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Japan/Things to Do in Nagoya, with kids

Honmaru Palace (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Honmaru Palace?

65%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 65% Kids-Friendly: Stamp rallies, samurai shows and bright artwork fascinate older children, yet shoe removal, strict no-touch rules, and lack of indoor toilets suit only kids who follow instructions.

Google
Reviews4.3/ 5
(from 3,174 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free for kids: Children up to junior high school enter Honmaru Palace at no charge with a castle ticket.
  • Stroller and wheelchair loan: Borrow a stroller or wheelchair free of charge at the Main or East Gate on a first-come basis.
  • Free guided tours: Daily English tours help families understand palace history and art without extra cost.

Challenges:

  • No toilets inside palace: Use castle-grounds restrooms before entering; the palace interior has no facilities.
  • Low lighting and narrow paths: Watch small children closely; some corridors are dim and tight.
  • Remove shoes before entry: Carry socks or slip-on shoes for kids, as everyone must go barefoot or wear provided slippers.
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🏖️ Explore Honmaru Palace with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Honmaru Palace. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Honmaru Palace?

  • A meticulously restored 17th-century shoin-zukuri palace serving as the inner keep of Nagoya Castle
  • A structure adorned with elaborate gold-leaf sliding-door paintings and richly carved wooden joinery
  • An exemplar of Tokugawa-era architecture featuring tiered roofs, ornamental gables, and traditional Japanese craftsmanship

What is so special about Honmaru Palace for with kids?

  1. Explore restored 17th-century rooms with gold-leaf art and wood joinery.
  2. Join free daily English tours to learn palace history.
  3. Catch a 15-minute samurai welcome performance on weekends.
  4. Take part in a kids’ stamp rally for a free souvenir.
  5. Benefit from free kids’ admission and stroller loan.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time to tour the palace rooms, join a guided tour, and catch a samurai show without rushing.

(View Honmaru Palace on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Honmaru Palace

Self-guided tour of gilded rooms:

Walk through the Jōdan-no-ma and Ichi-no-ma to see gold-leaf paintings and wood joinery.

Tip: Pick up the free palace map at the gate and follow room numbers to stay on route.

Free English guided tour:

Join a daily 12:30 pm tour led by Aichi Goodwill Guides from the Main Gate.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the Main Gate to secure spots for your family.

Samurai welcome corps performance:

Watch the Nagoya Omotenashi Busho-tai reenact a samurai welcome near Honmaru Palace.

Tip: Shows run on weekends and holidays; arrive 5 minutes before start for front-row views.

Kids’ stamp rally:

Children collect stamps at palace stations to earn a free souvenir.

Tip: Check the official castle website for rally dates and pick up a stamp sheet at the information desk.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Honmaru Palace

  1. Arrive before noon: Beat the crowds by entering around 11:00 am and join the 12:30 pm guided tour.
  2. Combine with castle tower: Visit the castle tower after the palace to keep kids engaged with varied activities.
  3. Use stroller loan for younger kids: Pick up a stroller at the gate to save energy walking between palace rooms.
🏖️ Tour Honmaru Palace like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Honmaru Palace. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Honmaru Palace

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Dr. A.D. Mobley

Dr. A.D. Mobley

Aug 2025

A fascinating view into the history of Aesthetics of the Edo period. Though much of the primary construction was destroyed by America during the second world war, the dedication of those committed to the preservation of History has allowed for the Reconstruction which is magnificent. A gem.

CVM T

CVM T

May 2025

The Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle is a true masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture and craftsmanship. Reconstructed with meticulous care using original techniques and materials, the palace offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of feudal lords during the Edo period. Walking through the elegant tatami rooms, you’re greeted by breathtaking gold-leaf screens, hand-painted slidin...

Shao-Chin Huang

Shao-Chin Huang

Dec 2024

Located within the Nagoya Castle grounds, the ancient building is remarkably well-preserved, with an interior that is lavishly decorated and stunningly beautiful. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering and must follow the designated route.

Yvonne Tong

Yvonne Tong

Dec 2024

The palace is very well reserved and orderly. I appreciate how they had a good crowd control and ensure visitors could have enough space to walk and pause and enjoy the beauty of the artworks. The golden artworks were well restored and I was amazed by the beauty!

Alexis YL

Alexis YL

Nov 2024

The only place in the Nagoya castle that we are permitted to enter in the area, with lots of beautiful detail and well-preserved structure. To protect the floors, no footwear is allowed inside. Shoe lockers and slippers are provided for visitors' convenience.

When is the best time to visit Honmaru Palace (Nagoya, Japan)?

Visit in spring for cherry blossoms around Honmaru Palace. In autumn, watch maples glow through palace windows. Summer afternoons can feel warm—carry water bottles. Check castle site for summer stamp rally dates.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Nagoya on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult admission (¥500 x 2)JPY 1,000
Snacks (¥300 x 4)JPY 1,200
SouvenirJPY 500
Total EstimatedJPY 2,700

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Honmaru Palace

Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan

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About Honmaru Palace

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 52-231-1700

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