| Ticket type | Pass |
| Ticket area | Tōkai & Hokuriku |
| Usage duration | 2 days |
Business hours: 9:00~17:00 (last admission time is 16:30)
Public holidays: 12/29-31
Official website: https://inuyama-castle.jp/
Opening hours: September to October: 9:30 ~ 17:00, November: 9:30 ~ 16:00, December to February: 10:00 ~ 16:00, March: 9:30 ~ 17 : 00
Public holidays: 2024: 12/16~20, 12/31 2025: 1/1, 1/14~17, 1/21~22, 1/28~29
Official website: https://www.meijimura.com/guide/open/
Inuyama Castle holds significant historical value as one of Japan's oldest original castles, dating back to the Sengoku period. It has been designated a National Treasure, a testament to its enduring architectural integrity and importance in Japanese history. The castle offers a glimpse into feudal Japan, its defensive structures, and the lifestyle of its former lords.
Inuyama Castle is a designated National Treasure because it retains its original main keep, or 'tenshu,' a rare survival among Japanese castles. Unlike many others rebuilt after wars or disasters, Inuyama Castle's main structure offers an authentic example of Japanese castle architecture from the 16th century, preserving its unique defensive and aesthetic characteristics.
Visitors can conveniently travel from Nagoya to the Inuyama area. The journey typically involves taking a Meitetsu train from Nagoya Station to Inuyama Station. From Inuyama Station, local buses provide access to both Inuyama Castle and the Meiji Village Museum, ensuring a smooth and integrated travel experience between these attractions.
To fully experience Inuyama Castle and its surrounding areas, including the castle town and gardens, it's recommended to allocate approximately 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to explore the castle's interior, appreciate its architecture, enjoy the panoramic views from the top, and stroll through the historic town at a comfortable pace.
The Meiji Village Museum showcases the dramatic transformation of Japan during the Meiji era (1868-1912), a period marked by rapid Westernization and modernization. Visitors can explore architectural styles blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western influences, observe industrial advancements, and learn about the social and cultural shifts that shaped modern Japan through preserved historical buildings and artifacts.
At Meiji Village Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in Japan's Meiji era by exploring over 60 preserved buildings, including residences, schools, churches, and factories, relocated and restored from across Japan. Unique experiences include riding a historic steam locomotive or streetcar, tasting traditional Meiji-era cuisine, and engaging with exhibits that illustrate the daily life and technological innovations of the period.
Given the expansive grounds and numerous buildings and exhibits, it is recommended to allocate a substantial portion of your day to explore Meiji Village Museum. A visit of 4 to 5 hours, or even a full day, is ideal to comfortably walk through the different zones, visit key buildings, and participate in any available activities without feeling rushed.
Yes, Meiji Village Museum features several notable highlights. These include the main entrance gate of the former Imperial Hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the impressive St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and the historically significant Lighthouse from Shinagawa. Exploring these specific structures provides deeper insight into the era's architectural and cultural developments.