Located in Inuyama City, it is one of the National Treasures of Japan, as it has stood the test of time. Sitting on top of a hill and facing the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle stands at the border of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. It’s elevation makes it a vantage point to everywhere around it.
Inuyama Castle is one of only 12 Japanese castles to remain unreconstructed from the end of the Edo period. The site has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 2018
Getting there is convenient by car and train, and is surrounded by shops and parking lots leading to the entrance at the base of the hill. Entrance to the castle costs 550 Yen and for an additional 50 yen, you can buy combination ticket that gives access to Inuyama Artifacts Museum, the Karakuri tenjikan (からくり展示館) or Puppet museum, and also the Dondenkan or Flute museum.
You can also come across a temple as you go up the hill which you can do a cleaning ritual with water.Hiking up the hill feels soothing with the trees and soft breeze especially during winter.
Once you get inside the castle complex, it feels like being transported into old Japan with the castle standing out with its stone fortification and wooden walls and floors. Entering the castle is part of the experience but shoes are not allowed and you will be given foot covers upon entry.
As the first Japanese castle I entered, well I only saw Nagoya castle from afar, it was amazing to climb up an actual castle. The flight to the second floor was steep yet the succeeding floors got more easier.
Inside, there are some exhibits of armor, art, and even a wooden scale model of the castle. It also features the Castle rulers from the Oda and Naruse clans which dates back to the 16th century.
The best part of the castle is the top floor which gives a 360 degree view around the hill, and the best side is the one facing the Kiso river where you can also see the mountain range of Gifu. The Aichi side gives a wide view of the plain lands leading to the sea. We were lucky to explore this on sunset where a golden hue fills up the sky and its reflections.
As we left the castle we also got to see the cherry blossom trees which are still dormant in winter but still beautiful to see and appreciate. We left the complex just before closing time and darkness slowly creeps and hides the castle and the hill.
It was indeed worth the drive and the entrance to experience the history of Japan, architecture, and culture that is preserved with the enduring structure of Inuyama castle.
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