During the early Meiji era, when Nagoya Castle was under the control of the Imperial Japanese Army, a barracks was set up in the eastern garden. Mt. Gongen was leveled and the pond was filled in. In 1975, part of the garden was excavated using old drawings as a guide. The garden was renovated mainly around four unearthed structures: the North and South Ponds, the site of the Soketsu-tei teahouse, and the so-called North Culvert. The four rebuilt structures form the main features of the garden. Also nearby are flowerbeds of peonies and other flowers. The garden was opened to the public in April 1978 and named the "Ninomaru" East Garden.