Inuyama Castle & Castle Town
What makes this tour special
Inuyama Castle's keep is the oldest still standing in the country, and one of only a handful left in original wood. It's a National Treasure — and small and steep enough that climbing it feels like stepping straight into the era it was built.
From the balcony around the top floor you look right down on the Kiso River and out across the Nōbi Plain. On a clear day you can see why a lord would have chosen this hill.
The street running up to the castle still has its old merchant-town feel — wooden shopfronts, sweets, skewers and small shops to duck into. It's the easiest, most relaxed part of the day.
Tucked at the foot of the castle hill, this shrine is loved for the pink heart-shaped ema people hang here. A short, sweet detour before we head back.
Other experiences with us
Overview
A National Treasure keep on a green hill above the Kiso River, and the old castle town beneath it — an easy, unhurried day from Nagoya.
Inuyama doesn't shout for attention the way the big castle towns do, and honestly that's the charm of it. The keep is the oldest wooden one left in Japan, it sits on a little hill right over the Kiso River, and the town underneath it is the kind of place you slow down in without meaning to.
We drive you up from Nagoya, you climb the keep, you have lunch and a wander in the old streets, and we get you back before the evening. No rushing.
- Great for: first-time visitors, history lovers, anyone who likes a calmer day
- Good to know: the keep has steep, narrow wooden stairs — comfortable shoes help
- Travelling solo? This price is for two or more, but just ask and we'll quote a one-person rate
We collect you from your hotel or a station in central Nagoya and drive out to Inuyama, about an hour north along the Kiso River.
Climb the keep — the steep wooden stairs and low beams are part of it — and step out onto the top balcony for the view. Around an hour here.
Wander the old merchant street below the castle at your own pace, with time for lunch and a few street-food snacks. About two and a half hours.
A short walk from the keep, this little shrine is known for its pink heart-shaped ema (wish plaques) — a quiet, photogenic stop.
Back to the car for the drive to Nagoya.
We drop you back at your hotel or chosen point in Nagoya.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to a set number of days before the tour. After that, a cancellation fee applies on a sliding scale up to the day of departure.
Questions about this tour?
Ask us anything — dates, pickup, group size or what to bring. We're a registered travel agency and reply in English, Japanese or Vietnamese, usually within one business day.
A few scenes from the day
Photos from our own visits.
Reviews
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