Highlights and access methods of Inuyama Castle (Aichi Prefecture)

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Inuyama Castle was built in 1537 during the Muromachi period by Oda Nobunaga's uncle, Nobuyasu, and it is a national treasure that houses the oldest existing castle tower in Japan. From the castle tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of magnificent scenery including the Nobi Plain and the Kiso River. The castle town that spreads at the foot of Inuyama Castle retains the traditional streetscape, with renovated townhouses hosting cafes and gourmet food stalls, making it a popular spot for tourists.

In this article, we will explain the attractions of Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture and how to access it for those who are traveling to Japan from overseas.

(Last modified: 2024-05-08)

(Prefecture : Aichi , Category : Castles)

Highlights of Inuyama Castle

We will introduce the highlights of Inuyama Castle.

Inuyama Castle's tower

Inuyama Castle's tower is the oldest existing one in Japan, believed to have been constructed around 1585 to 1590.

The top floor of the tower serves as an observation deck. Please note that to reach the observation deck, you will need to ascend very steep stairs within the tower. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the fan-shaped Nobi Plain and the Kiso River, among other beautiful landscapes. Furthermore, on clear days, it is possible to see Mount Ontake and Gifu Castle.

Oosugi-sama and Chinese trumpet vine

Right next to the tower, there is a sacred tree called "Oosugi-sama", a cedar tree. It is a venerable tree with an estimated age of 650 years. Originally, it was about the same height as the keep; however, it reportedly withered due to a lightning strike during the Ise Bay Typhoon in 1965. Currently, a plant called Chinese trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora) wraps around this cedar, blossoming into beautiful flowers in July.

Sanko Inari Shrine

The Sanko Inari Shrine, established in 1586, is a historic shrine located at the base of Inuyama Castle. It often appears in guides as a route to the castle, so many people visit the shrine before heading to Inuyama Castle. It is believed to bring benefits such as matchmaking, household safety, and marital harmony. Particularly, the pink heart-shaped ema (wooden wishing plaques) are popular among young women.

The path lined with multiple layers of red torii gates within the shrine grounds has become a popular photo spot.

Inuyama Castle Town

The castle town spreading at the foot of Inuyama Castle is a charming place where the old-fashioned streetscape remains. On the main street, Honmachi Street, there are numerous cafes renovated from traditional townhouses and stores offering street food, attracting many tourists who enjoy shopping and trying different foods while strolling through the castle town.

List of photos related to Inuyama Castle

Please see below for a list of photos related to Inuyama Castle.

Address and access method of Inuyama Castle

Address of Inuyama Castle

The address of Inuyama Castle is "65-2 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture".

Access method of Inuyama Castle

I will explain how to access Inuyama Castle from Meitetsu Nagoya Station.

Attractions near Inuyama Castle

Several notable attractions are located near Inuyama Castle:

Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a striking historical landmark in Nagoya, Japan, known for its iconic architecture and stunning golden shachi ornaments adorning the rooftop. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive grounds, lush gardens, and informative museum, which provides a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich feudal history. The beautifully reconstructed castle serves as a testament to Japan's architectural prowess and offers a memorable experience for history and culture enthusiasts.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a municipal zoo and botanical garden located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. It opened in 1937. Within the grounds, there are not only a zoo and botanical garden but also an amusement park, a natural animal museum, a world medaka museum, an petting zoo, and an observation deck called the Higashiyama Sky Tower. In addition to its convenient location just a few minutes' walk from the subway station, admission is free for junior high school students and younger, making it a popular spot for families.

Little World Museum of Man
Little World is an open-air ethnographic museum featuring 32 houses from 23 different countries. Visitors can explore buildings that have either been relocated or restored from various countries and can also enjoy cuisines from around the world. In some areas, you can try on traditional ethnic clothing and take a stroll or snap photos within designated areas while wearing the attire. Regular events and fairs are held, making it enjoyable no matter how many times you visit.

LEGOLAND Japan
LEGOLAND Japan is a LEGO brick-themed amusement park located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. The rides and attractions within the park are designed to resemble structures made out of LEGO bricks. Additionally, numerous objects created from LEGO bricks are installed throughout the park. Adjacent to the park are SEA LIFE Nagoya, an aquarium facility, and the LEGOLAND Japan Hotel, which offers accommodation.

Other information about Inuyama Castle

Official site about Inuyama Castle :

https://inuyamajo.jp/

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