Photo: Tomio344456 / CC BY-SA 4.0Tokugawaen began as the retirement villa that Mitsutomo, second lord of Owari, moved into in 1695. From 1889 it was the Owari Tokugawa home. The 19th head, Yoshichika, gave it to the city in 1931, air raids burned most of it in 1945, and it reopened in 2004 as a strolling garden around a pond, Ryusenko, with a drop of about 11 metres, a waterfall and a black gate of 1900 that survived the war. Its autumn colour runs from mid-November to early December, so Saturday 28 November is the date for it.
Next door, the Tokugawa Art Museum, opened by Yoshichika in 1935, holds the family's collection: more than 10,000 items, 9 of them National Treasures, with Ieyasu's own bequest at the core. Its most famous piece, the 12th-century illustrated Tale of Genji, comes out for a few weeks each November. In 2026 that is 14 to 29 November, which covers both Saturday Jade calls.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- Go on Saturday 28 November if you can: the Genji scroll is on show and the garden is in its colour window. On 10 November the scroll is not out and the colour will be early.
- The Genji display shows two rolls only, chapters 37 and 49. The museum says its next showing of the whole set is planned for 2035.
- Use the south exit at JR Ozone; it is 10 minutes on foot from there.
- The Me~guru sightseeing bus stops right outside. It runs Tuesday to Sunday; the 1-day pass is ¥500.
- The ¥1,040 combined ticket covers Nagoya Castle and the garden, not the museum.
- The 2026 dates of the garden's autumn festival and any night opening are not confirmed. Do not plan around an evening light-up.
In 2026 that is 14 to 29 November, which covers both Saturday Jade calls.
The picks
Guided days from Nagoya
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
5.0★ · 99 reviewsNagoya Highlight Tour guided by a friendly local
From US$116.
Why we list it →
4.9★ · 63 reviewsNagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
From US$142.
Why we list it →
4.9★ · 47 reviewsNagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
From US$97.
Why we list it →More in Nagoya
Spot guideNagoya Castle and the Hommaru Palace
The rebuilt palace is open, the 1959 keep is closed, and the fee is now ¥1,000
Open the guide →
Spot guideAtsuta Jingu and the Kusanagi-kan
The shrine of the imperial sword, a museum of 450 others, and kishimen in the grounds
Open the guide →
Spot guideOsu Kannon and the Osu streets
A temple moved here in 1612 and some 1,200 shops and restaurants around it
Open the guide →Questions people ask here
Is the Tale of Genji scroll on show when my ship is in Nagoya?
In 2026 it is shown from 14 to 29 November: chapter 37, Yokobue, and chapter 49, Yadorigi (II). That covers the Norwegian Jade's calls on Saturday 14 and 28 November. It is not on show on Tuesday 10 November.
Are Tokugawaen and the Tokugawa Art Museum open on Tuesday 10 November 2026?
Yes. The garden's 2026 calendar lists 2, 9, 16, 24 and 30 November as closed, and the museum closes on Mondays. Both are open on 10, 14 and 28 November.
How do I get to Tokugawaen from Kinjo Pier?
Walk or take the shuttle, if one runs, to Kinjo-futo Station. Aonami Line to Nagoya (24 min, ¥360), JR Chuo Line to Ozone (about 20 min) and 10 minutes on foot from the south exit. About 1 hour 20 minutes each way by our estimate.
When is the autumn colour at Tokugawaen?
Mid-November to early December, by Visit Nagoya's guide. Saturday 28 November is the best of the three Jade dates.