Inuyama Castle (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Inuyama Castle?
What makes it 60% Kids-Friendly: School-age children may love the samurai setting and cheap child ticket, yet the very steep interior stairs require constant hand-holding, and there are no hands-on exhibits or play areas.
Positives:
- Interactive exhibits: Children love activating the Karakuri dolls to see them move.
- Hands-on rituals: Coin-washing at Sankoinari Shrine keeps kids engaged.
Challenges:
- Steep stairs: The castle keep has narrow, steep wooden steps requiring close supervision.
- Limited shade: Few shaded spots atop the hill can feel hot in midday sun.
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 Japan’s oldest wooden keep for river views
- Interact with moving mechanical dolls at the Karakuri Museum
- Engage kids in the coin-washing ritual at Sankoinari Shrine
- Taste goheimochi and tamagoyaki along Honmachi-dori
- Enjoy a flat, family-friendly riverside stroll
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to climb the keep, visit the Karakuri Museum, explore castle town streets, and rest breaks for children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Inuyama Castle
Climb Inuyama Castle Keep:
Climb the steep wooden stairs to the fourth-floor balcony.
Tip: Hold children’s hands on narrow steps and go slowly.
Explore Karakuri Exhibition Museum:
Watch interactive Edo-period mechanical dolls perform tea service and dances.
Tip: Let kids press buttons to activate the dolls and explain wood mechanics.
Wash Coins at Sankoinari Shrine:
Wash coins in the shrine pond for good luck.
Tip: Buy a 100 JPY basket and guide kids through the playful ritual.
Snacks on Honmachi-dori Street:
Try local treats like goheimochi and tamagoyaki from street vendors.
Tip: Buy snacks one by one so kids can taste multiple items.
Stroll Riverside Path:
Walk the flat path along the Kiso River under trees.
Tip: Bring water and let kids run safely in open spaces.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Inuyama Castle
- Arrive early: Visit at opening to avoid crowds and find parking closer to the gate.
- Pack water & snacks: Carry drinks and small treats to keep energy up during climbs.
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 under cherry blossoms by the river; June–October, reserve a cormorant-fishing boat tour early for glowing night views.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult castle entry (2 × 550 JPY) | JPY 1,100 |
| Child castle entry (2 × 110 JPY) | JPY 220 |
| Karakuri Museum (4 × 300 JPY) | JPY 1,200 |
| Street snacks (approx. 4 × 200 JPY) | 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.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Inuyama Castle
Address: Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Inuyama Castle (Nagoya)?
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
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities