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Discover Nagoya Tours

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Heritage Unfolded | Inuyama Castle and the Sacred Goma Fire Ritual Experience
Tour Duration
Tour Duration
6
Hours
Starting From
Starting From
20,000
JPY/person
Size
Size
1-10
Person
  • Buddhist Temple
  • Castle
  • Cultural Experience
  • Goma Fire Ritua
  • Historical Town
  • History
  • IMASEN Inuyama Karakuri Exhibition Museum
  • Inuyama
  • Inuyama Castle
  • Inuyama Naritasan
  • Museum
  • One day tour
  • Private Vehicle
  • Public Transportation
  • Samurai
  • Traditional Craft
Highlights
  • Explore Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s original surviving wooden castles
  • Stroll through a nostalgic castle town filled with shops, snacks, and local culture
  • Visit the Karakuri Exhibition Museum to see traditional mechanical puppets and festival floats
  • Experience a traditional goma fire ritual to purify and set intentions
  • Reflect with tea and sweets in a tranquil temple atmosphere

Step into Japan’s rich heritage with a journey through Inuyama, a town where centuries-old traditions are still alive. Begin your experience at Inuyama Castle, one of only twelve original castles that have survived since Japan’s feudal era, and one of just five recognized as National Treasures. As you ascend its wooden stairways and take in the panoramic views from the top, you’ll gain insight into the craftsmanship and history that have withstood the test of time.

Wander the lively streets of the castle town, where retro buildings, specialty shops, and street food stalls offer a taste of regional culture. Here, you’ll also enjoy a lunch of local dishes in a charming atmosphere.
Your journey continues at Inuyama Naritasan Temple, a sacred site known for its dramatic goma fire ritual. In this solemn ceremony, wooden prayer tablets bearing your wishes are set aflame, symbolically burning away worldly desires to purify the mind and body while inviting blessings. Conclude the experience with a moment of peace—sipping Japanese tea and savoring seasonal sweets in the serene temple setting.

This tour offers a unique combination of historical discovery, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection—all within a single day.

  • Itinerary
  • Meeting Point
  • What's Included
  • Additional Info
Itinerary

【Nagoya Departure】

9:00 AM – Meet Your Guide at Nagoya Station

Gather at the tourist information center inside Nagoya Station and travel together by Meitetsu train to Inuyama.

10:00 AM – Explore Inuyama Castle Town

Walk the retro-style streets of Inuyama, lined with local shops, traditional foods, and cultural curiosities.

11:00 AM – Guided Visit to Inuyama Castle, Lunch in the Castle Town

Tour one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles, designated a National Treasure. Climb its wooden steps and enjoy sweeping views of the Kiso River.

Enjoy lunch of regional specialties at a local eatery of your choice in the castle town
Transfer to Inuyama Naritasan Temple by taxi

1:00 PM – Goma Ritual at Inuyama Naritasan Temple

Participate in a solemn goma fire ceremony, where your wish-written wooden tablet is burned to cleanse the spirit and invite good fortune. Receive a temple amulet as a keepsake.

Wind down with a quiet moment of reflection over matcha and Japanese confections.

2:00 PM – Return to Nagoya Station

Travel back to Inuyama Station by taxi and take train back to Nagoya

3:00 PM – Tour Ends at Nagoya Station

 

【Inuyama Departure】

10:30 AM – Meet Your Guide and visit Inuyama Castle

Begin your tour at the front torii gate of Haritsuna Shrine
Tour one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles, designated a National Treasure. Climb its wooden steps and enjoy sweeping views of the Kiso River.

11:30 AM – Stroll & Dine in Inuyama Castle Town

Explore local shops and enjoy lunch in a traditional atmosphere.
Transfer to Inuyama Naritasan by taxi

1:00 PM – Goma Fire Ritual at Inuyama Naritasan

Participate in a solemn goma fire ceremony, where your wish-written wooden tablet is burned to cleanse the spirit and invite good fortune. Receive a temple amulet as a keepsake.
Wind down with a quiet moment of reflection over matcha and Japanese confections.

2:00 PM – Taxi Transfer to Inuyama Station

2:30 PM – Tour Ends at Inuyama Station

Meeting Point

【Nagoya Departure】Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center

【Inuyama Departure】Front torii gate of Haritsuna Shrine

What's Included

What’s Included

  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Admission fees to Inuyama Castle
  • Admission fees to IMASEN Inuyama Karakuri Exhibition Museum
  • Goma fire ritual experience at Inuyama Naritasan
  • Protective charm and tea with Japanese sweets
  • Round-trip transportation (taxi/train) during the tour
  • Travel insurance

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Lunch and beverages during free time
  • Guide gratuities (optional)
Additional Info

Accessibility

Inuyama Castle has steep staircases—those with limited mobility may require assistance

Tour Operation & Language

This tour is conducted in English.
A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.

Dietary Requirements

Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

What to Bring

  • Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and sitting
  • Some cash for lunch and drinks (many smaller restaurants do not accept credit cards)

Booking Request

This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 5 days

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Booking Deadline

  • Advance booking is required
  • Cut-off time: 1 week before departure

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Fee
No-show or cancellation after tour departure 100% of the tour price
On the tour date 50% of the tour price
1 day prior to the tour date 40% of the tour price
2 to 7 days prior to the tour date 30% of the tour price
8 to 10 days prior to the tour date 20% of the tour price
11 or more days prior to the tour date Free
The locations
to visit in this tour

Inuyama City

Starting From
20,000 JPY/person
Check Availability
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Discover Nagoya Tours
Discover Nagoya Tours
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