Standing quietly along the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure and the oldest surviving wooden castle keep in Japan. From the top floor, visitors can overlook the castle town and the clear flow of the river, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage adding breathtaking colors. It is a place where history and nature come together to welcome visitors.
This article introduces how to reach Inuyama Castle, the time needed for a visit, and travel tips to help solo travelers and first-time visitors to Japan enjoy their trip with ease. It also explains how to avoid crowds and how to make the most of the castle town.
Why not take your next step in travel at Inuyama Castle, where history and scenery harmonize beautifully? Here you will find useful information to guide your visit.
Contents
Inuyama Castle Access Guide for First-time Visitors
Check the latest weather forecast before your visit: [weathernews ]
By Train
Nagoya Station
Take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line Limited Express to Inuyama-Yuen Station (about 25 min)
Walk about 15 minutes to Inuyama Castle, a popular Japanese castle
Total travel time: about 40 minutes
Chubu Centrair International Airport Station
Take the Meitetsu μSky Limited Express to Meitetsu Nagoya Station (about 30 min)
Then transfer to the Meitetsu Inuyama Line Limited Express to Inuyama-Yuen Station (about 25 min)
Walk about 15 minutes to Inuyama Castle, a popular Japanese castle
Total travel time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
One Point Advice
Visitor Information｜Hours & Admission
Admission: Adults 550 yen / Elementary & Junior high students 110 yen
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: December 29–31
Official website: https://inuyamajo.jp/
Inuyama Castle Highlights & Itinerary
Main Keep｜Japan’s Oldest Wooden Castle
The main keep , designated a National Treasure , is Japan’s oldest surviving wooden castle tower. Built during the Warring States period, it still preserves its original form with steep stairways and structures intact. Climbing up, visitors feel the weight of history, and from the top floor, the Kiso River and Nobi Plain stretch out before them, offering the same view once seen by the lords of the castle. This unique panorama is the greatest highlight of Inuyama Castle, one of the most popular Japanese castles.
Time required: 40–50 min
Admission: Adults 550 yen / Elementary & Junior high students 110 yen
Castle Town｜Street Food & Photo Spots
At the foot of the keep spreads the old castle town , where traditional houses have been converted into cafés and shops. Visitors can enjoy casual treats such as skewered snacks and mitarashi dango, making it perfect for a stop along the way. The lattice-fronted houses and white-walled streets create photogenic scenery, popular on social media and among visitors searching for Japanese street food spots. Everything is within walking distance, making it especially friendly for solo travelers.
Time required: 60–90 min
Admission: Free to walk around (food and drinks charged separately)
Urakuen Garden｜National Treasure Tea House Jo-an
Within walking distance from the castle lies Urakuen Garden , home to the National Treasure tea house “Jo-an,” originally built by Oda Nobunaga’s younger brother, Oda Urakusai. Its simple yet profound beauty reflects the essence of Japanese culture. Visitors can also enjoy Japanese matcha while viewing the garden, combining castle sightseeing with a deeper cultural experience.
Time required: 40–50 min
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen (tea service extra)
Nearby & Next-day Trips from Inuyama Castle
Sanko Inari Shrine｜Red Torii & Love Blessings
Located at the southern base of Inuyama Castle , Sanko Inari Shrine is a popular Japanese shrine known for blessings of romance and good fortune. The approach is lined with rows of vivid red torii gates, creating one of the most iconic photo spots in Inuyama. Heart-shaped ema plaques, dedicated by visitors wishing for love and happiness, add to its charm. Just a 5-minute walk from the castle, it is easy to combine with a stroll through the castle town, making it a must-visit stop in Inuyama.
Meiji Mura Museum｜Historic Village (By Train)
About 20 minutes by Meitetsu train from Inuyama Station, plus a short bus ride, lies the Meiji Mura open-air museum . Preserving architecture and culture from the Meiji era, it features Western-style buildings, schools, and churches relocated to the vast grounds. The experience feels like stepping back in time, with opportunities for photography and kimono rentals. It is enjoyable for history enthusiasts, families, and solo female travelers, making it a popular Japanese cultural attraction.
Gifu Castle｜Mount Kinka Panorama (Next Day)
For the following day, Gifu Castle makes an excellent destination, about 1.5 hours away by train and ropeway. Known as a stronghold of Oda Nobunaga , the keep stands atop Mount Kinka, offering sweeping views of the Nobi Plain. Like Inuyama Castle, it overlooks the Kiso River, allowing visitors to compare two historical landscapes. Visiting both creates a journey that deepens appreciation of Japan’s castle heritage.
See also this article
Explore Gifu Castle｜Top Guide to Views & History
Gifu Castle rises atop Mount Kinka and is known as a stage of the Sengoku period. From the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Nōbi Plain, and o…
Inuyama Castle Visitor Q&A
Is Inuyama Castle the oldest castle in Japan?
It is a National Treasure with the oldest surviving wooden castle keep in Japan, and a popular destination for Japanese castle fans.
How long does it take to visit?
About 1 hour for the keep and exhibits, or 2–3 hours if including the castle town.
What are the highlights?
The wooden main keep, designated a National Treasure, and the panoramic views of the Kiso River and town from the top floor.
Where are the best photo spots?
From the riverbank with the keep in view, or from the embankment where cherry trees frame the castle.
What local food is recommended nearby?
The castle town is known for skewered street foods and mitarashi dango, perfect for walking and eating.
Inuyama Castle Summary｜Next Steps
Inuyama Castle is a rare treasure with Japan’s oldest wooden keep , where history is experienced alongside the scenic Kiso River and castle town. The cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage leave lasting impressions on all who visit.
Conveniently accessible from Nagoya in about 30 minutes, it offers a fulfilling experience even on a short trip. With the addition of castle town strolls and street food, it is welcoming for solo travelers and first-time visitors to Japan.
Next, why not extend your journey to Urakuen Garden or Meiji Mura Museum for more Japanese cultural discoveries?
