Step into a time machine and head back to the age of samurai, feudal lords, and really, really tall wooden structures. Welcome to Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s 12 original castles and the oldest fortress still standing in the country. Perched on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, this architectural gem has seen more drama than a season finale of your favorite Netflix series.
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. If you're looking to save money on train travel and/or stay connected with a Pocket WiFi , we recommend the Japan Rail Pass.
Picture walking through halls filled with samurai tales. Inuyama Castle is more than a fortress. It’s a symbol of Japan’s feudal times and its rich culture. Every stone and beam has a story of war, peace, and architectural genius.
Curious about where past and present meet? Today’s guide to Inuyama Castle will reveal secrets and show its beauty as well as introduce some accommodation options (scroll to the bottom of this post). It might even make you feel like part of its history. Are you ready to enter a storybook of Japan’s history? Let’s start our journey.
Introduction to Inuyama Castle
This castle is a national treasure, with parts dating back to 1537. It’s one of Japan’s oldest castles still standing. Exploring its history takes you through tales of samurai bravery, politics, and stunning views.
Once you’ve surpassed the first challenge of climbing up that hill and you will encounter your next battle up some 16th century wooden stairs. These ones are steeper than they look so you know they weren’t kidding when it came to protecting their fort!
Disclaimer: There are no elevators. Although powerful legs aren’t necessarily required, the stairs are the only way up so it’s not an easy option for those with disabilities preventing them from climbing.
Now, once you get past those level one dungeon stairs, you will start to see that beautiful Kiso river view through the wooden windows.
History with a Splash of Sass
Built in 1537, Inuyama Castle was the brainchild of Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of the infamous Oda Nobunaga (yep, the guy who almost unified Japan). This castle has been through a lot: battles, ownership changes, and even a few close calls with Mother Nature. But like a true survivor, it’s still standing, and it looks fabulous for its age—no Botox required! 😉
You will discover various rooms, such as the “Lord’s room” and the “Armor room”, where more architectural details are revealed if that’s your cup of tea.
Exploring Inuyama Castle’s history reveals tales of its rulers, who were both strict and stylish. Their stories, full of samurai tales, attract visitors wanting to see feudal Japan. The castle’s design, from its stone base to its detailed woodwork, shows strength and beauty. It has survived many years thanks to this mix.
Quick Shopping Tip: Before we talk about the castle's secret weapon, I recommend you take a look at the Insta360 action camera so you can capture all of the castle's beauty in 360! You can buy one on Amazon here.
If you'd like a more realistic example of how it's used by someone exploring and sightseeing in Japan, check out this video of one of my favorite J-vloggers, Abroad in Japan (skip to 8:52 for the product review):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GhoXzK8F1I&t=592s
The Castle’s Secret Weapon—The View
Inuyama Castle is famous for its stunning views from the top. Standing on the observation deck, you see a wide view of the Kiso River and the landscape around. This spot was key for spotting enemies from far back.
Exploring the Inari Shrine in the Castle Grounds
The Inari Shrine Inuyama is a peaceful spot in the inuyama castle grounds. It’s a key part of the Japanese cultural experience. Here, history, spirituality, and nature come together beautifully.
When you enter, you’ll see the famous red torii gates. They lead you to a peaceful path. The Inari Shrine Inuyama honors Inari, the god of rice, fertility, and wealth. It’s a place of great cultural and religious importance in Japan.
Walking around, you’ll see how the shrine and the big castle live together in harmony. This shows the balance between strength and peace. It’s a full Japanese cultural experience.
Don’t miss the fox statues as you walk. These animals are thought to protect the shrine. Saying a quick prayer or just enjoying the calm can make your visit special. It turns it into a deep journey into Japanese spirituality.
The Shopping Town Surrounding the Castle Area
A short walk from Inuyama Castle takes you to a lively shopping district full of charm. This area mixes traditional Japan with modern and historical vibes. You’ll find shops where local goods are celebrated and loved. (Also, that’s me and my big head! lol)
Shopping here is an adventure. The air is filled with the smell of street food. Enjoy beer, beef skewers, savory dumplings, and other tasty treats.
I saw this ice pudding sold inside famous Japanese mayonnaise bottle. Never seen this anywhere else in Japan. Apparently you just suck the pudding out of the bottle so you don’t have to eat it with a spoon… I didn’t try it but honestly seems like a smart idea to eat pudding on the go. Who needs a spoon these days?
Slip back in time in style
In the Inuyama Castle area, yukata rentals offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the traditional Japanese experience while exploring the historic castle grounds. Several shops near the castle provide full yukata rental services, where you can choose from a variety of vibrant designs and patterns.
For a modest fee (typically around 4,000 yen or about $30 USD), you’ll not only get dressed in a beautifully styled yukata (don’t worry, they’ll help you wrap it—no YouTube tutorials required) but you can also stroll around the castle, looking like you stepped right out of the Edo period. Some rental packages even include hair styling to complete your look.
Pro tip: Pair your kimono adventure with a visit to Sanko Inari Shrine for some Instagram-worthy shots under the iconic red torii gates! Just be careful navigating those steep castle steps in a kimono—style and safety, folks!
Inuyama Castle Access and Accommodation Tips
Only about a 30 minute train ride from Nagoya, central Japan’s main city, it is highly accessible and you can get the best of both worlds—a modern big city and a feudal castle.
You will need to ride on the Meitetsu Line headed towards Inuyama from Nagoya station.
Budget Option
If you’d like to be within walking distance to Nagoya station then you may want to check out the Sanco Inn Grande Nagoya!
This one is quite affordable (depending on the season) and has a breakfast service along with a spa (Japanese sento).
Luxury Option
Now if you really want to feel like the king/queen of the castle then you’ll definitely have to consider staying at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen!
Inuyama castle and all of its attractive surroundings are all within a 10 minute walk from this gorgeous hotel. It’s an excellent mountain retreat that allows you to feel closer to the historic landmark. It may not be the right choice for the budget traveler but even the standard room seems to be priced around $340 USD per night so it may be a good option for honey moons or any other special occasion that calls for extra spending.
Final Thoughts—Is It Worth the Trip?
After exploring Inuyama Castle’s history, views, and culture, the big question is: is it worth visiting? The answer is absolutely. It’s a living piece of Japan’s feudal past, complete with epic views, fascinating history, mouth watering street food and just a hint of samurai swagger.
The castle is Japan’s oldest fortress, standing as a symbol of the past. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of all things Japan, or just someone who appreciates a good view, Inuyama Castle is a must-visit on your journey through the Land of the Rising Sun. And hey, it’s not every day you get to hang out in a 16th-century castle, right?
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. If you're looking to save money on train travel and/or stay connected with a Pocket WiFi , we recommend the Japan Rail Pass.
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