Castles from the Shinkansen Window:Part 1 –Tokyo to Nagoya

Japan is home to countless historic castles, many of which can be admired from the comfort of a train. Especially along the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen routes, a surprising number of castles can be spotted from your window, often just moments after leaving a station. In this two-part series, we highlight notable castles you can view from the Shinkansen, starting with the route from Tokyo to Nagoya.

Odawara Castle (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Approximately 30 minutes into your journey, Odawara Castle’s keep appears briefly after departing Odawara Station—but be quick! The train soon enters a tunnel, making it one of the most fleeting castle views on the line.

Kakegawa Castle (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Right before arriving at Kakegawa Station, glance to the right to catch sight of Kakegawa Castle’s elegant keep.

Hamamatsu Castle (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Just after Hamamatsu Station, look right between city buildings to spot the reconstructed Hamamatsu Castle.

Yoshida Castle (Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture)
Just after passing Toyohashi Station, look to the right-hand side to spot Yoshida Castle’s iconic Kurogane Yagura (Iron Turret)—a symbolic structure of the historic site.

Okazaki Castle (Okazaki,　Aichi Prefecture)
As you approach Mikawa-Anjo Station, keep an eye out to the right for a distant view of Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Nagoya Castle (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)
Departing Nagoya Station, Nagoya Castle’s iconic, green-roofed keep comes into view, partially obscured by city buildings but still recognizable on the right-hand side.

Kiyosu Castle (Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture)
Soon after Nagoya, Kiyosu Castle can be seen clearly from the right side. With its striking black walls and red accents, it stands close to the tracks, offering a vivid visual moment. Though it was built as a tourist reconstruction in 1989, its bold design recalls the era of Oda Nobunaga.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue westward to discover more stunning castles visible from the Sanyo Shinkansen route!