If you pictured traditional through a small town with a castle at the top of a hill, a peaceful river surrounding the city, and streets lined by dark wooden houses and old traditions, and want to get an idea of how Japan was before, Inuyama is a must.
Located 30 minutes from Nagoya by train, it’s the perfect destination for a day-trip if you want to rest from overcrowded big cities.
Once there, you definitely want to visit the main attraction of the town, the Inuyama Castle. Known to be is one of the oldest original castles still remaining in Japan and a National Treasure of Japan, the castle was built in 1537 by Oda Yojiro Nobunyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga, one of the three unifiers of Japan.
Even if it’s not as known as the Osaka castle, this one is definitely better to fully experienced the traditional Japanese history. Indeed, as an original castle, it’s not a museum and there is no electricity inside, you have to climb original huge wooden stairs to explore the castle and witness how the life was in it.
Once at the top, you will have the opportunity to see the portrait of all the lords of this castle throughout the years and have an amazing 360° view on Inuyama.
Inuyama Castle Entrance fee : 550 yens
Opening Hours: 9:00~17:00 (16:30 last entrance)
Address: Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082
Website
But first, to get to the castle, you have to walk through a shrine, the Sanko Inari Shrine. Located at the base of the castle, one of its famous feature are the heart-shaped wooden tablets, all along the path of torii gates. It’s a great place to come with you partner and pray.
Finally, after your walk through the shrine and your visit to the castle, the best place to finish this day trip is to walk around to the Inuyama Castle Town Showa Alley. Located just in front of Inuyama Castle, it’s a place where you can find all kind of shops (you can find really cheap kimono and yukata !), street food stands and where you can have the old traditional Japan vibe. It’s also a great spot to take some great pictures !
ohayo nagoya 