Inuyama Castle and the Sacred Goma Fire Ritual Experience

6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Highlights
- Explore Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s original surviving wooden castles
- Stroll through a nostalgic castle town filled with shops, snacks, and local culture
- Visit the Karakuri Exhibition Museum to see traditional mechanical puppets and festival floats
- Experience a traditional goma fire ritual to purify and set intentions
- Reflect with tea and sweets in a tranquil temple atmosphere

Overview
Step into Japan’s rich heritage with a journey through Inuyama. Begin at Inuyama Castle, one of only twelve original castles that have survived since Japan’s feudal era and one of just five recognized as National Treasures.
Explore the castle town, where shops and street food stalls offer a taste of regional culture, and enjoy local dishes for lunch. Continue to Inuyama Naritasan Temple to witness the sacred goma fire ritual and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal sweets.
This tour offers a unique combination of history, culture, and spiritual reflection—all within a single day.

What's Included

Travel insurance
Protective charm and tea with Japanese sweets
Admission fees to Inuyama Castle
Admission fees to IMASEN Inuyama Karakuri Exhibition Museum
Professional, English-speaking guide
Round-trip transportation (taxi/train) during the tour
Goma fire ritual experience at Inuyama Naritasan
Transportation to the meeting point
Lunch and beverages during free time
Guide gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center

Gather at the tourist information center inside Nagoya Station and travel together by Meitetsu train to Inuyama.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Inuyama Castle

    Tour one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles, designated a National Treasure. Climb its wooden steps and enjoy sweeping views of the Kiso River. *Inuyama Castle may have entry restrictions during busy periods. In such cases, there may be a wait time to enter.

    2 hours 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Inuyama Jokamachi

    Walk the retro-style streets of Inuyama, lined with local shops, traditional foods, and cultural curiosities. Enjoy lunch of regional specialties at a local eatery of your choice in the castle town Transfer to Inuyama Naritasan Temple by taxi

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Participate in a solemn goma fire ceremony, where your wish-written wooden tablet is burned to cleanse the spirit and invite good fortune. Receive a temple talisman as a keepsake. Wind down with a quiet moment of reflection over matcha and Japanese confections.

    2 hours Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Inuyama Castle has steep staircases—those with limited mobility may require assistance
  • A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.
  • Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and sitting
Supplied by Tourism Designers Co., Ltd.
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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