Furuwatari Castle

Furuwatari Castle was a Japanese castle in Naka-ku, Nagoya, with rectangular dimensions of roughly 140 meters east to west and 100 meters north to south. The site was protected by double moats surrounding it on all sides and now lies within the Shimote-Chaya Park area.

Oda Nobuhide built the fortress in 1534 as a strategic defense against potential attacks from the southeast. The site remained in active use only briefly before military operations shifted to Sumiyoshi Castle in 1548.

The castle grounds are now integrated into the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple complex, creating a space where military history meets spiritual practice. Walking through, you can sense how the place has transformed from defensive site to contemplative environment.

The site is about five minutes on foot from Higashi Bessho Station on the Meijo Line, making it convenient to reach. Today the location includes Shimote-Chaya Park with a central pond, where you can explore the grounds.

The castle operated for only about 14 years before being abandoned, making it one of the region's shorter-lived fortifications. Despite its brief existence, it left an imprint on Nagoya's historical development.

Location: Naka-ku

Inception: 1534

Founders: Oda Nobuhide

GPS coordinates: 35.15225,136.90196

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30