Inuyama Castle, completed in 1537 on a bluff above the broad Kiso River, holds what is generally considered Japan’s oldest surviving original castle keep, one of only a dozen that escaped demolition, fire and war — and one of just five designated National Treasures. Climbing its steep, creaking wooden stairs is a walk through unrestored history that ends on a top-floor balcony with sweeping views over the river to the mountains of Gifu, and each spring several hundred cherry trees ring the castle hill and the old town below, making the season’s festival the prettiest time to visit.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Inuyama, Aichi |
| Hours | 9:00–17:00 (entry to 16:30) |
| Admission | ¥550 |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours (2–3 with the old town) |
| Best time | Late March–early April for cherry blossoms |
What to See
- Japan’s oldest original keep, a National Treasure from 1537.
- Steep, creaking wooden stairs unchanged for centuries.
- The top-floor balcony panorama over the Kiso River.
- The castle-town streets below, and spring cherry blossoms.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Meiji Mura , a short bus ride away.
- Pair with Inuyama cormorant fishing on summer evenings.
- Read our Aichi overview .
Getting There
- By train: Meitetsu from Nagoya to Inuyama or Inuyama-Yuen Station, ~30 minutes, then a 15–20 minute walk.
- By car: parking near the castle entrance and old town.
Tips
The keep’s stairs are genuinely steep — closer to ladders in places — so wear sensible shoes and expect to remove them at the entrance (bags are provided). The top-floor balcony has low railings and real exposure, which is part of its thrill, and the preserved castle-town street below is lined with snack stands and craft shops that turn the visit into a pleasant half day.
