清洲城 · Kiyosu-jo
Where Nobunaga launched his conquest of Japan and where Hideyoshi's genius at the 1582 conference made him the successor — Japan's most consequential castle for two of its greatest leaders.
#133 — Continued 100 CastlesChild: ¥150
Last entry 16:30
Bus also available
Adults ¥300, elementary/middle school children ¥150, under 6 free.
Kiyosu Castle is an easy 15-minute JR ride from Nagoya and pairs perfectly with Nagoya Castle for a full day of Owari Province history. The museum focuses on Nobunaga's early career and the Kiyosu Conference — well-told stories that illuminate how two of Japan's greatest figures made decisions at this site.
Kiyosu Castle was Oda Nobunaga's primary residence and military headquarters from 1555 to 1563 — the period when the young lord transformed from a minor Owari Province warlord into the most powerful figure in Japan. It was from Kiyosu that Nobunaga launched the Battle of Okehazama (1560), where he defeated the seemingly invincible Imagawa Yoshimoto against all odds.
In 1582, immediately after the Honnoji Incident, the most powerful generals of the Oda realm gathered at Kiyosu Castle. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, fresh from defeating Akechi Mitsuhide at Yamazaki, seized control of the meeting and effectively outmaneuvered senior generals. In a single conference, Hideyoshi transformed himself into the dominant figure in post-Nobunaga Japan.
In 1610, Kiyosu Castle was dismantled and its materials physically moved to help construct Nagoya Castle. The current castle tower, built in 1989, is a concrete reconstruction that sits across the Gojo River from the original castle site. Despite this, the tower and its museum are worthwhile for the Nobunaga and Hideyoshi historical content.
Visitor Tip
The 1989 concrete reconstruction sits across the Gojo River from the original castle site — look across the river bridge to see where the actual castle stood. The tower museum has informative exhibits about Nobunaga's early career and the Kiyosu Conference. Only 15 minutes from Nagoya Station.
hirajiro
Flatland castle (built on low ground beside the Gojo River on the Nobi Plain)
kakaku
Square-style — a relatively compact flatland castle layout suited to the Nobi Plain terrain
Concrete reconstruction (1989) — built near but not on the original castle site. Three stories, housing a museum about Oda Nobunaga and Kiyosu history.
nozurazumi — The original castle relied more on earthen banks and river moats than elaborate stone walls
The original Kiyosu Castle used the Gojo River as its primary western defense, with earthen banks and wooden palisades forming the main defensive walls.
The Gojo River served as a natural moat on the castle's western side. Water moats extended around the other compounds.
Gojo River Water Defense
The Gojo River provided a natural water barrier on the castle's western side.
Nobi Plain Control
Kiyosu Castle controlled the agricultural heartland of Owari Province — the most productive region in the Tokai area. This economic base was the foundation of Nobunaga's military power.
Death from the Side
Attackers enter the corridor between walls. The path seems straightforward — but it isn't.
Historical Context — Kiyosu Castle
Kiyosu Castle's defenses were primarily water-based on the flat Nobi Plain. Its strength was the economic and political power of the Owari heartland that sustained it rather than exceptional physical fortifications.
The Shiba clan, shugo (military governor) of Owari Province, constructs Kiyosu Castle as the administrative center of the province.
Oda Nobunaga captures Kiyosu Castle and establishes it as his primary residence and headquarters. The young Nobunaga is 21 years old.
From Kiyosu, Nobunaga launches his surprise attack on Imagawa Yoshimoto at the Battle of Okehazama — winning against a force many times larger.
The Kiyosu Conference — the most politically consequential meeting of the Sengoku era. Hideyoshi's political maneuvering effectively crowns him as Nobunaga's successor.
Tokugawa Ieyasu orders Nagoya Castle constructed. Kiyosu Castle is dismantled — its timbers and stones physically moved to Nagoya in what locals called 'Kiyosu-goshi' (the Kiyosu Moving).
A concrete reconstruction of the castle tower is built near the original site as a local tourism attraction and historical museum.
The 2014 TV drama about Oda Nobunaga features Kiyosu Castle extensively as Nobunaga's base of operations.
Miike Takashi's 2013 comedy film dramatizes the 1582 Kiyosu Conference with an all-star cast.
Year-round. Spring cherry blossoms at the adjacent park.
1 hour
From the castle, look across the Gojo River bridge to the small signs marking the original castle site — the actual Kiyosu Conference happened on that opposite bank. The Kiyosu Kaigi movie (2013, directed by Miike Takashi) is an entertaining introduction to the 1582 meeting — watch it before visiting.
Adults ¥300, elementary/middle school children ¥150, under 6 free.
Closed December 29–January 3. Open year-round.
名古屋城 · Nagoya-jo
📍 Aichi — Chubu
Nagoya Castle is mid-renovation — visit now for the stunning reconstructed palace, return in a few years for the completed wooden tower.
犬山城 · Inuyama-jo
📍 Aichi — Chubu
The oldest surviving castle tower in Japan — compact, dramatic, and perched above a river just as it was when Oda Nobunaga's family built it in 1537.
小牧山城 · Komakiyama-jo
📍 Aichi — Chubu
Nobunaga's first castle — where the stone wall revolution may have begun — and the headquarters of the only campaign Hideyoshi ever lost.
The nearest station is Kiyosu Station (JR Tokai-do Main Line / JR Kansai Main Line — one stop from Nagoya). It is approximately a 20-minute walk from the station. Only 15 minutes from central Nagoya by JR — very easy day trip. Parking: Free parking at the castle. Easy access by car. Accessible with a JR Pass.
Adult admission is ¥300. Children: ¥150. Adults ¥300, elementary/middle school children ¥150, under 6 free.
Kiyosu Castle is an easy 15-minute JR ride from Nagoya and pairs perfectly with Nagoya Castle for a full day of Owari Province history. The museum focuses on Nobunaga's early career and the Kiyosu Conference — well-told stories that illuminate how two of Japan's greatest figures made decisions at this site.
Kiyosu Castle is open 09:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed December 29–January 3. Open year-round.
Plan on spending 1 hour at Kiyosu Castle. From the castle, look across the Gojo River bridge to the small signs marking the original castle site — the actual Kiyosu Conference happened on that opposite bank. The Kiyosu Kaigi movie (2013, directed by Miike Takashi) is an entertaining introduction to the 1582 meeting — watch it before visiting.