Inuyama Castle

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• Linda Liao

  15 Oct 2026 See More

  Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s oldest surviving castle keeps. Its rustic wooden architecture evokes the atmosphere of the Sengoku period. From the top of the keep, you can look out over the Kiso River and the surrounding castle town, with expansive views on clear days. Walking through the castle, you can experience the charm of a traditional Japanese castle from centuries past.

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• Kim

  23 Sep 2026 See More

  Inuyama Castle had even more character than I imagined. Walking all the way up through the castle town and seeing this small, historic keep really gave me the feeling of an old Japanese castle.
  After climbing to the top of the keep, the view was very expansive. You could see the Kiso River and the streets below Inuyama Castle. Looking out from the top floor, the old castle, river, and entire landscape came into view all at once. It was really beautiful!

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• Jk

  14 Sep 2026 See More

  When I reached the entrance of Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure, the wind carried the dry chill of winter. Looking up at this famous wooden castle, home to the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan, its weathered wood grain and solid stone walls truly conveyed the weight of history.
  Holding the ticket I had just bought, I took a commemorative photo in front of the old castle, then climbed the wooden stairs step by step. The solid sound of wood beneath my feet made me feel as though I had stepped back into the Sengoku period.
  After some effort, I reached the wooden veranda on the top floor of the castle keep. Leaning against the low railing and looking out, I saw an endless cityscape beneath the gray-white sky and the Kiso River flowing below the castle. Feeling the breeze brush against my face was truly breathtaking.
  Actually standing inside this centuries-old castle and seeing with my own eyes the scenery once viewed by Sengoku-era warriors created such a vivid sense of being there that I couldn't bring myself to leave.
  I highly recommend going all the way to the top of Inuyama Castle to experience it for yourself. Whether touching the weathered traces left by history up close or standing outside the castle keep and taking in the sweeping view of the Kiso River, it will leave you with incomparably vivid memories of your trip!

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• hdwf2002

  9 Sep 2026 See More

  If you're traveling to Nagoya, you definitely shouldn't miss a day trip to Inuyama Castle. Inuyama Castle is the oldest of Japan's 12 surviving original castle keeps. Although it isn't as imposing as Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle, looking up at the keep from the foot of the mountain gives you a better sense of its commanding position and how difficult it would have been to conquer, as well as its importance at the time. To visit the keep, you first have to tackle an 85-degree wooden staircase. From the top floor, you can see the Kiso River and enjoy a wide-open view. Of course, the most important thing is to walk all the way around the outside. When you step onto the wooden walkway, you can hear the interlocking wood creak. The railing isn't very high, so it's a little nerve-racking, but you can fully experience the history of this old castle keep, almost as if you've traveled back in time. After your visit, you can also head to Inuyama Castle Town for local food, a kimono experience, and the atmosphere of the old streets. I recommend getting off at Inuyama-Yuen Station and departing from Inuyama Station on the way back. This lets you avoid the crowds and experience a different route.

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• wendy

  5 Sep 2026 See More

  Inuyama Castle is one of Japan's five national treasure castles and the oldest of the 12 surviving original castle keeps. Built on high ground beside the Kiso River, its rustic wooden keep still retains a strong sense of history.

  You have to remove your shoes before entering the keep, and plastic bags are thoughtfully provided at the entrance so visitors can carry them. However, the wooden stairs inside are extremely steep and narrow, making the climb quite challenging. People with limited mobility or knee problems may want to think twice. As you climb from floor to floor and see the armory, armor storage room, and original wooden structure, you can almost imagine the battles of the Sengoku period.

  The highlight is reaching the top floor. Standing on the balcony around the keep with the wind blowing and looking down over Inuyama's castle town and the Kiso River, the expansive view really makes you forget all your worries for a moment.

  After visiting Inuyama Castle, I also recommend taking a leisurely walk through the castle town, wearing a kimono, trying traditional snacks, and relaxing at a cafe for an easygoing afternoon.

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