Inuyama is a popular tourist destination that can be easily visited as a day trip from Nagoya. By using Meitetsu, you can arrive in about 30 minutes, with many attractions such as the national treasure Inuyama Castle, the charming castle town, and the heart-shaped ema at Sanko Inari Shrine.
The only option for access from Nagoya to Inuyama is Meitetsu (Nagoya Railroad) . The JR line does not pass through Inuyama, so the JR Pass cannot be used.
To summarize the access points:
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Travel Time | About 25-32 minutes (Limited Express/Express) |
Fare | 630 yen |
Suica / PASMO | Available (can pass through the ticket gate directly) |
Japan Rail Pass | Not usable (Meitetsu is not JR) |
Discount Ticket | Inuyama Castle Town Ticket 1,630 yen (round trip + admission ticket + coupon) |
If you have a transportation IC card like Suica or PASMO, you can pass through the ticket gate without buying a ticket. If you do not have a transportation IC card, you can purchase a ticket at the automatic ticket vending machine (English available).
For essential information about transportation IC cards (Suica) when traveling in Japan, please see the article below.
If you are traveling from Tokyo to Inuyama, first take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then transfer to Meitetsu. For detailed access methods between Tokyo and Nagoya, please see this article:
Location and Platforms of Meitetsu Nagoya Station
To reach Meitetsu Nagoya Station, you need to exit JR Nagoya Station. First-time visitors may be confused by the complexity of the station, but following the signs will lead you there without any issues. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the JR Central Ticket Gate to the Meitetsu Ticket Gate.
Look for the "Meitetsu" Signage
After getting off at JR Nagoya Station, look for the "Meitetsu" signage.
Once You Exit JR Nagoya Station, You Will See the Station Building Right in Front of You
Following the Meitetsu signage, once you exit, you will see the Meitetsu building right in front of you. Once you see this building, you just need to go down the entrance stairs.
【Note】Meitetsu Nagoya Station is one of the most complex stations in Japan. Various trains to different destinations arrive at the four platforms, so please check the destination signs carefully. Trains to Inuyama depart from platform 1.
How to Buy Tickets (If You Don't Have an IC Card)
If you do not have an IC card like Suica, you can purchase a ticket at the automatic ticket vending machine near the ticket gate. The vending machine can be switched to English display. Note that credit cards cannot be used.
If you have a transportation IC card like Suica, there is no need to purchase a ticket in advance. You can simply touch the IC card to the ticket gate to board the train.
Steps to Purchase at the Vending Machine:
Touch the "English" button at the top right of the screen
Select "Ticket"
Find and touch "Inuyama (犬山)" on the route map (630 yen)
Pay with cash or IC card
Receive your ticket
Discount "Inuyama Castle Town Ticket"
If you plan to visit Inuyama Castle, the "Inuyama Castle Town Ticket" is very economical. This set ticket includes a round-trip ticket for Meitetsu trains, an admission ticket for Inuyama Castle (normally 550 yen), and a coupon usable in the castle town.
【Note】The admission fee for Inuyama Castle is scheduled to increase from March 1, 2026. The adult fee will change from 550 yen to 1,000 yen, and the fee for elementary and junior high school students will change from 110 yen to 200 yen. The price of the Inuyama Castle Town Ticket may also change, so please check the latest information on the official Meitetsu website.
Meitetsu Special Ticket(Japanese)
Price Comparison (from Nagoya Station):
Item | Regular Price | Using Ticket |
|---|---|---|
Meitetsu Round Trip | 1,260 yen | 1,630 yen |
Inuyama Castle Admission | 550 yen | |
Total | 1,810 yen |
By using this ticket, you save 180 yen, and you also receive a coupon! The Inuyama Castle Town Ticket can be purchased at the Service Center or the automatic ticket vending machine at Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Please select from the "Discount Ticket" menu at the vending machine.
Trains from Nagoya Station to Inuyama Station
Trains from Nagoya to Inuyama run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes during the day. You can board a train as soon as you arrive at the station without needing to check the timetable in detail. The recommended options are the "Limited Express" or "Express," which can be boarded without additional fees.
The "Mu Sky" is the fastest, but it requires an additional fee of 360 yen (Mu Ticket) because it is a special vehicle. The time difference is small, so the regular express or limited express is sufficient.
Type | Travel Time | Frequency | Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Mu Sky (Limited Express) | About 25 minutes | Few | 360 yen |
Limited Express / Rapid Limited Express | About 28 minutes | Many | None |
Express | About 32 minutes | Many | None |
Semi-Express / Local | About 45-50 minutes | Many | None |
From Chubu Centrair International Airport to Inuyama
It is also possible to go directly from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Inuyama without passing through Nagoya Station by taking the "Mu Sky" or Limited Express, and transferring at Jingu-mae Station or Kanayama Station for trains heading to Inuyama. The travel time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a fare of 1,230 yen (an additional 360 yen when using Mu Sky).
However, since the transfer can be complicated, it is recommended for first-timers to go via Nagoya Station. At Nagoya Station, there are many signs, making it less likely to get lost. For access methods from Centrair to Nagoya Station, see here:
Walking from Inuyama Station to Inuyama Castle
Once you arrive at Inuyama Station, please exit from the West Exit. It is a 15-minute walk to Inuyama Castle. The recommended route is through Honmachi Street (the main street of the castle town), where you can enjoy the charming castle town as you walk.
Route via Honmachi Street:
Exit Inuyama Station West Exit and go straight
Cross the main road and enter "Honmachi Street"
Enjoy the charming castle town as you proceed
Continue along the path to arrive at the entrance of Inuyama Castle
Honmachi Street is lined with street food and souvenir shops. Before heading to Inuyama Castle, it is also recommended to take a leisurely stroll.
If you use a taxi, it costs about 700-900 yen from Inuyama Station to Inuyama Castle. Taxis are convenient if you have a lot of luggage or if you have mobility issues. There is a taxi stand in front of the station.
