Activities & Experiences
Carved by the currents of the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle and its surrounding town flourished. Esteemed even by feudal lords, this land cultivated unique traditions such as tea culture and ”Nindo-shu” liqueur, which have been deeply cherished to this day.
Indulge your senses in the rich cultural heritage of Inuyama Castle Town, where our exquisite accommodations offer an immersive experience into centuries of history.
Experience
Nearby Attractions
Inuyama boasts a wealth of cultural experiences and events within its castle town, including the Inuyama Festival and “Ukai” cormorant fishing, offering discerning travelers an authentic immersion into Japan's rich heritage.
With this exquisite accommodation as your base, we encourage you to explore the timeless allure of Inuyama.
Inuyama Castle Town
Inuyama Castle Town, a picturesque destination where history and nature intertwine, invites you to discover its well-preserved streets, with Inuyama Castle at its heart. Immerse yourself in the charm of local specialties, culinary traditions, and captivating seasonal landscapes, promising an enriching experience with every stroll.
Remarkably, the town's layout remains unchanged since the Edo period, showcasing a harmonious blend of historical architecture spanning from the Edo to the Showa eras.
Inuyama Castle: A National Treasure
It is said that Inuyama Castle was built around 1537 by Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga. The castle tower is the oldest existing in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure.
Perched at a strategic location on the fan-shaped Nobi Plain, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding nature and cityscape. It is particularly renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
Cormorant Fishing at Kiso River
“Ukai” cormorant fishing is a traditional Japanese method utilizing trained cormorant birds to catch fish, and has a long and storied history in Japan.
The Kiso River Cormorant Fishing tradition, believed to span approximately 1300 years, stands as a significant cultural event, deeply rooted in this region.Originally a vital means of livelihood for fishermen, it is now presented as a captivating spectacle for discerning visitors.
Inuyama-yaki Ceramics
Inuyama-yaki ceramics traces its origins back to the early Edo period, with the establishment of kilns in Imai, located in the eastern part of Inuyama City. Highly regarded for both its practicality as ceramic ware and its exquisite designs, Inuyama-yaki seamlessly integrates into contemporary interiors and dining settings. In the vicinity, you will find potteries offering hands-on crafting experiences and opportunities to acquire these refined pieces. We encourage you to visit and discover the artistry firsthand.
Inuyama Festival: An Exquisite Spectacle of Tradition
The Inuyama Festival, a time-honored celebration held annually in April, is particularly renowned for its magnificent procession of festival floats known as ”Yama” and intricate mechanical puppets known as “Karakuri-Ningyo”.
Thirteen resplendent three-tiered “Yama” floats, along with three accompanying “Neri-mono” parade objects, are drawn through the castle town, each “Yama” float adorned with its own captivating “Karakuri” puppet performance. The festival's highlight is the breathtaking “Donden,” a dynamic display where these approximately three-ton floats are skillfully pivoted in a dramatic maneuver.