There’s something about historical sites that get me. Old castles, ruins, ancient temples, abandoned villages. These are the places where time seems to pause and let you slip between the past and present. I’m the person who reads every plaque, runs my hand along weathered stone walls, and imagines the people who once stood in the same spot centuries ago.
When planning an itinerary, I always check whether the place has ancient ruins or historical sites. So when we visited Nagoya, it was the perfect chance to explore Inuyama Castle. The fact that it’s one of just five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure made me even more eager to see it. And honestly, it lived up to every expectation.
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Built in 1537, Inuyama Castle holds the title of Japan’s oldest original castle. Meaning, it’s one of only 12 original castles left in the country that survived wars, natural disasters, and the Meiji government's castle-destroying fervor. This isn’t one of Japan’s massive, rebuilt tourist castles. Nope, this place is real.
Getting inside was an adventure on its own. The narrow, creaky wooden staircases felt steep enough to belong in a medieval fortress. Each level featured displays of old samurai armors, and some historical documents and artifacts. It’s a place where the samurais actually paced the hallways.
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We reached the top floor, an open-air balcony that wraps around the castle, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view. On one side, the serene Kiso River snakes through the land. On the other, Inuyama City’s modern life bustles quietly. It was a strange, beautiful contrast. Standing in a castle from 1537 while looking at a world that had changed so much around it.
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Inuyama Castle may not be as big and famous internationally as Himeji or Osaka castles, but its historic authenticity, scenic setting, and cultural charm make it a must-visit for history buffs and travelers seeking a genuine piece of Japan’s past.
If you ever find yourself in Central Japan, I truly recommend making the journey to Inuyama. It’s a place that reminds you how beautifully history and nature can intertwine, and how stories from centuries ago still linger in the air.
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