Inuyama Castle — Attraction in Inuyama

Behold the breathtaking view from the top of Inuyama Castle! This historic castle, recognized as one of Japan’s National Treasures, offers an incredible panorama that stretches across the Kiso River, which serves as the natural border between Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. The journey to the top is an adventure in itself, especially for families with children. Our kids were absolutely thrilled as they ascended the castle’s steep and narrow wooden stairs, uncovering layer after layer of fascinating history along the way.

The castle is a well-preserved example of Japan’s rich feudal history, and each floor offers a glimpse into the past with a variety of artifacts and exhibits. From samurai armor to ancient scrolls, the castle’s interior is a treasure trove of history. As you climb higher, you’ll find yourself transported back in time, imagining what life might have been like for the lords and samurai who once called this castle home.

At the top, the reward is an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. The Kiso River, flowing serenely below, adds to the castle’s majestic presence. The view alone makes the climb worth every step. It’s a moment that our family will cherish, as it perfectly encapsulated the beauty and history of Japan.

Inuyama Castle is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a cultural experience that offers insight into Japan’s storied past. For anyone visiting Nagoya, this is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of architecture, or simply looking for a family-friendly adventure, Inuyama Castle has something to offer everyone. We left with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s heritage and some fantastic memories that our kids will remember for...

Oh my gosh, when those people on Google review mentioned that the castles had very steep stairs, They were certainly not exaggerating.

The very first stairs that I faced were close to 80°! When I got to the top and looked down, I felt giddy and nearly lost my balance. This was quite dangerous because there was only a very narrow space between the first stairs and the second stairs, and there was nothing for me to hold on to.

The rest of the stairs were not as steep, but it was still quite dangerous because if somebody lost his balance on top of you, for sure, everybody is going to come tumbling down together with a vengeance.

For as long as one is in the castle, one needed to be very careful, even when one went up to the viewing deck on the highest level because the railing was very low. So everybody stayed as far away from the railing as possible.

It's best to come to Inuyama Castle and its town early because the shops here close around 4:00 pm. By the time I came here, it was around 12:00 p.m. And when I returned, most of the shops were closed already.

On my way home, I happened to chance upon a workshop for local artists to sell their crafts.

It was located all the way inside a famous yet nonchalant looking residence. So I guessed a lot of people did not know about it and just walked past.

Their grand opening was tomorrow, but the old lady kindly allowed me to make a few purchases first. Because this workshop is geared towards the locals, their prices were so much more wallet-friendly compared to those shops along the tourist trap of Inuyama Town. And so I did not hesitate to buy a few pieces of handicraft because I appreciate the hard work that the...

Inuyama Castle (犬山城) is one of Japan’s oldest and best-preserved castles. Positioned on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, it played a strategic role as a border fortress between the former provinces of Owari and Mino. The original structure was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed significant historical events, including the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute in 1584.

From 1617, it was under the control of the Naruse family, vassals of the Tokugawa clan, until the end of the Edo period. In 1871, during the Meiji Restoration, the castle was nationalized, and many of its buildings were demolished. Thanks to local efforts, the main keep (tenshu) was preserved.

After the 1891 Nōbi earthquake, the castle was returned to the Naruse family under the condition that they would maintain and restore it. In 2004, ownership was transferred to a foundation managed by Aichi Prefecture.

Inuyama Castle is a classic example of a yamajiro (hilltop castle). The main keep has four above-ground floors and two underground levels, though it appears to have only three from the outside. It features an ancient watchtower at the top, a rare architectural element among Japanese castles.

It is one of only five castles in Japan whose original main keep has been designated as a National Treasure.

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) Admission: Adults – 550 yen; Children – 110 yen. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the castle. The top floor offers stunning panoramic views of the Kiso River and the...