Overview
Inuyama is a compact historic town in Aichi Prefecture, best known for Inuyama Castle—one of Japan's oldest surviving castles, originally built in 1537 and transferred to city ownership in 2004. The town sits along the Kiso River and makes a convenient day trip from Nagoya, though it rewards an overnight stay with quieter streets and access to summer cormorant fishing performances.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Museums · Transit Hub
Before you go
Accommodation
Limited options in town: Minshuku Yayoi (¥6000/person) or Inuyama Youth Hostel (¥3700/person, 25-min walk from station).
Food
Few restaurants in station area. Japan Monkey Center has a cafeteria. Plan ahead or eat before arriving.
Transport
Meitetsu Inuyama Line runs express trains from Nagoya (30-40 min). JR Chuo Line also connects Gifu to Nagoya via Inuyama.
Weather
Best visited spring or autumn. Japan Monkey Center closed most of February. Summer offers cormorant fishing on Kiso River.
