Inuyama Castle (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Inuyama Castle?
Older kids enjoy feeling like samurai in a real fortress, yet very steep inner ladders, low balcony railing, and no child-specific displays or safety gear require close adult supervision throughout.
Positives:
- Interactive History: Kids love the moving dolls at Karakuri Museum and the hands-on shrine activity
- Town and River Views: Combine castle climb with a riverside or town stroll for varied scenery
Challenges:
- Steep, Narrow Stairs: Carry younger kids; stairs in the keep are too tight for strollers
- Limited Shade: Few covered spots on the castle ramparts; bring hats and sunscreen
What is so special about Inuyama Castle for with kids?
- Climb Japan’s oldest original wooden castle with kids as junior lords
- Watch Edo-period karakuri dolls move on their own
- Wander old town streets with local snacks
- Engage in a fun coin-washing ritual at Sankoinari Shrine
- Seasonal cherry blossoms, cormorant fishing and autumn colors add magic
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Time to climb the keep, explore Karakuri Museum and walk Honmachi-dori without rush
Kids-Friendly Activities in Inuyama Castle
Climb the Castle Keep:
Ascend steep wooden stairs to the top floor for views over the Kiso River and town
Tip: Hold children’s hands on narrow steps and take breaks on each landing
Visit Karakuri Exhibition Museum:
Watch Edo-period mechanical dolls perform tea service and dances
Tip: Go at the start of the hour to catch the live demo
Walk Honmachi-dori Castle Town:
Stroll 600 m of old wooden shops, snack stalls and sake breweries
Tip: Stop for goheimochi near the middle for a quick snack
Sankoinari Shrine Coin-Washing:
Let kids wash coins in a pond for good luck using wooden baskets
Tip: Bring small change (100 JPY per basket) and extra towels
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Castle admission (2 adults, 2 children) | JPY 1,220 |
| Karakuri Museum (4 tickets) | JPY 1,200 |
| Street snacks | JPY 400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,820 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Inuyama Castle?
April brings cherry blossoms along the river. June–October offers night cormorant-fishing cruises. Late October–November shows castle grounds in autumn colors.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Inuyama Castle
- Arrive at Opening: Enter at 9 AM to avoid ticket lines and afternoon crowds
- Pack Water and Snacks: Bring drinks and light snacks to save time and handle shade-free areas
Map of Inuyama Castle
Address: Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082, Japan
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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.
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
+81 568-61-1711See available options
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