This traditional Tsuko-Tegata (通行手形) wooden plaque is a charming travel souvenir from Nagoya Castle (名古屋城), one of Japan’s most celebrated feudal landmarks.
The front features a detailed illustration of the majestic castle keep, accompanied by the iconic golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) ornament—an enduring symbol of protection against fire and a distinctive emblem of Nagoya. Above, the inscription referencing the historic measurement of the castle’s famed golden ornaments adds a layer of historical intrigue and pride.
On the reverse, bold calligraphy reads 通行之証 (Proof of Passage) alongside 交通安全 (traffic safety), emphasizing its role as a symbolic travel pass and protective charm. Traditionally, such tegata evoke the permits once required during the Edo period, granting safe passage along important routes.
Crafted from natural wood and finished with a red-and-white braided cord and a small ceramic bell, the piece carries auspicious meaning—the gentle ringing of the bell is believed to ward off misfortune and ensure safe journeys.
