Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle was built by Oda Nobunaga's uncle, Oda Nobukatsu, and is one of the 12 remaining castles with a five-tiered keep, as well as one of the five national treasures. Inuyama Castle, which was an important military, economic, and transportation hub that controlled the Kiso River, is also known as the "White Emperor Castle" after a poem by Li Bai. Additionally, Inuyama Castle is the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan. From Inuyama Castle, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kiso River, and the castle itself is a beautiful sight when viewed from the opposite bank, making it a perfect spot for photography!

Inside the Inuyama City Cultural History Museum, there are two museums where you can learn about the history of Inuyama Castle. The Castle and Town Museum mainly introduces the history and culture of Inuyama during the Edo period! You can learn by experiencing it firsthand through dioramas that reproduce the Inuyama Castle town, exhibitions that change depending on the period, and workshops! At the IMASEN Inuyama Karakuri Museum, there are exhibits of materials related to karakuri dolls used in the Inuyama Festival, as well as demonstrations of how to operate the karakuri dolls. It's a recommended spot where you can experience the festival atmosphere even if you visit outside of the festival season.

At the tourist information center in front of Inuyama Castle, you can purchase a Goshuin stamp for 300 yen. The paper used is Mino washi, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it features the large characters "National Treasure Inuyama Castle." In addition, the background depicts the crests of the Oda, Toyotomi, Tokugawa, and Naruse families, who are associated with Inuyama Castle, making it very beautiful! Inuyama Castle also sells its own original Goshuincho (stamp book), so it's recommended to purchase it together as a souvenir of your visit.

Inuyama Castle is the top cherry blossom spot in Inuyama, where you can see about 30 cherry blossom trees and approximately 400 cherry blossom trees blooming along the Kiso River. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom from early March to late April every year. From inside Inuyama Castle, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms. In addition, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the cherry blossoms all day long! There are also events held during the cherry blossom viewing season, so be sure to check them out!

Mikomi Inari Shrine is a historic shrine located at the foot of Castle Mountain. The cute pink heart-shaped ema (votive tablets) inside the shrine are a popular photo spot, especially among young women! In addition, there are many lucky spots, such as the pond on the shrine grounds known as the "double return money washing pond," where washing your money will supposedly make it multiply, and the "lightweight stone" next to the main hall, which is said to make your wish come true if you lift it and it feels light.

In the town of Inuyama Castle, there is a recommended tourist spot full of charm and nostalgia, with preserved streets from the Edo period. The retro streets are cute and there are plenty of photogenic gourmet foods and cafes. New shops are opening one after another, so you can always discover something new no matter how many times you visit! It's perfect for a girls' trip where you can rent yukata or kimono and take photos with friends, or for a romantic date with your partner.