Inuyama Castle is one of only five castles in Japan that has a "National Treasure" keep. It is a genuine wooden structure with many original materials from about 440 years ago, lacking modern amenities like elevators.
Climbing the steep wooden stairs on your own and enjoying the same view as the samurai of the Sengoku period offers a rare experience of a true Japanese castle. It takes about 30 minutes by train from Nagoya, followed by a 20-minute walk through the castle town to reach the keep situated on a small hill.
Why Inuyama Castle is Special
Inuyama Castle is designated as a "National Treasure" of Japan. National Treasures are buildings or artworks deemed "especially important and worthy of protection" by the Japanese government. While there are hundreds of castles in Japan, only five have their keeps recognized as National Treasures. Inuyama Castle is one of these precious five.
Authentic Wooden Architecture
Many Japanese castles were destroyed by wars or fires and later rebuilt with concrete. However, Inuyama Castle is different. Built with wood about 500 years ago, the original structure still stands today. Only 12 castles in Japan have their original keeps remaining.
Wood from 440 Years Ago Still in Use
In 2021, researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties found that the wood used in Inuyama Castle was cut down between 1585 and 1588. This means that the pillars and floors you touch have existed for about 440 years. Experiencing such an ancient wooden structure is a rare opportunity.
The Beautiful Nickname "Hakuteijō"
Inuyama Castle is also known as "Hakuteijō" (白帝城), named for its white appearance resembling a famous castle in China, standing on a riverside hill.
Highlights of the Keep
The keep of Inuyama Castle has four floors and stands about 24 meters tall. As you climb the stairs, the keep gradually appears larger, building excitement for your arrival at the castle.
Warning: Steep Stairs Inside the Keep!
The stairs inside the keep have a steep incline of about 60 degrees, almost like a ladder. During the Sengoku period, steep stairs were intentionally designed to prevent enemies from easily attacking the upper floors. Hold onto the handrails and climb carefully, step by step.
All stairs from the first floor to the top are steep. It's convenient to use a small backpack or shoulder bag so your hands are free while climbing. There is no elevator.
Main Enclosure and Autumn Foliage
The main enclosure at the foot of the keep is a relaxing spot to enjoy seasonal scenery. During our visit in autumn, the colorful leaves beautifully adorned the keep. The square features red benches where you can take a break while gazing up at the keep.
In spring, about 400 cherry trees bloom around the castle, while in autumn, the area is enveloped in colorful foliage. Enjoying the seasonal views while looking up at the keep is one of Inuyama Castle's charms.
Explore the Inside of the Keep
Upon entering the keep, you are greeted by the aged wooden floors and thick pillars. You can feel the warmth of the wood that has aged with history. Each step echoes with the creaking of the floor, giving you a sense of time travel back 440 years.
Inside the keep, there are displays of armor (worn by samurai). These are believed to be related to the Naruse family, who were the castle lords during the Edo period. As you gaze at the armor in glass cases, you can imagine the samurai who once defended this castle.
Stone Dropping Room
On the first floor of the keep, there is an interesting place called the "Stone Dropping Room" (石落しの間). A part of the floor can be opened to drop stones on enemy soldiers climbing the stone walls. The explanatory panel is written in both Japanese and English, making it easy for foreign visitors to understand.
Looking down from the stone dropping window, you can see the stone walls below. Imagining attacking enemies from this angle gives you a tangible sense of the castle's defensive features.
Step Out onto the Top Floor Balcony
The highlight of Inuyama Castle is the balcony (廻縁) on the top floor. You can walk around the outside and enjoy a 360-degree view. Only Inuyama Castle and Kochi Castle in Japan have such balconies, making it a very rare experience.
Breathtaking Views of the Kiso River
The view of the Kiso River from the keep's balcony is stunning. Below, the blue river stretches out, with the cityscape of Kakamigahara on the opposite bank and mountains in the distance. During our late afternoon visit, the sunset painted the river in golden hues, creating a picturesque beauty.
Looking to the opposite side, you can see the main enclosure, the castle town, and the Nōbi Plain. On clear days, you can see distant mountains, highlighting the strategic importance of why this castle was built here.
Visiting during sunset is also recommended. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the Kiso River glows golden, creating a magical landscape. The last admission is at 16:30, so if you want to see the sunset, it's best to arrive early in the afternoon.
Admission Fees and Hours
Here are the admission fees and hours for Inuyama Castle.
Admission Fees (As of 2026)
Adults: 550 yen
Elementary and Middle School Students: 110 yen
Preschool Children: Free
New fees starting March 2026: Adults will be 1,000 yen, and elementary and middle school students will be 200 yen. This increase is for disaster prevention renovations and cultural property protection.
Discount Information
Inuyama Castle Town Ticket: A combined ticket for Meitetsu train rides and admission is available at a discount. For more details, please see the article below.
Hours of Operation
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: December 29 - 31
During cherry blossom season and Golden Week, hours may be extended to 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
Credit cards are accepted at the ticket counter, so you can feel secure even without cash.
There are brochures available at the entrance of Inuyama Castle, provided in multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Korean.
Crowd Conditions and Tips
Inuyama Castle is a popular tourist spot and can get crowded at certain times. Here are some tips for a comfortable visit.
Busy Times
Weekends and Holidays
Cherry Blossom Season (Late March - Early April)
Autumn Foliage Season (November)
Golden Week and Silver Week
On busy days, you may have to wait 1-2 hours to enter the keep, and during holidays, it can exceed 3 hours.
Less Crowded Times
The best time is right after the 9 AM opening. After 10 AM, it starts to get crowded, with peak times from 12 PM to 3 PM. Weekdays tend to be smoother for visits.
You can check real-time wait times on the official Inuyama Castle website. There is no reservation system, so during busy times, you will need to wait at the keep entrance.
Estimated Time Required
Here is an estimate of the time needed to visit Inuyama Castle.
Inuyama Castle Only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Inuyama Castle + Castle Town: 2 to 3 hours
Inuyama Castle + Castle Town + Nearby Spots: Half a day to a full day
During busy times, plan for additional wait times. If you want to enjoy food walking in the castle town, allocate around 3-4 hours.
Access Information
Accessing Inuyama Castle by train is convenient. It takes about 25 minutes from Nagoya Station to Inuyama Station via the Meitetsu Inuyama Line (using the Limited Express or Myu Sky). From Inuyama Station, it's a 20-minute walk to the castle.
Recommended Route: Walking from Inuyama Station through Castle Town
The route from the west exit of Inuyama Station is about a 20-minute walk. After exiting the station, turn right at the Honmachi intersection and proceed straight along "Honmachi Street." Enjoy the charming streets of the castle town, reminiscent of the Edo period, while stopping by food stalls and cafes on your way to the castle.
The path is flat and easy to follow, so there's no worry of getting lost. Along the way, you'll see the red torii gate of Sanko Inari Shrine, which marks the entrance to Inuyama Castle.
Taxi
It takes about 5 minutes by taxi from the west exit of Inuyama Station. If you have a lot of luggage or have difficulty walking, using a taxi is convenient. Exploring the castle town along with the castle is also recommended.
Basic Information
Official Name: National Treasure Inuyama Castle
Address: 65-2 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture
Phone Number: 0568-61-1711
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: December 29 - 31
Admission Fee: 550 yen for adults (1,000 yen starting March 2026)
Official Website: Inuyama Castle
