Nagoya Nakamura Ward Travel Guide: Toyotomi Hideyoshi & Hidenaga’s “Brothers in Arms” Heritage Sites

For those looking forward to the 2026 Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!”—officially titled “Brothers in Arms” in English—this is for you.

Nakamura Ward in Nagoya City is known as the “starting point of the story,” where the Toyotomi brothers are said to have spent their early childhood.
From the giant torii gate at Toyokuni Shrine near the station, to the birthplace monument, Josenji Temple’s legendary birth-well, the holly tree associated with Hideyoshi, and the Hideyoshi & Kiyomasa Memorial Museum—these “pilgrimage-worthy” locations are packed tightly within walking distance, making it easy to explore after the series begins airing.

In this article, we summarize the highlights, access, and estimated visit times from the perspective of sites connected to the brothers—introducing this as a “Nakamura walking guide” you’ll want to follow the moment the Taiga drama begins.

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Also, don’t miss the limited-time “Toyotomi Museum” and the “Taiga Drama Exhibition Hall,” which will be held inside Nakamura Park!

Dates: Saturday, January 24, Reiwa 8 (2026) to Monday, January 11, Reiwa 9 (2027)

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

Website: https://j-lppf3.jp/nagoya-nakamura-toyotomi/index.html

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About places connected to the brothers

Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, is widely remembered as the “place of origin of the Toyotomi brothers,” where Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his younger brother Hidenaga are said to have been born.
That said, most of the shrines, historic sites, and monuments that survive today were developed primarily to honor Hideyoshi, whose name is famous nationwide. In reality, very few sites remain that are connected specifically to Hidenaga alone.

For that reason, this article focuses mainly on historic spots clearly associated with Hideyoshi that still exist on-site, while also weaving in the context of Nakamura as the brothers’ shared birthplace—and guiding you through Hidenaga’s footprint where possible.

Spot Guide

The Grand Torii Gate of Toyokuni Shrine (Nakamura, Nagoya)

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆☆☆
　Experiential value：☆☆

Toyokuni Shrine stands in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya—and the enormous torii gate rising at the entrance to its approach is both a neighborhood landmark and a symbolic “gateway” to Hideyoshi-related sites. This grand torii marks the beginning of the shrine’s approach and draws visitors into the atmosphere of a place remembered as a “birthplace” and a “land of origins.” Its sheer height and presence are striking, giving you that unmistakable feeling: “I’m standing near the starting point of the man who would one day rule Japan.” Even today, it’s beloved by locals and travelers alike—as the starting point for shrine visits, strolls, and goshuin collecting, and as a powerful symbol linking Nagoya’s present-day city life with its deep history.

Year built	Completed in Showa 4 (1929) / inauguration ceremony held on New Year’s Day, Showa 5 (1930)
Background	Built to commemorate Nakamura Ward’s incorporation into Nagoya City at the time. Proposed and funded by local supporters as a “regional symbol,” planned as a landmark at the entrance to the shrine approach.
Structure & features	A reinforced-concrete grand torii. Approx. 24–24.5 m tall; pillar diameter approx. 2.4–2.5 m. Standing at the approach entrance, long cherished as the “Red Torii.”
Repairs & upkeep	Repairs carried out in 1970 and 1993. In recent years, a “golden makeover (repainting)” concept has also been discussed, drawing renewed attention as a symbol for local revitalization.
Current status	Still standing. Maintained and used as the entrance to Toyokuni Shrine’s approach, welcoming many worshippers and visitors.
Cultural property designation	No official cultural-property designation confirmed (managed as a local landmark)
Notes	It was said to be “Japan’s largest” at the time of completion. Even now, it remains the gateway to Nakamura Park and a symbol of Nagoya. Many stalls and shops line the approach, and the “Ku-no-Ichi” market is often held on days ending in 9—making it part of the area’s living culture as well.

🗺️ Address
〒453-0053 Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi (south side of Nakamura Park / near the entrance to Toyokuni Shrine’s approach)

🚶 Access
Right in front of Exits 2 and 3 of Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station” (the torii is so close that it’s the first landmark you’ll notice)

⏳ Suggested time
Viewing the torii: about 5–10 minutes
Strolling from the approach to the main shrine buildings: about 20–30 minutes (about 1 hour if combined with nearby related sites)

📍 Highlights

• Overwhelming scale: At over 24 meters tall, the grand torii commands attention even from a distance—and instantly evokes the idea of “big history” and “countless lives.” It raises your anticipation from the very first moment.
• The atmosphere of the approach: Walk straight down “Toyokuni Sando” from the station and you’ll feel everyday neighborhood life blending into history. On “Ku-no-Ichi” market days, the added bustle makes it even easier to sense the connection between the past and the community’s present.
• A crossroads of community and history: More than just a shrine entrance, this torii functions as a regional monument linking the Sengoku era and modern times. Amid locals, tourists, commuters, and students, pride in the neighborhood and memories of Hideyoshi continue to live on.

📌 Trivia / Fun facts

• Once the biggest in Japan: Built in 1929–1930, this grand torii was considered a nationwide “No. 1” in height at the time.
• A proposed “golden torii” makeover: In recent years, a proposal has surfaced to repaint the torii from “red” to “gold.” Inspired by Hideyoshi’s legacy, the idea aims to energize the community and boost tourism.
• A local tradition rooted in the approach: The “Ku-no-Ichi” market, held on days ending in 9, connects not only Sengoku-era storytelling but also today’s community culture—making it a seasonal signature unique to Toyokuni Shrine.

Toyokuni Shrine (Nakamura Ward, Nagoya) — A shrine connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi & Hidenaga

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆☆
　Experiential value：☆☆

Toyokuni Shrine stands on ground associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi (and the Toyotomi family, including Hidenaga), rooted in Owari Province’s Nakamura—today’s Nakamura Ward in Nagoya. Founded in the Meiji era through the strong devotion of local residents, it has been carefully preserved as a place symbolizing the “origin point of a nation-builder.” Visiting here invites you to imagine Hideyoshi’s youth—standing in the very neighborhood tied to his beginnings—and to explore related sites while layering your own imagination over the historical landscape.

Founded	Meiji 18 (1885)
Enshrined deity	Toyotomi Hideyoshi:
Structure & features	Includes the main shrine buildings and a formal approach. The grounds feature the grand torii and worship hall; the torii at the approach entrance is an impressive structure about 24.5 m tall.
Significance of the site	Built in the area traditionally regarded as Hideyoshi’s birthplace in Owari-Nakamura, functioning as a landmark to remember Hideyoshi and the Toyotomi legacy.
Current status	Still standing and maintained within Nakamura Park in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya.
Cultural property designation	No specific designation confirmed (primarily a locally commemorative shrine)
Notes	As an auxiliary shrine, it also enshrines Kato Kiyomasa, who is deeply connected to the area.

🗺️ Address
〒453-0053 Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi (inside Nakamura Park)

🚶 Access
About a 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station.”

⏳ Suggested time
Just for a shrine visit: about 15–30 minutes
A relaxed stroll including the park: about 1–1.5 hours

📍 Highlights

• The grand torii and approach: The roughly 24.5 m torii is an unmistakable landmark. Even walking the approach alone boosts your “history mode.”
• Worship hall and main sanctuary: Sacred buildings dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The grounds are quiet—an ideal setting to reflect on history.
• Seasonal charm inside the park: Because the shrine is inside Nakamura Park, you can visit alongside cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, autumn color, and other seasonal scenery.
• Goshuin and blessings: Many visitors pray for career success, good fortune, tea culture, and craftsmanship—popular with worshippers and travelers from across Japan.

📌 Trivia / Fun facts

• Why it was founded: During the Edo period, openly honoring the Toyotomi was not easy. In the Meiji era, local supporters established this shrine as a tribute to their “hometown hero.”
• A dense cluster of Toyotomi-related sites: Nearby are the birthplace monument, sites connected to Kiyomasa, and more—making this one of the best areas for a history walk.
• More than a tourist spot: It’s a living “face of local history,” protected and cherished by residents and history fans alike through the present day.

Birthplace Monument of “Taiko” (Nakamura, Nagoya)

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆
　Experiential value：☆

Owari Province’s Nakamura (today’s Nakamura Ward, Nagoya) is traditionally associated with the birthplace of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The stone monument known as “Toyoko Tanjō no Chi-hi” stands as a symbolic marker of that tradition. In Meiji 16 (1883), local supporters and the prefectural governor erected an initial wooden marker identifying the site as the “birthplace.” Later, in Meiji 44 (1911), it was rebuilt as the stone monument seen today. It represents both local pride—“a nation-builder may have been born here”—and a landmark that helps visitors picture the first step in a dramatic life story. Even amid a modern cityscape, it carries an unmistakable sense of distance in time, quietly symbolizing one origin point of a man who rose from humble beginnings to the height of power.

Birthplace of Hideyoshi Toyotomi

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was born at this site in 1536 as the son of Yaemon Kinoshita. His childhood name was Kotake or Hiyoshimaru.

His older sister, Tomoko (mother of Kanpaku Hidetsugu), was his full sibling by both the same father and mother. However, his younger brother Koichiro Hidenaga (Dainagon of Yamato) and his younger sister Asahi-hime (the lawful wife of Ieyasu Tokugawa) were half-siblings, born to the same mother but a different father.

Regarding his exact birthplace, there is also a theory that he was born in the Shimonomura-cho area within the same ward.

Built	1911 (erected as a stone monument)
Commissioned by	Stone monument erected under Governor Fukano Ichizō / originally a wooden marker in 1883
Structure & features	Stone monument with inscriptions such as “Toyoko Tanjō no Chi”
Repairs / restoration	1883: wooden marker installed → 1911: rebuilt as a stone monument
Current status	Still standing, installed within Nakamura Park
Loss / damage	None (still standing as a stone monument)
Cultural property designation	– (no specific designation confirmed)
Notes	A monument preserving the tradition of Hideyoshi’s birthplace. Among multiple birthplace-candidate theories, this is one of the most commonly introduced locations.

🗺️ Address
Around Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya (inside Nakamura Park)

🚶 Access
About a 5–10 minute walk from Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station” (to the park entrance)

⏳ Suggested time
Just the monument: about 5–10 minutes
Combined with nearby historic sites: about 30–60 minutes

📍 Highlights

• The monument itself: The 1911 “Toyoko Tanjō no Chi” monument. The carved characters quietly speak of history—ideal as a “starting point” for your walk.
• A place that reveals layers of time: Imagine this area as the former “Nakamura-go,” and feel the gap in time linking the Sengoku era to modern Nagoya.
• Seasonal scenery and a gentle stroll: The monument sits within the park. Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, fresh green—each season offers a different mood for a calm walk.

📌 Trivia

• It began as a local preservation effort: In 1883, local supporters first erected a wooden marker, later rebuilt as the stone monument.
• The monument’s symbolism: It preserves the tradition that “a nation-builder may have been born here,” serving as a monument to local history and pride.
• How it relates to other birthplace theories: This site (inside Nakamura Park) is one of the most widely introduced “traditional birthplace” locations. That said, there are other candidate theories in nearby former village areas—an added spark for history enthusiasts.

※This area is positioned not only as a place connected to Hideyoshi, but also as the “origin point of the Toyotomi brothers,” where Hideyoshi and his younger brother Hidenaga are said to have spent their childhood.

Hiyoshimaru and Friends (Nakamura Park)

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆☆
　Experiential value：☆☆

This group statue is inspired by Hideyoshi’s childhood name, “Hiyoshimaru,” and was installed in 1983 (Showa 58). It depicts Hideyoshi’s early years as an energetic child surrounded by friends—beloved by visitors as a place that sparks imagination about “the origin of a future nation-builder.” Many people also enjoy looking at the four children around Hiyoshimaru and imagining traces of his younger brother Hidenaga among them.

Installed	1983 (Showa 58)
Creators	Produced by local sculptor group including Ishiguro Kyoji and others.
Structure & features	A bronze (or similar) group statue. Composed of five children, with Hiyoshimaru (young Hideyoshi) placed at the center.
Current status	Still standing. Publicly displayed in Nakamura Park and free to view.
Cultural property designation	No special cultural-property designation recorded (managed as a local commemorative sculpture)
Notes	Included on the “Historic Walking Map” for Nakamura Park and the Nagoya City Hideyoshi & Kiyomasa Memorial Museum—useful as a sightseeing marker.

🗺️ Address
Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
(Inside Nakamura Park — you can start your walk near the park entrance)

🚶 Access
A short walk from Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station” or “Nakamura Nisseki Station.” Following the park’s signposts makes it easy to explore.

⏳ Suggested time
Just the statue: about 5–10 minutes
Combined with a park stroll and nearby historic sites: about 30–60 minutes

📍 Highlights

• The image of young Hideyoshi: The Hiyoshimaru figure at the center captures a sense of innocence and possibility—before history turned him into a legend.
• Historic romance and local pride: A symbol of how this area has long honored “Hideyoshi’s hometown,” shaped into a tangible form by local people and institutions.
• With the park’s greenery: The surrounding paths and trees create different moods depending on season and time of day—easy to stop by with kids or during a casual walk.

📌 Trivia / Fun facts

• Why it was installed: The statue was erected in 1983 as part of a local desire to make Nakamura Park “a symbolic park connected to Hideyoshi.”
• Design intent: The central boy (Hiyoshimaru) stands facing the future, while the friends around him represent the everyday life and friendships that supported him—hinting at a story of “growth and rising status.”
• Best paired with nearby sites: Nakamura Park also includes Toyokuni Shrine, the “birthplace” monument, museums, and more—popular as a walkable Hideyoshi-themed route.

Josenji Temple (Nakamura, Nagoya)

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆☆
　Experiential value：☆

Josenji (Jōsenji) is a Nichiren Buddhist temple in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya—an area once known as Nakamura-go in Owari Province. Quietly nestled in a calm residential neighborhood on the south side of Nakamura Park, it has long been cherished as a spiritual anchor for the community, with roots reaching back before the early modern period. The temple name “Josen” is said to come from a place where clear water once sprang up continuously, symbolizing Nakamura’s history as a land blessed by water. Step onto the grounds and you’ll find a stillness that feels surprisingly far from the city—an atmosphere where history and daily life blend together. While many Hideyoshi-related traditions are associated with the temple, one of its main charms is simply that it is an “old Nakamura temple” that has quietly supported local prayers for generations—an easy place to feel grounded during your walk.

Founded	Around the Keicho era (1596–1615). Said to have been established by Kato Kiyomasa and Enjuin Nissho Shonin as a mausoleum hall for Toyokuni Daimyojin.
School	Nichiren Buddhism
Structure & features	Traditional layout with gate, main hall, and residential quarters, with abundant greenery and a quiet atmosphere.
Repairs / restoration	The grounds were maintained through the Showa and Heisei periods and continue to be preserved as a community temple.
Current status	Still active as a functioning temple.
Loss / damage	No major records of significant temple-complex destruction.
Cultural property designation	No specific designation confirmed for the temple itself.
Notes	Often introduced as part of Nakamura’s historical walking routes.

🗺️ Address：47 Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
🚶 Access
Nearest station: about an 8–10 minute walk (approx. 0.65 km) from Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station”

⏳ Suggested time
Quick highlights: about 10–15 minutes
To soak in the atmosphere: about 20–30 minutes

📍 Highlights

• A calm gate and approach: Even near the city, the temple’s historic atmosphere feels distinct, and the approach leading into the grounds is quietly inviting.
• A main hall wrapped in stillness: The hall that has supported local faith for generations is simple yet warmly present.
• Seasonal flowers and temple scenery: With plenty of greenery around, you’ll feel the seasons—fresh spring growth, cool summer shade, and autumn leaves underfoot.

📌 Trivia

• The name “Josen”: Said to come from the fact that clear spring water once continuously bubbled up on the grounds.
• The temple’s role in Nakamura: Surrounded by many history-related spots, the temple is loved as a “quiet pause” along the area’s walking routes.
• The main hall’s understated charm: There’s no flashy decoration—its simplicity is precisely what makes it feel authentic, and it’s a perfect rest point during your stroll.

※Josenji is primarily associated with Hideyoshi in terms of commemoration, but within the “birthplace tradition” it is also regarded as a temple that preserves the shared “original landscape” of the Toyotomi brothers, including Hidenaga.

The Taiko Birth-Well (Josenji Temple, Nakamura)

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆
　Experiential value：☆

Within the grounds of Taikōzan Josenji, a Nichiren Buddhist temple in Nakamura Ward, there is a well traditionally known as the “Taiko Birth-Well.” According to local tradition, it was used as the first bathwater (ubuyu) at the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s birth. As a landmark site preserving the area’s “birthplace” traditions, it’s an especially stirring stop for history fans—an easy place to picture Hideyoshi long before he became a legend, back when his life was still bound to the rhythms and hardships of the Sengoku era.

Built	— (origin unknown; based on tradition)
Builder	—
Structure & features	A well. Said to have been fed by clear spring water; still introduced today as the “birth-well.”
Repairs / restoration	Tradition says it once dried up, then the “clear spring” returned later.
Current status	Still standing and viewable on Josenji’s grounds.
Loss / damage	None (preserved as a well and tradition site)
Cultural property designation	Not confirmed (a local tradition site attached to a temple)
Notes	Carefully preserved by the temple and community as a “tradition site that evokes Hideyoshi’s birth.”

🗺️ Address
47 Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya (inside Taikōzan Josenji)

🚶 Access
About a 10-minute walk from Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station.”

⏳ Suggested time
Focusing on the well: about 5–10 minutes

📍 Highlights

• The Taiko Birth-Well: A well traditionally said to have been used for Hideyoshi’s first bathwater. A perfect “entry point” into imagining the era often portrayed in Taiga dramas.
• The temple grounds and atmosphere: The quiet of a historic temple and an ambiance that evokes earlier centuries—inviting you to feel echoes of the Sengoku-to-Edo transition.
• Four seasons and gentle walking: The grounds and surrounding area are calm; seasonal changes add a sense of time passing through history.

📌 Trivia

• Where the temple name comes from: “Josenji” is said to have been named after a well where clear water “constantly” sprang up—hence “Josen” (ever-flowing spring).
• The return of the spring: The well is said to have dried up once due to groundwater changes in the Showa era, but efforts were made and the flow was later believed to have revived—continuing the “birth-well” tradition.
• No confirmed connection to Hidenaga: In the temple’s origin story and on-site explanations, only Hideyoshi is named; no reliable sources have been found linking Hidenaga to this well or to “birth-well/birthplace” traditions here.

The Holly Tree Said to Have Been Planted by Hideyoshi

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆☆
　Experiential value：☆

Built	— (not a structure; it’s a planted tree)
Planted by	— (tradition attributes it to Toyotomi Hideyoshi)
Structure & features	A holly tree rooted on the temple grounds, spreading wide branches and leaves—an old tree or its descendants.
Repairs / restoration	— (grown and maintained over time)
Current status	Still standing. Marked on-site as “Hideyoshi-ko Oteue no Hiiragi.”
Loss / damage	No reports (as a living old tree, maintenance status depends on publicly available information)
Cultural property designation	— (does not appear to be an officially designated cultural property)
Notes	Introduced on-site together with the “birth-well” and other Hideyoshi-related spots in the temple grounds.

🗺️ Address
47 Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi (Josenji)

🚶 Access
About a 10-minute walk from Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station.”

⏳ Suggested time
Focusing on the holly tree: about 5–15 minutes
Including the full temple grounds and other sites: about 20–40 minutes

📍 Highlights

• The holly tree said to have been planted by Hideyoshi: A holly traditionally said to have been planted in 1547 (when Hideyoshi was around 11). Holly is associated with warding off evil and inviting good fortune, and it’s introduced on-site as a symbolic Taiko-related tree.
• Historic context and atmosphere: Alongside the birth-well and other traditions, this is a place where traces of different eras—Sengoku, modernizing Japan, and today—overlap.
• Quiet grounds and nearby strolling: Easy access near Nakamura Park. Step away from city noise and reflect on history among seasonal trees and calm surroundings.

📌 Trivia / Fun facts

• The meaning of holly, “so fierce even demons fear it”: Holly has long been seen as a protective tree. One story says young Hideyoshi tried to protect it by supporting it with bamboo—another says that even if the trunk weakens, new lower branches keep sprouting and the leaves still thrive today.
• Coexisting with the birth-well: Josenji also preserves the birth-well tradition, meaning you can see symbolic sites of “birth and growth” together in one place.
• A temple known locally as “Taiko-san’s” place: Local guides and ward-level websites also introduce Josenji as a place connected to Hideyoshi.

Statue of the Taiko: Toyotomi Hideyoshi Statue (Inside Josenji)

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆☆
　Experiential value：☆

On Josenji’s grounds stands the “Statue of the Taiko.” It is cherished as a symbol honoring Hideyoshi and remembering his journey from childhood to becoming a ruler. Visiting the statue helps you feel the connection between Hideyoshi’s rise—from an ordinary soldier to a nation-builder—and Nakamura, the land traditionally tied to his origins (and now part of modern Nagoya). It’s an experience like stepping onto a “bridge of time,” where living monuments—not only old texts and traditions—link the present with the past.

Established	A bronze statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi was erected on the grounds in 1898 (Meiji 31). It disappeared once due to wartime metal requisition in 1944, and was rebuilt as the current bronze statue in 1988 (Showa 63).
Creator / origin	A commemorative statue built to honor Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After the first statue was lost during wartime requisition, it was rebuilt in Showa 63 in response to local requests.
Structure & features	A standing bronze statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi on the temple grounds. Installed outdoors, presenting Hideyoshi in a dignified pose atop a pedestal.
Repairs / rebuilding	Removed once in 1944 due to wartime requisition → rebuilt as a bronze statue in 1988.
Current status	Still standing and open for worship and viewing.
Cultural property designation	Not confirmed (managed as a statue/artifact at a locally significant temple)
Notes	Along with the statue, the grounds include multiple Hideyoshi-related spots such as the birth-well and the holly tree.

🗺️ Address
47 Kinoshita-Yashiki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi (Josenji)

🚶 Access
About an 8–10 minute walk from Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station” or “Nakamura Nisseki Station.”

⏳ Suggested time
Just the statue: about 10–15 minutes
Temple grounds + well + holly tree: about 30–45 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Statue of the Taiko: A bronze statue honoring Toyotomi Hideyoshi stands on the grounds as a symbol of commemoration. In addition, inside the main hall there is also a wooden Hideyoshi statue said to have once been enshrined at Osaka Castle—making this an especially meaningful site for Hideyoshi fans.
• Paired with the birth-well and holly tree: Visiting the statue alongside multiple tradition sites that support the “birthplace” narrative adds far more depth than a simple statue stop.
• Quiet air and the weight of time: Though close to Nakamura Park and the urban environment, the grounds remain tranquil—a true “crossroads of past and present.”

📌 Trivia / Fun facts

• The statue’s “then and now”: Josenji is said to house a wooden Hideyoshi figure in formal court attire and crown that was once enshrined at Osaka Castle. Tradition says Kato Kiyomasa, connected through discipleship lines, asked Hideyori for it after Hideyoshi’s death and brought it to this temple—together with the outdoor bronze statue, it forms the core of Taiko commemoration here.
• War and rebuilding: The statue was removed once due to wartime metal requisition during the Pacific War, but was rebuilt in 1988—its history is as dramatic as the era it commemorates.
• The heart of a “Hideyoshi sacred route”: Not only the statue, but also the well, holly tree, and other nearby tradition sites cluster here—making it a must-visit hub when reflecting on Hideyoshi in Nakamura.

Nagoya City Hideyoshi & Kiyomasa Memorial Museum

⭐ Recommendation
　Historical value：☆☆
　Visual appeal：☆
　Experiential value：☆☆

Located inside Nakamura Park in Nakamura Ward, the Nagoya City Hideyoshi & Kiyomasa Memorial Museum is a valuable “vault of memory” tied to the area traditionally regarded as Hideyoshi’s birthplace. Inside, you’ll find preserved and exhibited materials connected to Hideyoshi and to the local-born warlord Kato Kiyomasa, allowing you to learn about their lives and the era around them through armor, documents, models, and more. The exhibition structure traces the Sengoku period, the turmoil that followed, and the rise and fall of the Toyotomi regime—offering a broader historical experience that goes beyond what you might expect from a “local history museum.” Another reason it’s highly recommended: admission is free.

Opened	1967 (established as the “Toyosei Nikō Kenshōkan”), rebuilt in 1991 and renamed to its current title
Location	2F, Nakamura Park Cultural Plaza, 25 Chanoki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
Structure & features	A branch museum of the city. Includes permanent and special exhibition rooms. Free admission.
Collection	Armor, documents, paintings, models, and explanatory panels connected to Hideyoshi and Kiyomasa—covering the Sengoku era, the Toyotomi period, and even the Toyotomi clan’s downfall.
Current status	Still operating. Regular exhibition rotations and special exhibitions are held.
Admission	Free
Notes	Nakamura Park also contains many related sites—birthplace monument, commemorative statues, shrines, temples, and more—making it especially rewarding to tour everything together.

🗺️ Address
〒453-0053 25 Chanoki, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi (2F, Nakamura Park Cultural Plaza)

🚶 Access
About a 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Subway Higashiyama Line “Nakamura Koen Station.”

⏳ Suggested time
General visit: about 20–40 minutes
If you want to read everything carefully: 1 hour or more

📍 Highlights

• Displays of armor and primary materials connected to Hideyoshi: Armor, helmets, documents, portraits, maps—real historical materials that communicate the Toyotomi era’s background.
• An exhibition flow that shows the timeline: From the Oda regime to Toyotomi rule, and then the Toyotomi collapse—you can follow the story of unification step by step.
• A hub for the area’s “Hideyoshi sites”: Because it’s inside Nakamura Park, the museum is surrounded by monuments, shrines, and temples—ideal as the anchor point for your history walk.

📌 Trivia / Fun facts

• Easy to pop in—because it’s free: With no admission fee, it’s friendly for travelers on tight schedules and locals alike.
• Wide-ranging content: Not only weapons and armor, but also paintings, documents, and models—explaining the Sengoku-to-Toyotomi era from multiple angles in a beginner-friendly way.
• Great for a half-day to full-day route: With so many sites within walking distance—park, temples, shrines, monuments—you can build a rich history walk in half a day or even a full day.

── Toyotomi Hidenaga and the Land of Nakamura ──

Toyotomi Hidenaga (Koichiro / Nagahide) was the brilliant right-hand man who supported his brother Hideyoshi throughout his life,
and is highly regarded historically as the figure who handled much of the Toyotomi government’s practical administration.

Like his brother Hideyoshi, tradition places Hidenaga’s birthplace in Nakamura,
and the brothers are said to have spent their childhood in this area together.
However, most of the surviving historic sites and monuments were developed to honor Hideyoshi,
whose fame spread nationwide—meaning that almost no sites remain in Nakamura that identify Hidenaga alone.

For that reason, Nakamura can be seen not only as
“Hideyoshi’s land,” but also as
“the origin point where the Toyotomi brothers’ story began together”
—arguably the most accurate way to understand what remains today.

For introductions to Hideyoshi and Hidenaga, and more related locations, see here

Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Model for Taikō-Denka

Meet Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the real-life inspiration for “Taikō-Denka” in the SHŌGUN drama. Learn about his rise, legacy, and historical impact.

followingtheshogun.com

2025.03.20

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Following the Shogun: Your Samurai Guide

Created by a Japanese history enthusiast who visited each site, this guide explores real samurai heritage—castles, legends, and the SHŌGUN series connection.

followingtheshogun.com

2025.03.09