Nishinomaru Okura Johokan (Nishinomaru Treasure Museum), Nagoya

The Nishinomaru Treasure Museum is an exhibition and storage facility designed to reproduce the appearance of Storehouses No. 3 and No. 4, two of the rice warehouses that once stood in this part of Nagoya Castle. Its Japanese name combines references to the castle’s treasures and the information presented there, reflecting its role as both a museum and an educational center. Opened in 2021, the facility allows visitors to explore the castle’s history while also providing suitable conditions for preserving its valuable cultural properties.

One of its principal sections is the History Information Room, which traces the development of Nagoya Castle from its construction in the early 17th century to the present day. Interactive displays, videos, models, and games make the information accessible. The adjoining Exhibition Room presents changing displays drawn from the castle’s collections. Among the most important exhibits are original wall, sliding-door, and screen paintings from the Hommaru Palace, which are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

The museum’s specially controlled storage facilities were created to protect the castle’s historic collections, including hundreds of palace paintings that survived the destruction of the original Hommaru Palace during the air raids of 1945. Many survived because they had been removed from the palace and placed in storage before the bombing. Before leaving, visitors can browse the Museum Shop, which offers souvenirs and products connected with Nagoya Castle.