All Reviews of Inuyama Castle

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!

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.

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.

Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s National Treasures and has one of the oldest surviving castle keeps. From the top of the keep, you can take in beautiful views of the Kiso River. The rich historic atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

I recommend planning a half-day visit. Besides touring Inuyama Castle, you can also stop by Haritsuna Shrine and explore Inuyama Castle Town, which is full of Edo-period charm. Along the way, you can try local treats like dango and gohei mochi, take photos, and leisurely enjoy the appeal of this old castle town. It’s a classic spot near Nagoya that’s absolutely worth visiting.

The stairs are pretty steep and narrow, which makes climbing them a bit thrilling, but it also adds to the authentic feel of the old castle.

The view from the top floor is शानदार, and you can see the Kiso River.

The beauty of Inuyama Castle comes from seeing it at a distance. From the Rhine Bridge, the sight of Inuyama Castle towering above and the rapidly flowing Kiso River creates a truly breathtaking scene.

You can take a leisurely stroll along the Omotesando, try some street snacks, and browse the little shops with unique finds.

We stayed at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen that day. The area nearby was quiet, and we could view Inuyama Castle from a distance from different angles.

Besides the castle tower and walls, there are plenty of other attractions around Inuyama Castle, like the old streets of the castle town, historic buildings, gardens, and museums. You can stroll around, soak up the rich historical atmosphere, and enjoy beautiful scenery and cultural sights.

This national treasure sits on top of a hill with beautiful views. From the castle keep, you can see all of Inuyama City.

The inside of the castle keep is all wood, and you have to take off your shoes to enter. Climbing up to the fifth floor for the view is absolutely worth it.