The castle tower was privately owned by the Naruse family for over 300 years until 2004.
The internal floor-to-ceiling height is significantly lower than modern buildings to facilitate easier defense and warmer winters.
The 'ishigaki' stone walls were constructed using the 'ano-zumi' technique, which requires no mortar.
The castle's original name was Hakutei Castle, a reference to a Chinese fortress described by poet Li Bai.
The steep, narrow wooden staircases are original to the 16th century, requiring visitors to climb at near-vertical angles.
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve original castles that survived the post-feudal era without destruction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, its main keep dates back to 1537, making it among the oldest surviving wooden castle towers in the country. The structure is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Unlike many reconstructed castles, the interior features original wooden staircases and flooring. The top-floor veranda offers a 360-degree exterior walk-around path with views of the Nobi Plain. It served as a vital strategic stronghold for the Oda and Toyotomi clans due to its position on a major trade route. The castle grounds include the remnants of stone walls and defensive trenches. While technically located in Inuyama, Aichi, it is a primary destination for visitors exploring the Gifu-Aichi border region.
The top-floor balcony looking out over the Kiso River, or the approach path from the base of the hill.
Leave large backpacks in lockers at the entrance, as they are prohibited on the narrow, steep interior staircases.
Wear socks, as you will be required to remove your shoes before entering the wooden keep.
Visit the surrounding castle town streets after the tour for local street food snacks like dango.
Avoid wearing difficult-to-remove footwear or high heels, as the internal stairs are steep and slippery.
Closed late December during the end-of-year holidays.
Remove shoes at the entrance; maintain silence on the narrow wooden staircases; do not lean on the exterior railings.
