Discover the Charm of Inuyama: A Blend of History and Culture - Japan Travel Sights

Inuyama, a picturesque town in Japan, offers a unique blend of history and culture.

Known for its well-preserved historical sites, including the National Treasure Inuyama Castle and a traditional Japanese garden featuring a National Treasure tea room, Inuyama is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

Inuyama Castle: A National Treasure

Perched on the banks of the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle is Japan’s oldest existing castle, built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga.

The castle features a robust design with three exterior layers, four internal floors, and two basements.

The top floor offers a stunning panoramic view, where on clear days, you can even spot the skyscrapers of Nagoya.

Once inside the castle grounds, you can have your photo taken with the majestic castle in the background by the friendly staff who know the best angles.

Walking through the castle, you’ll encounter historical elements such as natural stone walls and original timber structures.

The steep staircases and creaking floors add to the experience, giving you a sense of the castle’s historical purpose.

The first floor of the castle showcases samurai armor, helmets, and other artifacts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Edo period.

As you ascend, you’ll be treated to views of the Kiso River, which is famous for its traditional cormorant fishing, held from June to mid-October.

After exploring the castle, take a break with a soft-serve ice cream at the nearby rest area, where you can also find unique souvenirs.

Sanko Inari Shrine: A Pathway to Love

A short walk from the castle, you’ll find the Sanko Inari Shrine, with its striking vermilion torii gates.

The shrine is known for its heart-shaped ema, where visitors write their wishes for love.

Haritsuna Shrine: A Glimpse into Local Tradition

Another nearby shrine is Haritsuna Shrine, offering a different atmosphere.

This shrine is home to the Inuyama Festival, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property.

The festival features 13 elaborately decorated floats, each showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Urakuen Garden: A Tranquil Retreat

Urakuen Garden, located near the castle, houses the Joan Tea House, one of the three National Treasure tea rooms in Japan. Built in 1618 by Oda Urakusai, a disciple of the tea master Sen no Rikyu, the tea house and surrounding garden offer a serene escape.

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony while overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden. The garden is particularly stunning during the autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red.

Exploring Inuyama’s Castle Town

The castle town of Inuyama retains its Edo-period charm, with preserved buildings, museums, souvenir shops, and traditional restaurants lining the streets.

Visit the Castle and Town Museum to learn more about the town’s history, including detailed dioramas that depict the town as it was during the Edo period.

Karakuri Exhibition Room and Donden-kan

The Karakuri Exhibition Room displays traditional mechanical dolls, which are still used in the Inuyama Festival. You can witness live demonstrations of these fascinating creations on weekends.

Nearby, the Donden-kan Museum houses several of the towering festival floats, giving you a sense of the scale and grandeur of the Inuyama Festival.

Culinary Delights and Souvenirs

Inuyama is also known for its delicious local food, especially skewers. The area around Inuyama Castle is dotted with stalls offering a variety of skewered treats, from grilled rice cakes to deep-fried skewers.

Don’t miss the famous Gohei Mochi from Yamada Gohei Mochiten or the Genmai Dango from Honmachi Saryo.

For a sweet treat, head to Yoshikawaya, where you can enjoy fresh fruit desserts and seasonal specialties like chestnut soft serve.

If you prefer a more substantial meal, the Shokurakubo Tofu Cafe Urashima offers a delightful tofu-based lunch in a modern Japanese setting.

Before leaving, stop by Takumi, a shop specializing in TANGO chirimen fabrics and handmade accessories, perfect for souvenirs.

Getting to Inuyama

Inuyama is easily accessible from Nagoya by train.

From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama Station (about 25 minutes).

From the station, it’s a 7-minute walk to the castle town and a 17-minute walk to Inuyama Castle and Urakuen Garden.

For a full-day trip, follow one of the recommended model courses, starting from either Inuyama Station or Inuyama-Yuen Station, to explore the town, visit the shrines, and enjoy a leisurely meal before heading back to Nagoya.