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Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle 〜 Fusion of History and Beauty 〜

Inuyama Castle, located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s national treasures. Known for its historical value and beauty, it features the oldest existing castle keep in Japan and is also referred to as the “White Emperor Castle.” In this article, we will introduce the access methods from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airports, highlight nearby tourist attractions, and recommend local food and restaurants.

Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airports

Access from Narita Airport

From Narita Airport, the most convenient route to Inuyama Castle is by flying to Chubu Centrair International Airport (Centrair). From Centrair, take the Meitetsu train to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the Meitetsu Inuyama Line and get off at Inuyama Station. From there, you can either walk or take a bus to Inuyama Castle. The total journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Access from Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport also offers direct flights to Centrair, and the access route from there is the same as from Narita Airport. Alternatively, you can take the Nozomi Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station, which takes about 2.5 hours.

Access from Kansai International Airport

From Kansai International Airport, take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station. From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line and get off at Inuyama Station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

Highlights of Inuyama Castle

View from the Castle Keep

Inuyama Castle’s keep is the oldest wooden castle keep in Japan and is designated as a national treasure. The view from the observation deck offers a panoramic vista of the Kiso River, surrounding mountains, and the city of Inuyama. The area is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and when the autumn leaves change color.

Inuyama Castle Town

The area around Inuyama Castle, known as Inuyama Castle Town, retains the charm of an old town with traditional buildings and shops. Strolling through the town, visitors can enjoy the historical atmosphere and explore various souvenir shops. Wearing a kimono while walking around is a popular experience, providing a serene and cultural exploration.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Meiji Mura

Meiji Mura is an open-air museum and theme park that preserves and displays buildings from the Meiji era. Located about 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama Castle, it offers a unique opportunity to learn about Japan’s modernization and enjoy the architecture of the period. Visitors can also explore the interiors of the buildings, experiencing the lifestyle and culture of that time.

Little World

Little World is an open-air theme park where visitors can experience traditional buildings and cultures from around the world. Located about 30 minutes by car from Inuyama Castle, it is a popular destination for families. Visitors can enjoy international cuisines and try on traditional costumes from various countries.

Momotaro Shrine

Momotaro Shrine is a unique shrine dedicated to the famous Japanese folk tale hero, Momotaro. The shrine grounds feature statues of Momotaro and his companions, the dog, monkey, and pheasant, creating a fun and whimsical atmosphere. It’s a particularly popular spot for children.

Recommended Foods

Unagi (Eel)

Inuyama is known for its eel dishes, particularly the fluffy and savory grilled eel. Many local restaurants offer various eel dishes, including unadon (eel over rice) and hitsumabushi (chopped eel on rice).

Goheimochi

Goheimochi is a traditional sweet rice cake from Inuyama, coated with a miso and sesame sauce. It is skewered and grilled, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick snack while exploring.

Popular Restaurants and Shops

Unafuji

“Unafuji” is a well-known local restaurant specializing in eel dishes. Their grilled eel and hitsumabushi are especially popular, often attracting long lines of eager customers.

 

When visiting Inuyama Castle, be sure to explore these attractions and enjoy the local cuisine, fully experiencing the charm of Inuyama. This place, with its blend of historical significance and natural beauty, promises unforgettable memories for all visitors.