Venture just a short distance from Nagoya, city of the shogun, to Inuyama: a serene castle town embraced by abundant nature and profound history. A beautiful, time-honored townscape, steeped in a history that stretches back through the ages, awaits your arrival in quiet dignity. Despite its astonishing proximity—merely a 30-minute express train ride or a 45-minute drive from Nagoya—Inuyama offers a masterful blend of history, culture, and nature that completely eclipses the clamor of the urban center.
Witness the enduring spirit of the people dedicated to preserving their cherished traditions and paying homage to history. In the evening, retreat to a sanctuary of exceptional hospitality where you can savor the ultimate castle view. This journey promises to bestow upon your soul a profound sense of tranquility and an invigorating, fresh perspective.
Superb Access to Major Hubs Including Nagoya and Takayama
We ensure that your invaluable travel time is never wasted. Inuyama is ideally situated to offer both exceptional travel convenience and an exclusive experience, benefiting from exceptional access from Japan's major metropolitan areas. From Nagoya (itself located just 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, or 40 minutes from Kyoto), Inuyama is an effortless journey: a 30-minute ride on the "μ-SKY" limited express train or a 45-minute private drive. With transportation stress kept to an absolute minimum, you can transition seamlessly and swiftly from the bustle of the large city to the serenity of our history-steeped castle town. Furthermore, the route to Takayama (Gifu Prefecture), a destination beloved by many sophisticated travelers, is readily and smoothly accessible.
Inuyama Castle: A National Treasure
Inuyama Castle stands as a singularly profound location, affording a palpable sense of the depth of Japan’s history and architectural legacy. It is historically recognized as having been constructed around 1537 by one of Japan’s most eminent feudal lords.
The keep (tenshu) itself holds the distinction of being the oldest extant castle tower in Japan, an honor affirmed by its National Treasure designation. From the uppermost level of the keep, the panoramic vista offers a unique perspective over the gracefully meandering Kiso River and the seasonal tapestry of the castle town below, assuring an utterly unforgettable moment in time.
Jo-an: A National Treasure Teahouse, and Japanese Garden Urakuen: A Zen Tea Ceremony Immersion
Jo-an is one of the few extant teahouses in Japan designated as a National Treasure, having been constructed in the early 17th century by Oda Urakusai, a revered tea master and the younger brother of renowned warlord Oda Nobunaga.
The surrounding Urakuen Garden is composed of a meticulously maintained Japanese garden that harmoniously complements the teahouse, offering guests an unparalleled space for tranquility and reflection. Within Urakuen, you are not only afforded the opportunity to absorb the profound historical context but also to participate in an authentic Tea Ceremony in a quiet, dedicated space.
In this sanctuary, sequestered from the clamor of the everyday, the act of mindfully facing a single bowl of tea offers the ultimate form of mindfulness for the modern traveler, promising deep inner peace.
Meiji-mura Museum: A Private Tour Accompanied by a Licensed Architect
The Meiji-mura Museum is a unique open-air museum dedicated to the relocation and preservation of precious architectural marvels from the Meiji Era (c. 1868–1912), a period symbolic of Japan's rapid modernization. Its most celebrated exhibit is the central entrance section of the former Imperial Hotel, designed by the master of modern architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright. Its truly original design and imposing scale speak volumes about the fusion of Western culture and Japanese technical prowess of the time.
To elevate this experience, we offer the "Private Tour Accompanied by a Licensed professional Architect." This exclusive journey provides insights unobtainable through standard guided tours, as you traverse the village alongside an expert intimately familiar with Meiji-mura's structures. The architect will detail the hidden narratives within the buildings' structures and subtle details, explaining precisely how the Japanese people of that era embraced and adapted Western technology.
Karakuri Dolls and the Ninth-Generation Master Tamaya Shobei
Inuyama is also a privileged destination for encountering some of Japan's most exquisite and esteemed traditional craftsmanship. The quintessential example of this is the karakuri doll, a refined mechanical art passed down through generations in this region. Karakuri dolls are the pinnacle of Japanese mechanical engineering dating back to the Edo period. In Inuyama, they are particularly renowned for the elaborate, large-scale versions mounted atop festival floats (dashi). The lineage currently championing this tradition is the Tamaya Shobei family, which has spanned nine generations over approximately 400 years.
These dolls, which execute complex and remarkably lifelike movements, have garnered international acclaim, with works donated to prestigious institutions such as the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and the British Museum. This ingenious technology, which replicates human expressions and actions using only strings and springs—without any electrical power—is considered the foundational cornerstone of the celebrated automotive and manufacturing industries in the Nagoya region, epitomized by companies such as Toyota.
Witness this apex of Japanese artistry, a masterful craftsmanship passed down through the ages, in an intimate, close-up viewing.
Inuyama-yaki (Inuyama Pottery) Experience
Inuyama-yaki is a traditional form of pottery dating back to the Edo period, nurtured by the culture of the castle town. Its style—which marries vivid brilliance with rustic warmth—is said to reflect the unique aesthetic of the town, where samurai and merchant cultures seamlessly intertwined.
Exploring the castle town in search of a piece of Inuyama-yaki pottery, all while feeling the weight of its history, provides an enriching way to spend your time. At "Gotou Touitsu Touen,” a kiln upholding and carrying this tradition into the modern era, you can partake in a ceramic artistry experience taught directly by the masters.
Regardless of prior experience, under the guidance of our engaging and skilled artisans, you can create a truly unique piece using either the potter's wheel or by hand. This is an opportunity to craft your own personal legacy.
Witnessing the Traditional Cormorant Fishing (Ukai)
Ukai, or cormorant fishing, is a time-honored tradition extending back over a millennium, utilizing trained cormorant birds to catch fish such as ayu (sweetfish). Torches are lit from boats steered by the boatmen, and the light from these fires guides the cormorants as they pursue their prey. The sight of the orange flames flickering upon the nighttime river surface, coupled with the skillful choreography between the birds and the fishermen (usho), is intensely evocative and deeply imbued with Japanese history and tradition.
The Kiso River Ukai offers a unique allure: the opportunity to witness this spectacle against the magnificent backdrop of the National Treasure Inuyama Castle. For an elevated experience, we have arranged an exclusive private cruise available from Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen. This allows you to observe the cormorant fishing in a tranquil, personal setting.
During the cruise, a dedicated bartender will be at your service, offering specialty beverages crafted with local ingredients, including original cocktails infused with Inuyama tea leaves. This unforgettable evening promises to substantially enhance your stay in Inuyama.
Please note: Availability is subject to seasonal operation
Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen (An IHG Hotel)
Essential to crafting the most exquisite memory of your time in Inuyama is a stay at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen, managed by global hospitality leader, IHG. The property is ideally positioned, adjacent to both the National Treasure Inuyama Castle and the Urakuen Garden.
Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen is defined by its sophisticated design, which is both modern and distinctly local, drawing profound inspiration from the Kiso River and the rich history of the castle town. One of its greatest defining features is the "Castle View." As night falls, the beautifully illuminated Inuyama Castle becomes a private, ethereal spectacle framed within your window.
This experience—gazing upon a historic, majestic castle from the undisturbed luxury of your private space—is intensely romantic and will assuredly serve as the highlight of your entire Inuyama sojourn. Furthermore, the hotel is perfectly appointed to restore your well-being, featuring clean and comfortable onsen (hot springs) and a sauna, ideal for warming and refreshing your body after a day of historical exploration.
Inuyama Daruma: An Authentic Izakaya Experience
The traditional Japanese izakaya offers a vibrant cultural glimpse into the daily life and energetic pulse of the local community. Inuyama Daruma, as its name suggests, is adorned with auspicious Daruma motifs, providing a bright and lively atmosphere for your dining pleasure.
The establishment prides itself on serving rooted regional cuisine, utilizing the freshest ingredients sourced locally. Furthermore, your meal will be presented on Inuyama-yaki pottery, allowing you to experience the local craft even as you dine. The primary charm of this venue is undoubtedly the proprietor's deep and genuine passion for Inuyama.
The owner harbors a sincere affection for the town and its enduring culture, a sentiment that shines through in the impeccable service and hospitality extended to every guest. Sharing your travel anecdotes while engaging with the warmth and vitality of the local residents guarantees a truly distinctive and memorable evening.
Inuyama offers a refined concentration of both "Serenity" and "Authentic Experience."
The National Treasure castle and gardens that stand across centuries, the delicate craftsmanship evident in the karakuri dolls and pottery, and the genuine, warm hospitality of the local inhabitants will profoundly enrich your journey. Step away from the clamor and embark on a voyage that fulfills both the intellect and the soul.
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