This time, we will introduce Inuyama City in Aichi Prefecture which is recommended by the local writer. This place, located about 25 minutes away from Nagoya by train and does not require changing train, is very convenient with the good transportation system.
Sightseeing spots at Inuyama Jokamachi (犬山城下町)
We will introduce the Inuyama Jyokamachi neighborhood which can be enjoyed on foot from Meitetsu Inuyama Station.You can enjoy a day of sightseeing in this town that has old townscape similar to that of Kyoto and Kanazawa!
National Treasure, Inuyama Castle
One absolutely shall not miss the national treasure “Inuyama Castle” when visiting Inuyama.
The castle is located at about 15-minute walk from Meitetsu “Inuyama Yuen Station”, and the entrance fee is 550 yen (general).
This castle was built during the Muromachi period (室町時代); the castle town is the existing oldest type in Japan.
From the tower, you can see not only the townscape of Inuyama, but also the Gifu Prefecture which is across the Kisogawa River. Here, you can enjoy the sakura view and the red leaves view, in Spring and autumn, respectively.
Inuyama Castle
- Opening time: 9:00-17:00 (Last entrance is 16:30)
- Closed on: 12/29-31
- Address: Aichi Prefecture Inuyama-shi, Inuyama Kita Koken 65-2
- Tel: 0568-61-1711 (Inuyama Castle Office)
- Website: http://inuyama-castle.jp
Sanko Inari Shrine (三光稲荷神社）
Sanko Inari Shrine, located at the foot of Inuyama Castle, is about 12-minute walk from Meitetsu “Inuyama Yuen Station”.
This is a historical shrine where visitors to Inuyama Castle will stop by for sure.
The cute pink heart-shaped Ema (votive tablet) is very popular among ladies.
Sanko Inari Shrine
- Address: Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama-shi, Inuyama Kita Koken 41-1
- Tel: 0568-61-0702
- Website: https://inuyama.gr.jp/sanko-s.html
Haritsuna Shrine (針網神社)
Haritsuna Shrine is located nearby Inuyama Castle. It was said the place where the lord of the Inuyama Castle, the Naruse clan, prayed.
“Inuyama Festival”, the national intangible folk cultural property that has been held since Edo period, is the festival of the Haritsuna Shrine.
Haritsuna Shrine
- Address: Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama-shi, Inuyama Kita Koken 65-1
- Tel: 0568-61-0180
- Website: https://www.haritsunajinja.com
Kisogawa Ukai, a 1300-year traditional fishing method
A little away from Inuyama Jyokamachi and you can visit “Kisogawa Ukai”.
Have you ever seen “Ukai”?
Ukai is a method that uses a trained cormorant (“U” in Japanese) for fishing.
The highlight of the “Kisogawa Ukai” is that you can see it very up close!
There are day trip and night trip available for Kisogawa Ukai, and they even have course with meal. This time, I have booked the Ukai day course with meal which costs 4500 yen for adult (4800 yen at peak season).
Photo credit: Inuyama City Tourist Association
Kisogawa Ukai
- Opening period: June ~ October
- Address: Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama –shi Kita Hakusan Hira 2-banchi saki
- Tel: 0568-61-2727
- Website: http://kisogawa-ukai.jp
Toraya
Inuyama specialty, Kenkotsu-ame
Speaking of Inuyama specialty candy, it is the “Kenkotsu-ame (げんこつ飴)".
Kenkotsu-ame is said the candy that was eaten by samurai at the battle front.
Kenkotsu-ame is made from the brown sugar which is rich in minerals and the fragrant kinako (soybean flour) and has a rustic taste that one cannot resist. At present, there are only a few shops left that are still making this candy. This time I visited “Fujisawa Seika” candy shop.
How about getting some Genkotsu-ame that is rich in minerals as souvenir from your visit to Inuyama?
Fujisawa Seika Shop (藤澤製菓)
- Opening hours: 8:30~18:00
- Closed on: Not fix
- Address: Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama-shi, Inuyama Higashikoken 161
- Tel: 0568-61-0336
- Website: http://fujisawa-genkotu.com
Let’s stay at a guesthouse while enjoying leisure visit to Inuyama
There are a lot of things to see at night in Inuyama! For example, the light-up at Inuyama Castle and night tour of Kisogawa Ukai. A one-day trip to Inuyama is not enough to visit the many sightseeing spots in Inuyama! To stay overnight is the little-known way to enjoy Aichi prefecture!
And recommendation from me, the local who likes travelling, is to stay at guesthouse!
Inuyama Guest House Kodinmari (犬山ゲストハウスこぢんまり)
“Inuyama Guest House Kodinmari” is about 15 minutes away from Inuyama Station on foot.
The private room which is a Japanese style room with veranda costs 4500yen ~ per night and the dormitory (bunk bed) costs 3000yen per night.
Kodinmari is a lively accommodation, with many guests from overseas as well as the repeat customers in Japan.
Inuyama Guest House Kodinmari
- Address: Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama-shi, Inuyama Nishibabasaki 4-6
- Website: https://www.kodinmari2016.com
Inuyama Guest House Kawati (犬山ゲストハウスかわち)
“Inuyama Guest House Kawati” is about 7 minutes away from Inuyama Station on foot, and is very nearby to the Inuyama Jyokamachi.
The guest house comprises of Japanese styled dormitory rooms which are gender specific and costs 3000yen per night. For repeat customers or those stay for consecutive nights will get a 5% off.
The guest house is a renovated building from a former sushi restaurant; the 2nd floor has a shared space and rooms. There are beautiful washbasins and toilets at the back of the building.
Inuyama Guest House Kawati
- Address: Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama-shi, Oaza Inuyama Higashikoken 423-7
- Website: http://kawati.crayonsite.net
There are many sightseeing spots in Inuyama, the good old ones, fashionable, unique and rare spots. In addition, throughout the year you can enjoy the beauty of different seasons: sakura viewing in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. When you have the chance to come to Aichi prefecture, please extend your journey to Inuyama from Nagoya.
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