Inuyama Castle - Aichi, Japan
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, originally constructed in 1537. It is one of only twelve original castles still standing today, and visiting it felt noticeably different from many of the reconstructed castles I’ve seen across Japan. The keep sits atop a small hill beside the Kiso River, built entirely from wood and stone, giving it a distinctly raw and historic presence.
I arrived at Inuyamayuen Station, where there’s the option to take a community bus directly to the foothill of the castle. I decided to walk instead, as the 1.2-kilometre route seemed manageable and scenic. As I made my way toward the river, the castle gradually came into view, perched above the surrounding town, becoming more striking the closer I got.
Before heading up the hill, I spent some time wandering along the shopping street near the base of the castle. It was quiet and relaxed, with a mix of older-style buildings alongside more modern shops. The street is home to a handful of small museums, cafés, and restaurants. From here, you can also see the torii gate marking the entrance to the shrine at the bottom of the hill. I picked up a small beef skewer to snack on before continuing toward the castle.
The walk up to the castle was a gradual incline and not difficult at all. I purchased my ticket at the booth just before the main gate, and there were only a handful of other visitors around. It was refreshing to explore the grounds without heavy crowds. Inside, much of the castle has been preserved in its original form, which made it easy to imagine what it must have been like centuries ago. Narrow staircases and wooden interiors added to that sense of stepping back in time.
At the top floor of the keep, I was rewarded with panoramic views over the castle grounds and the Kiso River below. There are also several defensive features built into the structure, including small, concealed openings where stones could be dropped to deter attackers attempting to climb the walls. These details aren’t visible from the outside, making them surprisingly subtle and effective.
I had heard that in spring and summer this area becomes popular for cherry blossom viewing, sightseeing boat rides along the river, and kimono experiences. Even outside of those seasons, it was easy to imagine how beautiful the castle would look framed by cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. After exploring the grounds, I followed the walkway along the Kiso River back toward the train station. Lined with trees and away from traffic, the path was calm and serene, a peaceful way to end the visit.
History & Background
Inuyama Castle (犬山城) was completed in 1537 during the Sengoku period, a time marked by political instability and frequent conflict in Japan. Strategically positioned overlooking the Kiso River, the castle served as an important defensive stronghold and observation point. The river itself functioned as both a natural barrier and a transportation route.
Unlike many castles that were destroyed or rebuilt in concrete during the 20th century, Inuyama Castle retains its original wooden keep. It is designated as a National Treasure of Japan, a distinction that reflects both its historical importance and architectural integrity. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times before eventually becoming privately owned, making it one of the few Japanese castles not managed directly by the government.
Getting There
Inuyama Castle is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyamayuen Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From Inuyamayuen Station, the castle is about a 15–20 minute walk. A local community bus is also available from the station to the castle’s foothill for those who prefer not to walk.
Route Overview
Distance: 7.04 km out & back (Inuyama Station)
Total elevation gain: 87 m
Duration: 1 hr 40 min (with breaks 2 hr 08 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Meitetsu Nagoya Station → Inuyamayuen Station — ¥690
Entrance Fee: Inuyama Castle — ¥550
Food: ¥350
