Nagoya Historical Architecture Course

Most of Nagoya was heavily destroyed by air raids in WW2, yet the Shikemichi area remained mostly intact. See the white-walled feudal period warehouses, now cleverly used as cafes and stylish restaurants, and the old houses, some which remain residences, others having become antiques stores, cafes and specialty stores, dating back to when the city was ruled from Nagoya Castle.

Nagoya Castle featured the largest keep of all samurai castles. While the keep itself is currently undergoing reconstruction efforts, the original watchtowers dating back to the early 1600’s can be entered. Likewise, the magnificent Hommaru Palace, long considered the finest of castle and palace architecture is open to the public in all its splendor.

Nagoya City Hall was built in 1933, fusing traditional Japanese and modern western style. It is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property. The Aichi Prefectural Building beside it was built in a similar style and completed in 1938. Both buildings remain in use, having survived WW2 air raids.

This brick building of neo-baroque architecture was built in 1922. It was the Nagoya Courthouse until 1979. Features of interest include the central marble staircase and large stained-glass windows. A reconstructed Taisho-period meeting room, courtrooms and the former detention cells can be seen.

Visit the Taisho Era former home of Fukuzawa Momosuke, the Electric Power King, where politicians and Japan’s business elite were once entertained. Enjoy the eclectic mix of Japanese and Western architecture. The late 1800’s former home of ceramics industrialist Imoto Tamesaburo, includes Taisho and early Showa period buildings, with a mix of domestic and international tastes, still with original hand made glass windows. Tea rooms, traditional gardens and other structures show the opulence of the day.

Originally, Shirakabe was a middle-class samurai residential area, and from the end of the feudal period, became popular among Nagoya’s leading businessmen. The area’s architectural heritage is being promoted and preserved. French-style restaurants inhabit a Taisho period sukiya-style mansion an Italian restaurant makes use of an old Japanese house and more. Enjoy the atmosphere, the restaurants and gardens in Shirakabe.