Inuyama Castle (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Inuyama Castle?
What makes it 80% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share the climb and enjoy romantic river panoramas from the open balcony in a rare original castle; crowded, ladder-like stairs and scarce resting spots slightly limit comfort.
Positives:
- Scenic River Views: The 4th-floor corridor offers 360° views of the Kiso River—ideal for shared photos.
- Intimate Garden Paths: Urakuen Garden’s quiet corners let couples relax away from the crowds.
Challenges:
- Steep Stairs: Narrow wooden stairs inside the keep can be tiring and require steady footing.
- Limited Seating: There are few benches on the grounds; bring water and rest when needed.
What is Inuyama Castle?
- Oda Nobuyasu built this Sengoku-period hilltop fortress in 1537 on a strategic rise above the Kiso River in Aichi Prefecture
- This site ranks among Japan’s twelve surviving original wooden castle towers and holds National Treasure status
- Its keep rises in a multi-tiered design—three exterior floors, four interior levels and two underground stories—illustrating early Japanese castle engineering
What is so special about Inuyama Castle for couple trip?
- Climb Japan’s oldest original wooden keep for 360° river views
- Relax together in Urakuen Garden and historic Joan teahouse
- Share matcha tea and wagashi in a traditional setting
- Capture memories in kimono along Honmachi-dori
- Enjoy a romantic ukai boat cruise at sunset (seasonal)
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to climb the keep, stroll Urakuen Garden, and enjoy tea without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Inuyama Castle
Climb the Castle Keep:
Scale the original wooden stairs to reach the 4th-floor corridor.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; stairs are steep and narrow.
Stroll Urakuen Garden:
Walk through this national treasure garden at the castle base.
Tip: Visit the Joan teahouse for quiet matcha breaks.
Koan Teahouse Matcha:
Share green tea and wagashi in a historic teahouse.
Tip: Buy garden+tea combo ticket to save ¥100 per adult.
Kimono Photo Walk:
Rent matching kimonos and pose along Honmachi-dori.
Tip: Book rentals in advance to secure your sizes.
Sunset Ukai Boat Cruise:
Float the Kiso River at dusk to watch traditional cormorant fishing.
Tip: Reserve tours early from June to mid-October.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Inuyama Castle
- Early Arrival: Arrive at opening (9:00 AM) to avoid lines and have photo spots to yourselves.
- Buy Combo Tickets: Use the Urakuen Garden and tea combo ticket to save ¥100 per adult.
Reviews of Inuyama Castle
Angel
View from the castle is breathtaking! And I really appreciate they didn’t turn the castle into a museum like the Osaka Castle. Much of the original structure is preserved and you are required to take off your shoes to walk around inside the castle, like the Himeiji Castle. If you appreciate Japanese history, this one is worth a visit!
The 719
I remember playing Nobunaga's Ambition a few years ago and trying to take over this castle. Even though I had the far superior force, something glitched, and I got completely decimated... So it was pretty cool to see the castle that made me rage quit a game. Oh, and it's like one of the 5 national treasures of Japan.
Maria S. L.
Inuyama Castle is a super famous sight-seeing spot for tourists, always getting very over-crowded. Go to the highest point of the Castle to experience the breath-taking views! The stairs inside the Castle are steep. Steps between each other are very high and would hurt your knees if you do not pay attention to it. You should be really careful especially when walking downward. When you reach the ...
Cecil M
I'm glad we used ½ day to come here, rather than shopping/walking aimlessly around Nagoya. (You still have time for shopping in the afternoon when you get back.) First: take the Limited Express. It's the same price as the regular train (690 yen) but only stops 5 times and takes less than 30 minutes. Second: arrive on a weekday just before lunch. We didn't plan for that, but as you can see from m...
WL WL
We love how the red tori gates stand before entering the castle. Took so many nice pictures here. Very captivating castle. You have to take out your shoes and carry them with a plastic bag which they will provide. This is a good practice to preserve the castle. We enjoyed the castle very much.
When is the best time to visit Inuyama Castle (Nagoya, Japan)?
In spring, walk the riverside sakura path; from June to mid-October book an evening ukai cruise for a romantic sunset experience.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Castle Keep Admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,100 |
| Urakuen Garden Admission (2 adults) | JPY 2,400 |
| Matcha & Wagashi (2 adults) | JPY 1,200 |
| Kimono Rental (2 adults) | JPY 7,000 |
| Ukai Boat Cruise (2 adults) | JPY 7,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 18,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Inuyama Castle
Address: Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082, Japan
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About Inuyama Castle
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 568-61-171110 BEST nearby Activities
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