In 1612, feudal lords all over the country, built Nagoya castle by the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the supreme ruler in practice. It is larger than any other castles in Japan. From here Owari family ruled Nagoya region through 250 years (Owari family is one of the important sons of Ieyasu). After the samurai left the political stage, many buildings had stood even in time of modernization. However, castle burnt down under the Pacific War, so Tensyu, the main tower, and other parts of castle were rebuilt later.
Nagoya has played a role as central city in Japan as well as capital in its region, since castle was built.