Nagoya Castle Special Historic Site and Related Facility "Kinshachi Yokocho"

Kinshachi Yokocho opened in March 2018 after five years of planning, following the announcement of the basic concept by Nagoya City in 2013. It is a related facility to Nagoya Castle, a Special Historic Site designated under the Cultural Protection Law and treated on par with national treasures.

◆The Owari Tokugawa Family, Leading Branch of the Three Tokugawa Houses, and Nagoya Castle

Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate, began construction of Nagoya Castle in 1610 as a defense against the Toyotomi clan in Osaka. Ieyasu appointed three of his sons as heads of the three branch families of the Tokugawa (Owari, Mito, and Kii), known as the Gosanke.

The Owari Tokugawa family was the most prestigious among these. Tokugawa Yoshinao, Ieyasu's ninth son, became the first lord of the Owari domain by his father's order. Nagoya Castle, built as a national project to demonstrate Tokugawa power, is vast and sturdy yet lavishly ornate. Considered the pinnacle of early modern castle architecture, Nagoya Castle served as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family for about 260 years throughout the Edo period.

The Concept of "Kinshachi Yokocho" to Inherit Owari Nagoya Culture

Food is emblematic of Owari Nagoya culture. "Red miso" and "tamari" soy sauce, rich in umami, are essential local ingredients used as main seasonings in dishes like "miso katsu," "miso nikomi udon," and "hitsumabushi." Tea ceremony, considered essential education for high-ranking samurai in the Edo period, was also enthusiastically practiced by the Owari Tokugawa family. Yoshinao's birth mother, Lady Okame, had relatives from the Ozaki-bo family of Uji tea masters, and it's said that Uji tea was presented to the Owari Tokugawa family through her influence.

From Nagoya's Splendid Arts to Creating New Nagoya Culture

It is said in Nagoya that the city grew into an artistic center due to the policies of Tokugawa Muneharu, the seventh lord of the Owari domain.

In the mid-Edo period, while the eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune promoted frugality through the Kyoho Reforms, Muneharu implemented bold deregulation policies to develop the Owari province. As a result, Nagoya became a notable presence nationwide and rapidly urbanized. These innovative policies are said to have further nurtured not only the arts but also the independent spirit and unique culture of Owari Nagoya.

To inherit this Nagoya culture, "Kinshachi Yokocho," along with Nagoya Castle, will focus on new food culture, emerging Nagoya culture, and the people who will carry on the artistic traditions, sharing these with visitors.

Guide to Places and Facilities Associated with the "Owari Tokugawa Family"
＜Historical Tour of Owari Nagoya＞

〇 SpecialHistoric Site "Nagoya Castle" ＜Honmaru, Naka Ward＞

Nagoya Castle, a magnificent fortress built to showcase the Edo Shogunate's prestige.

〇 "Nagoya Toshogu Shrine"

Founded by Yoshinao within Nagoya Castle to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of Nagoya. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Aichi Prefecture.

〇 Owari Tokugawa Family Temple "Tokugan-zan Kenchū-ji" ＜Daikanchō, Higashi Ward＞

Kenchū-ji, the family temple of the Owari Tokugawa clan, was established by the second lord, Mitsutomo, for the repose of Yoshinao, the first lord.

〇"Tokugawa Garden" ＜Tokugawa-chō, Higashi Ward＞

A Japanese garden originating from Mitsutomo's retirement residence in Ōzone-sato. You can enjoy the "stroll garden" style known from Edo period daimyo gardens.

〇 "Tokugawa Art Museum" ＜Tokugawa-chō, Higashi Ward＞

Houses over 10,000 items, including Ieyasu's heirlooms and treasured possessions passed down from Yoshinao through generations, known as "daimyo retreat" collections. Adjacent to Tokugawa Garden.

〇 Koyasan Shingon Sect Special Head Temple "Yagoto Kōshō-ji" ＜Yagoto Honmachi, Shōwa Ward＞

Founded in 1688 (the 5th year of Jōkyō), Yagoto Kōshō-ji Temple has been known as a place of prayer for the Owari Tokugawa clan since the second lord, Mitsutomo, became a devotee.