Nagoya Castle — Golden Shachihoko Fortress

**Honmaru Palace timing:** The palace is the castle's crown jewel and justifies the admission alone. Arrive at 9:00 opening to photograph the gold-leaf chambers without crowds — midday sees tour groups that make intimate viewing difficult. Photography is permitted throughout (no flash), and the palace provides complimentary slippers to protect the tatami mats. **Shachihoko photo angles:** The golden dolphins are best photographed from the exterior castle grounds. The northwestern corner (near the Ofuke Garden) provides unobstructed views of both shachihoko atop the tenshu. Early morning (8:00–10:00) offers soft lighting without harsh shadows. The shachihoko are 2.5m tall and weigh 1.2 tons — each scale is individually hammered gold plate. **Seasonal events:** Nagoya Castle hosts nighttime illuminations during cherry blossom season (late March–early April) and autumn foliage (mid-November), extending hours to 20:00 with separate evening admission (¥500). The spring illumination includes 1,000+ cherry trees lit across the moats and castle walls. Additionally, the castle offers traditional tea ceremony experiences in the Ninomaru Tea House (¥500, weekends only, advance reservation via website).