One of the Japanese National Treasures is Inuyama Castle, located in the city of Inuyama, also in the Aichi Prefecture, 25 kilometres north of Nagoya. This castle is also said to be the oldest in Japan; it was completed in 1537 and was built by a relative of one of Japan’s amazing Samurai Warriors of the Edo period.

Inuyama Castle

This National Treasure is one of Nagoya’s top tourist destinations, attracting locals and foreigners to see the beautiful castle architecture and its surroundings, especially the Kiso River, which runs next to it.

History also states that the castle was initially completed in 1440, but many historians heavily debated this. This castle, also called Inuyama Hakutei Castle, remains one of the oldest in Japan. It is 25 meters above ground level and on a hill overlooking Inuyama City.

As you exit the Inuyama Castle, you will head towards the Sanko Inari Shrine, a beautiful Shinto Shrine where you can observe Japanese people praying. You are allowed to walk around the shrine, and as you exit the shrine area, you will pass the beautiful red arches called Torii, one of the best places to take photographs.

How to go to Inuyama Castle

From Nagoya – Take the Meitetsu Line, which takes about 40 minutes and exit at the Meitetsu Inuyama Yuen Station. From the station, it is only a 15-minute walk to Inuyama Castle.

If you want, you can take a taxi to the castle but note that taxis in Japan are costly. I recommend taking a slow walk and admiring the Japanese small-town lifestyle, which differs from the major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Recommendations for Inuyama Castle

This would be the best option for those planning a day trip. You can take a train from Nagoya in the morning, visit Inuyama Castle and its surroundings, head to Inuyama Old Town for some excellent Japanese food, and return to Nagoya after dinner.

Alternatively, you can spend a day or two here, as Inuyama has some exciting attractions, such as Meiji Mura Village, a massive outdoor village museum, and a theme park. There are proper hotels here with Tatami-style rooms, and staying here will allow you a glimpse of the typical small Japanese city lifestyle.

There is also the Inuyama Temple Town, where small streets are lined with street vendors selling local produce. Other attractions in Inuyama include the Urakuen Japanese Garden and The Old Isobe House from the Edo period. The best time to visit Inuyama is also in Autumn to see the beautiful foliage colours.