Meijō Park (Aichi Prefecture) Complete Guide | Highlights, Access, and How to Enjoy Each Season
Meijō Park is an urban park located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, and is known as a vast castle ruins park centered on Nagoya Castle. This park, which opened in 1931 (Showa 6), spans from the Ninomaru and Sannomaru areas in Naka Ward to Meijō in Kita Ward of Nagoya, with an area of approximately 80.41 hectares. As a comprehensive park managed by Nagoya City, it serves as a place of relaxation for residents while also boasting high popularity as a tourist spot.
About Meijō Park
Meijō Park is a castle ruins park that takes advantage of its location adjacent to Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s representative famous castles. Approximately 2,800 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, and during spring, it bustles with many cherry blossom viewing visitors as a famous cherry blossom spot. Within the vast grounds, lawn areas, ponds, and gardens are developed, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy the scenery of each season, making it an oasis in the city.
The park is broadly divided into two areas: the “North Park” and “South Park,” each with characteristic facilities and scenery. The North Park features a lawn plaza, Dutch windmill, Flower Plaza, and the commercial facility tonarino, while the South Park is home to Nagoya Castle and Ofuke Pond. It functions as a multifaceted park visited by families, couples, and people enjoying sports.
History and Development of Meijō Park
The history of Meijō Park dates back to the early Showa period. Since its opening in 1931, it has been cherished as a place of relaxation for Nagoya residents. By developing the castle ruins, including the outer moat of Nagoya Castle, into a park, a space was created that combines historical landscape preservation with the functions of a modern urban park.
After World War II, facilities were developed in stages, with sports facilities such as the Aichi Prefecture Gymnasium and cultural facilities like Flower Plaza being constructed. In recent years, the North Park area underwent a major renovation in 2017, with the opening of the commercial facility tonarino, continuing to evolve with the times.
Main Attractions of Meijō Park
Lawn Plaza
The lawn plaza, located at the center of the North Park area, is an open space representative of Meijō Park. Within the approximately 9,000 square meter vast lawn area, families enjoy picnics, children play with frisbees and balls, and people practice yoga and stretching, each spending their time as they wish.
From the lawn plaza, one can view the main tower of Nagoya Castle, and a landscape harmonizing historical architecture with verdant nature can be enjoyed. Especially during the spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season, the beautiful interplay between Nagoya Castle and seasonal scenery can be witnessed.
Various events are held on weekends, including markets, food festivals, and music events, attracting many people. The spacious area is a valuable spot where one can experience openness despite being in an urban area.
Dutch Windmill
The Dutch windmill standing at one corner of the lawn plaza is a symbolic presence of Meijō Park. The authentic Dutch-style windmill becomes a popular photography spot adding accent to the park’s landscape. The windmill set against a blue sky creates an atmosphere as if visiting a foreign country.
Seasonal flowers are planted around the windmill, with tulips in spring and sunflowers in summer, creating flower beds reminiscent of Dutch landscapes. Especially during tulip season, the collaboration between colorful flowers and the windmill is magnificent, attracting many tourists and photography enthusiasts.
The windmill is not merely decorative but plays a role in creating an international atmosphere for Meijō Park, and it provides a good opportunity for children to experience different cultures.
Ofuke Pond
Ofuke Pond, located in the South Park area of Meijō Park, is a spot where one can enjoy quiet waterside scenery. It is known as a scenic point where Nagoya Castle’s main tower can be seen beyond the pond, and the castle’s reflection on the water surface has become a popular photography spot.
A walking path is maintained around Ofuke Pond, allowing leisurely strolls while observing nature throughout the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms reflect on the water surface, and in autumn, foliage colors the pond. Water birds also fly to the pond, making it possible to enjoy birdwatching.
Benches are installed around the pond, making it an ideal place for quiet reading or relaxing while enjoying the scenery. As a peaceful space that makes one forget the hustle and bustle of the city, it is loved by many people.
Flower Plaza
Meijō Park Flower Plaza is a facility conducting exhibitions and lectures related to flowers and greenery. Within the building equipped with an atrium and sunny room, various exhibitions are held year-round, attracting a wide range of visitors from gardening enthusiasts to general tourists.
Seasonal themed flower exhibitions are held within the facility, and specialized exhibitions such as orchids, roses, and Christmas roses are held regularly. Additionally, gardening workshops and programs are offered, providing something enjoyable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Around Flower Plaza, gardens such as a herb garden and model gardens are arranged, allowing visitors to gain actual landscaping ideas. Gardens beautiful with flowers in every season not only serve as gardening references but also allow one to enjoy flower fragrance and colors while strolling.
Operating hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and admission is free (except for some special exhibitions). It is recommended for flower lovers as well as those seeking a healing space surrounded by greenery.
tonarino
The commercial facility tonarino, which opened in 2017, has become a new landmark for Meijō Park’s North Park. With the concept of “connecting with the park, connecting with people,” it is a complex facility housing restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and miscellaneous goods shops.
tonarino features a variety of dining options, including restaurants using local ingredients and cafes where one can enjoy coffee leisurely at terrace seats. It can be used as a lunch or tea time spot after playing in the park or as a rest stop during strolls. Particularly, the terrace seating offers views of the lawn plaza and Nagoya Castle, allowing dining in an open atmosphere.
The facility also houses lifestyle shops and flower shops, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping along with park strolls. On weekends, markets and events are held in the plaza in front of the facility, functioning as a community space for the area.
Operating hours for tonarino vary by shop, but most dining establishments operate from around 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, available for lunch through dinner across a wide timeframe.
Enjoying Each Season
Spring: As a Famous Cherry Blossom Spot
Meijō Park is known as one of Nagoya’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Approximately 2,800 Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees are planted throughout the park, reaching their prime from late March to early April.
Particularly impressive is the cherry blossom scenery with Nagoya Castle in the background, a competition between historical architecture and cherry blossoms unique to Meijō Park. Around Ofuke Pond, one can enjoy cherry blossoms reflected on the water’s surface along with the castle. Around the lawn plaza in the North Park, families and groups gather for cherry blossom viewing beneath the trees.
During cherry blossom season, one can enjoy dining while viewing the blossoms from tonarino’s terrace seating, providing an elegant flower viewing experience. Additionally, around Flower Plaza, spring flowers such as tulips and pansies can be enjoyed alongside the cherry blossoms.
Summer: Fresh Greenery and Waterside Coolness
Summer at Meijō Park becomes a refreshing space enveloped in verdant greenery. On the lawn plaza, people enjoy picnics in the shade and children play in the water. The shade around Ofuke Pond is cool, ideal for strolling and jogging.
Flower Plaza features summer flower exhibitions, with vibrant flowers such as sunflowers and salvias welcoming visitors. Additionally, tonarino’s cafes offer cold drinks and ice cream, making them popular rest spots on hot summer days.
From evening into night, more people enjoy strolling through the park as cool breezes blow, and the illuminated Nagoya Castle can be viewed.
Autumn: Interplay of Foliage and Nagoya Castle
In autumn, Meijō Park offers a beautiful interplay of foliage and Nagoya Castle. From mid-November to early December, ginkgo and maple trees turn color, dyeing the entire park in shades of red and yellow.
Particularly noteworthy is the foliage around Ofuke Pond, where the autumn leaves reflected on the water’s surface along with the castle create a painting-like beauty. The ginkgo tree-lined paths along the North Park’s walking routes glow golden, coloring the stroll areas.
During autumn, Flower Plaza also features autumn grasses and cosmos exhibitions, allowing one to enjoy plants from each season alongside the foliage. Additionally, tonarino introduces limited-time menus featuring autumn flavors, offering culinary delights as well.
Winter: Silence and Winter Scenery
Winter at Meijō Park is wrapped in a quiet, serene atmosphere. On snowy days, Nagoya Castle and the park landscape dressed in snow reveal a fantastical beauty.
Flower Plaza allows visitors to enjoy flowers even in winter within its greenhouse, providing refreshment surrounded by greenery and blooms during the cold season. Special exhibitions and events may be held during the Christmas season.
The warm dining establishments at tonarino are ideal for rest after winter strolls. One can relax slowly while warming the body with warm soups and hot drinks.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Meijō Park is widely utilized not only for tourism but also as a venue for sports and recreation. The Aichi Prefecture Gymnasium is located within the park, hosting various sports events and competitions.
A running course is maintained within the park, utilized by many runners from early morning through evening. The approximately 2-kilometer loop course, offering views of Nagoya Castle while running, is a popular running spot.
Additionally, groups practicing yoga, stretching, and tai chi are seen on the lawn plaza, utilizing the space for health promotion. On weekends, children are frequently seen enjoying soccer and catch on the grounds.
The North Park area also has a playground with equipment, popular with families with young children. The carefully designed equipment allows children to play safely.
Events and Exhibitions
Throughout the year, various events and exhibitions are held at Meijō Park. Flower Plaza regularly holds seasonal flower exhibitions, offering programs ranging from specialized horticultural displays to general flower exhibitions.
Events such as cherry blossom festivals in spring and foliage festivals in autumn are planned, drawing many visitors. Additionally, weekend markets, food festivals, and music events are held in the tonarino plaza, serving as a center for community activities.
Many events are coordinated with Nagoya Castle, including history lectures and traditional culture experience programs. Event information can be found on the official website and Nagoya’s tourism information site.
Address and Access Methods to Meijō Park
Address of Meijō Park
Meijō Park Flower Plaza (North Park)
〒462-0846 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Kita Ward, Meijō 1-chome, 2-25
Meijō Park (South Park / Nagoya Castle side)
Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Naka Ward, Ninomaru and Sannomaru
Since the park spans a vast area, it is convenient to use the nearest entrance depending on your purpose for visiting.
Access Methods to Meijō Park
Access by Train
Access to Meijō Park is convenient by public transportation.
North Park Area (Flower Plaza and tonarino direction)
- About 3 minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Meijō Line “Meijō Park Station” on Nagoya Municipal Subway
- About 8 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Meijō Line “Kurokawa Station” on Nagoya Municipal Subway
South Park Area (Nagoya Castle and Ofuke Pond direction)
- About 5 minutes on foot from Exit 7 of Meijō Line “City Hall Station” on Nagoya Municipal Subway
- About 12 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Tsurumai Line “Sengen Station” on Nagoya Municipal Subway
The Meijō Line is a loop line, accessible from Nagoya Station in approximately 15 minutes via Sakae Station.
Access by Bus
Nagoya City buses are also available.
- Get off at “Meijō Park” bus stop and you’re there
- Get off at “Nagoya Castle Main Gate” bus stop and it’s about 3 minutes on foot
From Nagoya Station, it takes approximately 20 minutes by bus.
Access by Car
When using the Nagoya Expressway
- Approximately 5 minutes from “Marunouchi Exit” on the Urban Ring Line
- Approximately 8 minutes from “Kurokawa Exit” on Line 1 Kusui
When using general roads
- Approximately 15 minutes from Nagoya Station via Route 19
- Approximately 10 minutes from Sakae via Kusugai Avenue
When using navigation systems, searching for “Meijō Park Flower Plaza” or “Nagoya Castle” is convenient.
Parking at Meijō Park
Meijō Park has multiple parking lots.
Main Gate Parking Lot (Nagoya Castle side)
- Capacity: Approximately 308 spaces
- Operating hours: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fee: ¥180 per 30 minutes (regular vehicles)
Ninomaru East Parking Lot
- Capacity: Approximately 123 spaces
- Operating hours: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fee: ¥180 per 30 minutes (regular vehicles)
Meijō Park North Park Parking Lot (for tonarino users)
- Capacity: Approximately 50 spaces
- Operating hours: In accordance with facility operating hours
- Fee: Discounts available with facility use
Parking lots may become congested on weekends, during cherry blossom and foliage seasons, and when events are held, so use of public transportation is recommended. Additionally, there are numerous coin parking facilities in the surrounding area, though rates vary by facility.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Meijō Park, you can also enjoy nearby tourist attractions.
Nagoya Castle
A famous Japanese castle adjoining Meijō Park. It features numerous highlights including the main tower famous for its golden roof ornaments and the Honmaru Palace, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Tokugawa Garden
A Japanese garden located approximately 10 minutes by car from Meijō Park. Associated with the Owari Tokugawa family, the premier branch of the Tokugawa clan, the garden offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Nagoya City Archives Building
An archives building with beautiful Taisho-era Western architecture. It displays materials related to Nagoya’s history and municipal administration.
Culture Path
The area from Nagoya Castle to Tokugawa Garden is called the “Culture Path,” where historical buildings and cultural facilities are scattered throughout.
Notes and Manners When Visiting
Please keep the following points in mind to enjoy Meijō Park comfortably.
Park Usage Etiquette
- Always take trash with you or dispose of it in designated bins
- Fire use is prohibited in lawn areas
- Pets may be brought, but keep them on leashes and always dispose of their waste
- Avoid loud music playback to not disturb other visitors
Facility Usage
- Flower Plaza operating hours are 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Mondays and year-end/New Year holidays)
- Each shop at tonarino has different operating hours, so advance confirmation is recommended
- Some areas may be off-limits during events
Seasonal Precautions
- During summer, bring hats and drinks as heat stroke prevention
- During pollen season, prepare masks and allergy medication
- Prepare proper cold weather gear during winter
Conclusion
Meijō Park, a prestigious urban park of Aichi Prefecture Nagoya City, is a captivating spot where history, nature, culture, and recreation converge. With its landscape utilizing its location adjacent to Nagoya Castle, flowers and foliage for every season, fully equipped facilities and events, and convenient access, it offers diverse ways for visitors to enjoy themselves.
One can leisurely enjoy a picnic on the lawn plaza, take photos at the Dutch windmill and Ofuke Pond, appreciate flowers at Flower Plaza, or savor gourmet food at tonarino—a park offering a full day of enjoyment. With spring cherry blossoms, summer fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and winter serenity, Meijō Park reveals a different face with each season, offering new discoveries with every visit.
When visiting Nagoya, why not visit Meijō Park and spend healing time in this verdant oasis in the city? Whether with family, as a couple, or alone, everyone can enjoy Meijō Park and create wonderful memories.
