Inuyama Castle & Festival Heritage | A National Treasure & Living Traditions
Tour Duration
Tour Duration
6
Hours
Starting From
Starting From
16,000
JPY/person
Size
Size
1-8
Person
Highlights
  • Visit Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s only five National Treasure castles, and explore its historic wooden keep
  • Walk through the atmospheric castle town, lined with traditional wooden buildings and charming local shops
  • Discover the artistry of Inuyama’s famous festival floats and mechanical karakuri puppets at the Donden-Kan and Karakuri Exhibition Room
  • Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship that laid the foundation for Central Japan’s modern manufacturing industry
  • Experience local life firsthand by traveling via public transportation with an expert English-speaking guide

Step into centuries of history and craftsmanship on this tour to Inuyama, home to one of Japan’s last remaining original castles and a town rich in festival traditions and artisan heritage.

Start your journey with a visit to Inuyama Castle, a designated National Treasure and one of Japan’s 12 original wooden castles still standing since the feudal era. Perched atop a hill, the castle’s breathtaking panoramic views overlook the Kiso River, a vital historical trade route. Learn about the castle’s role in samurai warfare and local governance, and admire its well-preserved Edo-period architecture.

After exploring the castle, stroll through Inuyama’s charming castle town, where traditional machiya-style buildings house local shops, teahouses, and historic landmarks. Visit the Karakuri Exhibition Room and Donden-Kan, where you’ll see firsthand the intricate craftsmanship of festival floats and mechanical karakuri puppets used in the annual Inuyama Festival—one of Japan’s most spectacular float processions.

With a licensed English-speaking guide, experience the deep-rooted traditions that have influenced the craftsmanship of Central Japan, a region now famous for Toyota and world-class manufacturing.

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone looking to experience Japan’s National Treasure heritage in a compact yet immersive journey.

Itinerary

8:45 AM – Meet at Nagoya Station & Travel to Inuyama

Meet your guide at the Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center, then take the train to Inuyama Yuen Station.

10:10 AM – Explore Inuyama Castle & Sanko Inari Shrine

  • Visit Inuyama Castle, one of only five National Treasure castles in Japan
  • Climb to the wooden keep’s top floor for panoramic views of the Kiso River and surrounding landscapes
  • Stop by Sanko Inari Shrine, known for its picturesque red torii gates

11:35 AM – Walk Through Inuyama Castle Town

  • Visit the Karakuri Exhibition Room, where you’ll see traditional mechanical puppets used in the Inuyama Festival
  • Explore the Donden-Kan Museum, featuring elaborately decorated festival floats that showcase historical craftsmanship and engineering
  • Enjoy free time to explore the town, shop for local goods, and have lunch at your preferred spot (lunch not included)

1:45 PM – Travel Back to Nagoya Station

Take the train back to Nagoya.

2:30 PM – Tour Ends at Nagoya Station

Meeting Point

Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center

What's Included

What’s Included

  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Public transportation fares between attractions
  • Admission fees
  • Travel Insurance

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Food and drinks
  • Guide gratuities (optional)
Additional Info

Accessibility & Activity Level

  • This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended
  • Not wheelchair accessible due to steep castle stairs and historical town layout

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. If no dietary information is provided, we will assume you have no restrictions. Advance notice is required so we can arrange a suitable restaurant for lunch.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Booking Deadline

  • Advance booking is required
  • Cut-off time: 9 days 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
Reviews
The locations
to visit in this tour

Starting From
16,000 JPY/person