Inuyama Castle (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Inuyama Castle?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: 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:
- Engaging climb: Kids feel like little lords as they ascend the steep castle stairs.
- Hands-on history: The Karakuri dolls show interactive Edo-period mechanics in action.
Challenges:
- Steep stairs: Narrow, uneven steps may be tough for younger children.
- Limited facilities: The keep has no elevator and basic restrooms only.
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 with kids?
- Climb one of Japan’s oldest original wooden keeps for river views.
- Experience Edo-period automaton dolls at the Karakuri Museum.
- Stroll historic Honmachi-dori street and try local snacks.
- Enjoy a hands-on coin washing ritual at Sankoinari Shrine.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets kids climb the keep, explore the museum, and stroll the town without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Inuyama Castle
Climb the Castle Keep:
Ascend the four indoor floors and outdoor balcony for the Kiso River view.
Tip: Hold children’s hands on steep stairs. Remove shoes before entry.
Visit Karakuri Exhibition Museum:
Watch Edo-period mechanical dolls perform tea service and dances.
Tip: Go during the hourly demo for best view. Kids can press buttons to start movements.
Stroll Honmachi-dori Castle Town:
Walk the 600m street of wooden shops, breweries, and street food stalls.
Tip: Stop for goheimochi at a street cart. Let kids try local snacks.
Wash Coins at Sankoinari Shrine:
Dip coins in the shrine pond for a playful good-luck ritual.
Tip: Buy a basket for 100 JPY. Teach kids the simple washing steps.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Inuyama Castle
- Arrive early: Start at 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and secure a balcony spot.
- Pack essentials: Bring water and snacks; limited food options near the keep.
- Use coin lockers: Store strollers or bulky items before entering the castle gate.
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, stroll the riverside under cherry blossoms. From June to mid-October, book an ukai boat tour to see cormorant fishing on the Kiso River.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Inuyama Castle admission (2 adults, 2 kids) | JPY 1,320 |
| Karakuri Museum tickets (4 people) | JPY 1,200 |
| Snacks & drinks | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,320 |
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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