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Step back into Japan’s samurai past on this half-day small-group walking tour of Inuyama, home to one of the country’s oldest and best-preserved castles. You’ll explore historic streets, a national treasure castle, and a tranquil tea garden, complete with a traditional matcha tasting.
Great for first-time visitors to Japan, history lovers, and travelers looking for an easy day trip from Nagoya, this tour has been specifically designed to provide you with the prefect blend of history, shopping, and photo opportunities, while still allowing you with plenty of time for other activities around Nagoya. The small group size allows you to experience these beautiful locations up close and personal.
Discover why Inuyama is one of Japan's most cherished National Treasures.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded.
Itinerary
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1Inuyama Castle
Tour Inuyama Castle—the oldest existing wooden keep in Japan. Your guide will lead you through the castle, revealing the details (and dramas) of life in the castle. As Inuyama Castle is the only one of the five castles designated the status of “National Treasure” where you can venture out onto the cornice, those brave enough and without a fear of heights will have the chance to observe a beautiful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and towns.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
2
As we make our way to the castle, we will visit Sanko Inari Shrine. While the shrine specializes in romance, peaceful households, and harmonious marriages, there is also a legend of a wish-granting stone here. So be sure to bring along plenty of wishes!
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Inuyama Jokamachi
After exploring the castle, will continue our journey to the town's historic castle street district. The area remains much the same as it did during the Edo era, making it a perfect place to take a stroll and explore the hidden alleys and traditional architecture. This is also the perfect time for us to stop for lunch, as the town is also a foodie’s paradise. From wagyu to cheesecake and everything in between, the town boasts many street vendors and restaurants selling almost anything you can imagine on a skewer. We recommend some local favorites such as “Dengaku”—a miso glazed roasted tofu, or the “Gohei-mochi”—rice cake coated with a sweet and sour sauce.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
After lunch and a bit of free-time for shopping, we will make our way to a traditional Japanese tea garden. It’s impressive enough for a town to have one National Treasure, but Inuyama boasts a second national treasure, the tea house at Uraku-en. The garden grounds are a sight to behold on their own, but the truly unique feature is the 400-year-old tea house designed by a master of tea ceremony. Your guide will inform you about the art of the tea ceremony as you sip Matcha tea and enjoy a traditional Japanese sweet in this peaceful setting.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour involves climbing stairs and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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