is in no way inferior to the original. Climbing the stairs, each floor features exhibits on samurai culture, castle history, models, and displays of Nagoya Castle's original wooden construction techniques. My favorite spot was the observation deck on the top floor. A gentle breeze blew, and the entire city of Nagoya stretched out before me. For a moment, I had the illusion that I was truly seeing the same sky as 400 years ago. ⸻ 🍵Noon: Hungry after exploring the castle, I replenished my energy in the castle town. My stomach started to rumble as I walked, so I headed straight to "Kinshachi Yokocho" outside the castle to refuel. It was super convenient, offering a collection of Nagoya's specialties: ✔ Miso pork cutlet (Yaba Tonkatsu) ✔ Miso-simmered udon (Yamamoto-ya Sohonke) ✔ Nagoya chicken wings (Teba Saki) ✔ Kishimen (flat udon noodles) I ordered the miso pork cutlet that day. The miso sauce was perfectly thick, the batter was incredibly thick, and it burst with juice when I bit into it. Sitting on an outdoor bench watching tourists come and go, I truly felt a sense of "small, precious happiness during my trip." ⸻ 🌸Afternoon: Stroll in the Garden + Taking Photos of the Golden Shachihoko (Golden Shachihoko) Until My Phone Almost Drove Off After lunch, I strolled to the Ninomaru Garden. It was so quiet here that I could hear the wind rustling through the leaves. Walking along the pond and taking photos by the bridge was a completely different experience from the historical atmosphere of the castle; it was a gentle, comfortable tranquility. The most interesting thing was: Everyone was taking photos of the Golden Shachihoko. Seriously, everyone. Different angles, backlit versions, direct sunlight versions, and even versions with poor focus—everyone was having a great time. I even took so many photos that my iPhone's battery was down to 20%, but I had to keep taking pictures; the brightness was truly astounding. ⸻ 🎐Afternoon Tea Bonus: Golden Shachihoko Soft Serenade + Castle Scenery Before leaving, I bought a "Golden Shachihoko Soft Serenade"—basically just golden chocolate chips—but it looked great in photos. The shops next door sold warlord merchandise, golden shachihoko (mythical fish-shaped ornaments), and koban chocolates. I ended up buying a golden shachihoko refrigerator magnet; you could immediately tell it was from Nagoya. ⸻ 🌆Evening: Looking back one last time, it truly felt worthwhile. As I left, looking back at the castle tower, the sunlight illuminating the golden shachihoko gave me a sudden sense of enlightenment. Nagoya Castle isn't the kind of tourist attraction you can just rush through; rather, the more you explore, the more you discover its many details, the deeper the castle's soul. The pace of the day was just right: not rushed, not commercialized, not crowded, yet every corner held a story. ⸻ 📌Nagoya Castle Day Trip Summary Top 5 Highlights • ✔ Great photo opportunities with the Kinshachihoko and the castle tower • ✔ Soothing views from the observation deck • ✔ Kinshachi Yokocho is a food paradise • ✔ A relaxing stroll through Ninomaru Garden • ✔ The castle grounds and surrounding areas are great for exploring; perfect for a half-day to a full day. Suitable for: 👉 Fans of Japanese castle culture 👉 Enjoy walking, photography, and slow travel 👉 Suitable for families with children (spacious and easy to walk) 👉 Romantic photo opportunities for couples