【Inuyama Castle】Japan’s Oldest Surviving Castle Tower

Enjoy the stunning views from the castle tower throughout the year!

As you delve deeper into its history, you can’t help but be moved by the fact that this magnificent structure has survived through such turbulent times. The fact that everyone wanted to possess it speaks to the incredible architectural beauty of the castle. Built on a small hill next to Kiso River, the view from the top floor of the castle tower is truly breathtaking.

In addition, there are many tourist facilities nearby, such as Castle and Town Museum, which collects information about the castle and town, and the old town of Inuyama Castle Town, a popular spot for strolling and eating. Starting with Inuyama Castle, explore these historical sites, and immerse yourself in their rich atmosphere.

The history and structure of Inuyama Castle, which has overcome turbulent times

It is said that Inuyama Castle was built by Oda Nobunaga’s uncle, Oda Nobuyasu, who relocated the castle from Kinoshita Castle. By 1617, the current castle tower was completed. Throughout the Warring States period, it was an important stronghold for trade, politics, and the economy thanks to Kiso River.

The first and second basement floors are used as storehouses, with entrances to the castle tower, stone walls that support the tower, and thick beams visible. As you climb to the first floor, you’ll find it is divided into four rooms, with a passage called Musha-bashiri surrounding the rooms, which was used for soldiers to move around the castle while observing the movements of their enemies.

The second floor also has similar passages, with the central part equipped with weapon racks as an armory.

The third and fourth floors are believed to have been expanded by the Naruse family and feature observation platforms for surveying distant areas. 

As you can see, detecting enemies was crucial in battles, and the structure of the castle reflects this priority. The simple yet thoughtfully designed architecture becomes even more interesting when you imagine the offensive and defensive strategies involved.

If you want to learn more, visit Inuyama Cultural Assets Museum! It houses Shiro-to Machi Museum and Karakuri Exhibition Museum, where you can learn about the castle and the town in a fun and interactive way. With a large diorama of the castle town and cultural properties, such as armor and crafts on display, you’ll be fully satisfied with your visit.

Delicious gourmet tour around Inuyama Castle Town will make you want to linger

To enjoy Inuyama even more, visit the eating areas around Honmachi Street leading to Inuyama Castle, Showa Yokocho, and Mori no Marche. Many shops line the traditional streets, so let’s introduce a few.

Yamada Goheimochi Store is a popular shop where you can enjoy freshly grilled gohei mochi. You can watch the mochi being grilled and savor the delicious aroma that fills the air. The sweet and savory flavor that is unique to Aichi is slightly strong and will leave you craving more.

At Inuyama Gyutaro, which specializes in Hida beef from neighboring Gifu Prefecture, be sure to try their sushi. It’s a bit pricey, but definitely worth a try! You can also choose from wasabi, ginger, or garlic flavors, which adds to the appeal.

Hyokalo Jin is perfect for ice cream in the summer, but they also offer an exquisite gourmet treat in winter. It’s called Fried Yomogi, a type of mochi heated on a traditional hearth. The outside is crispy, while the inside is chewy, and the gentle flavor and texture of the red bean paste are irresistible.

In addition, at Bacchus, you can enjoy the award-winning Frankfurter and local beer from Inuyama’s skewer gourmet contest. At Juhyoya Inuyamaan, there is a surprising soft-serve ice cream made with Moriguchi pickles. There are also temporary food stalls, so feel free to try out whatever catches your eye.

Rows of torii gates and heart-shaped ema: a must-visit spot for making wishes

At the foot of the castle mountain is the Sanko Inari Shrine. It has been called Sanko-dera-san since ancient times and has been revered not only by locals but also by people from far away. Every year on July 22, there is a custom of attaching lanterns to the tips of bamboo branches, lighting them after dark, and visiting the shrine with family. Many straw boats, with lanterns lit on them, float down Kiso River. The lanterns’ lights flickering on the river surface are said to be a fantastical sight, loved as a symbol of summer.

Within the shrine grounds there is also Himeki Shrine, believed to bring blessings for a good marriage, marital harmony, and couples’ unity. The row of torii gates is worth seeing, and walking through them will make you feel purified.

The heart-shaped ema plaques are another charming point. The cute pink hearts bear the character for “connection,” making them perfect for couples or those married to come and visit. Many people also come to pray for prosperous business since it is an Inari shrine. It is said that if you wash your money in the shrine’s sacred water using a sieve, the money will multiply and return to you. Some even dare to wash 10,000 yen bills!

Additionally, there is a stone called Omo Karu Ishi beside the main hall. Close your eyes, stand in front of the stone, and lift it while visualizing your wish. If it feels light, your wish will come true. It feels like a bonus to make all kinds of wishes at one shrine. Why not visit with a bunch of wishes in mind? (But don’t be too greedy!)