In January Nagoya Castle offers winter programs even though the main tower is closed—and they’re worth knowing about if you’ve been avoiding the it while it is under reconstruction (now estimated to be 2032...ish).
Even though the New Year holidays are winding down, the castle offers three three good reasons to visit: a rare opportunity to access a limited turret, a kids’ stamp rally, and a martial arts demonstration on January 11. These aren’t large festivals but they are practical, accessible, and easy to fit into a half day.
A Rare Chance To See Inside the Southwest Corner Turret
From January 2–8
From January 2 to 8, Nagoya Castle opens the Southwest Corner Turret (Also known as the Southwest Corner Watchtower.) This is a rare chance for the public to see inside one of the castle's remaining original Edo-period structures. This is not a reconstruction. You’re stepping into a nearly 400-year-old building with steep wooden staircases, exposed beams, and narrow windows that look out across the grounds.
This matters because the main castle tower—the large concrete structure most people associate with Nagoya Castle—remains closed for reconstruction. The Southwest Corner Turret access is one of the few opportunities all year when visitors can physically enter a historic castle building in Nagoya rather than just walk around one.
The visit is short and self-directed. Most people spend ten to fifteen minutes inside. Explanatory signage is primarily in Japanese, but the experience doesn’t depend on reading. You’re moving through the space, climbing, turning corners, and looking out from viewpoints that don’t exist anywhere else on the grounds.
Hours are 09:00–16:15, with last entry at 16:00. Access is included with standard castle admission. Expect narrow stairs and low ceilings; this isn’t stroller-friendly and won’t work for visitors with mobility issues. It suits adults, older kids, and anyone who wants something tangible rather than symbolic.
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(Note entrance is via the Nagoya Castle Grounds)
Kids’ Stamp Rally
From January 11–13, 2026
On January 11, 12, and 13, the castle runs a children’s stamp rally that turns the grounds into a simple, structured walk. Kids collect stamps at designated cultural and scenic points, complete a picture, and exchange the finished sheet for an original badge.
This is one of the most practical family activities Nagoya Castle offers. It gives kids a clear objective while quietly solving the “how do we get them to walk?” problem for parents. The route naturally pulls families through parts of the grounds they might otherwise skip, and because it’s self-guided, there’s no pressure to keep to a schedule.
From an accessibility standpoint, this works well for English-speaking families. The activity is visual and staff-guided, and Japanese ability isn’t required. This suits families, visiting relatives with kids, and anyone who wants an outing with built-in structure but minimal effort.
The rally runs 09:00–14:00 each day. It’s open to children up to junior high school age. The first 300 participants per day receive the badge; when sheets run out, the rally for that day finishes. Badge exchange deadline is 15:00 at the West Ninomaru Okura Museum, where the rally begins. Arriving earlier in the day is smart if this is your main reason for going.
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Yagyū Shinkage-ryū
Martial Arts Demonstration
Sunday, January 11, 2026
On January 11 at 13:00, Nagoya Castle hosts a demonstration of Yagyū Shinkage-ryū, a martial art passed down in the Owari domain. This takes place in the Honmaru Palace courtyard and runs for approximately one hour.
This is a scheduled demonstration, not a casual performance you might stumble across. It’s visual and physical, held outdoors in the courtyard (or indoors if weather requires). Commentary is in Japanese, but the techniques themselves are clear without translation.
Starts at 13:00 in the Honmaru Palace courtyard. Included with standard castle admission. Weather-dependent; cancellations are announced on site. If you’re visiting on January 11 and interested in martial arts history, this is worth timing your visit around. If you’re not, it’s easy to skip.
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What To Know Before You Go
The main castle tower remains closed and will be for the foreseeable future. These January events focus on secondary structures, temporary access, and outdoor programming, not tower climbs. Honmaru Palace is open and pairs well with winter visits if you want an excellent indoor option.
The Details
Nagoya Castle January Programs
Venue: Nagoya Castle
Dates: Jan. 2–13, 2026
Turret access: Jan 2–8
Stamp Rally: Jan 11–13
Martial arts Demonstration: Jan 11
Times:
Castle hours: 09:00–16:30
Grounds close: 17:00
Honmaru Palace and Special Areas: last admission 16:00
Entry:
Adults: ¥500 (approx)
Children junior high and under: Free
Address:
Nagoya Castle
1-1 Honmaru
Naka-ku, Nagoya,
Website: www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/en/
Access
By Subway:
Take the Meijō Line to Shiyakusho Station (M07)
Use Exit 7, about 5 minutes on foot
Nagoya Subway Map
Check out our handy guide to using the Nagoya Subway
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Nagoya Buzz publishes weekly guides to events, exhibitions, food, and the small local things that make living here easier (and occasionally stranger).
If you enjoyed this, our Events page highlights other small, seasonal things happening around Nagoya right now.
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