Aichi

Atsuta Shrine (Atsuta Jingu)

The object enshrined here is one of the three Imperial Regalia (mirror, sword, and jewel), the Sword of Kusanagi. This shrine is ranks second in importance to the Ise Grand Shrines in Mie Prefecture. The shrine is surrounded by an ancient forest (known as the Atsuta Forest), featuring giant camphor, elms, and zelkova trees, among others. The shrine repository contains historical objects offered by generations of emperors, members of the imperial family, warlords, and the like, including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, for a total of 4,000 objects.

Nagoya Castle (Nagoya-jo)

Famed for its roof-ridge finials in the form of golden killer whales, the castle was built by warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612; until the Meiji Restoration (1868), it was the residence of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family (one of the three branches of the shogunal family). It was destroyed in an air raid in May, 1945; the donjon and gate restoration was completed in 1959, and the donjon now houses an art museum featuring treasures of the Tokugawa family. The castle park is a favorite strolling grounds of Nagoya citizens and visitors, featuring flowers of the four seasons.

Saimyo-ji temple and Saimyo-ji Garden (Saimyo-ji, Saimyo-ji Teien)

Founded in the Heian period (794-1185), the temple was an important center of worship and Buddhist training until the 17th century. Spared from destruction by warlord Oda Nobunaga, the Main Hall, built by master carpenters of Hida, is designated a First-Class National Treasure. The temple and temple garden (designated an Important Garden by the government) are also famed for their maple trees. The garden, incorporating a pond as well as a hill's slope was constructed in the 18th century. The dry waterfall, trimmed shrubs and bushes, and pond in the shape of the Chinese character for heart, create a delightful impression of artistic harmony.