Things To Do
in Inuyama
Inuyama is a historic city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its well-preserved Inuyama Castle, one of the oldest original castles in the country. The city is also known for its traditional cormorant fishing on the Kiso River, a practice that dates back centuries.
Inuyama is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the historic Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest castles. Enjoy the scenic views from the top and take photos of the surrounding area.
Stroll through the peaceful grounds of the castle and visit the nearby Japanese gardens. Stop by a local cafe for a refreshing matcha tea and a snack.
Head to the Inuyama Yakata boat for a relaxing evening cruise on the Kiso River. Enjoy the illuminated views of the castle as the sun sets.
Spend your morning wandering through Urakuen Garden, famous for its beautiful landscapes and tea ceremonies. Don't miss the elegant tea house set within the garden.
Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a nearby eatery, then return to the garden to appreciate the seasonal flowers. Take part in a tea ceremony if available.
As twilight falls, enjoy a leisurely walk around the garden. Capture the serene lighting as the garden transitions into evening.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance with attractions like Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest castles.
- Beautiful natural scenery with views of the Kiso River and surrounding mountains.
- Cultural experiences, including traditional festivals and local crafts.
- Smaller, less crowded town atmosphere compared to larger Japanese cities.
- Proximity to Nagoya, making it accessible for day trips.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger urban areas.
- Fewer international amenities and services, which may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers.
- Can be quite quiet, which may not appeal to those looking for a vibrant nightlife.
- Certain attractions may have limited hours or be closed during off-peak seasons.
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer, and cold in winter, which may not suit everyone's preferences.
Best Activities in Inuyama
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the famous Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest original castles, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Kiso River and surrounding area.
Explore the outdoor museum Meiji Mura, which houses a collection of historic buildings from the Meiji period and offers a glimpse into Japan's past architecture and lifestyle.
Relax and unwind at Inuyama Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring bath, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Take a serene walk through the beautiful grounds of Inuyama City Jakkoin Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning autumn foliage
Places to Visit in Inuyama
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the Kiso River and the surrounding area, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring.
Features historic buildings and offers picturesque views of the architecture, especially during the changing of the seasons.
Provides breathtaking views of the city of Inuyama and its surroundings, highlighted by colorful foliage in autumn.
Food in Inuyama
Inuyama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A grilled eel dish served over rice, best enjoyed at Nagoya Unagi Chaya in Inuyama.
Must-Try!
A local specialty featuring thick udon noodles in a savory broth, available at various noodle shops around Inuyama.
Flat udon noodles in a soy-flavored broth, a must-try dish at Kishimen Kan Restaurant.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the lively streets surrounding Inuyama Castle for a variety of street food stalls offering takoyaki, yakisoba, and taiyaki.
Indulge in the freshest seafood and sushi at the bustling Inuyama Fish Market, where local vendors offer an array of ocean delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Inuyama, Japan, it is important to bow as a sign of respect. Bowing is commonly used as a greeting and to show gratitude or apology.
When entering someone's home, traditional ryokans, or certain restaurants in Inuyama, it is customary to remove shoes as a sign of respect for the cleanliness of the indoor space.
When dining in Inuyama, it's important to note certain etiquette such as not sticking chopsticks vertically into rice, which is associated with funeral rituals and considered disrespectful.
Safety
Tipping in Inuyama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Inuyama. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. In fact, tipping may be considered rude or awkward in Japanese culture.
Cash is still widely used for payment in Inuyama, especially in smaller shops and traditional establishments. However, credit and debit cards are also accepted at many places, particularly in larger businesses and tourist areas. It's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote or rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for the cherry blossoms in Inuyama Castle and the annual Inuyama Matsuri festival.
Expect warm weather and the possibility of experiencing the Ukai (cormorant fishing) on the Kiso River.
Ideal time to visit for the beautiful fall foliage at Inuyama Castle and surrounding areas.
Winter is a quiet time in Inuyama, perfect for enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and exploring the historical sites.
Inuyama at Night
Hiking in Inuyama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that follows the historical Kiso Valley, offering beautiful views of mountains and rivers, perfect for both hiking and cultural exploration.
A popular hiking destination with a moderate trail leading to the summit, where hikers can enjoy a panoramic view of Inuyama and the surrounding area.
This park features various hiking trails through lush forests and natural scenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and families.
Known for its diverse flora and steep trails, Takatô Mountain offers a challenging hike with rewarding views at the top.
A less crowded trail that provides a peaceful hiking experience along with beautiful landscapes, suitable for a leisurely day out.
Aiports
How to reach Inuyama by plane.
Located about 35 kilometers south of Inuyama, Chubu Centrair International Airport is the main international airport serving the Nagoya area and offers numerous international flights.
Also known as Komaki Airport, it is located approximately 15 kilometers from Inuyama and primarily serves domestic flights, but some international services are available.
Situated about 150 kilometers west of Inuyama, Kansai International Airport is a major international gateway serving the Osaka region and offers a wide range of international flights.
Located approximately 350 kilometers northeast of Inuyama, Narita International Airport is one of the main international airports serving Tokyo and offers extensive global connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group consisting of native Japanese citizens, making up the primary cultural and social identity of Inuyama.
This group includes non-Japanese citizens living in Inuyama, comprising various nationalities, though they represent a smaller portion of the population.
Older adults, specifically those aged 65 and above, which is a significant demographic in Inuyama reflecting the aging population trend seen across Japan.
Young individuals, particularly teenagers and young adults, attending schools and universities, representing a vital part of the community's future.
The demographic group consisting of children under the age of 14, including those in primary and junior high schools.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a highly popular sport in Inuyama, with many local clubs and schools participating in regional leagues.
Baseball has a strong following in Inuyama, with local teams and a culture of youth participation and competition.
Basketball is popular among students in Inuyama, with school teams and community leagues encouraging participation.
Swimming is commonly practiced in Inuyama, with various facilities available for both recreation and competitive swimming.
Various forms of martial arts, such as judo and kendo, are practiced in Inuyama, reflecting Japan's rich tradition in combat sports.
Volleyball is played at many schools and community centers, fostering teamwork and physical fitness among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Inuyama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Inuyama offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with tofu-based meals and fresh vegetable plates widely available.
While finding gluten-free options can be a bit challenging, some restaurants in Inuyama are accommodating to gluten-free diets, offering rice-based dishes and seafood options.