Inuyama Castle Town

This castle town stretches south from Inuyama Castle, a famous castle built in 1537 and designated a National Treasure. Miraculously spared from the ravages of war for more than 480 years, both the castle and castle town still retain the original town layout based on the defensive castle structure known as sogamae. With its old-world atmosphere and manageable size, it is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The street is lined with cafes housed in old machiya townhouses, along with shops selling stylish accessories and traditional crafts. It is especially famous for skewered street food, letting you enjoy a variety of tasty bites as you explore. Handmade gohei mochi and dango, both local specialties of the castle town, are also must-tries.

The Inuyama Festival, the annual festival of Haritsuna Shrine held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April, is also not to be missed. Thirteen lavishly decorated festival floats parade through the castle town, offering karakuri puppet performances to the sound of flutes and drums. At night, lanterns are lit on each float as they make their way through rows of cherry trees in full bloom.