Perched proudly on the roof of Nagoya Castle, the Golden Shachihoko (also known as “Kinshachi”) are one of the city’s most iconic symbols. These legendary creatures, with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp, were believed to have the power to summon rain and protect the castle from fire.
Originally created in the early 1600s during the Edo period, the two shachihoko were lavishly covered in real gold. Each one measures about 2.6 meters tall and weighs over 1 ton. The dazzling golden shine was not only decorative—it symbolized the wealth and power of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Over the centuries, the shachihoko have been damaged and restored several times, including after World War II. Today, they remain a proud emblem of Nagoya’s history and craftsmanship.
🔸 Fun fact: You can see a replica of the Golden Shachihoko up close at the castle grounds—perfect for a photo!
コメント