Inuyama Castle

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Inuyama Castle

One of five castles deemed a Japanese national treasure, with an old-world castle keep that’s perched upon a cliff.

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The Inuyama Castle keep is one of five deemed national treasures in Japan. It’s especially famous for remaining today as the oldest watchtower-style keep in Japan. It’s said it was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the father of Oda Nobunaga. It’s especially protected from the rear as it stands on top of a little hill backed by the Kiso River, making it near impenetrable from behind. It stands as part of the castle town below, serving once as an important site for trade, politics and as a vital key for the economy.

Inuyama Castle’s position on the border of the former Owari and Mino provinces caused a number of figures to attack and reclaim power over it during the warring states period, passing hands from even Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Finally, Masanari Naruse, and finally an elder of the Owari Clan. As a result, many know this as the only castle in Japan to be owned by a single person, however it was gifted to a managing foundation in Inuyama City in 2004.

The upper deck of the castle keep is surrounded by a veranda that offers wide views of the Kiso River, Nobi Plain, Mt. Ontake, Gifu Castle and even as far as the area around downtown Nagoya Station when the weather is clear. While it looks like only three, this four-storey castle also has two basement floors, the second of which still boasts the original wood used when it was built. You can feel this history yourself while walking around the castle, as the wood creaks and greets you with natural gaps along the floor panels. In addition to the “rock drops” used in the rock walls to ward off intruders, there are a total of 12 peach tiles along the roof said to ward off evil.

Highlights

  • One of five castles in Japan deemed a National Treasure.
  • The watchtower from the top offers swooping, breathtaking views.
  • Step into history in the wooden keep of Japan’s oldest castle.

Photos

  • Perched on the cliffs along Kisogawa River

    Perched on the cliffs along Kisogawa River

  • The castle keep of Inuyama Castle

    The castle keep of Inuyama Castle

  • Step into history itself in the 1st basement floor

    Step into history itself in the 1st basement floor

  • Second floor armory

    Second floor armory

  • The 4th floor with unforgettable views

    The 4th floor with unforgettable views

Reviews

5
  • 胡一峰

    除了城樓和城牆,犬山城周邊還有許多觀光景點,如城下町的古老街道、歷史建築、庭園和博物館等。可以走走感受到悠久的歷史氛圍,並欣賞到美麗的風景和文化景觀。

  • 陳豐収

    日本國寶級位在山頂上居高臨下景色優美,上到天守閣能看到整個犬山市。

  • 許英軒

    天守閣內部都是木造,需要脫鞋進入,爬上5樓登高望遠非常漂亮值得一走。

  • 旅自然

    地點太偏僻,從車站走來還要花20分鐘,附近也沒有什麼可逛。

  • 阿秀

    可以上到最頂樓還繞一圈,體驗君臨天下的感覺。

Details

Name in Japanese
犬山城
Postal Code
484-0082
Address
65-2 Kitakoken, Inuyama City, Aichi
Telephone
0568-61-1711
Business Hours
9:00am-5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Closed
December 29-31
Admission
adults: 550yen, elementary/middle school students: 110yen
Access
approx. 20 min. walk from Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu Line.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)