2026 Inuyama Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

During my trip to Nagoya, I visited Inuyama Castle (also known as Hakutei Castle, the oldest existing castle tower), one of Japan's five great castles. After visiting, I felt it was well worth the price! First, I highly recommend buying the Inuyama Castle Town Combo Ticket (1,630 yen), which includes train tickets, Inuyama Castle admission, and merchant vouchers all in one package! Take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line (from Nagoya Station towards Shin-Unuma) to Inuyama Station. The waiting platform is Meitetsu Nagoya Station Platform 1, marked with a green box. The journey takes about 30 minutes. After exiting Inuyama Station, walk straight for about 800 meters in front of the station. On your right, you'll see a retro-style street – that's Inuyama Castle Town! The shops on both sides have a strong Edo-era feel. There are also many snacks and desserts along the way. >< You need to take off your shoes before entering Inuyama Castle. Staff will provide a plastic bag for your shoes; please keep them with you. Upon entering, the first set of stairs left me speechless... The incline is incredibly steep! Please walk carefully, one step at a time! As expected of one of Japan's five great castles, the interior showcases original architecture and traditional Japanese woodwork. The second through fourth sets of stairs are equally steep, so please be careful and consider your physical condition. At the top, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Inuyama City! Leaving Inuyama Castle, you can visit the nearby Haritsugi Shrine, and then walk back to Inuyama Station along the street. Remember to use your return ticket from the previously purchased pass to get back to Nagoya! Welcome to follow me on Instagram and check out more posts! #InuyamaCastle #Inuyama

Getting to Inuyama Castle from Nagoya, Japan, is a total breeze. After hopping off the train, I followed the map straight to the entrance. I visited during the off-season, so the place was practically empty—which really allowed me to fully enjoy the experience. I highly recommend touring the inside of the castle. Sure, castles are everywhere in Japan, and you might have castle fatigue, thinking they all look the same. I totally get it—it's like getting burned out on churches after traveling around Europe. But since you've made it all the way here, why not check it out? Inuyama Castle is overflowing with traditional Japanese vibes. Slipping into a kimono for a photoshoot here is an absolute delight. (I did my own shoot—gorgeous scenery and no crowds!) I'd suggest visiting in mid-to-late May. The crowds are thinner, and the summer heat hasn't quite kicked in yet. Transportation: Take the train from Nagoya to Inuyama. From the station, it's just a 15 to 20-minute walk. It's super easy to find, so don't worry—it's completely hassle-free for solo travelers, too.

Museum Meiji-mura is a classic must-visit attraction just outside Nagoya. As Japan's largest open-air architectural museum, the entire park feels like a journey back in time to the Meiji era. Located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Meiji Mura is easily accessible via the Meitetsu train and a short bus ride. Ticket Prices Adults: 2,500 yen; High school students: 1,500 yen; Junior high and elementary school students: 700 yen. Preschoolers and visitors born in the Meiji era enjoy free admission. Operating Hours (Currently 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM) April to July, September, and October: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM August: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; November: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM December to February: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM The absolute highlight of the park is that entire Meiji-era buildings from across Japan were "relocated and reconstructed" here. It houses a collection of about 60 historical structures, many of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Carefully moved and preserved from various regions, these are not replicas but "genuine ancient buildings." Must-see Churches & Western-Style Architecture: Western-style churches, European-style government buildings, and old banks stand as striking symbols of Japan's modernization and Westernization during the Meiji era. Old Imperial Hotel: The Main Entrance Hall and Lobby of the Imperial Hotel, crafted by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, features stunning geometric designs and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Meiji Mura. Steam Locomotives & Streetcars: You can actually take a ride on historical steam locomotives and antique streetcars inside the park. It's a fully immersive experience, not just a visual one. Schools and Post Offices: Meiji-era elementary schools, post offices, and government buildings perfectly recreate the daily life of that era. Thanks to its incredibly authentic setting, many popular movies and dramas, such as Rurouni Kenshin and JIN, were filmed right here. While visiting, you can dress up in a kimono or Meiji-style clothing for photos, enjoy retro Western-style dishes (like curry and omurice), and even get a special "Meiji Mura limited postmark." The park is massive, covering approximately 1 million square meters, so we highly recommend setting aside half a day to a full day for your visit.

🚗 Happy Car Rental Experience at Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport Traveling with seniors or kids? Pick up your car right after landing for an easier trip! For family travelers, the most important thing after arriving in Japan is figuring out "how to start the journey comfortably." Renting a car directly at Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport allows you to pick up your vehicle right after landing. This saves you from dragging luggage around to transfer to trains or buses, making it exceptionally relaxing for both the elderly and young children. After getting off the plane and rolling your luggage out of the terminal, you'll find the car rental center right next door. Seniors can sit down and rest immediately, kids can be safely buckled into pre-booked car seats, and luggage can be neatly tucked away in the trunk. With the ocean views of Nagoya Bay out the window, your trip begins with pure peace of mind and freedom from the very first moment. Once you're in the car, you can head straight to your first attraction without wasting any time. Enjoy a full day of fun, grab dinner, and then head to the hotel to rest—making for a trip that is both fulfilling and effortless. Car Rental Guide · How to book: We recommend booking online in advance with familiar rental agencies (Toyota Rent-a-Car, Times Car, Nissan, etc...). · Pick-up location: The car rental center is located right next to the terminal, just a short walk away. · Required documents: You'll need a Hong Kong driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP), along with your passport. · Pick-up process: The rental staff will give a quick overview of the vehicle's features, help set up the GPS, and provide an ETC card. User Experience · Luggage convenience: Toss large suitcases right into the trunk without the hassle of dragging them around. · Comfort for seniors: They can sit and relax right away, skipping long walks or waiting for transit. · Peace of mind for kids: Car seats can be reserved in advance so little ones can rest safely in the car. · High flexibility: Drive straight to suburban attractions without being tied to public transit schedules. Things to Note · Highway tolls: It's highly recommended to rent an ETC card for hassle-free automatic toll payments. · GPS language: Make sure the GPS supports English or Chinese to avoid navigation issues. · Parking: Most parking lots in Japan require payment, so keep some spare change or a credit card handy. · Gas stations: Some gas stations are self-service, so pay attention to how to use the pumps. Sample Itinerary Day 1 · Morning: Arrive at Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport → Pick up car at the rental center · Noon: Head straight to the first attraction (like Inuyama Castle or Nabana no Sato) · Evening: Enjoy dinner → Return to the hotel to rest Day 2 · Morning: Drive out to suburban attractions (like Shirakawa-go or Takayama) · Afternoon: Lunch + Sightseeing · Evening: Head back to downtown Nagoya → Dinner → Hotel Atmosphere > "With the whole family inside the car, the seniors leaning back comfortably in their seats, the kids safely buckled in, and the luggage perfectly stowed in the trunk, you're set. Outside the window is the beautiful Nagoya Bay, and from the very first moment, the journey feels totally relaxed and free. Heading straight to your first stop without wasting any time, then going to your hotel only after dinner makes for an incredibly rewarding and comfortable trip." Renting a car directly at Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport is an incredibly comfortable and efficient choice for families. Both the elderly and young kids can enjoy a stress-free trip with easy luggage handling and high flexibility. This "pick up on arrival" approach guarantees a journey filled with peace of mind and freedom right from step one.

Just a short train ride from Nagoya, you'll find Inuyama. The moment you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and stroll through this quiet little town, a sense of deep comfort naturally washes over you. Wandering down narrow alleys past small shops and traditional houses, you'll feel a peacefulness that makes it seem as though time itself has slowed down. As you walk around Inuyama Castle, the river flowing just beyond the castle walls perfectly harmonizes with the surrounding nature, unfolding like a picturesque painting. The trees and flowers, painted in different colors with each passing season, bring a gentle vitality to the entire city. Simply walking here feels incredibly healing. Stopping by a cafe or a cozy teahouse for a warm drink while watching the alleyways allows you to fully embrace the simple joys of everyday life. It might just be a brief pause in your travels, but the tranquil atmosphere here effortlessly melts away all the stress in your heart. Especially when you stroll along the riverbank or sit in a small park taking in the scenery, the gentle ripples of the water and the sweet singing of birds come together, letting you completely experience the unique serenity of a small town. 💡 Tips for Healing in a Small City We highly recommend a leisurely stroll through the alleys and around the castle 🌿 Take a relaxing break at a cozy teahouse or cafe Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and a lightweight camera 💬 Overall Review Inuyama is a place where you can escape the city center and find peace of mind amidst charming scenery and tranquility. It's the perfect small-city getaway near Nagoya that fills your heart with gentle healing and emotion all at once. 📍 Location Inuyama

Inuyama Castle, as part of the 'One Day, Two Castles' journey, follows the previous visit to Gifu Castle. After taking the Meitetsu train to Inuyama-Yuen Station, you can stroll through the castle town, wandering along ancient streets filled with the charm of the Edo period and savoring delicious local food. The Inuyama Castle Keep is the oldest existing castle keep in Japan. Additionally, you can visit nearby attractions such as Sanko Inari Shrine⛩️ and Haritsuna Shrine⛩️. Some people say that the 'One Day, Two Castles' itinerary feels a bit rushed, but personally, I think it's just right. Based on the schedule, finishing the Inuyama visit will likely coincide with sunset, making it perfect to head back to the city for dinner.

Just a 30-minute train ride from Nagoya, I arrived at Inuyama City by the Kiso River. First, I visited Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest surviving castles, with its wooden structure preserving the charm of the Muromachi period. Standing on the top floor of the castle tower, I enjoyed a panoramic view of the Kiso River and surrounding mountains, with a gentle breeze bringing history and nature to life. After descending, I strolled through Inuyama Castle Town. The old street is lined with quaint shops and wagashi (Japanese sweets) stores housed in renovated townhouses, creating a relaxed and nostalgic atmosphere. Next, I headed to the vibrant Sanko Inari Shrine, famous for its rows of striking red torii gates. Nearby, Haritsuna Shrine stands as a guardian of the ancient castle's legacy. For a perfect itinerary, visit the castle in the morning, then explore the old town and shrines in the afternoon. For a deeper experience, try the local specialty gohei mochi or stay overnight at a guesthouse in the castle town. A day trip to Inuyama is compact yet layered, making it one of the most charming historical strolls near Nagoya.

🏯 Exploring the streets of Inuyama in Aichi was absolutely amazing✨ Centered around the National Treasure, Inuyama Castle, this divine area offers everything from picturesque spots to street food🤍 At the foot of the castle lies the popular "Instagrammable Shrine," Sankoinari Shrine. Rows of heart-shaped ema (wooden plaques) are adorably displayed, and the red torii gates are perfect for photos💓 The castle town that follows is a street food paradise🍡. From gohei mochi, dango, Japanese sweets, skewered delicacies, to traditional house cafes, just walking around is a delight✨. The Edo-period townscape remains intact, making every spot photo-worthy📸. You can fully enjoy this recommended tourist spot in about 2–4 hours of leisurely walking◎ ⸻ 📍Access ・Meitetsu "Inuyama Station" → About 20 minutes on foot (The castle town leads to Inuyama Castle) ・Nagoya Station → Meitetsu Express approx. 25 minutes → Inuyama Station ⸻ ⏰ Hours 🏯 Inuyama Castle 9:00–17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) Closed: December 29–31 🍡 Castle Town Free to explore (Most street food shops are open around 10:00–17:00) ※ Arriving by 3 PM is recommended ❤️ Sankoinari Shrine Free to visit ⸻ ✨ Recommended Route Inuyama Station → Castle Town Street Food → Sankoinari Shrine → Inuyama Castle ⸻ Be sure to save this and check it out!

🏯 Location: 65-2 Kitakoken, Inuyama, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture 🕰️ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) 📅 Note: Closed from December 29 to December 31! ✨ Reasons to Visit: The title of "Japan's Oldest Castle Keep" is no exaggeration! Inuyama Castle, like a wise elder, has quietly guarded the Kiso River for over 400 years 🌊 Climbing the steep stairs feels like traveling through time - the creaking wooden beams tell tales of legendary samurai warriors 🏹 Reaching the top is breathtaking! A 360° panoramic observation deck offers stunning views of distant mountains and the river encircling the city, every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy 📸 🚇 Transportation Tips: Super convenient from Nagoya~ Take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line to "Inuyama-Yuen Station" West Exit, then walk 15 minutes to reach the castle Lazy traveler perk: From JR Inuyama Station, take the community bus and get off at "Inuyama Castle Front"! 🌟 Travel Tips: Visit on a sunny afternoon 🌞 Sunlight on the ancient castle walls creates an amazing atmosphere The top-floor corridor is perfect for taking artistic photos

Step into Sanko Inari Shrine in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, and be awestruck by the thousand torii gates covering the entire hillside⛩️ Awe Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The vermilion gates cascade like waves, shimmering under the sunlight✨ They form a sacred, winding path up the hill. This breathtaking view rivals Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha! (Bonus: fewer tourists here, so every photo is Instagram-worthy📸) 🎀 Heart-shaped Ema for a Dreamy Photo Op: Famous for its enchanting heart-shaped ema (wooden plaques), The wishes written on these plaques gently sway in the breeze, Blending traditional beliefs with modern prayers. Legend has it that this is a super effective spot for love blessings💘 📍Address: Kitakoken-65ｰ18 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082, Japan 🚌 How to Get There: From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Line to "Inuyama Station" and exit from the west gate. Transfer to the city bus heading towards "Inuyama Yuen" and get off at "Sanko Inari Shrine Mae". (Lazy tip: You can also walk about 15 minutes from Inuyama Station👟) ⏰ Opening Hours: Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Weekends: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Recommended to visit in the morning when sunlight filters through the torii gates for a stunning view🌞) 🌿 A Soul-cleansing Journey: Wandering through the red torii gates, It feels as if your soul is being purified. As the gentle breeze brushes past, You’ll feel completely rejuvenated💫 This is undoubtedly a divine sanctuary where you can cleanse your spirit And capture breathtaking photos! (Visit before it becomes a tourist hotspot!)

Step into Showa Yokocho and feel as if you've traveled back to the 1960s. Narrow alleys are lined with retro coffee shops, izakayas, and food stalls, with faded signs and nostalgic displays creating a rich atmosphere. Be sure to try the local specialty, "fried beef croquettes," or take a break at an old-fashioned café. Though small in scale, this area encapsulates the charm of the Showa era, offering an interesting contrast to the historical ambiance of nearby Inuyama Castle. It's a perfect spot for visitors who enjoy vintage street photography and seeking authentic local snacks. Address: 65-2 Kitakoken, Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture (Castle Town area east of Inuyama Castle) Transportation: From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu "Inuyama Line" express train for about 25 minutes to "Inuyama Station." After exiting, you can walk approximately 15 minutes or take the community bus "Inuyama Circulation Bus" to "Inuyama Castle Front" stop.

🚃 ① Nagoya → Inuyama Transfer ✔ How to get there Nagoya Station → Meitetsu Line 👉 Depart from Meitetsu Nagoya Station · Express: Approximately 25 minutes · Regular: Approximately 35–40 minutes 🚉 ② Arrival at Inuyama Station Upon arrival, head directly towards the castle. 👉 About 15 minutes on foot 👉 Gentle uphill walk 🍡 ③ Stroll through Inuyama Castle Town + Lunch This is the highlight of the Inuyama trip. The street recreates the atmosphere of the Edo period, offering food, shopping, and traditional buildings to enjoy. ⛩ ④ Visit Sanko Inari Shrine Located at the end of the castle town, it is accessible on foot. 👉 Walking time: About 3–5 minutes 🏯 ⑤ Visit Inuyama Castle Situated right above Sanko Inari Shrine. 👉 About 5 minutes on foot

Sanko Inari Shrine is a charming spot that completely changes the atmosphere during your Inuyama trip. Located quietly at the end of the traditional street of Inuyama Castle Town, it is perfect for a leisurely visit as if taking a stroll. 🌸 Atmosphere Features This shrine has a much brighter and cuter vibe compared to typical shrines. It is famous as a photo spot with numerous pink heart-shaped wish plaques hanging around.

📍Travel Introduction Nagoya Trip [Gero-Takayama-Inuyama-Nagoya City] Inuyama, perhaps because it's close to downtown Nagoya, has a distinctly urban feel compared to Gero and Takayama. Inuyama Castle Town is slightly smaller or similar in size to Takayama Shopping Street, and has more restaurants along the street, so I recommend skipping breakfast and leaving early to enjoy some street food!!👍🏻👍🏻 🚇Transportation It took about two hours by car from Takayama to Inuyama. 📷Photo Spots Inuyama Castle is a beautiful place to take photos! But you'll need to overcome your fear of heights. It's very windy and the railings are low, so it's a bit scary..ㅎㅎ🥶 🍜Recommended Restaurants The takoyaki at Inuyama Castle Town is the best takoyaki I've ever had. Highly recommended!!👍🏻👍🏻 Inuyama Daruma 犬山だるま This was also really delicious. It was the most satisfying restaurant I've had during my entire trip to Nagoya. It cost about 170,000 won for three people, and the sushi and wagyu were truly delicious. Please note that there's a mandatory one-drink per person requirement!🍣 🏠Recommended Accommodations There's a famous accommodation in Inuyama, but!! I wasn't planning on staying long, so I looked for a budget-friendly place. The hotel had a small onsen, and the guest rooms were clean. I'm satisfied!! #OverseasTravel #NagoyaTravel #JapaneseSmallCityTravel #DecemberTravelSupportEvent #WinterTravel #TravelGuide #TravelItinerary

#DecemberTravelSupport One of the must-see attractions during your trip to Nagoya is Inuyama Castle. It's one of the oldest castles in Japan and boasts a truly beautiful appearance, towering over the river. But if you're wondering how to get there, here's a super-easy guide. ⸻ 1️⃣ Taking the train from Nagoya Station (the easiest way) 1. Take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line from Nagoya Station 2. Destination: Inuyama Station · Travel time: Approximately 25-30 minutes · Fare: Approximately 440 yen (one way) 3. From the train, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nagoya and its surroundings. · The sight of charming Japanese towns and the river flowing by will brighten your trip! ⸻ 2️⃣ From Inuyama Station to the Castle · Get off at Inuyama Station and walk for about 15 minutes. · Enjoy the riverside scenery and shopping streets as you walk, immersing yourself in a traditional Japanese atmosphere. · Perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities! 💡 TIP: When you see the castle while walking along the river, you'll immediately exclaim, "Wow, this is Inuyama Castle!" ✨ Attractive Points · A 30-minute picnic from Nagoya. · Train + walking, perfect for taking photos, strolling, and snacking all in one go. · A leisurely itinerary that fully immerses you in the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese town. #NagoyaTravel #InuyamaCastle #NagoyaSuburbs #JapanTravel #JapanTravelRecommendations #TrainTravel #Inuyama

Inuyama Castle — A Wooden Castle Keep with Sengoku Charm Located in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama Castle is one of Japan's rare "Twelve Original Castle Keeps," preserving its authentic wooden structure and rich Sengoku-era atmosphere. Perched on a small hill by the Kiso River, its pristine white exterior complements the river and mountain scenery, resembling a still painting from afar. Climbing to the top floor of the keep offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Kiso River basin, a sight many consider a "must-see at least once in a lifetime." The castle town retains its rustic streets and traditional shops, offering a nostalgic experience with food, drinks, and photo opportunities. Access · Meitetsu Inuyama Line: Take the Meitetsu Limited Express from Nagoya Station for about 30 minutes to Inuyama Station, then walk approximately 15 minutes to reach Inuyama Castle. · By car: Drive from Nagoya city center via Nagoya Expressway and Route 41 for about 40 minutes. Parking is available near the castle.

📍Address: 41-1 Kitakoken, Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture 🈺Hours: Weekdays 08:30~16:30 / Holidays until 17:00 Within Sanko Inari Shrine, you'll also find Sarutahiko Shrine, Himekame Shrine, and Zeniarai Inari Shrine. ▪️Zeniarai Inari Shrine: The legitimate way to "wash money" 💰 First, pay 100 yen > take a bamboo basket and candle > light the candle and place it > wash your money in the sacred water > dry it, and it will return to you multiplied! After washing your money, don't forget to touch the toad for continued financial fortune 🤑🤑 ▪️Himekame Shrine: A love shrine for wishing for good relationships and a happy romance 💕 The shrine is filled with pink heart-shaped ema (votive plaques) for romantic wishes, creating a dreamy atmosphere that promises good fortune in love! Next to the shrine, there's also a "light and heavy stone." Close your eyes, make a wish, and try lifting the stone. If it feels light, it means your wish is likely to come true!

Dear friends!!! You absolutely cannot miss Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture during Kyoto’s autumn leaves season~ As someone who’s been there, this off-the-beaten-path route has been asked about nonstop! 👏 🍁【Autumn Leaves Secret Spot: Saimei-ji Temple】 📍Address: 393 Ishihata, Toyosato-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture 🕐Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 🎫Admission: 500 yen ✨Must-visit: The hundreds-of-meters-long tunnel of autumn leaves! More spectacular than many popular spots in Kyoto! Perfect for photos 📸 🏯【Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden】 📍Address: 1-1 Kinkame-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture 🕐Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Night maple illumination 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) 🎫Admission: Hikone Castle 600 yen + Genkyu-en Garden 200 yen 💡Tip: The garden with Lake Biwa as a backdrop is stunning at sunset! Don’t miss the night maple illumination! It’s dreamlike and will move you to tears 😍 ♨️【Recommended Hotel: Aonoko-tei】 📍Address: 2-31-18 Hieitsuji, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 💎Features: ✔️All rooms face Lake Biwa ✔️Spacious rooms starting from 50 square meters ✔️Amazing sunset view from the hot spring 🍽️Dinner: Omi beef cuisine is legendary! Melts in your mouth, no exaggeration! ✨Recommended One-Day Surrounding Tours: 1️⃣ Shirahige Shrine ⛩️ 🚗1 hour from the hotel 📸Best time to shoot: Sunset Vermilion torii gate + Lake Biwa sunset = a must-see in your lifetime! 2️⃣ Ukimido Hall 🚗30 minutes from the hotel 🏯Floating ancient temple + wooden corridor, every shot looks like a masterpiece 3️⃣ Kyorinbo 🚗40 minutes from the hotel 🍁300 ancient maple trees + thatched-roof study, full of artistic atmosphere 🔥【Kansai 6 Days 5 Nights Premium Itinerary】 💰Starting from 19,800 yen per person, great value! D1️⃣ Shanghai → Nagoya → Inuyama D2️⃣ Inuyama → Saimei-ji Autumn Leaves Tunnel → Hikone Lake Biwa D3️⃣ Hikone → MIHO Museum → Kyoto Eikando Temple D4️⃣ Kyoto Tofuku-ji Temple → Kyoto Station D5️⃣ Free day in Osaka D6️⃣ Osaka → Kansai Airport → Shanghai 💯Highlights: ✅Avoid crowds, privately enjoy off-the-beaten-path autumn leaves spots ✅Luxurious accommodation + top-grade Omi beef cuisine ✅Art sanctuaries + deep cultural tours ✅Exclusive Chinese-speaking guide, very flexible itinerary What are you waiting for?! This autumn, come to Shiga and unlock a different Kansai experience~💕

Also known as "Hakutei Castle," Inuyama Castle is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga, its existing main keep is the oldest in Japan and one of the five main keeps designated as National Treasures of Japan. From the top of the keep, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Kiso River and the Nōbi Plain (I remember taking photos, but I can't seem to find them at the moment 😮💨). This time, I traveled alone. I bought the "Inuyama Castle Town" package ticket (which includes train and admission tickets) in Nagoya and made my way here. In the castle town area, you can admire historic wooden buildings, stroll through the alleys, and soak in the old-town atmosphere and local charm. Following the signs up to the castle, I found the area pleasantly quiet with few visitors. There was no noise, and I didn't have to wait in line to take photos, making for a very leisurely experience.

#OverseasTravel #Nagoya #Inuyama #InuyamaCastle #WagyuSushi ##InuyamaCastleTown 1. Shirakabe (Shirakabe/Tokugawaen) · Address: 2 Chome-2-21 Tokugawa, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023, Japan · Key Point: A representative historic district of Nagoya. Experience the Japanese atmosphere by exploring the beautiful traditional architecture and the Tokugawaen Japanese garden. · Rating: 4.5/5 2. Inuyama Castle · Address: Inuyama, Aichi, Japan (Exact address: Inuyama Castle Entrance) · Key Point: One of the oldest surviving castles in Japan, it is a designated National Treasure. Located next to the Kiso River, it boasts beautiful scenery, with the views from the castle being particularly spectacular. * Rating: 4.8/5 3. Osu Shopping Street · Address: Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan · Key Points: This is Nagoya's most vibrant shopping street. With a variety of food, vintage shops, and souvenir shops, you can enjoy both shopping and culinary delights. · Rating: 4.3/5

Inuyama Castle, located in Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan's 12 remaining wooden castles, offering a perfect blend of history and stunning scenery! 👍 As you climb the steep hill, you'll be greeted by the castle walls and the main keep, exuding a traditional and serene atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.✔️ Why We Recommend It🤗 ✅ One of Japan's 12 remaining wooden castles ✅ Breathtaking views from the main keep's observation deck

#AdventureMoment #Nagoya The Indigo Inuyama Hotel, where I stayed during my trip to Inuyama, was a wonderful accommodation that blended modern and traditional Japanese sensibilities! The clean and stylish rooms provided a comfortable stay, and the panoramic views of Inuyama Castle and the surrounding natural scenery through the windows were a real treat. 🏯 Reasons for Recommendation✔️ ✅ Traditional and modern interior design ✅ Inuyama Castle view rooms available ✅ Friendly staff

✓ Haritsuna Shrine One of the two shrines located in the castle town of Inuyama, "Haritsuna Shrine" is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō (Register of Deities). Since ancient times, it has been enshrined on the peak of Inuyama, serving as the guardian deity of the Nōbi region for over a millennium. The shrine gained fame for its blessings of safe childbirth, granting children, and longevity due to Oda Nobukiyo, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga, who personally carved a wooden dog and dedicated it to the shrine to pray for these virtues. The annual "Inuyama Festival" held every April is also highly renowned. For visiting Inuyama Castle and the two shrines, you can choose to first visit Sankō Inari Shrine, then proceed to Inuyama Castle, and on the way back, stop by Haritsuna Shrine before descending the stone steps to leave.

Located behind Inuyama-Yuen Station, Inuyama Naritasan sits atop a hill. From the Nagoya Betsuin Daishoji at the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Inuyama Castle and the Kiso River. This Daishoji is a branch temple of the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture. It enshrines Fudo Myo-o, who is believed to bless families with safety and harmony, bring prosperity to businesses, ensure traffic safety, and ward off misfortunes. It is the largest center of Fudo Myo-o worship in the Chubu region. Access: From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line to Inuyama-Yuen Station, then walk about 10 minutes.

#July Good Places 2025 ✓Sanko Inari Shrine There are two shrines at the foot of Inuyama Castle. Among them, the "Sanko Inari Shrine" is famous for praying for marriage. It is not only effective in praying for marriage, but it is also said that washing coins with the holy water in the shrine can bring good fortune. It is recommended to climb the castle from the Haritsu Shrine and then go down from the Sanko Shrine when going to Inuyama Castle. You can enjoy different views. "Sanko" comes from the original location of Inuyama Sanko Mountain. Compared with the quiet Haritsu Shrine, the Sanko Inari Shrine is full of people. There are always crowds in front of the office, crowded with people buying amulets and people queuing up to wash money.

Bakery Shirushi On the way from Inuyama Station to Inuyama Castle, I stumbled upon this delightful bakery. After checking, it seems they are known for their amazing lemon cakes. With a light drizzle outside, it felt like the perfect time to step in and take a break. The lemon cake at Bakery Shirushi is made with natural ingredients. Unlike the typical bright yellow lemon cakes, theirs has a color closer to brown sugar buns. The texture is fluffy, and you can taste the sweet and tangy flavor of lemon, accompanied by a delightful aroma. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot black coffee, balancing the flavors in your mouth. Truly impressive. The first floor serves as the bakery and takeaway area, while the second floor offers a dine-in space. The interior is beautifully decorated with dried flowers, books, wooden tables and chairs, sheer curtains, and soft lighting, creating a cozy and Instagram-worthy atmosphere.

Tea House Tamafuku After visiting Inuyama Castle, on the way down towards Urakuen, I happened to spot a tea house right at the corner. The humid weather made it the perfect place to stop for a bowl of shaved ice and enjoy some cool air. The shop has plenty of seating, including regular tables and chairs as well as a tatami tea room. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can admire the garden view, making it a very comfortable and relaxing spot. I ordered a bowl of Uji Kintoki matcha shaved ice. The vibrant matcha green was beautiful, and the bittersweet flavor combined with the icy coolness made it absolutely delicious. A bowl of shaved ice is the best way to beat the summer heat. Looking at the menu, they also offer a variety of wagashi sweets, making it a great place for a casual gathering with friends.

#5月好去处2025 In order to visit Inuyama Castle, I bought the Inuyama package, which includes round-trip tickets from Nagoya to Inuyama and Inuyama Garden, Inuyama Castle tickets, and discounts for admission to Yurakuen. The ticket price was reduced from ¥1200 to ¥840, which is much cheaper. Otherwise, the ¥1200 ticket is really not cheap, and the Yurakuen garden is not big. If you don’t go there during the flower season, it is relatively unimpressive. The national treasure teahouse in Yurakuen is called "Nyoan", and you need to pay an additional ¥600 to drink tea. Nyoan is the origin of tea soup. The teahouse built by the great tea craftsman Oda Yurakusai is a precious relic in the history of tea culture. It is one of the existing national treasure tea seats, along with Taian in Yamazaki Myoki-an in Kyoto and Mi-an in Ryukoin in Daitoku-ji Temple. Next to it is the innovatively designed Inuyama Castle Hotel Indigo. Both the outdoor garden and the hotel interior are in line with the scenery of Rakuen, extending the beauty of the Japanese garden into the hotel, which is very stylish.