Inuyama Castle
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Highlights, Access, and How to Enjoy Inuyama Castle
Located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, on a small hill overlooking the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles. Its main keep is designated a National Treasure, and its rare design features an outer corridor you can walk around 360 degrees, offering panoramic views of the Kiso River and the castle town below.
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: December 29–31
Admission: Adults ¥550 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥110
The nearest station is Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line, about a 20-minute walk. From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, it takes about 25 minutes by Rapid Limited Express or Limited Express, and from Centrair Airport, about 55 minutes on the Meitetsu μ-SKY.
Highlights of Inuyama Castle
The keep of Inuyama Castle, built in 1537, is a surviving wooden structure designated as a National Treasure. As one of Japan’s 12 original castles, it is popular not only with history enthusiasts but also with photography lovers.
On the top floor you can walk all the way around the outer corridor, enjoying a sweeping panorama of the Kiso River and the castle town below. Since there are many steep staircases inside, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
You can approach the castle via the Otemichi (main approach), or take routes that pass by Sanko Inari Shrine or Haritsuna Shrine. At the foot of the castle, the castle town’s Honmachi Street is perfect for food stalls, café-hopping in old houses, and souvenir shopping.
- The unique beauty and history of a wooden National Treasure keep
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the Kiso River & castle town from the outer corridor
- Strolling the castle town (street food & old-style cafés)
- Three fun routes to the castle: Otemichi, Sanko Inari Shrine, and Haritsuna Shrine
| Month | Recommendation | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| January | ⭐⭐⭐ | Crisp air with great views. Warm clothing essential. |
| February | ⭐⭐⭐ | Low season, relatively relaxed inside the keep. |
| March | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cherry blossoms begin to bloom and the castle town becomes lively. |
| April | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Peak cherry blossom season. Stunning views from the outer corridor. |
| May | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fresh greenery makes it one of the best seasons. |
| June | ⭐⭐⭐ | The keep in gentle rainy scenery has its own charm. |
| July | ⭐⭐⭐ | Prepare for heat and focus your visit in the morning. |
| August | ⭐⭐ | Peak of summer heat. Take breaks and keep visits short. |
| September | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Heat eases and it’s easier to stroll around. |
| October | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best air clarity and views. Many festivals take place. |
| November | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Brilliant contrast of autumn foliage and the castle keep. |
| December | ⭐⭐⭐ | Watch for year-end closure (Dec. 29–31). |
Recommended Route for Enjoying Inuyama Castle
1) Castle Town / Honmachi Street (Get to Know the Area)
Start with a warm-up stroll through the retro castle town, enjoying its nostalgic streetscape and street food. Check out combination tickets such as the “Inuyama Castle Town Pass.”
2) Sanko Inari Shrine & Haritsuna Shrine (Photos & Worship)
Visit the famous Sanko Inari Shrine with its pink torii gates and the historic Haritsuna Shrine. From here, you can join the main path up to the castle.
3) Otemichi – Front Gate (Approx. 30 minutes)
Walk along Otemichi, which still retains the atmosphere of the past, and enter the castle through the Front Gate. Since there are many stone steps, wear comfortable walking shoes.
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